The Best Hip-Hop Producer Tags

From "If Young Metro don't trust you, I’m gon’ shoot you” to “Murda on the beat,” these are the best producer tags and beat drops. Which one's your favorite?

By

Aug 05, 2021

Best Hip-Hop Producer Tags

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Image via Getty/Matt Blyth

Best Hip-Hop Producer Tags

Producer tags were first used as a way for beatmakers to identify themselves on songs, but they have turned into much more than that over time. At this point, hearing the right producer tag at the perfect time can be the most exciting part of a whole song. If a chill didn't run down your spine when Metro Boomin's "If Young Metro don't trust you, I'm gon' shoot you" tag transitioned into "Tay Keith, fuck these n****s up" at the end of "Don't Come Out The House," there might be something wrong with you. In honor of these great moments, we've ranked the very best drops. To keep the list concise, we've only included one tag per producer. If you don’t agree with our picks, take an expert’s opinion on it—we had Pi’erre Bourne on as a guest on Complex Brackets and had him choose his favorites.

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Without further ado, these are the 25 best hip-hop producer tags:

The duo of Denzel Baptiste and David Biral have made a career out of taking it to 10, crafting thunderous tracks like Higher Brothers’ “Nomadic,” YBN Cordae’s “Kung Fu,” and, of course, Sheck Wes’ “Mo Bamba.” But while they’re best known for arena shaking bangers, Take a Daytrip have also shown a knack for more emotive soundscapes on tracks like 6LACK’s “Worst Luck” and Raury’s “Cigarette Song.” Wherever the tag ends up, it always means great production is right around the corner. —Grant Rindner — youtu.be

The duo of Denzel Baptiste and David Biral have made a career out of taking it to 10, crafting thunderous tracks like Higher Brothers’ “Nomadic,” YBN Cordae’s “Kung Fu,” and, of course, Sheck Wes’ “Mo Bamba.” But while they’re best known for arena shaking bangers, Take a Daytrip have also shown a knack for more emotive soundscapes on tracks like 6LACK’s “Worst Luck” and Raury’s “Cigarette Song.” Wherever the tag ends up, it always means great production is right around the corner. —Grant Rindner

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The duo of Denzel Baptiste and David Biral have made a career out of taking it to 10, crafting thunderous tracks like Higher Brothers’ “Nomadic,” YBN Cordae’s “Kung Fu,” and, of course, Sheck Wes’ “Mo Bamba.” But while they’re best known for arena shaking bangers, Take a Daytrip have also shown a knack for more emotive soundscapes on tracks like 6LACK’s “Worst Luck” and Raury’s “Cigarette Song.” Wherever the tag ends up, it always means great production is right around the corner. —Grant Rindner

The childlike voice that chirps Young Chop's tag is in many ways emblematic of his production style. The Chicagoan's best-known joints often use a sparse circle of keys that sound like they're straight from the carnival. That mainly leaves room for Chief Keef's GBE crew or his punishing bass to bring the aggression. As a result, Young Chop's signature is one of the decade's more sinister hip-hop tags. —Brian Josephs — youtu.be

The childlike voice that chirps Young Chop's tag is in many ways emblematic of his production style. The Chicagoan's best-known joints often use a sparse circle of keys that sound like they're straight from the carnival. That mainly leaves room for Chief Keef's GBE crew or his punishing bass to bring the aggression. As a result, Young Chop's signature is one of the decade's more sinister hip-hop tags. —Brian Josephs

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The childlike voice that chirps Young Chop's tag is in many ways emblematic of his production style. The Chicagoan's best-known joints often use a sparse circle of keys that sound like they're straight from the carnival. That mainly leaves room for Chief Keef's GBE crew or his punishing bass to bring the aggression. As a result, Young Chop's signature is one of the decade's more sinister hip-hop tags. —Brian Josephs

Jahlil’s drop is delivered by his niece, a clever misdirection given that the Pennsylvania producer is known for tracks that will make you want to run through a brick wall. From Bobby Shmurda’s “Hot N***a” to Meek Mill’s “I’m a Boss,” Jahlil’s beats are chest-pounding primal affairs that stir something special within fans of gritty East Coast rap. The only downside of Jahlil’s tag is that there are scores of fans out there who will tell you these tracks were actually produced by Jungle Beats. —Grant Rindner — youtu.be

Jahlil’s drop is delivered by his niece, a clever misdirection given that the Pennsylvania producer is known for tracks that will make you want to run through a brick wall. From Bobby Shmurda’s “Hot N***a” to Meek Mill’s “I’m a Boss,” Jahlil’s beats are chest-pounding primal affairs that stir something special within fans of gritty East Coast rap. The only downside of Jahlil’s tag is that there are scores of fans out there who will tell you these tracks were actually produced by Jungle Beats. —Grant Rindner

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Jahlil’s drop is delivered by his niece, a clever misdirection given that the Pennsylvania producer is known for tracks that will make you want to run through a brick wall. From Bobby Shmurda’s “Hot N***a” to Meek Mill’s “I’m a Boss,” Jahlil’s beats are chest-pounding primal affairs that stir something special within fans of gritty East Coast rap. The only downside of Jahlil’s tag is that there are scores of fans out there who will tell you these tracks were actually produced by Jungle Beats. —Grant Rindner

Whether it's his name in a high pitch or the Kill Bill siren, hearing a Southside tag often feels like the moment you know Kevin Durant is getting hot—no misses. Southside's production doesn't shy away from psychedelic aesthetics, but it very rarely loses the sense of physicality that makes his beats so thrilling. His tag works because it concisely warns you about the hard shit you're about to get into (and then delivers). —Brian Josephs — youtu.be

Whether it's his name in a high pitch or the Kill Bill siren, hearing a Southside tag often feels like the moment you know Kevin Durant is getting hot—no misses. Southside's production doesn't shy away from psychedelic aesthetics, but it very rarely loses the sense of physicality that makes his beats so thrilling. His tag works because it concisely warns you about the hard shit you're about to get into (and then delivers). —Brian Josephs

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Whether it's his name in a high pitch or the Kill Bill siren, hearing a Southside tag often feels like the moment you know Kevin Durant is getting hot—no misses. Southside's production doesn't shy away from psychedelic aesthetics, but it very rarely loses the sense of physicality that makes his beats so thrilling. His tag works because it concisely warns you about the hard shit you're about to get into (and then delivers). —Brian Josephs

Sonny Digital's productions usually sound like what you'd expect sentient holograms to twerk to, so it makes sense that his tag—a frayed, distorted coo of his name that downpitches into a growl with each echo—sounds just as dystopian. The drop normally meshes with his biggest hits' lead artists, including the chromatic sheen of Future's "Covered N Money" and Rae Sremmurd's turn-up acrobatics ("Up Like Trump"). Of course, it also matches his production's aesthetics: There's "Sonny Digital" snaking in right before we dive into the surreal nocturne of iLoveMakonnen's "Tuesday." Despite being literally just his name, Sonny Digital's tag doesn't feel like as much of a calling card is it does an introduction to the soundscape we're entering. —Brian Josephs — youtu.be

Sonny Digital's productions usually sound like what you'd expect sentient holograms to twerk to, so it makes sense that his tag—a frayed, distorted coo of his name that downpitches into a growl with each echo—sounds just as dystopian. The drop normally meshes with his biggest hits' lead artists, including the chromatic sheen of Future's "Covered N Money" and Rae Sremmurd's turn-up acrobatics ("Up Like Trump"). Of course, it also matches his production's aesthetics: There's "Sonny Digital" snaking in right before we dive into the surreal nocturne of iLoveMakonnen's "Tuesday." Despite being literally just his name, Sonny Digital's tag doesn't feel like as much of a calling card is it does an introduction to the soundscape we're entering. —Brian Josephs

youtu.be

Sonny Digital's productions usually sound like what you'd expect sentient holograms to twerk to, so it makes sense that his tag—a frayed, distorted coo of his name that downpitches into a growl with each echo—sounds just as dystopian. The drop normally meshes with his biggest hits' lead artists, including the chromatic sheen of Future's "Covered N Money" and Rae Sremmurd's turn-up acrobatics ("Up Like Trump"). Of course, it also matches his production's aesthetics: There's "Sonny Digital" snaking in right before we dive into the surreal nocturne of iLoveMakonnen's "Tuesday." Despite being literally just his name, Sonny Digital's tag doesn't feel like as much of a calling card is it does an introduction to the soundscape we're entering. —Brian Josephs

Hearing Don Cannon's "Cannon" tag echo over a track invokes a fuzzy, nostalgic feeling from a simpler time in rap: the mixtape era. Hosting a series of mixtapes (you can still find many of them on DatPiff), Cannon's tag didn't litter the songs with his tag—his "Cannon" drop only made them feel more exciting. Now, he's is hosting fewer tapes, and lacing artists like Lil Uzi Vert and Logic with beats instead. Fortunately, the legendary tag remains. —Eric Skelton — youtu.be

Hearing Don Cannon's "Cannon" tag echo over a track invokes a fuzzy, nostalgic feeling from a simpler time in rap: the mixtape era. Hosting a series of mixtapes (you can still find many of them on DatPiff), Cannon's tag didn't litter the songs with his tag—his "Cannon" drop only made them feel more exciting. Now, he's is hosting fewer tapes, and lacing artists like Lil Uzi Vert and Logic with beats instead. Fortunately, the legendary tag remains. —Eric Skelton

youtu.be

Hearing Don Cannon's "Cannon" tag echo over a track invokes a fuzzy, nostalgic feeling from a simpler time in rap: the mixtape era. Hosting a series of mixtapes (you can still find many of them on DatPiff), Cannon's tag didn't litter the songs with his tag—his "Cannon" drop only made them feel more exciting. Now, he's is hosting fewer tapes, and lacing artists like Lil Uzi Vert and Logic with beats instead. Fortunately, the legendary tag remains. —Eric Skelton

Mike Will’s producer tag is so great that it actually inspired him to change his name. It dates all the way back to “Star Status,” though he says the initial try from his friend Hyesha “sounded like a McDonald’s commercial.” Increasingly, the Atlanta producer’s tag has become synonymous with both southern mixtape cult classics and mainstream hits, and he just assembled and executive produced the soundtrack for Creed II, meaning we might be hearing “Mike Will Made-It” at the movies sometime soon. —Grant Rindner — youtu.be

Mike Will’s producer tag is so great that it actually inspired him to change his name. It dates all the way back to “Star Status,” though he says the initial try from his friend Hyesha “sounded like a McDonald’s commercial.” Increasingly, the Atlanta producer’s tag has become synonymous with both southern mixtape cult classics and mainstream hits, and he just assembled and executive produced the soundtrack for Creed II, meaning we might be hearing “Mike Will Made-It” at the movies sometime soon. —Grant Rindner

youtu.be

Mike Will’s producer tag is so great that it actually inspired him to change his name. It dates all the way back to “Star Status,” though he says the initial try from his friend Hyesha “sounded like a McDonald’s commercial.” Increasingly, the Atlanta producer’s tag has become synonymous with both southern mixtape cult classics and mainstream hits, and he just assembled and executive produced the soundtrack for Creed II, meaning we might be hearing “Mike Will Made-It” at the movies sometime soon. —Grant Rindner

Like Cardo's best work, his "Cardo Got Wings" tag has an airiness to it, which matches the sugary chords on Drake’s "God’s Plan" or the trilling synth flute from Kendrick Lamar and Travis Scott’s “Big Shot.” Despite the continuity between his sound and the drop, it’s apparently just an arbitrary name, though. In a DJ Booth interview, Cardo recalls being on Xbox Live when someone first said it, and that the name “has something to do with hot wings.” —Grant Rindner — youtu.be

Like Cardo's best work, his "Cardo Got Wings" tag has an airiness to it, which matches the sugary chords on Drake’s "God’s Plan" or the trilling synth flute from Kendrick Lamar and Travis Scott’s “Big Shot.” Despite the continuity between his sound and the drop, it’s apparently just an arbitrary name, though. In a DJ Booth interview, Cardo recalls being on Xbox Live when someone first said it, and that the name “has something to do with hot wings.” —Grant Rindner

youtu.be

Like Cardo's best work, his "Cardo Got Wings" tag has an airiness to it, which matches the sugary chords on Drake’s "God’s Plan" or the trilling synth flute from Kendrick Lamar and Travis Scott’s “Big Shot.” Despite the continuity between his sound and the drop, it’s apparently just an arbitrary name, though. In a DJ Booth interview, Cardo recalls being on Xbox Live when someone first said it, and that the name “has something to do with hot wings.” —Grant Rindner

The calmly delivered “Buddah bless this beat” tag is fitting for the Atlanta producer, who usually crafts tasteful, melodic beats on projects otherwise packed with raucous bangers. From the cascading piano on Migos’ “Call Casting” to the exotic flute on 2 Chainz and Drake’s “Big Amount,” Buddah’s beats aren’t quite holy, but they are perpetually tasteful and measured. —Grant Rindner — youtu.be

The calmly delivered “Buddah bless this beat” tag is fitting for the Atlanta producer, who usually crafts tasteful, melodic beats on projects otherwise packed with raucous bangers. From the cascading piano on Migos’ “Call Casting” to the exotic flute on 2 Chainz and Drake’s “Big Amount,” Buddah’s beats aren’t quite holy, but they are perpetually tasteful and measured. —Grant Rindner

youtu.be

The calmly delivered “Buddah bless this beat” tag is fitting for the Atlanta producer, who usually crafts tasteful, melodic beats on projects otherwise packed with raucous bangers. From the cascading piano on Migos’ “Call Casting” to the exotic flute on 2 Chainz and Drake’s “Big Amount,” Buddah’s beats aren’t quite holy, but they are perpetually tasteful and measured. —Grant Rindner

If you prefer your producer tags to be friendly and uplifting, FKi 1st's "Good job, 1st!" is the one for you. Some Post Malone fans have been confused and thought the tag said, "Bitch I'm first," but that's not the kind of energy FKi is on. No self-centered PG-13 tags here. This one is all about wholesome empowerment. Thanks, 1st! —Eric Skelton — youtube.com

If you prefer your producer tags to be friendly and uplifting, FKi 1st's "Good job, 1st!" is the one for you. Some Post Malone fans have been confused and thought the tag said, "Bitch I'm first," but that's not the kind of energy FKi is on. No self-centered PG-13 tags here. This one is all about wholesome empowerment. Thanks, 1st! —Eric Skelton

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If you prefer your producer tags to be friendly and uplifting, FKi 1st's "Good job, 1st!" is the one for you. Some Post Malone fans have been confused and thought the tag said, "Bitch I'm first," but that's not the kind of energy FKi is on. No self-centered PG-13 tags here. This one is all about wholesome empowerment. Thanks, 1st! —Eric Skelton

There’s an elegance to Harry Fraud’s beats, which are usually composed of lush, dusty soul samples and thick percussion, so it’s fitting that his drop is delivered in Spanish. The tag is delivered by Fanesha Fabre, a singer and friend of Fraud’s. In the producer’s storied career as a beatsmith for acts like Curren$y, Freddie Gibbs, and Wiz Khalifa, he’s crafted luxurious soundscapes for some of the best weed boasts we’ve ever heard. —Grant Rindner — youtu.be

There’s an elegance to Harry Fraud’s beats, which are usually composed of lush, dusty soul samples and thick percussion, so it’s fitting that his drop is delivered in Spanish. The tag is delivered by Fanesha Fabre, a singer and friend of Fraud’s. In the producer’s storied career as a beatsmith for acts like Curren$y, Freddie Gibbs, and Wiz Khalifa, he’s crafted luxurious soundscapes for some of the best weed boasts we’ve ever heard. —Grant Rindner

youtu.be

There’s an elegance to Harry Fraud’s beats, which are usually composed of lush, dusty soul samples and thick percussion, so it’s fitting that his drop is delivered in Spanish. The tag is delivered by Fanesha Fabre, a singer and friend of Fraud’s. In the producer’s storied career as a beatsmith for acts like Curren$y, Freddie Gibbs, and Wiz Khalifa, he’s crafted luxurious soundscapes for some of the best weed boasts we’ve ever heard. —Grant Rindner

For a few years, it felt like half the hits in the rap and R&B world opened with “Mustard on the beat, ho!” Pulled from YG’s 2011 track “I’m Good,” the short click is peppy and uptempo, perfectly in sync with Mustard’s simple, catchy instrumentals. Almost always, the phrase precedes a hook that will embed itself in your head after a single play with an irresistible melody carved out of just a few notes (see “Rack City,” “2 On,” “Who Do You Love?” etc.) Back in 2014, Mustard admitted on Power 106 that he considered dropping it, but the 2010s pop rap lovers out there thank him for not doing so. —Grant Rindner — youtu.be

For a few years, it felt like half the hits in the rap and R&B world opened with “Mustard on the beat, ho!” Pulled from YG’s 2011 track “I’m Good,” the short click is peppy and uptempo, perfectly in sync with Mustard’s simple, catchy instrumentals. Almost always, the phrase precedes a hook that will embed itself in your head after a single play with an irresistible melody carved out of just a few notes (see “Rack City,” “2 On,” “Who Do You Love?” etc.) Back in 2014, Mustard admitted on Power 106 that he considered dropping it, but the 2010s pop rap lovers out there thank him for not doing so. —Grant Rindner

youtu.be

For a few years, it felt like half the hits in the rap and R&B world opened with “Mustard on the beat, ho!” Pulled from YG’s 2011 track “I’m Good,” the short click is peppy and uptempo, perfectly in sync with Mustard’s simple, catchy instrumentals. Almost always, the phrase precedes a hook that will embed itself in your head after a single play with an irresistible melody carved out of just a few notes (see “Rack City,” “2 On,” “Who Do You Love?” etc.) Back in 2014, Mustard admitted on Power 106 that he considered dropping it, but the 2010s pop rap lovers out there thank him for not doing so. —Grant Rindner

"Cook that shit up, Quay" might be the catchiest tag on this whole list. The drop is delivered with a short, melodic arc that pairs perfectly with the Atlanta beatmaker's addictive production. Working with some of the city's brightest young talent (Lil Baby, City Girls, and more), the 19-year-old producer has already set himself up for a long, successful future, and we're not mad at the thought of hearing this tag for years to come (unless he fully switches over to his other "global" tag). Cook that shit up! —Eric Skelton — youtu.be

"Cook that shit up, Quay" might be the catchiest tag on this whole list. The drop is delivered with a short, melodic arc that pairs perfectly with the Atlanta beatmaker's addictive production. Working with some of the city's brightest young talent (Lil Baby, City Girls, and more), the 19-year-old producer has already set himself up for a long, successful future, and we're not mad at the thought of hearing this tag for years to come (unless he fully switches over to his other "global" tag). Cook that shit up! —Eric Skelton

youtu.be

"Cook that shit up, Quay" might be the catchiest tag on this whole list. The drop is delivered with a short, melodic arc that pairs perfectly with the Atlanta beatmaker's addictive production. Working with some of the city's brightest young talent (Lil Baby, City Girls, and more), the 19-year-old producer has already set himself up for a long, successful future, and we're not mad at the thought of hearing this tag for years to come (unless he fully switches over to his other "global" tag). Cook that shit up! —Eric Skelton

I can't think of a better way to signal an onslaught of wild, blown-out production from Ronny J than the sound of a woman's voice moaning, "Oh my God, Ronny." Rumor has it the tag comes from an episode of Jersey Shore. Whatever the source, it provides a perfect complement to the raw, distorted songs Ronny usually creates. Whether it's on a track with Denzel Curry, Travis Scott, Smokepurpp, XXXTentacion, or Ski Mask The Slump God, this tag is a warning that your speakers are about to blow. —Eric Skelton — youtu.be

I can't think of a better way to signal an onslaught of wild, blown-out production from Ronny J than the sound of a woman's voice moaning, "Oh my God, Ronny." Rumor has it the tag comes from an episode of Jersey Shore. Whatever the source, it provides a perfect complement to the raw, distorted songs Ronny usually creates. Whether it's on a track with Denzel Curry, Travis Scott, Smokepurpp, XXXTentacion, or Ski Mask The Slump God, this tag is a warning that your speakers are about to blow. —Eric Skelton

youtu.be

I can't think of a better way to signal an onslaught of wild, blown-out production from Ronny J than the sound of a woman's voice moaning, "Oh my God, Ronny." Rumor has it the tag comes from an episode of Jersey Shore. Whatever the source, it provides a perfect complement to the raw, distorted songs Ronny usually creates. Whether it's on a track with Denzel Curry, Travis Scott, Smokepurpp, XXXTentacion, or Ski Mask The Slump God, this tag is a warning that your speakers are about to blow. —Eric Skelton

There has been some debate about whether DJ Khaled yelling "ANOTHER ONE" over his songs actually counts as a producer tag or not, but it's too iconic to leave off this list. The catchphrase even has its own Know Your Meme page by now. Of course, this is Khaled we're talking about, so we've got to at least acknowledge a couple of his other phrases as honorable mentions: "Major key" and "We the best!" Legend. —Eric Skelton — youtu.be

There has been some debate about whether DJ Khaled yelling "ANOTHER ONE" over his songs actually counts as a producer tag or not, but it's too iconic to leave off this list. The catchphrase even has its own Know Your Meme page by now. Of course, this is Khaled we're talking about, so we've got to at least acknowledge a couple of his other phrases as honorable mentions: "Major key" and "We the best!" Legend. —Eric Skelton

youtu.be

There has been some debate about whether DJ Khaled yelling "ANOTHER ONE" over his songs actually counts as a producer tag or not, but it's too iconic to leave off this list. The catchphrase even has its own Know Your Meme page by now. Of course, this is Khaled we're talking about, so we've got to at least acknowledge a couple of his other phrases as honorable mentions: "Major key" and "We the best!" Legend. —Eric Skelton

With a discography full of short, insanely catchy tracks, the “Run that back, Turbo” tag works as a description of what you’ll want to do the moment a production of his finishes. Turbo’s beats are heavy on hypnotic guitar loops, the best of which accentuate the melodic hum of regular collaborators like Gunna and Young Thug. Turbo has also proven himself to be more than just a beatmaker, executive producing Lil Baby and Gunna’s stellar Drip Harder project. —Grant Rindner — youtu.be

With a discography full of short, insanely catchy tracks, the “Run that back, Turbo” tag works as a description of what you’ll want to do the moment a production of his finishes. Turbo’s beats are heavy on hypnotic guitar loops, the best of which accentuate the melodic hum of regular collaborators like Gunna and Young Thug. Turbo has also proven himself to be more than just a beatmaker, executive producing Lil Baby and Gunna’s stellar Drip Harder project. —Grant Rindner

youtu.be

With a discography full of short, insanely catchy tracks, the “Run that back, Turbo” tag works as a description of what you’ll want to do the moment a production of his finishes. Turbo’s beats are heavy on hypnotic guitar loops, the best of which accentuate the melodic hum of regular collaborators like Gunna and Young Thug. Turbo has also proven himself to be more than just a beatmaker, executive producing Lil Baby and Gunna’s stellar Drip Harder project. —Grant Rindner

The first voice you hear on Yung Joc's classic 2006 single "It's Goin' Down" isn't the voice of Joc himself. Instead, you're greeted by a high-pitched voice that explains, "This a Nitti beat." In '06, producer tags weren't used as often as they are now, but the So So Def producer was on to something: Everyone who heard the song now knew his name. The childlike voice drew intrigue, and Nitti figured out how to make a name for himself as he helped popularize the snap music era. —Eric Skelton — youtu.be

The first voice you hear on Yung Joc's classic 2006 single "It's Goin' Down" isn't the voice of Joc himself. Instead, you're greeted by a high-pitched voice that explains, "This a Nitti beat." In '06, producer tags weren't used as often as they are now, but the So So Def producer was on to something: Everyone who heard the song now knew his name. The childlike voice drew intrigue, and Nitti figured out how to make a name for himself as he helped popularize the snap music era. —Eric Skelton

youtu.be

The first voice you hear on Yung Joc's classic 2006 single "It's Goin' Down" isn't the voice of Joc himself. Instead, you're greeted by a high-pitched voice that explains, "This a Nitti beat." In '06, producer tags weren't used as often as they are now, but the So So Def producer was on to something: Everyone who heard the song now knew his name. The childlike voice drew intrigue, and Nitti figured out how to make a name for himself as he helped popularize the snap music era. —Eric Skelton

The MMG tag has been in use for at least a decade, well before Meek Mill threw the house party and Wale made a mixtape about nothing. Supermodel Jessica Gomes, the voice behind the soundbyte, explained in an interview that the signature came when she and a friend were asked to say a few lines in JAY-Z and Rick Ross' studio, simply because they liked their Australian accents. The drop's lengthier conversation finds one half of the duo uttering "Maybach Music" like it's an alien concept, Gomes repeating the two words with a sensual affirmation, and the two joining in a laugh that sounds like the war cry of the one percent. But it's all said with that accent, so it comes across less coquettish than it does foreign and expensive (even in the regular shortened "M-M-M-Maybach Music version). Technically, this isn't a "producer" tag, but it's too legendary and influential to leave off the list. —Brian Josephs — youtu.be

The MMG tag has been in use for at least a decade, well before Meek Mill threw the house party and Wale made a mixtape about nothing. Supermodel Jessica Gomes, the voice behind the soundbyte, explained in an interview that the signature came when she and a friend were asked to say a few lines in JAY-Z and Rick Ross' studio, simply because they liked their Australian accents. The drop's lengthier conversation finds one half of the duo uttering "Maybach Music" like it's an alien concept, Gomes repeating the two words with a sensual affirmation, and the two joining in a laugh that sounds like the war cry of the one percent. But it's all said with that accent, so it comes across less coquettish than it does foreign and expensive (even in the regular shortened "M-M-M-Maybach Music version). Technically, this isn't a "producer" tag, but it's too legendary and influential to leave off the list. —Brian Josephs

youtu.be

The MMG tag has been in use for at least a decade, well before Meek Mill threw the house party and Wale made a mixtape about nothing. Supermodel Jessica Gomes, the voice behind the soundbyte, explained in an interview that the signature came when she and a friend were asked to say a few lines in JAY-Z and Rick Ross' studio, simply because they liked their Australian accents. The drop's lengthier conversation finds one half of the duo uttering "Maybach Music" like it's an alien concept, Gomes repeating the two words with a sensual affirmation, and the two joining in a laugh that sounds like the war cry of the one percent. But it's all said with that accent, so it comes across less coquettish than it does foreign and expensive (even in the regular shortened "M-M-M-Maybach Music version). Technically, this isn't a "producer" tag, but it's too legendary and influential to leave off the list. —Brian Josephs

Before we get into the tag itself, let's take a moment to appreciate the image used by YouTube user ViolinSnowKid2 in the video above. Honestly, that's a better description of Drumma Boy's thunderous tag than any words I could write. (After further searching, this one's pretty good, too). Damn. What a tag. What a YouTube thumbnail. What a time to be alive. —Eric Skelton — youtu.be

Before we get into the tag itself, let's take a moment to appreciate the image used by YouTube user ViolinSnowKid2 in the video above. Honestly, that's a better description of Drumma Boy's thunderous tag than any words I could write. (After further searching, this one's pretty good, too). Damn. What a tag. What a YouTube thumbnail. What a time to be alive. —Eric Skelton

youtu.be

Before we get into the tag itself, let's take a moment to appreciate the image used by YouTube user ViolinSnowKid2 in the video above. Honestly, that's a better description of Drumma Boy's thunderous tag than any words I could write. (After further searching, this one's pretty good, too). Damn. What a tag. What a YouTube thumbnail. What a time to be alive. —Eric Skelton

youtu.be

London has not one but two signature tags from high-profile MCs with Young Thug (“We got London on the track”) and Kodak Black (“I’m in London, got my beat from London). It’s fitting for the versatile Atlanta producer, who is proficient at both hard-hitting trap and more intricate melodic production like Thug’s “Climax” or Rich Gang’s “Lifestyle.” Honestly, either of his most popular tags could have made this list, but we've chosen the latter because of the name-location pun. —Grant Rindner

Pi'erre Bourne is known for crafting textured, cloudy instrumentals for trendy MCs like Playboi Carti and Lil Yachty, but his tag is a true throwback. It’s from The Jamie Foxx Show, specifically the fourth episode of the first season from back in 1996, when Bourne was just three years old. Bourne told Mass Appeal that his instantly recognizable calling card is a reaction to how few music fans bother to check out a song’s credits: “Nobody cares to look for credits, so tags at the beginning reminds people that Pi’erre made this. And then if it’s a hard ass song, it solidifies it. If it’s a wack ass song? It wouldn’t do it justice.” —Grant Rindner — youtu.be

Pi'erre Bourne is known for crafting textured, cloudy instrumentals for trendy MCs like Playboi Carti and Lil Yachty, but his tag is a true throwback. It’s from The Jamie Foxx Show, specifically the fourth episode of the first season from back in 1996, when Bourne was just three years old. Bourne told Mass Appeal that his instantly recognizable calling card is a reaction to how few music fans bother to check out a song’s credits: “Nobody cares to look for credits, so tags at the beginning reminds people that Pi’erre made this. And then if it’s a hard ass song, it solidifies it. If it’s a wack ass song? It wouldn’t do it justice.” —Grant Rindner

youtu.be

Pi'erre Bourne is known for crafting textured, cloudy instrumentals for trendy MCs like Playboi Carti and Lil Yachty, but his tag is a true throwback. It’s from The Jamie Foxx Show, specifically the fourth episode of the first season from back in 1996, when Bourne was just three years old. Bourne told Mass Appeal that his instantly recognizable calling card is a reaction to how few music fans bother to check out a song’s credits: “Nobody cares to look for credits, so tags at the beginning reminds people that Pi’erre made this. And then if it’s a hard ass song, it solidifies it. If it’s a wack ass song? It wouldn’t do it justice.” —Grant Rindner

Short, sweet, and to the point, Just Blaze has such a stellar track record that he doesn’t need to do more than holler his own name to let you know this is a beat worth locking in on. Whether it’s over the ascendant choir of Drake’s “Lord Knows” or T.I.’s venomous “I’m Talkin’ To You” or one of the countless cuts he produced for JAY-Z, there might not be a two-word phrase that offers the same level of quality assurance as Just Blaze’s tag. —Grant Rindner — youtu.be

Short, sweet, and to the point, Just Blaze has such a stellar track record that he doesn’t need to do more than holler his own name to let you know this is a beat worth locking in on. Whether it’s over the ascendant choir of Drake’s “Lord Knows” or T.I.’s venomous “I’m Talkin’ To You” or one of the countless cuts he produced for JAY-Z, there might not be a two-word phrase that offers the same level of quality assurance as Just Blaze’s tag. —Grant Rindner

youtu.be

Short, sweet, and to the point, Just Blaze has such a stellar track record that he doesn’t need to do more than holler his own name to let you know this is a beat worth locking in on. Whether it’s over the ascendant choir of Drake’s “Lord Knows” or T.I.’s venomous “I’m Talkin’ To You” or one of the countless cuts he produced for JAY-Z, there might not be a two-word phrase that offers the same level of quality assurance as Just Blaze’s tag. —Grant Rindner

Delivered by Drake’s bodyguard-turned-rapper Baka, Murda Beatz' signature tag is almost always the signal that an infectious, earworm instrumental is coming your way. Though best known for hits like Drake’s “Nice For What” and Travis Scott’s “BUTTERFLY EFFECT,” Murda can lean more into the “not nice” side of his tag, as he proved on the raucous Bless Yo Trap EP with Smokepurpp. —Grant Rindner — youtube.com

Delivered by Drake’s bodyguard-turned-rapper Baka, Murda Beatz' signature tag is almost always the signal that an infectious, earworm instrumental is coming your way. Though best known for hits like Drake’s “Nice For What” and Travis Scott’s “BUTTERFLY EFFECT,” Murda can lean more into the “not nice” side of his tag, as he proved on the raucous Bless Yo Trap EP with Smokepurpp. —Grant Rindner

youtube.com

Delivered by Drake’s bodyguard-turned-rapper Baka, Murda Beatz' signature tag is almost always the signal that an infectious, earworm instrumental is coming your way. Though best known for hits like Drake’s “Nice For What” and Travis Scott’s “BUTTERFLY EFFECT,” Murda can lean more into the “not nice” side of his tag, as he proved on the raucous Bless Yo Trap EP with Smokepurpp. —Grant Rindner

Tay Keith’s drop (“Tay Keith, fuck this n****s up!”) is a perfect harbinger for his bruising instrumentals. The Memphis producer, who rose to fame working with artists like BlocBoy JB, makes pummeling, unrelenting beats well suited for out-of-this-world charismatic MCs who thrive with negative space. That’s the reason that some of Drake’s best verses of 2018 have come on Tay Keith instrumentals like “Nonstop” and “Never Recover,” and why the 22-year-old has been working with artists like Lil Wayne, Travis Scott, and Rico Nasty. His restrained touch brings out the best in his vocalists, and there’s a sense of urgency to his music that makes you cling to every bar. —Grant Rindner — youtu.be

Tay Keith’s drop (“Tay Keith, fuck this n****s up!”) is a perfect harbinger for his bruising instrumentals. The Memphis producer, who rose to fame working with artists like BlocBoy JB, makes pummeling, unrelenting beats well suited for out-of-this-world charismatic MCs who thrive with negative space. That’s the reason that some of Drake’s best verses of 2018 have come on Tay Keith instrumentals like “Nonstop” and “Never Recover,” and why the 22-year-old has been working with artists like Lil Wayne, Travis Scott, and Rico Nasty. His restrained touch brings out the best in his vocalists, and there’s a sense of urgency to his music that makes you cling to every bar. —Grant Rindner

youtu.be

Tay Keith’s drop (“Tay Keith, fuck this n****s up!”) is a perfect harbinger for his bruising instrumentals. The Memphis producer, who rose to fame working with artists like BlocBoy JB, makes pummeling, unrelenting beats well suited for out-of-this-world charismatic MCs who thrive with negative space. That’s the reason that some of Drake’s best verses of 2018 have come on Tay Keith instrumentals like “Nonstop” and “Never Recover,” and why the 22-year-old has been working with artists like Lil Wayne, Travis Scott, and Rico Nasty. His restrained touch brings out the best in his vocalists, and there’s a sense of urgency to his music that makes you cling to every bar. —Grant Rindner

There may not be a more flawless build into a producer drop than on Kanye West’s “Father Stretch My Hands Pt. 1,” where a sample of Pastor T.L. Barrett’s “Father Stretch My Hands” gives way to booming synths before Future chimes in with “If Young Metro don’t trust you, I’m gon’ shoot you.” The Atlanta auteur has made some of recent rap’s most iconic tracks like Migos’ “Bad and Boujee” and Future’s “Mask Off,” so over time, Metro’s tag has come to feel like a seismic event. It's like rap’s version of seeing “from Christopher Nolan” on a movie trailer, but more meme-friendly. Also, if we weren't sticking to a rule of one tag per producer, his “Metro Boomin want some more, n***a” tag would have made this list as well. No one's doing it better than Metro right now. —Grant Rindner — youtu.be

There may not be a more flawless build into a producer drop than on Kanye West’s “Father Stretch My Hands Pt. 1,” where a sample of Pastor T.L. Barrett’s “Father Stretch My Hands” gives way to booming synths before Future chimes in with “If Young Metro don’t trust you, I’m gon’ shoot you.” The Atlanta auteur has made some of recent rap’s most iconic tracks like Migos’ “Bad and Boujee” and Future’s “Mask Off,” so over time, Metro’s tag has come to feel like a seismic event. It's like rap’s version of seeing “from Christopher Nolan” on a movie trailer, but more meme-friendly. Also, if we weren't sticking to a rule of one tag per producer, his “Metro Boomin want some more, n***a” tag would have made this list as well. No one's doing it better than Metro right now. —Grant Rindner

youtu.be

There may not be a more flawless build into a producer drop than on Kanye West’s “Father Stretch My Hands Pt. 1,” where a sample of Pastor T.L. Barrett’s “Father Stretch My Hands” gives way to booming synths before Future chimes in with “If Young Metro don’t trust you, I’m gon’ shoot you.” The Atlanta auteur has made some of recent rap’s most iconic tracks like Migos’ “Bad and Boujee” and Future’s “Mask Off,” so over time, Metro’s tag has come to feel like a seismic event. It's like rap’s version of seeing “from Christopher Nolan” on a movie trailer, but more meme-friendly. Also, if we weren't sticking to a rule of one tag per producer, his “Metro Boomin want some more, n***a” tag would have made this list as well. No one's doing it better than Metro right now. —Grant Rindner

DJ Khaled Hip Hop Tay Keith Tag Producers Ronny J DJ Murda Beatz Metro Boomin Producer Tags Features

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