Category: Mary J. Blige

ATL beat maker Drumma Boy skillfully adds hard-hitting 808 bass lines explaining his impressive roster of South Eastern hip hop acts Jeezy, T.I. Young Joc, Rick Ross, Paul Wall, Plies, Rocko & Lil’ Jon as well as current hit singles “Put On” for Jeezy & Kanye West and beats for T.I.’s highly anticipated Paper Trail as the classically trained musical prodigy also spends studio time with Akon, Monica, Nelly, Brandy, Keyshia Cole, Mary J. Blige, Raheem Devaughn, Dionne Farris, Keri Hilson and more

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Talent can be defined in a myriad of ways. It can be an innate gift or a learned proficiency but occasionally, it’s a potent mixture of both, which happens to be the case with Christopher Gholson, the southern-reared producer and visionary who goes by the pseudonym Drumma Boy. Born and bred in Memphis, Tennessee, Drumma Boy’s destiny was solidified as a young child with a father who was a professional clarinetist, music professor at the University of Memphis and the first African-American man to hold the 1st chair position in the Memphis Symphony Orchestra. “My dad taught me everything I know about traditional music and had me playing the clarinet at age 5 but it was my mom that introduced me to Curtis Mayfield and 70’s oldie, so my style now is a reflection of all of that, classical, soul and street music.”

By college Drumma Boy had solidified a name for himself and was quickly becoming the most sought-after beat banger in Tennessee. Following in the footsteps of Memphis native and super-producer Jazze Pha (Ciara, Nelly, Ludacris, T.I), Drumma Boy relocated to Atlanta a few years ago after having worked with every major name and independent artist in his hometown. Now the 24 year-old musical prodigy skillfully adds crispy, hard-hitting 808 bass lines with gentle touches of rhythmic change and chord progression to each beat he passionately crafts. He composes thick and textured sounds that take some producers years to perfect. It takes a special kind of artist to rock with him, which explains his impressive roster of hip hop acts that include Young Jeezy, T.I., Kanye West, Nelly, Scarface, Yo Gotti, Eightball & MJG, Young Joc, Slim Thug, Rick Ross, E-40, Rocko, Paul Wall and Lil’ Jon. Drumma Boy is fresh, as in innovative and expressive but more importantly, he’s admirably great at pushing boundaries; taking the art form into new realms of abstraction.

His musicianship is incredible, having the ability to pour passion and conviction into whatever he does. His combination of multi-talent is one of many factors that separate him from the mainstream. His soul is soaked in the eccentricity of vintage Rhythm and Blues and P-Funk. He plays with this dichotomy of yesteryear classics and current trends to concoct sophisticated arrangements that fuse the arrogance of hip-hop with the slickness of R&B. The talented musician has not only fostered relationships with top notch artists such as Outkast, Trick Daddy, Cash Money, Pastor Troy and Killer Mike, but he also understands the importance of connecting with equally gifted writers, instrumentalists and producers like Johnta Austin and Jazze Pha. In 2003, Drumma Boy founded Drum Squad, an umbrella company that encompasses Drum Squad Records & Productions. This businessman on the rise is serious about his craft and professional alliances, forming a powerful movement that is sure to force other producers to step up their game.

The highly sought after rhythm architect is currently enjoying credit for new singles by Young Jeezy’s “Put On” featuring Kanye West which has proven to be one of the summer’s hottest anthems while other recent tracks include “Juice Box” from Gorilla Zoe (Atlantic Records), “Tomorrow” from Rocko (So So Def/Island Records) and “Here I Am” from Rick Ross f/ Nelly (Def Jam Records). This Fall 2008 Drumma will be known as the man responsible for several songs off T.I.’s highly anticipated Paper Trail (Grand Hustle/Atlantic) as well as tracks from Def Jam and multi-platinum recording artist Young Jeezy’s forthcoming album. With a gift to manufacture inimitable sounds the young virtuoso has been recruited into the studio this month with a wide range of artists including Monica, Brandy, Keyshia Cole, Mary J. Blige, Akon, Raheem Devaughn, Slim Thug, Rick Ross, Rich Boy, Keri Hilson, Plies, Dionne Farris and Jagged Edge.

Drumma Boy is famous for making diverse beats that range from rap, rock, classical and pop to soulful R&B ballads and gospel-inspired jams. He is as authentic as a creative artist can be, reading music with an educated ear while possessing the ability to instantly recognize the correct key. In addition to a learned knowledge, there is that burning desire he inherently possesses to win and maintain respect.

“Drumma Boy has a signature sound that can make an average artist sound great…truly he has grown into a “real producer” while some just “make beats” he has taken his sounds from the Hood 2 the Executive Suites and that’s the Bizniss” Jazze Pha

“Drumma Boy is up next!” T.I.

“Drumma Boy is the correct spelling for producer” Young Joc

“It’s clear Drumma has risen quickly to distinguish himself among the upper echelon of hip hop producers. His distinction lays with his classically trained ear along with his signature drum rolls and staggering 808’s.” The Source Magazine

“When you hear one of Drumma Boy’s beats, you don’t just listen. You feel the 808 street bass, symphonic influences, horns and stirring string section. Hard knocking tracks like Young Jeezy’s “I Am the Realist” and “Standing Ovation” and Gangsta Boo’s stammering “Stacks on Deck’ and “Queen of the South” are prime examples of Drumma Boy’s limitless musical originality. Drumma’s present and future are as bright as the sun.” Grip Magazine

“With a penchant for chest-beating percussion and attitude-drenched synths, Drumma and his Drum Squad production unit have built a hefty catalog, including Scarface’s “Recognize,” Boyz N Da Hood’s “Trap Niggaz,” Paul Wall’s “Gimmie Dat,” and most recently, Plies & T-Pain’s “Shawty.” But it was really his work on Jeezy’s first album, “Thug Motivation 101”, that got the industry’s attention.” Scratch Magazine

“Atlanta producer Drumma Boy got his start as a producer and beat writer in his early teens. His mother and father both worked in music and gave him a solid grounding in the fundamentals. A few years go he made the move from Memphis to Atlanta where he began to network with the likes of Outkast and Trick Daddy.” Music Connection Magazine

“”Put On” is the first single from the forthcoming Jeezy album, and it’s a Jeezy track through and through up until the end with epically gothic Drumma Boy synth-twinkles.” Village Voice

“Drumma Boy is an exceptional young talent. Rarely is one able to identify producers who are not only able to create a unique sound with Hip Hop, but R&B as well. Drumma represents the grind. He represents the now. He represents…the future!” Johnta Austin

“Drumma Boy has his ear to the street because his sound is just that!! A very versatile producer and business man, he is hip hop’s “go to” man for a gritty visualistic sound. A producer can only dream of a resume like his.” DJ Drama

“Drumma Boy is one of the most driven producers out of Atlanta, with uniquely different beats.” LeToya Luckett