Legendary Atlanta producer DJ Toomp doesn’t get name dropped quite as often as some of his popular peers but the sonic mark he’s left on southern Hip Hop and beyond is indisputable. One of the most diversely talented, influential producers around, DJ Toomp’s resume spans decades. He got his start when he was just a teenager, producing for Atlanta underground legend, Raheem The Dream in the 80s, helping to establish Atlanta’s bass sound. 

But some of his most well-known production came from his famed collaboration with T.I. Toomp was instrumental in T.I. forging his early deal, and helped the Atlanta rapper establish his sound early on, producing a number of tracks from his 2001 debut, I’m Serious. Toomp continued to work with T.I. throughout the duration of his career, including on his acclaimed sophomore album, Trap Muzik, which he executive produced.  

Following his success with T.I., Kanye West recruited him to work on his third album, Graduation, where he contributed three tracks including Kanye’s tribute to Jay-Z, “Big Brother,” where Kanye enthusiastically shouts Toomp at the end.  Toomp went on to work on “Blame Game” featuring John Legend from Kanye’s classic, My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy.

Over the years, Toomp’s production skills have been called upon by a wide range of artists, from Young Jeezy, Ludacris, San Quinn, and Glasses Malone to Jay-Z, Pastor Troy, MC Shy D, Nas, Mariah Carery, Rick Ross, Wale, and Game.

His expansive sound still manages to feel specific, and Toomp’s track record has established him as one of the most quietly important beatmakers around.