Welcome to week 13 of my producer picks where I highlight producers who got placements on some of the best releases of the week. This was a diverse week, with releases from the likes of NLE Choppa, d4vd, and Brevin Kim. Here are my producer picks below:
NLE Choppa's Cottonwood 2 album is a mesmerizing testament to his artistic growth, pushing the boundaries of his versatility. The album opens with a jaw-dropping track that quickly became my favorite, "Talk Different." Its hypnotic vocal chops, haunting keys, and explosive drums create an electrifying tone that sets the stage for the entire project. The credit goes in part to the dynamic duo Twinz, with I Rocc on The Beat and DJ Young Pharaoh delivering a knockout punch on this beat. Their impressive collaborations with industry heavyweights like Lil Baby, Lil Durk, and Latto highlight what makes them stars.
d4vd and Spencer Stewart are painting themselves as a dynamic duo, leaving their mark on the music scene with their latest releases, "Worthless" and "Sleep Well." Spencer's production skills shine, with the acoustic guitar looping in a mesmerizing rhythm that serves as the canvas for d4vd's incredible vocals. Each release is a testament to d4vd's artistic growth, as he continues to outdo himself with every track. The fusion of his soulful voice with the picturesque instrumentation on "Sleep Well" creates a soundscape that feels like a scene from a cinematic love story. The recent sonic direction that d4vd has taken is truly captivating, and I eagerly anticipate more from this talented duo as they continue to create musical magic together.
"Chrome Hearted" by OHGEESY and Tyga brings irresistible West Coast vibes with playful keys, mesmerizing vocal chops, and a standout production by the talented D.J. Marshman and Noiz. This track is their biggest placement to date, showcasing their exceptional skills and creativity. I am filled with excitement for their future careers as they continue to push boundaries and make their mark on the music industry.
"Try Me" by Jorja Smith is a captivating song that has quickly become one of my favorite tracks of the week. It marks Jorja Smith's first release of the year, and it's a departure from her usual style, thanks to the genius production of DAMEDAME*. The beat is a mesmerizing blend of rumbling bass lines and industrial drums that loop with an irresistible rhythm. DAMEDAME* has put Jorja Smith in a whole new lane with his unique drum patterns and creating a soundscape that allows her to explore different flows in herl vocals. It's also a noteworthy moment for DAMEDAME*, as it's one of his first major placements, having previously worked briefly with Jorja Smith and Octavian in the past.
Brevin Kim, the dynamic duo from Massachusetts, has just unveiled their first project of the year, High School Football, with Kellbender at the helm of the production. Kellbender's masterful touch is evident in tracks like "Walls," "Ghost," "Architect," and "Driveway," which are some of the best-produced gems on the project. The electrifying guitars evoke the excitement of summer, while the raw emotion infused in the music is unparalleled. Kellbender's innate ability to craft the perfect beats for Brevin Kim shines through, and I eagerly anticipate more groundbreaking collaborations from this talented team in the future.