Let’s get into the first Give The Producer Some of the new decade. This series allows us to give flowers to the architects of Northern California’s sound. Without these individuals taking the time to get the frequencies just right, our favorite rappers and singers would have no beats to wax poetic over. Read on below to get familiar with 5 more Northern California producers you should know!
Remedy – San Francisco, CA
Remedy is a true dual-threat in the music game having both rapping and producing expertise (we won’t talk about his video directing here). With his hard-hitting bass and signature triplet school bell sound, the San Francisco producer has perfected the uptempo Bay Area bounce that gets your body moving in any venue. Having years in the game, Remedy’s list of collaborators is extensive including Mozzy, Yhung TO, IAMSU!, Lil Bean, Zay Bang, and Roach Gigz.
As of late Remedy has focused on working with the new crop of San Francisco’s rising stars. Acts like Lil Bean and ZayBang go-to Remedy for beats, mixing, and advice. The work he’s put in has made him a figure in his section. We’ve come to love the songs that have come from his efforts. Whether we’re talking about his self-produced solo records or standouts from his mentees.
Apollo Jetson – Oakland, CA
“Who made the beat…Apollo Hoe”! The tag has become one of the most recognizable in Bay rap. With his uptempo pop leaning, 808 knocking beats, Apollo Jetson’s bangers definitely get the trunk shaking. The multitalented Berkeley producer and rapper has worked with a variety of artists including Nef The Pharaoh, Capolow, DaBoii, YBN Nahmir, OMB Peezy, Lil Mosey, and IAMSU!.
One artist that Apollo has been consistently working with is Berkeley’s own Pimp Tobi who he’s known since they were kids skating together at the Berkeley Skate Park. The two have a tight working relationship which includes five Apollo Jetson produced slaps on Pimp Tobi’s Pimpin Since the Playground. While he has done well in the Rap genre so far, Apollo Jetson’s ultimate goal is to make amazing music with a diverse range of artists.
MikeMadeThe808s – Oakland, CA
Bringing you that mob sound, MikeMadeThe808s has bangers for any artist. The Oakland producer has worked with a vast number of Bay Area artists including Lil Pete, YID, Capolow, Zay Bang, Lil Bean, KE, and Drew Beez. MikeMadeThe808s is a versatile producer, delivering production that can feature the use of organs/pianos and catchy synth-led melodies on top of chest-thumping 808’s made to shake the building. As his career progresses we’ll be keeping an eye and ear out.
ThisShitGoRacimo – Sacramento, CA
One of the hardest producers to make beats on their iPhone has to be none other than ThisShitGoRacimo. The Sacramento producer shows that creativity and a good ear beat fancy gear any day of the week. As long as you pick the right sounds you can have a hit literally in your hands. That’s what he found out in producing CB’s “Deebo” which has garnered more than 5.5 million views on YouTube.
ThisShitGoRacimo’s collaborations include D-Lo, Rico 2 Smoove, Bris & G-Man, The Gatlin, and Yukmouth and more. Trunk rattling 808’s are a given with every ThisShitGoRacimo banger and we definitely look forward to seeing more from the rising Sacramento producer in 2020.
Julia Lewis – Berkeley, CA
Julia Lewis’ producer name is the exact embodiment of his musical style: elegant and surprising. Growing up in Berkeley, Julia Lewis was active in the jazz community and played a variety of instruments including saxophone, bass, guitar, and piano. Being a part of the Berkeley Jazz program helped define his sound as well as a deeper foundation of his understanding of music theory.
It’s truly impossible to fit Julia Lewis into one genre as most of his songs are influenced by a unique mix of Hip-Hop, R&B, and EDM. His soulful sound has many layers of musical elements from wavy percussion hits to warm digital synths to catchy basslines.
Julia Lewis definitely knows that music is a collaborative sport and doesn’t shy from working with both artists and producers. Artists such as Rexx Life Raj, Guapdad 4000, Larry June, and Zion I plus producers Mikos Da Gawd, Mr. Carmack, and Drew Banga are just a handful of names that make up his extensive list collaborators. This work ethic and collaborative nature led him to land his biggest hit so far with G-Eazy’s “West Coast” featuring Blueface, ALLBLACK and YG which has garnered 51 million views on YouTube to date.
