Producer tags have become a staple in hip hop culture. They’re the bite-size equivalent of a euphoric trance drop or a filthy drum'n'bass crescendo. Whether it’s DJ Khaled screaming his own name like a deranged Pokemon or your allegiance to Young Metro being questioned -- the right tag at the right time can evoke intense jubilation, transporting the most suburban folk to their own paradise, if only for three or so minutes.
Some producers have really hit the mark, creating signature samples that have transformed modern hip hop for the better. We’ve ranked the hottest tags in the game right now, including the best moments of delivery from these behind-the-scenes wizards.
10. London On Da Track - “I’m in London got my beat from London”
London On Da Track has managed to secure two celebrity vocals for his famous producer tags. Long time collaborator and friend, Young Thug, screeches, “We got London On Da Track” whilst 2016 XXL freshman Kodak Black spits, "I’m in London got my beat from London". It was a toss-up between the two but Kodak’s velvet cadence managed to snatch the top spot.
Hottest Drop: Kodak Black ft XXXTentacion - Roll In Peace
9. Jetsonmade - “Oh lord, Jetson made another one!”
The Carolina-based producer has recently shot to success, the man responsible for DaBaby’s breakout hits Goin Baby, 21 and the Platinum record Suge. Jetsonmade’s silky production skills recently landed him a spot at the coveted Dreamville recording sessions, affirming his spot as one to watch this year.
Hottest Drop: DaBaby - Suge
8. Mike WiLL Made-It - “Mike will made it!”
At the age of 17, Mike found himself in the studio with rap’s monster Gucci Mane, eventually recording Star Status where one of the most famous producer tags came to life - “Mike Will made it / Gucci Mane slayed it / Star Status N*gga everybody upgrade it”. After struggling to be identified for his work, his homegirl eventually recorded the universal slogan we all know today.
Hottest Drop: Rae Sremmurd - No Type
7. Jahlil Beats - “Jahlil Beats, holla at me!”
Admit it. You thought it was “Jungle Beats”. Same here. Jahlil Beats first started producing with then local rapper, Meek Mill. He produced Ima Boss and Amen ft. Drake, but had to wait until 2014 to gain his major break. Jahlil produced the absolute anthem Hot N*gga for our incarcerated comrade - Bobby Shmurda. The track reached #6 on the Billboard charts and still shuts down parties five years later.
Hottest Drop: Bobby Shmurda - Hot N*gga
6. Ronny J - “Oh my god, Ronny!”
Ronny J’s whiny producer tag was synonymous with the rise of South Florida’s alt-rap scene. His distorted synths have scored him frequent collaborations with the likes of Ski Mask The Slump God, Lil Pump and Australian favourite Denzel Curry. Rumour has it his famous tag was taken from reality TV show, Jersey Shore.
Hottest Drop: Bhad Bhabie - Hi Bich
5. Murda Beatz - “Murda on the beat so it’s not nice”
Hailing from a tiny town in Canada, Shane Lindstrom, better known as Murda Beatz, built his name by networking to the extreme. What started off as playing drums at the age of six eventually turned into him living with Migos and creating the classic Pipe It Up. Murda now boasts one of the most impressive CVs in the game, collaborating with the likes of Drake, Travis Scott and Grammy winner Cardi B.
Hottest Drop: Drake ft Travis Scott & Quavo - Portland
4. Tay Keith - “Tay Keith, fuck these n*ggas up!”
As far as producer tags go, getting Drake to do your vocal is probably the biggest flex on the scene. At a meager 22 years old, Memphis-born Brytavious Lakeith Chambers had already played his part in co-producing one of the biggest songs of the decade, Sicko Mode. Tay Keith’s production is laden with heavy 808s and often paired with catchy melodies - a product of his self-taught piano upbringing.
Hottest Drop: Drake - Nonstop
3. DJ Khaled - "We the best!”
We couldn’t compile a list without including Khaled. Arguably the loudest man in hip hop, loser of ‘the quiet game’ 10 years in a row and holder of all keys (major ones, specifically). DJ Khaled first gained prominence as a radio host in the '90s. His music production always spoke for itself but he later utilised Snapchat, where he transitioned from producer to household name. Khaled has a plethora of catchphrases that aren’t just him yelling his own name: "LION!", "Bless up", "MAJOR KEY" and "ANOTHER ONE!" to name a few. They don’t want you to know about all of the rest.
Hottest Drop: DJ Khaled ft. Ludacris, T-Pain, Rick Ross & Snoop Dogg – All I Do Is Win
2. Pi’erre Bourne - “Yo Pi’erre, you wanna come out here?”
Pi’erre Bourne’s producer tag is perhaps one of the most famous in hip hop. Propelled to success by the release of Playboi Carti’s smash hit Magnolia, the tag went viral, even making its way to the transfer unveiling of Arsenal FC’s forward, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang. Fun fact: Pi’erre’s tag was taken from a sketch on The Jamie Foxx Show.
Hottest Drop: Playboi Carti - Magnolia
1. Metro Boomin - “If Young Metro don’t trust you, I’m gon’ shoot you”
Number one: Metro’s infectious tag is the hottest in the game for sure. Metro Boomin could have made the list multiple times. His catalogue of producer tags including Young Thug’s “Metro Boomin want some more, n*gga!” and “Young Metro! Young Metro! Young Metro!.” But Future’s guest line takes the crown. *Kanye voice* I’ma let you finish, but Metro Boomin’s producer tag at the beginning of Father Stretch My Hands Pt.1 was one of the best musical moments of all time… Of all time!
Hottest Drop: Kanye West - Father Stretch My Hands Pt.1
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