Mike Will Made It
| Mike Will Made It | |
|---|---|
| Birth name | Michael Williams |
| Also known as | Mike Will |
| Born | March 23, 1989 |
| Origin | Atlanta, Georgia, U.S. |
| Genres | Hip hop, R&B, pop |
| Occupations | Music Producer |
| Years active | 2008–present |
| Labels | EarDrummers Entertainment |
| Associated acts | Gucci Mane, Future, 2 Chainz, Rick Ross, Meek Mill, Juicy J, Young Jeezy, T.I., French Montana, Miley Cyrus, B.O.B., Lil' Wayne, Kelly Rowland, Ciara, Jeremih, 50 Cent |
Michael Williams (born March 23, 1989), professionally known as Mike WiLL Made It or, in shorthand, as Mike WiLL, is an American music producer from Atlanta, Georgia.[1][2]
Contents |
Early life [edit]
Mike WiLL Made It, birth name Michael Williams, was born on March 23, 1989 in Marietta, Georgia, the youngest of three children with two older sisters.[3] Mike WiLL's mother was in a gospel group, singing for Dottie Peoples when Mike was young, and, according to Mike WiLL, his uncle was an accomplished guitar player.[3] Growing up, Mike WiLL was athletic, participating in a number of sports, including basketball, baseball, and football, with dreams of becoming a professional athlete.[2] As a teenager, Mike WiLL first developed his talent for music by re-playing popular instrumentals that he heard on the radio while he and his friends would freestyle to them.[3] In a number of interviews, Mike WiLL has mentioned, in particular, re-playing the instrumental for "Still Fly," a popular song by the southern rap group Big Tymers, on a makeshift Casio brand keyboard, and has also mentioned re-playing the song "Young'n (Holla Back)" by New York rapper Fabolous on production equipment at a local music store.[4]
At age 14, Mike WiLL began to make his own beats on a Korg ES1 beat machine, which his father purchased for him as a Christmas present from local music store Mars Music. As Mike WiLL became more accomplished, he also began to use production equipment including the Korg Triton, the Akai MPC1000, the Yamaha Motif, and the Roland Fantom.[3]
Upon graduating high school, Mike WiLL enrolled at Georgia State to pursue undergraduate studies, but dropped out after several semesters to focus on his career as a music producer.[3]
Professional career [edit]
In an interview with XXL, Mike WiLL is credited with saying that "Gucci Mane was the first [major artist] to ever rap on my beat."[5] Mike WiLL first met Gucci Mane at Atlanta recording studio, PatchWerk Recording Studios, and upon introducing himself to Gucci Mane and giving Gucci Mane a CD of beats, Gucci Mane proceeded to freestyle rap over each of the instrumentals.[6] The two artists began releasing songs together, like "East Atlanta 6," and a number of songs from Gucci Mane's popular mixtape, No Pad, No Pencil.[6]
In 2011, Mike WiLL placed his first single with the song "Tupac Back," performed by Meek Mill and Rick Ross, from the album Self Made Vol. 1.[7] The single was released on April 5, 2011 and peaked at #31 on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs Billboard chart.[8] The placement came after Mike WiLL submitted some of his beats to an A&R for Rick Ross' Maybach Music Group label.[7]
Also in 2011, Mike WiLL worked with Atlanta rapper Future, producing a number of popular and noteworthy songs together, including "Ain't No Way Around It,"[9] "Itchin," and three songs from Future's 2012 major label debut album, Pluto, "Neva End," "Truth Gonna Hurt You," and "Turn On The Lights."[3] "Turn On The Lights" was promoted as a single from Pluto, and to date has peaked at #2 on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs Billboard chart.[10]
Mike WiLL Made It has also worked extensively with Atlanta rapper 2 Chainz, producing "La La," which features Busta Rhymes, from 2 Chainz', then known as Tity Boi, Codeine Cowboy mixtape and "Got One" from 2 Chainz' T.R.U. REALigion mixtape.[11][12] According to an interview with Complex Magazine, Mike WiLL has been working together with 2 Chainz "since 2008, when he was Tity Boi…We're kind of like family."[13] In 2012, Mike WiLL produced the lead single, "No Lie," from 2 Chainz' debut album, Based On A T.R.U. Story, released via Def Jam.[13] The single, which features popular rap artist Drake, was released May 8, 2012, and debuted in the top 50 of the Billboard Hot 100, ultimately going on to peak at #1 on Billboard's Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart.[14] The single has been certified "Gold" by the Recording Industry Association of America, selling over 500,000 copies digitally.[15]
In 2012, Mike WiLL Made It produced "Bandz A Make Her Dance," a single for Three Six Mafia rapper Juicy J that also features Lil' Wayne and 2 Chainz.[16] The song was listed as one of the 25 Best Songs of Summer 2012 by Complex Magazine, and as of September 2012, the single has peaked at #14 on Billboard's Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart.[17][18]
Mike WiLL, alongside producers, Kanye West, and Mike Dean, co-produced the G.O.O.D. Music single, "Mercy," which features vocals from Kanye West, Big Sean, 2 Chainz, and Pusha T.[19] "Mercy," released April 3, 2012, served as the lead single from the G.O.O.D. Music compilation album Cruel Summer, and peaked at #1 on Billboard's Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart, while reaching #13 on Billboard's Hot 100 chart.[20][21] Other notable production efforts for Mike WiLL include the single "Way Too Gone," featuring Future, from Young Jeezy's 2011 studio album Thug Motivation 103: Hustlerz Ambition, "Just A Sign" from B.o.B's sophomore studio album, Strange Clouds and "Pour It Up" from Rihanna's 2012 studio album, Unapologetic.[22][23]
In interviews given during 2012, Mike WiLL also mentions upcoming work with Kanye West, Brandy, Big Sean, Pusha T, and more.[13]
Mike WiLL has also announced that he has produced on Miley Cyrus's new album (TBA) coming later this year. The album will also be featuring other hip-hop producers, including Pharrell, Da Internz, Will.i.Am, Juicy J, Wiz Khalifa, and Tyler The Creator. Rumors have been surfacing that a new single will hopefully be out by summertime and the album later in the year. On May 19th during the ceremony of billboards it was announced that the future single of miley is called "We Can't Stop" produced exclusively by mike, the date of release is planned by June 03rd, 2013.
Est. In 1989 Mixtape Series [edit]
On Tuesday, December 27, 2011 Mike WiLL Made It released his first mixtape, Est. In 1989 (Last Of A Dying Breed).[24] The mixtape was released in conjunction with popular mixtape website LiveMixtapes.com.[24] Est. In 1989 included a mix of exclusive songs and songs from Mike WiLL's catalog, and features artists such as Gucci Mane & 1017 Brick Squad, Future, Waka Flocka Flame, Kanye West & GOOD Music, 2 Chainz, Lil Boosie, Ludacris, Lil Wayne, and more.[25]
On March 23, 2012, Mike WiLL Made It partnered with popular music site The FADER to announce the second installment of his mixtape series, Est. In 1989 Pt. 2, and to release the mixtape's first single, "Back 2 The Basics," which features his manager/Rapper Gucci Mane Founder/Ceo/President of Brick Squad and Waka Flocka Flame.[26] The project Est. In 1989 Pt. 2 features songs with Diddy, 2 Chainz, Juicy J, Future, Lil Wayne, T.I., Mac Miller, French Montana, Jeremih, and others.[27] Est. In 1989 Pt. 2 was released again on July 24, 2012 in partnership with LiveMixtapes.com.[27]
The third installment of the series entitled Est. in 1989 2.5 was released on December 24, 2012.[28] The mixtape features guest appearances from Gucci Mane, Future, Rihanna, Big Sean, Trinidad Jame$, Lil Wayne, and other artists.[29]
Influences [edit]
In various interviews, Mike WiLL Made It has named a number of musical influences on his own production work. In a "Behind The Beats" interview with Complex Magazine, he says that he "always admired Dr. Dre's drums," and calls Timbaland "the first crazy pop producer…He brought so many artists to the game."[30] As a southern producer, he says, he "was also looking up to Shawty Redd. He was the first producer to really bring that dark trap energy and sound."[30] He also refers to DJ Toomp as "my big brother or my mentor," saying, "I love what he does."[30] In a different interview, with AOL's The Boombox, Mike WiLL also cites Pharrell as a producer that he respects.[6]
EarDrummers Entertainment [edit]
In 2010, Mike WiLL Made It started his own production company called EarDrummers Entertainment. Mike WiLL first came up with the idea for his production company at the age of 18. According to an interview Mike WiLL gave to The Boombox, there are currently five producers signed to EarDrummers Entertainment: Marz, P-Nasty, A-Plu$, Skooly, and J-Bo.[6]
Discography [edit]
- Studio Albums
- Est. In 1989 Pt. 3 (The Album) (2013)[31]
- Mixtapes
- Est. In 1989 (Last Of A Dying Breed) (2011)
- Est. In 1989 Pt. 2 (2012)
- Est. In 1989 Pt. 2.5 (2012)
- Singles
- 23 (Feat. Miley Cyrus and Wiz Khalifa & Juicy J) (2013)[32]
Singles Produced [edit]
External links [edit]
References [edit]
- ^ "Mike WiLL Made It". Ultra Top.
- ^ a b Pereira, Julian (March 5, 2012). "Beyond the Beats: Mike WiLL". Complex Magazine.
- ^ a b c d e f Noz, Andrew (April 30, 2012). "Beat Construction: Mike WiLL Made It". The Fader.
- ^ Tobias, Jonathan (December 16, 2011). "Mike WiLL Made It Explains Convincing Young Jeezy Of A "TM103" Track, Working With Gucci Mane As A Teenager". Hip Hop DX.
- ^ Bristout, Ralph (January 26, 2012). "Production Credit: Mike WiLL Speaks on Working With Rick Ross, Young Jeezy & 50 Cent". XXL Magazine.
- ^ a b c d Graham, Nadine (February 22, 2012). "Mike WiLL Made It Reveals Work on Brandy's New Album & Ludacris Collaboration".
- ^ a b Pereira, Julian (March 5, 2012). "Beyond the Beats: Mike WiLL".
- ^ "R&B/Hip Hop Songs". Billboard Magazine. July 9, 2011.
- ^ Pereira, Julian (March 5, 2012). "Beyond the Beats: Mike WiLL". Complex Magazine.
- ^ "R&B/Hip Hop Songs". Billboard Magazine. September 24, 2012.
- ^ "Audio: Tity Boi Ft. Busta Rhymes – Lala [Prod. By Mike Will] (NO DJ)". Dirty Glove Bastard. February 23, 2012.
- ^ Pereira, Julian (March 5, 2012). "Beyond the Beat: Mike WiLL". Complex Magazine.
- ^ a b c Pereira, Julian (May 4, 2012). "Interview: Mike WiLL On Producing 2 Chainz & Drake's "No Lie"". Complex Magazine.
- ^ "R&B/Hip Hop Songs". Billboard Magazine. September 15, 2012.
- ^ Horowitz, Steven J. (July 26, 2012). "2 Chainz's "No Lie" Certified Gold". Hip Hop DX.
- ^ "Juicy J – Bands A Make Her Dance (rmx) f. Lil Wayne & 2 Chainz". 2 Dope Boyz. June 18, 2012.
- ^ "The 25 Best Songs of Summer 2012". Complex Magazine. August 16, 2012.
- ^ "R&B/Hip Hop Songs". Billboard Magzine. September 29, 2012.
- ^ "The 25 Best Songs of Summer 2012". Complex Magazine. August 16, 2012.
- ^ "Hot 100". Billboard Magazine.
- ^ "Hot 100". Billboard Magazine.
- ^ Pereira, Julian (March 5, 2012). "Beyond the Beats: Mike WiLL".
- ^ "B.o.B. Speaks on Mike WiLL Made It's Est. in 1989 Pt.2 (Video)". 2 Dope Boyz. July 6, 2012.
- ^ a b "Mike Will - Est. In 1989 (Last Of A Dying Breed)". Live Mixtapes. December 27, 2011.
- ^ Moore, Jacob (December 27, 2011). "Mixtape: Mike WiLL Made It "Est. In 1989"". Complex Magazine.
- ^ Cooper, Duncan (March 23, 2012). "Gucci Mane and Waka Flocka, "Back 2 The Basics" (Prod. by Mike WiLL) MP3". Fader Magazine.
- ^ a b Zeichner, Naomi (July 24, 2012). "Download Mike Will Made It’s Est. In 1989 (Part 2) Mixtape". The Fader.
- ^ "Mike WiLL Made It – Est In 1989 2.5 (Mixtape)". 2 Dope Boyz. December 24, 2012.
- ^ "Mike WiLL Made It "Est. In 1989 2.5" Mixtape Cover Art & Release Date". Retrieved 1 December 2012. Text " Get The Latest Hip Hop News, Rap News & Hip Hop Album Sales " ignored (help); Text " HipHop DX " ignored (help)
- ^ a b c Pereira, Julian (March 5, 2012). "Beyond the Beats: Mike WiLL". Complex Magazine.
- ^ http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.22900/title.mike-will-made-it-announces-est-in-1989-pt-3-the-album-
- ^ http://instagram.com/p/ZomXCYlhqn/
- ^ "American single certifications – Future – Turn on the Lights". Recording Industry Association of America. Retrieved JANUARY 15, 2013. If necessary, click Advanced, then click Format, then select Single, then click SEARCH
- ^ "American single certifications – Kanye West – Mercy". Recording Industry Association of America. Retrieved DECEMBER 13, 2012. If necessary, click Advanced, then click Format, then select Single, then click SEARCH
- ^ "American single certifications – 2 Chainz – No Lie". Recording Industry Association of America. Retrieved JULY 29, 2012. If necessary, click Advanced, then click Format, then select Single, then click SEARCH
- ^ "American single certifications – Juicy J – Bandz A Make Her Dance". Recording Industry Association of America. Retrieved JANUARY 04, 2013. If necessary, click Advanced, then click Format, then select Single, then click SEARCH
