The journey from aspiring online beatmaker to industry powerhouse is rarely an easy one. Over the past few decades, however, a new route to success has emerged. That of online beat selling and non-exclusive lease beats. Many of the music industry’s top producers began their careers selling beats on platforms like Soundclick, BeatStars and Airbit. These producers honed their craft in their bedrooms, catering to up-and-coming artists before catching the attention of major labels and artists.

This blog highlights ten producers who successfully leveraged lease beats to kickstart their careers, going from lease beats to the Billboard Top 100.

Metro Boomin

Considered a leading exponent of the Trap sound, Metro Boomin started his career by selling lease beats online while still in school. His early grind involved building a large community of budding artists using the pioneering social media platform MySpace. He then utilised MySpace to promote his Soundclick page where he would lease beats. Metro’s big break however came when he moved to Atlanta. He started working with local talent like 21 Savage and Future.

Metro became known for his signature dark, melodic production style. This perfect blend of drama and melody soon drew the attention of major artists. The big hits soon followed, most notably “Bad and Boujee” by Migos and “Mask Off” by Future. Metro remains one of the most sought after and influential producers in the Trap field of production.

Murda Beatz

Like many of the producers on this list Murda Beatz came up selling lease beats on SoundClick. He built a loyal following on the platform often residing at the top of SoundClicks various charts. His beats would blend hard-hitting drums with catchy melodic elements. This proved to be the perfect formula for up-and-coming rappers.

Murda also leveraged social media to great effect. this eventually helped catch the attention of Migos who drafted Murda in to produce their hit single “Pipe It Up.” The success of Pipe It Up led to further collaborations with major artists like Drake “Nice for What” and Travis Scott “Butterfly Effect.”

Nick Mira

A key member of the Internet Money collective, Nick Mira built his career selling lease beats on BeatStars. He gained a large following on this platform that eventually led him to working with an up-and-coming rapper called Juice WRLD. It is his work with Juice WRLD, particularly on the hit single “Lucid Dreams,” that propelled Mira to mainstream success. He has since produced for other major artists like Lil Tecca and Iann Dior.

Southside AKA Sizzle

Southside, also known as Sizzle, was another producer that came up during the SoundClick era. His highly energetic beats, characterized by their heavy bass rapidly gained popularity in the online beat-leasing community.

Southside’s transition into mainstream production started when he hooked up with fellow SoundClick producer Lex Luger. Together, they formed the iconic production team of 808 Mafia. Working as a unit 808 Mafia soon caught the attention of established artists like Gucci Mane and Waka Flocka Flame. It was his production on tracks like “I Got the Keys” by DJ Khaled and “Hold That Heat by Future feat Travis Scott that solidified his position as a go-to Trap Producer.

Jahlil Beats

Jahlil Beats also began his career by selling non-exclusive beats on platforms like SoundClick. After years of grinding his big breakthrough came when produced the hit single “Ima Boss” for Meek Mill. This track became a street anthem and helped cement Jahlil’s status as a producer. The success of this track led to collaborations with major artists such as Jay-Z, Chris Brown, and Rick Ross. Jahlil’s productions have successfully resonated with both underground and mainstream audiences helping him transition from selling lease beats to becoming a prominent figure in the industry.

CashMoneyAP

CashMoneyAP is one of the most infamous names in the Beat Leasing arena. With over 185k followers on Beatstars he continues to profit from both commercial beat leasing and gaining high-profile placements.
CashMoneyAP’s mainstream breakthrough came when he started working with artists like Lil Skies and YoungBoy Never Broke Again. He has since produced for major artists including Ty Dolla $ign, Tory Lanez, and Lil Wayne. It is CashMoneyAP’s dual approach to music production that has helped legitimise the use of lease beats.

Cardo Got Wings

Cardo Got Wings started by selling lease beats on Myspace, where he attracted underground artists with his West Coast-influenced sound. He leveraged his social media game to link with Wiz Khalifa. This relationship lead to him producing Wiz’s breakout hit “Mezmorized” from the mixtape Kush & Orange Juice.

Cardo’s smooth, laid-back style of production soon saw other established artists reach out. His work with Wiz opened doors to producing for major artists like Drake, Kendrick Lamar, and Travis Scott.

Tay Keith

Tay Keith began his production journey by selling lease beats as a side hustle while attending Middle Tennessee State University. After gaining good traction online his confidence built and he began to connect with local Memphis artists, most notably BlocBoy JB. Their collaboration on the 2018 hit “Look Alive,” featuring Drake, propelled Tay Keith into the mainstream spotlight.

After the success of Look Alive, the doors started to open for Tay Keith. Production credits on Travis Scott’s monster hit “Sicko Mode” and Beyoncé’s “Before I Let Go.” cemented his credentials. Tay is now one of the most sought-after producers for those looking for melodic bangers that are big on bass.

Zaytoven

Atlanta resident Zaytoven used his church background to influence his musical direction fusing Gospel flavours with contemporary trap sounds. He would get his start selling lease beats online as well as collaborating with local Atlanta talent. His major break came when he started working with Gucci Mane. Zaytoven is responsible for producing Gucci’s breakthrough single “Icy,” This track helped to propel both Gucci and Zaytoven into the spotlight.

Zaytoven’s signature sound is highly melodic with a heavy emphasis on Piano. This distinctive sound became synonymous with the Atlanta trap scene leading Zaytoven to collaborate with major artists such as Usher, Future, and Migos.

DJ Pain 1

DJ Pain 1 began his career back in the SoundClick days offering non-exclusive licenses. While he still has a considerable presence on BeatStars (128k followers) he is now more synonymous as a YouTuber. This online presence has helped DJ Pain 1 become an ambassador for beatmakers and the beatmaking scene. A truly adaptive and enterprising figure, Pain is also known for selling high-quality sample packs.

Pain specialises in a more soulful sample-driven Hip-Hop sound. This has helped to set him apart from the mass of Trap producers on the scene. He has numerous high-profile production credits to his name including Young Jeezy, 50 Cent and Rick Ross.

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