Happy Birthday, Mannie Fresh!

Today, March 20, is the 49th birthday of renowned producer Mannie Fresh. Born Byron Thomas, Fresh is one of the many southern artists who reinvented hip-hop. If he needed an introduction, Fresh was part of the duo, Big Tymers, alongside Birdman. He was also responsible for the signature sounds of Cash Money Records as their in-house producer.

The Mind of Mannie Fresh was instrumental in the early days of Hot Boyz, which comprises of Lil Wayne, B.G., Juvenile and Turk. Big singles such as “Back That Azz Up,” “Still Fly,” and “I Need a Hot Girl” were national successes that helped catapult the roster’s solo careers. He also dropped his debut solo album, 2004's Mind of Mannie Fresh, which featured the single "Real Big." A few years later, Fresh would branch out on his own, where he has seen success in producing for other artists and guest appearing on tracks as well. This section of his career is where he released his second solo album, Return of the Ballin'. Notably, he was selected as one of the many talents involved in Kanye West's G.O.O.D. Music compilation, Cruel Summer.

Fresh started collaborating with Yasiin Bey (formerly Mos Def) in 2013 on an album, titled OMFGOD.. Fresh still produces and DJ's on a world stage and in 2017, was part of a semi-Hot Boyz reunion during All Star Weekend in New Orleans.

Happy Birthday, Mannie Fresh!

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