Mike Will Made It

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Mike Will Made It
Mike Will Made It.png
Williams in 2020
Background information
Birth nameMichael Len Williams II
Also known asMike Will
Born (1989-03-23) March 23, 1989 (age 32)
Marietta, Georgia, U.S.
OriginAtlanta, Georgia, U.S.
Genres
Occupation(s)
  • Record producer
  • DJ
  • songwriter
Instruments
  • Korg Triton
  • Akai MPC 1000
  • Logic Pro
  • FL Studio
  • Yamaha Motif
  • Roland Fantom-X.
  • vocals
Years active2005–present
Labels
Associated acts
Websitemikewillmade.it

Michael Len Williams II (born March 23, 1989), known professionally as Mike Will Made It (often stylized as Mike WiLL Made-It)[1] or simply Mike Will, is an American record producer, songwriter and DJ. He is best known for producing trap beats for several Southern hip hop and pop artists on various commercially successful singles, including "Black Beatles" and "Powerglide" by Rae Sremmurd, "Mercy" by Kanye West, "No Lie" by 2 Chainz, "Bandz a Make Her Dance" by Juicy J, "Pour It Up" by Rihanna, "Love Me" by Lil Wayne, "Body Party" by Ciara, "We Can't Stop" by Miley Cyrus, "Formation" by Beyoncé, and "Humble" by Kendrick Lamar. He has released six mixtapes and one studio album, Ransom 2.

Early life[]

Williams was born in Marietta, Georgia, the youngest of three children; he has two older sisters.[2] His father, Michael Williams Sr., is a former IBM executive who worked as a club DJ in the 1970s. His mother, Shirley Williams, a former bank loan officer, was once in a gospel group, singing for Dottie Peoples. He grew up in a musical family as his uncle was an accomplished guitar player and one of his older sisters was a drum major in the Olympics.[2] While growing up, Mike Will was athletic, participating in many sports, including basketball, baseball, and football, with dreams of becoming a professional athlete.[3]

His life also centered around a love of hip-hop music. 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.[2] In several interviews, Will has mentioned, in particular, re-playing the instrumental for "Still Fly", a popular song by the southern rap group Big Tymers, on a Casio brand keyboard, and has also mentioned re-playing "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 develop his own beats on a Korg ES1 beat machine, which his father bought for him as a Christmas present from the 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.[2] By the time Mike Will was 16, he was spending time at local recording studios in Atlanta, trying to shop his beats to established artists.[5] He was initially ignored, but eventually one of his beat tapes made its way into the hands of Gucci Mane, who then invited Mike Will to Patchwerk studios, an Atlanta recording studio.[5]

Upon graduating high school, Mike Will enrolled at Georgia State University to pursue undergraduate studies mainly due to pressure from his parents, but chose to take a hiatus and eventually dropped out after several semesters, with a 3.1 GPA, to focus on his music career.[6] During this hiatus, he produced his first hit. Upon hearing one of his produced singles "Tupac Back" began to enjoy success on the Billboard rap and Hot 100 charts, Mike Will decided to quit school and focus on his music career full-time.[7] He has since advised aspiring music producers not to drop out of college if they are not sure of their own future career outcome or lacking a defined plan before entering the industry.[2]

Career[]

2011–2012: Production and mixtapes[]

In an interview with XXL, Mike Will said, "Gucci Mane was the first [major artist] to ever rap on my beat."[8] Mike Will first met Gucci Mane at Atlanta recording studio, PatchWerk Recording Studios, and upon introducing himself and giving Gucci Mane a CD of beats, Gucci Mane proceeded to freestyle over each of the instrumentals. He then offered Mike Will $1,000 for one of his beats.[9] The two artists began releasing songs together, such as "East Atlanta 6", and a number of songs from Gucci Mane's mixtape, No Pad, No Pencil. After developing this close relationship with Gucci Mane, he began working with other big-name Atlanta rappers such as Future, Waka Flocka Flame, Rocko, and 2 Chainz.[9]

In 2011, Mike Will released his first single, "Tupac Back", performed by Meek Mill and Rick Ross, from the compilation album Self Made Vol. 1.[10] The single was released on April 5, 2011, and peaked at No. 31 on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs Billboard chart.[11] This came after Mike Will submitted some of his beats to an A&R for Rick Ross' Maybach Music Group label.[10]

Also in 2011, Mike Will worked with Atlanta rapper Future, producing several popular and noteworthy songs together, including "Ain't No Way Around It",[12] "Itchin", and three songs from Future's 2012 major label debut album Pluto: "Neva End", "Truth Gonna Hurt You", and "Turn On the Lights".[2] "Turn On the Lights" was promoted as a single, and to date has peaked at No. 2 on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs Billboard chart.[13]

On December 27, 2011, Mike Will released his first mixtape, Est. in 1989 (Last of a Dying Breed).[14] It was released in conjunction with popular mixtape website LiveMixtapes.com.[14] Est. in 1989 includes 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.[15]

On March 23, 2012, Mike Will 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.[16] 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.[17] The album was released again on July 24, 2012, in partnership with LiveMixtapes.com.[17]

Will 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's T.R.U. REALigion mixtape.[18][19] 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."[20] 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.[20] The single, which features popular recording artist Drake, was released May 8, 2012, and debuted in the top 50 of the Billboard Hot 100, ultimately peaking at No. 1 on Billboard's Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart.[21] The single has been certified Gold by the Recording Industry Association of America, selling over 500,000 copies digitally.[22]

In 2012, Mike WiLL Made-It produced "Bandz a Make Her Dance", a single for Taylor Gang rapper Juicy J that also features Lil Wayne and 2 Chainz.[23] The song was listed as one of the 25 Best Songs of Summer 2012 by Complex magazine, and as of September 2012, the single had peaked at No. 14 on the Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart.[24][25]

Mike Will, alongside producers Kanye West, Mike Dean, Lifted, and Anthony Kilhoffer, co-produced the G.O.O.D. Music single "Mercy", which features vocals by Kanye West, Big Sean, 2 Chainz, and Pusha T.[26] "Mercy", released April 3, 2012, served as the lead single from the G.O.O.D. Music compilation album Cruel Summer, and peaked at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart, while reaching No. 13 on the Billboard Hot 100.[27][28] 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 second studio album Strange Clouds and "Pour It Up" from Rihanna's 2012 studio album, Unapologetic.[29][30]

In 2012 interviews, Mike Will mentioned upcoming work with Kanye West, Brandy, Big Sean, and Pusha T.[20]

The third installment of the series, entitled Est. in 1989 2.5 was released on December 24, 2012.[31] The mixtape featured guest appearances from Gucci Mane, Future, Rihanna, Big Sean, Trinidad Jame$, Lil Wayne, and other artists.[32]

2013–present: Debut studio album and Miley Cyrus collaborations[]

Mike Will executive produced Miley Cyrus's fourth studio album Bangerz (2013), including its lead single "We Can't Stop". He produced eight tracks on Bangerz and six tracks on Cyrus' other project Miley Cyrus & Her Dead Petz.

On September 9, 2013, Mike Will premiered his commercial debut single "23", featuring Wiz Khalifa, Juicy J and Miley Cyrus. He revealed that he had signed with Interscope Records to release his debut album.[33] His debut album will also feature Beyoncé, Future, Kendrick Lamar, and 2 Chainz.[34]

He was named producer of the year by HipHopDX on December 18, 2013.[35]

On June 17, 2014, Mike Will Made It released the first single from his mixtape, "Buy the World", featuring Future, Lil Wayne and Kendrick Lamar.[36] On December 15, 2014, he released his fifth mixtape, Ransom. Featured artists include Big Sean, Juicy J, 2 Chainz, Lil Wayne, and Kendrick Lamar.

On March 24, 2017, he released Ransom 2.[37] The bigger names showcase a quick flip through Mike Will's contact list: Rihanna, Kendrick Lamar, Future, Pharrell, Lil Wayne, Big Sean, Migos, YG, and more.[38]

On August 21, 2020, Mike Will released the single "Bang Bang" with rapper Chief Keef. He also announced that his upcoming project is "74%" done.[39] On November 6, 2020, Mike Will released the song, "What That Speed Bout!?" with rappers Nicki Minaj and YoungBoy Never Broke Again. It is the lead single to his upcoming album, Michael.[40]

Influences[]

In interviews, Mike Will has named several 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."[41] 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."[41] He also refers to DJ Toomp as "my big brother or my mentor", saying, "I love what he does."[41] In an interview, with AOL's The Boombox, Mike WiLL also cites Pharrell as a producer that he respects.

Personal life[]

He dated Miley Cyrus in 2013.[42]

Production equipment[]

Mike Will uses a variety of production equipment to create beats. His gear includes the Korg Triton, Akai MPC 1000, Logic Pro, FL Studio, Yamaha Motif, and the Roland Fantom-X.[2][43][44]

Ear Drummer Records[]

Ear Drummer Records
Parent companyUniversal Music Group
Founded2013; 8 years ago (2013)
FounderMike Will Made It
Distributor(s)Interscope Records
GenreHip hop
Country of originUnited States
LocationAtlanta, Georgia
Official websiteear-drummer.com

In 2006, Mike Will started his own production company called EarDrummers Entertainment. In 2013, he founded Ear Drummer Records (initially known as Eardruma Records) and signed the label to Interscope Records on December 19, 2013.[45][46] In 2014, Mike Will signed Rae Sremmurd and Two-9 to the label.[47][48]

Artists[]

In-house producers[]

Discography[]

See also: Mike Will Made It production discography

Studio albums[]

List of albums, with selected details
Title Album details Peak chart positions
US
[60] 		US R&B
[61] 		US Rap
[62] 		CAN
[63]
Ransom 2 24 15 10 77
Edgewood
(with Trouble)
  • Released: March 23, 2018[65]
  • Label: Ear Drummer, Interscope
  • Format: Digital download
 130 — — —
Michael[66]
  • Scheduled: 2022
  • Label: Ear Drummer, Atlantic
 — — — —

Soundtrack albums[]

List of soundtrack albums, with selected details
Title Album details Peak chart positions
US
[60] 		CAN
[63]
Creed II: The Album
  • Released: November 16, 2018[67]
  • Label: Ear Drummer, Interscope
  • Format: CD, digital download
 49 63

Mixtapes[]

List of mixtapes, with selected details
Title Mixtape details Peak chart positions
US
R&B
[61] 		US
Indie
[68] 		US
Heat
[69]
Est. in 1989 (Last of a Dying Breed)
  • Released: December 28, 2011[70]
  • Label: Self-released
  • Formats: Digital download
 — — —
Est. in 1989 Pt. 2 — — —
Est. in 1989 Pt. 2.5
  • Released: December 24, 2012[72]
  • Label: Self-released
  • Formats: Digital download
  • Hosted by DJ Drama
 — — —
#MikeWiLLBeenTriLL
  • Released: December 23, 2013[73]
  • Label: Self-released
  • Formats: Digital download
  • Hosted by Future
 — — —
Ransom
  • Released: December 15, 2014[74]
  • Label: Ear Drummer Records
  • Formats: Digital download
 — 45 4
Gotti Made-It
(with Yo Gotti)
  • Released: June 1, 2017[75]
  • Label: Self-released
  • Formats: Streaming, digital download
 40 7 —

Singles[]

List of singles, with selected chart positions and certifications, showing year released and album name
Title Year Peak chart positions Album
US
[76] 		US
R&B/HH
[77] 		US Rap
[78] 		AUS
[79] 		CAN
[80] 		FRA
[81] 		UK
[82]
"23"
(featuring Miley Cyrus, Wiz Khalifa and Juicy J) 		2013 11 2 2 39 26 30 85 Non-album single
"Buy the World"[83]
(featuring Future, Lil Wayne and Kendrick Lamar) 		2014 — 42 — — — — — Ransom
"Drinks On Us"[84]
(featuring Swae Lee, the Weeknd and Future) 		2015 — —[A] — — — — —
"Choppin' Blades"[86]
(featuring Jody Highroller and Slim Jxmmi) 		— — — — — — —
"Nothing Is Promised"
(with Rihanna) 		2016 75 26 — 69 — 25 64 Ransom 2
"It Takes Two"
(with Carly Rae Jepsen and Lil Yachty) 		2017 — — — — — — — Non-album single
"Gucci On My"
(featuring 21 Savage, YG, and Migos) 		—[B] 41 — — - — — Ransom 2
"Perfect Pint"[88]
(featuring Kendrick Lamar, Gucci Mane and Rae Sremmurd) 		— —[C] — — — — —
"Rake It Up"[75]
(with Yo Gotti featuring Nicki Minaj) 		8 5 3 — 52 — — Gotti Made-It
"Bring It Back"
(with Trouble and Drake) 		— — — — — Edgewood
"Aries (YuGo), Part 2"[89]
(with Big Sean, Pharrell, Quavo and Rae Sremmurd) 		2018 — — — — — — — Non-album single
"Kill 'Em with Success"[90]
(with Eearz, ScHoolboy Q and 2 Chainz) 		— — — — — — — Creed II: The Album
"The Mantra"[91]
(with Pharrell and Kendrick Lamar) 		— —[D] — — — — —
"Bang Bang"[39]
(with Chief Keef) 		2020 — — — — — — — TBA
"What That Speed Bout!?"[66]
(with Nicki Minaj and YoungBoy Never Broke Again) 		35 11 10 — 76 — — Michael
"Status"[93]
(with Chief Keef) 		— — — — — — — TBA
"—" denotes a recording that did not chart or was not released in that territory.

Promotional singles[]

List of singles, with selected chart positions and certifications, showing year released and album name
Title Year Peak chart positions Album
US
[76] 		US
R&B/HH
[77] 		US Rap
[78] 		AUS
[79] 		CAN
[80] 		FRA
[81] 		UK
"Black Barbies"
(with Nicki Minaj) 		2016 65 30 20 47 78 — — Non-album single
"—" denotes a recording that did not chart or was not released in that territory.

Notes[]

  1. ^ "Drinks On Us" did not enter the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart, but peaked at number five on the Bubbling Under R&B/Hip-Hop Singles chart.[85]
  2. ^ "Gucci On My" did not enter the Billboard Hot 100, but peaked at number 10 on the Bubbling Under Hot 100 Singles chart.[87]
  3. ^ "Perfect Pint" did not enter the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart, but peaked at number six on the Bubbling Under R&B/Hip-Hop Singles chart.[85]
  4. ^ "The Mantra" did not enter the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart, but peaked at number 47 on the R&B/Hip-Hop Airplay chart.[92]

Awards and nominations[]

BET Hip Hop Awards[]

The BET Hip Hop Awards were established in 2006 by the Black Entertainment Television network to celebrate hip-hop performers, producers, and music video directors.

Year Nomination Award Result Ref.
2013 "Bugatti" Track of the Year Nominated [94]
[95]
Best Club Banger Nominated
Mike Will Made It Producer of the Year Won
2014 Nominated [96]
"Move That Dope" Track of the Year Nominated
Best Club Banger Won
2015 Mike Will Made It Producer of the Year Nominated [97]
2016 Nominated [98]
2017 Nominated [99]
"HUMBLE." Single of the Year Nominated
Gotti Made-It Best Mixtape Nominated

Grammy Awards[]

Year Nominee / work Award Result Ref.
2017 Lemonade (Beyoncé) Album of the Year Nominated [100]
"Formation" (Beyoncé) Song of the Year Nominated
Record of the Year Nominated
2018 "HUMBLE." (Kendrick Lamar) Nominated [101]
Best Rap Song Won
2019 "King's Dead" Nominated [102]


iHeartRadio Music Awards[]

Year Nominated work Award Result Ref
2014 "Pour It Up" (Rihanna) Hip Hop/R&B Song of the Year Won [103]

References[]

  1. ^ "Mike Will Made-It". Billboard. Retrieved July 1, 2016.
  2. ^ a b c d e f g Noz, Andrew (April 30, 2012). "Beat Construction: Mike WiLL Made It". The Fader.
  3. ^ Pereira, Julian (March 5, 2012). "Beyond the Beats: Mike WiLL". Complex Magazine.
  4. ^ 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.
  5. ^ a b Devin Leonard (August 7, 2014). "Hip-Hop Producer Mike WiLL's Makeover of Miley Cyrus Was Only the Beginning". Bloomberg News. Retrieved March 16, 2016.
  6. ^ "Beat Construction: Mike Will Made It". The FADER. Retrieved May 10, 2018.
  7. ^ "Mike WiLL Made-It Debuts Ear Drummers' Act Rae Sremmurd". The Burton Wire. February 23, 2015. Retrieved March 16, 2016.
  8. ^ Bristout, Ralph (January 26, 2012). "Production Credit: Mike Will Speaks on Working With Rick Ross, Young Jeezy & 50 Cent". XXL Magazine.
  9. ^ a b "Mike Will Made It: The Billboard Cover Story". Billboard. August 9, 2013. Retrieved October 16, 2013.
  10. ^ a b Pereira, Julian (March 5, 2012). "Beyond the Beats: Mike WiLL". Complex Networks.
  11. ^ "R&B/Hip Hop Songs". Billboard Magazine. July 9, 2011.
  12. ^ Pereira, Julian (March 5, 2012). "Beyond the Beats: Mike WiLL". Complex Magazine.
  13. ^ "R&B/Hip Hop Songs". Billboard Magazine. September 24, 2012.
  14. ^ a b "Mike Will – Est. In 1989 (Last Of A Dying Breed)". Live Mixtapes. December 27, 2011.
  15. ^ Moore, Jacob (December 27, 2011). "Mixtape: Mike WiLL Made-It "Est. In 1989"". Complex Magazine.
  16. ^ Cooper, Duncan (March 23, 2012). "Gucci Mane and Waka Flocka Flame, "Back 2 The Basics" (Prod. by Mike WiLL Made-It) MP3". Fader Magazine.
  17. ^ a b Zeichner, Naomi (July 24, 2012). "Download Mike Will Made It's Est. In 1989 (Part 2) Mixtape". The Fader.
  18. ^ "Audio: Tity Boi Ft. Busta Rhymes – Lala [Prod. By Mike WiLL Made-It] (NO DJ)". Dirty Glove Bastard. February 23, 2012.[permanent dead link]
  19. ^ Pereira, Julian (March 5, 2012). "Beyond the Beat: Mike Will". Complex Magazine.
  20. ^ a b c Pereira, Julian (May 4, 2012). "Interview: Mike Will On Producing 2 Chainz & Drake's "No Lie"". Complex Magazine.
  21. ^ "R&B/Hip Hop Songs". Billboard Magazine. September 15, 2012.
  22. ^ Horowitz, Steven J. (July 26, 2012). "2 Chainz's "No Lie" Certified Gold". Hip Hop DX. Archived from the original on April 3, 2015. Retrieved September 25, 2012.
  23. ^ "Juicy J – Bands A Make Her Dance (rmx) f. Lil Wayne & 2 Chainz". 2 Dope Boyz. June 18, 2012.
  24. ^ "The 25 Best Songs of Summer 2012". Complex Magazine. August 16, 2012.
  25. ^ "R&B/Hip Hop Songs". Billboard Magazine. September 29, 2012.
  26. ^ "The 25 Best Songs of Summer 2012". Complex Magazine. August 16, 2012.
  27. ^ "Hot 100". Billboard Magazine.
  28. ^ "Hot 100". Billboard Magazine.
  29. ^ Pereira, Julian (March 5, 2012). "Beyond the Beats: Mike WiLL". Complex Networks.
  30. ^ "B.o.B. Speaks on Mike WiLL Made-It's Est. in 1989 Pt.2 p(Video)". 2 Dope Boyz. July 6, 2012.
  31. ^ Meka, Meka (December 24, 2012). "Mike WiLL Made It – Est In 1989 2.5 (Mixtape)". 2 Dope Boyz.
  32. ^ "Mike WiLL Made It "Est. In 1989 2.5" Mixtape Cover Art & Release Date". HipHop DX. Archived from the original on April 3, 2015. Retrieved December 1, 2012.
  33. ^ "Mike WiLL Made It, Miley Cyrus, Wiz Khalifa, Juicy J "23"". Complex. September 9, 2013. Retrieved October 16, 2013.
  34. ^ "Mike WiLL Made It f/ Miley Cyrus, Wiz Khalifa & Juicy J "23" Video". Complex. September 24, 2013. Retrieved October 16, 2013.
  35. ^ http://hiphopdx.com, HipHopDX -. "The 2013 HipHopDX Year End Awards". Archived from the original on January 22, 2014. Retrieved July 1, 2016.
  36. ^ "Buy the World (feat. Lil Wayne, Kendrick Lamar & Future) – Single by Mike Will Made-It on iTunes". iTunes. June 17, 2014. Retrieved July 1, 2016.
  37. ^ "Mike Will Made-It Reveals 'Ransom 2' Release Date". Billboard. Retrieved January 4, 2018.
  38. ^ "Mike WiLL Made-It: Ransom 2 Album Review | Pitchfork". pitchfork.com. Retrieved January 4, 2018.
  39. ^ a b @MikeWiLLMadeIt (August 20, 2020). "GOT SOSA IN HIS BAG