No young producer in hip-hop is at the epicenter of more buzz than Mike Will Made It. The ATLien is credited with producing three of the biggest rap songs of the year (commercially speaking)—Lil Wayne’s “Bitches Love Me,” Ace Hood’s “Bugatti,” and Juicy J’s “Bandz A Make Her Dance”—and he has since ventured into making Pop and R&B hits like Ciara’s “Body Party,” Kelly Rowland’s “Kisses Down Low,” and Miley Cyrus’ “We Can’t Stop.” Mike Will has a rather unorthodox style for a producer of mostly trap music and it is showing in his now rapidly diversifying catalog. Hip-hop is where he is still most at home, though, and following a stellar showing on Jay Z’s Magna Carta Holy Grail, Mike Will’s name will be found on several other rap albums this year, including 2 Chainz’s B.O.A.T.S. II: Me Time and (potentially) Drake’s Nothing Was The Same.
While all that was going on, Mike Will was also in the process of making his own album, Est. In 1989 Pt. 3, the first commercial installment of his mixtape series, and the album’s long awaited lead single, “23,” has finally been liberated. The record, featuring Juicy J and Wiz Khalifa, and showcasing both raps and vocals from America’s favorite problem child, Miley Cyrus, is a certified banger, and all three artists address their individual obsessions with Jordans. Mike Will continues to display his mastery of sound with thumping basslines and super spacey sounds; “23′ is a great example of why he’s one of the most sought after producers in hip-hop. Added bonus: Miley’s rap debut isn’t as awkward as you might think. The song just works for reasons that cannot be explained. Stream “23” below via Interscope Records, and be on the lookout for Est. In 1989 Pt.3, which is due out soon.
