Inside Turbo’s Playbook: The Producer Who Changed Hip-Hop Forever

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One name that has become synonymous with shaping the genre’s sound and pushing its boundaries is Turbo. A multi-platinum, Grammy-nominated powerhouse, Turbo has been at the heart of some of the most influential songs and albums of the past decade. From Gunna and Lil Baby to Young Thug, Drake, Travis Scott, and Playboi Carti, his fingerprints are on some of the biggest tracks in modern hip-hop. As he continues to build his empire through his label, THE PLAYMAKERS, and his own music, Turbo’s impact on the culture is undeniable—and it’s only getting bigger.

Born and raised in Atlanta, Georgia, Turbo’s journey into music began at an early age. Music was not just a background element in his life but a constant. His mother, an avid listener of artists like Jill Scott and Missy Elliott, was his first musical influence. At just 9 years old, he would sneakily use his mother’s boombox, absorbing the sounds that would shape his future. From church hymns to the soulful melodies of neo-soul, music was deeply woven into his upbringing.

Turbo’s first exposure to creating music came when he began playing around on his grandmother’s piano and experimenting with sound in his aunt’s garage. By the time he was 14, Turbo was producing his own beats. Though his high school years were filled with a deepening commitment to his craft, his passion for music didn’t stop at production. Turbo dabbled in rapping, engineering, and even releasing four projects in high school—all while honing the skills that would later propel him to the top.

In his early career, Turbo wasn’t just a producer; he was a versatile creator. But his true ambition was always to become one of the best producers in the game. His relentless work ethic, fueled by his experiences in Atlanta’s vibrant music scene, laid the groundwork for what would become a legendary career.

“I always aspired to be a producer,” Turbo reflects. “Everything else was just a stepping stone.”

It wasn’t long before Turbo’s work started catching the attention of major industry figures. His first significant break came when he landed a placement on T.I.’s Bankroll Mafia project. This opportunity marked a turning point for Turbo, validating his position as a serious producer in the industry. It wasn’t just about the financial success—it was about proving to himself that he could make it in the competitive world of hip-hop.

Turbo credits his connections in College Park and his relentless pursuit of his craft for making this opportunity possible. As he began to rise, the young producer would meet Gunna, then on the rise as well. The two forged a bond that would define the next chapter of Turbo’s career.

Turbo’s partnership with Gunna was nothing short of transformative. Their creative chemistry began to flourish around 2016 when they started spending more time together in the studio. Gunna was going through a difficult period in his career, but Turbo was there to help him find his creative spark once again. The result was Drip Season 3, a pivotal project that laid the foundation for some of the duo’s most iconic hits.

However, “Drip Too Hard,” the hit single from the collaborative album Drip Harder with Lil Baby, truly changed the trajectory of both Gunna and Lil Baby’s careers. Fans immediately gravitated toward the track, making it an instant hit. Turbo recalls hearing the hook and immediately recognizing that it was a potential banger. He worked tirelessly behind the scenes, coordinating sessions and overseeing the production to ensure “Drip Too Hard” reached its full potential. The track would become 10 times platinum, a massive milestone in Turbo’s career.

“The project was successful, but those two mega-hits took it to a whole new level,” Turbo says. “When you create something special, you don’t know how big it’s going to be, but it was undeniable that both songs had that magic.” Turbo played a crucial role in organizing the sessions that brought Gunna and Lil Baby together, and the rest, as they say, is history.

Turbo’s rise in the industry didn’t stop there. He went on to collaborate with some of the biggest names in hip-hop. From Travis Scott’s “YOSEMITE” to Lil Baby’s “Close Friends” and Young Thug’s “Quarantine Clean,” Turbo’s production continued to shape the sound of contemporary rap. His style was innovative yet rooted in authenticity, blending modern trap beats with organic instrumentation—particularly the use of guitars, which was a signature sound that set him apart from his contemporaries.

“I’ve always been drawn to acoustic sounds,” Turbo explains. “When I first started using guitars in my beats, it wasn’t the norm in hip-hop, but it felt right. I’ve always had a deep love for real instruments, and that’s something I wanted to bring into my production.”

Turbo’s sound became synonymous with both innovation and authenticity. Whether it was the mellow vibe of Roddy Ricch’s “Survivor’s Remorse” or the high-energy collaboration with Moneybagg Yo and Morgan Wallen on “Whiskey, Whiskey,” Turbo’s versatility as a producer became his calling card.

Now, as one of the industry’s top producers, Turbo is focused on creating opportunities for the next generation. His label, THE PLAYMAKERS, is more than just a label—it’s a movement. Turbo’s vision for THE PLAYMAKERS is simple but powerful: to build a community of artists, producers, and engineers who can collaborate, learn, and grow together. He envisions the label as an ecosystem, a space where creative minds can thrive, share knowledge, and push the boundaries of what’s possible.

“The concept of being a Playmaker is about being versatile,” Turbo explains. “It’s about making plays in every aspect—whether that’s producing, signing artists, or creating new opportunities for people in the industry. We’re not just signing rappers; we’re signing real artists, people with vision and passion.”

Recruiting talent from across the globe, Turbo has already begun to expand the PLAYMAKERS roster. His long-term goal is to develop successful artists from the ground up—just as he did with Gunna.

“Everything I do now is about creating stars and building a legacy that goes beyond just making hits,” Turbo says. “I want to be known as someone who not only created incredible music but who also opened doors for the next generation. My goal is to take this label to the moon.”

As Turbo continues to expand his influence, his advice for aspiring producers is clear: work hard, stay authentic, and be consistent. “Work as hard as you can. Stay consistent. Be a real person and have values. That’s what I tell any young producer or young person. As long as you pay attention to details and put in your hours, you’ll get it.”

Turbo's rise is a reflection of the rewards that come with consistency and being authentic. From his early days in Atlanta to becoming a sought-after producer, he has built a career based on one simple truth: hard work pays off. As he continues to nurture talent through THE PLAYMAKERS and work on his own music, it’s clear that Turbo is far from done. He’s shaping the future of hip-hop, one hit at a time.

Looking ahead, Turbo's impact on the music industry will be undeniable. With his label, his own forthcoming album, and a roster of artists he is nurturing, Turbo is poised to leave a legacy that will influence the culture for years to come. His ability to innovate while staying true to his roots will ensure his place in hip-hop history is cemented as one of the genre's most influential producers.