TM88
TM88, born Bryan Lamar Simmons on April 4, 1987, in Miami, Florida, is an American record producer, DJ, and songwriter renowned for his pivotal role in shaping modern trap music as a co-founder of the influential production collective 808 Mafia.[1][2] Raised partly in Eufaula, Alabama, before his family settled in Atlanta, Georgia, Simmons began his career selling beats for $40 each as early as age 12, drawing inspiration from producers like Lil Jon, Polow da Don, and Timbaland.[3][2][4] A Grammy-nominated, multi-platinum artist, TM88's signature sound features dark, futuristic synths, heavy 808 bass drums, and atmospheric elements that have defined Atlanta's trap aesthetic since the early 2010s.[2][5] He co-founded 808 Mafia in 2010 alongside Southside and others, initially linked to Waka Flocka's Bricksquad Monopoly label, where the group's signature producer tag—"808 Mafiaaa"—became a hallmark of hits like Future's "March Madness" and Young Thug's "Danny Glover."[2][2] Signed to Bricksquad himself, TM88 contributed to the collective's rise, producing for a roster of artists including Gucci Mane, Migos, Travis Scott, and Juicy J, with whom he later formed the supergroup TGOD Mafia.[6][2] Among his most notable productions are Lil Uzi Vert's "XO Tour Llif3" (2017), a 14x Platinum single that has amassed over 580 million YouTube views (as of 2025); Future's "Codeine Crazy" from 56 Nights (2015); and Travis Scott's "No Bystanders" featuring 21 Savage from Astroworld (2018).[2][7] Other key credits include Young Thug and Future's "Blue Jean Bandit," Travis Scott's "Coordinate" and "Nightcrawler," and XXXTentacion's "going down!" from SKINS (2018).[2][8] In 2015, following a brief split from 808 Mafia, he released his debut project Sacii Lyfe and founded the Crash Dummy production team to mentor emerging talent.[6][2] TM88 has since dropped solo efforts like High Maintenance (2016), while continuing to innovate in hip-hop production, including co-producing Playboi Carti and Future's "TRIM" (2025).[2][9]Early life
Birth and early childhood
Bryan Lamar Simmons, professionally known as TM88, was born on April 4, 1987, in Miami, Florida. He spent his early childhood in modest circumstances, including a brief period in Eufaula, Alabama, before his family relocated to Atlanta, Georgia, where he was primarily raised.[10][3] Growing up in humble surroundings, Simmons had limited access to professional music equipment during his formative years, relying on basic resources to explore his creative interests.[2] This environment fostered a resourceful mindset that would later define his production style. Simmons's initial exposure to hip-hop came through admiration for pioneering producers like Mannie Fresh, Drumma Boy, and Timbaland, whose work he studied closely as a teenager, igniting a casual passion for crafting beats.[4] By age 12, he began selling original beats for $40 each, marking the start of his hands-on engagement with music production.[2] The eventual move to Atlanta proved pivotal, providing greater access to the vibrant hip-hop community and opportunities that propelled his career forward.[11]Move to Atlanta and education
Bryan Lamar Simmons, professionally known as TM88, relocated from Eufaula, Alabama, to the suburbs of Atlanta, Georgia, transitioning from a quieter, small-town life in the projects to the bustling urban landscape of the city's hip-hop epicenter. This move immersed him in Atlanta's dynamic cultural environment, where the pervasive influence of Southern rap and trap music began shaping his artistic perspective.[12][3] During high school in Atlanta, Simmons formed a loose collective with friends called the 8800 Block, a group that inspired the numeric element in his producer moniker and tag. It was around age 15, amid these adolescent social circles, that he started experimenting with music production, drawing initial inspiration from horror movie soundtracks like Michael Myers' theme and producers such as Mannie Fresh, whose work with Lil Jon exemplified the era's crunk sound.[4] Self-taught on a household computer, Simmons discovered digital beat-making through Fruity Loops software after visiting his cousin's home and observing the program in action. He recalled waking up one morning, heading to his cousin's place, and immediately replicating the setup to create his first beats, marking the beginning of his foundational explorations in trap production without formal training.[11]Career beginnings
Initial production efforts
TM88's initial forays into music production were marked by self-taught experimentation using basic software, building on skills he developed during high school.[13] Around 2008–2010, he created early demo beats primarily with Fruity Loops on his cousin's computer, drawing inspiration from horror movie soundtracks to craft dark, atmospheric sounds. These beats were shared online via platforms like MySpace, where he uploaded instrumentals to reach a wider audience in Atlanta's burgeoning trap scene.[13][2] To build visibility, TM88 participated in local gigs and freestyle sessions at Atlanta clubs, often playing his beats through portable boomboxes to engage emerging rappers and cultivate a small following among neighborhood artists. This grassroots approach helped him connect with local talent, though it remained confined to independent circles.[13] Throughout these efforts, TM88 encountered significant challenges, including limited access to professional equipment—he often worked with just a basic computer setup in a sparse room without even a bed—and frequent rejections from labels that overlooked his unpolished demos. These obstacles underscored the hurdles of breaking into the industry without formal backing, yet they fueled his persistence in refining his craft independently.[2][13][14]Signing with Bricksquad and 808 Mafia formation
In 2012, TM88 signed as an in-house producer with Gucci Mane's Bricksquad Monopoly imprint, an offshoot of 1017 Records, after building connections through beat submissions and early work in Atlanta's hip-hop scene. This deal came on the heels of his initial productions for Bricksquad-affiliated artists like Slim Dunkin, providing him access to major resources and collaborations within the label's roster.[15][13] That same year, TM88 co-founded the production collective 808 Mafia alongside Southside and Lex Luger, with additional members joining to emphasize a signature trap sound characterized by heavy 808 bass, sharp hi-hats, and ominous synths. Inspired by the late Slim Dunkin, who urged the producers to unite their talents, the group aimed to dominate the emerging trap genre by pooling their skills for cohesive, high-impact beats. Lex Luger's departure shortly after formation shifted focus to TM88 and Southside as the core duo, solidifying 808 Mafia's role as a powerhouse in Atlanta's music ecosystem.[2][11] Early contributions from 808 Mafia included co-productions for Bricksquad artists, notably tracks featuring Waka Flocka Flame, such as "Tyler Perry" with Slim Dunkin in 2010 and subsequent releases that helped define the label's aggressive trap aesthetic. These efforts showcased the collective's ability to craft beats that amplified Waka Flocka Flame's energetic style, laying groundwork for broader industry placements while remaining tied to Bricksquad's roster.[15][13]Rise to prominence
Early collaborations in trap scene
TM88's entry into the trap production landscape gained momentum through his work with Gucci Mane, beginning with the co-production of the title track "Trap House 3" featuring Rick Ross on Gucci Mane's 2013 mixtape Trap House III. This beat, shared with Southside, featured booming 808 basslines and atmospheric synths that exemplified the emerging Atlanta sound, marking one of TM88's earliest high-profile credits under the 1017 Brick Squad umbrella.[16][17] Following this, TM88 contributed additional beats to Gucci Mane projects, including tracks on the World War 3 mixtape series later that year, solidifying his ties to the label and its roster of trap artists.[18] That same year, TM88 provided the haunting, piano-driven beat for "Codeine Crazy" on Future's mixtape Monster (2014), a standout that captured the introspective side of Future's codeine-fueled narratives amid the project's overall dark, narcotic atmosphere. The track's minimalistic arrangement and prominent 808 slides contributed to Monster's acclaim.[19] As a core member of the 808 Mafia collective—formed as a platform for collaborative trap production—TM88 played a pivotal role in popularizing the 808-heavy sound that defined mid-2010s Atlanta trap, emphasizing distorted bass, eerie melodies, and rapid percussion to create immersive, street-oriented beats.[13][20]Breakthrough hits and mainstream recognition
TM88's breakthrough came in 2017 with his production on Lil Uzi Vert's "XO Tour Llif3," a track that blended emotional vulnerability with trap elements, propelling it to No. 7 on the Billboard Hot 100 and marking Uzi's highest-charting solo single at the time.[21] The song's success, driven by its atmospheric beat and viral appeal, later earned 11x platinum (diamond) certification from the RIAA in 2022 for 11 million units sold in the U.S., solidifying TM88's role in bridging underground trap sounds to mainstream pop-rap.[22][23] In 2015, building on early trap collaborations that honed his signature style of booming 808s and melodic synths, TM88 expanded his reach with "Company" by Drake featuring Travis Scott, from Drake's mixtape If You're Reading This It's Too Late. Co-produced with WondaGurl and Travis Scott, the track earned a Grammy nomination for Best Rap/Sung Performance at the 59th Annual Grammy Awards, TM88's first such recognition and a testament to his growing influence in high-profile rap circles.[24][25] By the late 2010s and into the early 2020s, TM88's productions continued to garner acclaim, including his work on Drake's "Way 2 Sexy" featuring Future and Young Thug from Certified Lover Boy in 2021, which debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100—his first chart-topping hit as a producer.[26] This period also saw him receive an NAACP Image Award nomination for Outstanding Music Producer in 2021, highlighting his contributions to Black excellence in music.[27] TM88 accumulated multiple RIAA multi-platinum plaques for his hits, including the diamond status of "XO Tour Llif3" and certifications for other chart successes, underscoring his transition to global recognition.[26]Solo projects and business ventures
Key album releases
TM88's first major collaborative album project, TGOD Mafia: Rude Awakening, was released on June 3, 2016, through Atlantic Records and Taylor Gang Entertainment, featuring rappers Juicy J and Wiz Khalifa alongside TM88's production.[28] The 16-track album showcases TM88's trap-influenced beats, with him handling production on several cuts including "Da Power" and co-producing "Medication" with Southside.[29] The full tracklist includes: "TGOD Mafia Intro," "Da Power," "Medication," "All On Me," "Rude Awakening," "Smoke A Nigga," "Ballin'," "No No No," "All Night," "Cruisin'," "I'm Da Man," "All I Know," "Kush N Cudi," "Wake N Bake," "Blacc Hollywood," and "Stoner's Night Out."[30] It debuted at No. 26 on the Billboard 200 and reached No. 3 on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart, selling 15,000 equivalent units in its first week.[31] Critics praised the production for its energetic, bass-heavy sound but noted the lyrical content as formulaic, with HipHopDX highlighting its strong beats despite average rapping.[32] In 2018, TM88 released the collaborative mixtape 88 Birdz with Cleveland rapper Doe Boy on August 22 via Freebandz, executive produced by Young Thug and primarily produced by TM88, with additional contributions from co-producers on select tracks.[33] The 11-track project highlights TM88's signature hi-hats and 808s, with guest appearances from Young Thug, Future, Moneybagg Yo, and Juicy J elevating tracks like "10 Piece" and "Both Sides."[34] The tracklist comprises: "Slimey As It Get" (ft. Young Thug), "2 Smoove," "38," "Too Much," "10 Piece" (ft. Future & Young Thug), "Both Sides" (ft. Moneybagg Yo), "Ain't No Love," "Ghetto Superstar" (ft. Juicy J), "Streetz Need Me 2," "Oh Really," and "Back in My Bag" (ft. Future).[35] Reception was mixed, with HipHopDX commending the ambition and standout collaborations but criticizing repetitive sequencing; it did not chart on major Billboard lists but garnered attention for its Atlanta trap affiliations.[36] TM88's 2021 collaborative album Yo!88 with producer Pi'erre Bourne was released on December 10 through Capitol Records, Interscope, and SossHouse, blending TM88's hard-hitting trap with Bourne's melodic elements across 11 tracks.[37] Notable collaborations include Playboi Carti on "Chit Chat," Gunna on "Block Boy," Lil Uzi Vert on "Cullinan," Young Nudy on "Richer Dreams," and Wiz Khalifa on "99 Problems & a Dream."[38] The tracklist is: "OMS," "Pop Out," "HomeComing," "Stunt 102," "Chit Chat" (ft. Playboi Carti), "Yo!Gurt," "Richer Dreams" (ft. Young Nudy), "Love Scam," "Cullinan" (ft. Lil Uzi Vert), "Block Boy" (ft. Gunna), and "99 Problems & a Dream" (ft. Wiz Khalifa).[39] While it received positive user feedback for its chemistry and hooks on platforms like Album of the Year (average score 70/100), some reviews called it underwhelming compared to the producers' solo work; it peaked on niche Billboard charts but did not enter the top 100 of the Billboard 200.[40][41]Launch of Crash Dummy Records
In 2018, TM88 founded Crash Dummy Records as an independent imprint under his production banner, establishing it as a collective dedicated to advancing trap music production and artist development in Atlanta.[42] The label emerged from TM88's vision to create a supportive platform for up-and-coming talent, drawing inspiration from his experiences with 808 Mafia while aiming to foster innovation and collaboration in hip-hop.[43] Crash Dummy quickly signed emerging producers and artists, including key members like Too Dope, Akachi, and Armani White, with Too Dope becoming one of the first signees and contributing to high-profile tracks such as the co-production on Drake's "Way 2 Sexy" in 2021.[43] Initial releases focused on singles featuring up-and-coming rappers, showcasing the collective's ability to blend mentorship with creative output, helping signed talent gain placements on major projects.[44] The business model of Crash Dummy Records centers on trap production mentorship, operating as a family-like team of approximately 10-11 producers who collaborate closely to elevate each other's work and avoid industry oversaturation.[43] By prioritizing quality over quantity, the label provides opportunities for growth, leading to achievements like Grammy nominations and platinum certifications for its members. As of 2025, the label has expanded with collaborations such as the 2024 "Weird Construction" sound pack with FL Studio and contributions to projects like Yeat's Lyfestyle.[43] TM88's mainstream successes, including productions on Lil Uzi Vert's "XO Tour Llif3," served as the financial foundation enabling this expansion into label ownership.[45]Musical style and influences
Signature production techniques
TM88's production style is characterized by a heavy reliance on booming 808 basslines, which form the foundational low-end pulse in his trap beats, often tuned and layered for maximum impact within the 808 Mafia collective's signature sound.[43] These bass elements are typically crafted using FL Studio, his primary digital audio workstation.[46] Complementing the 808s are crisp and dynamic hi-hats, part of the gritty trap percussion typical of Southern trap.[43] Synths play a role in TM88's sound design, contributing to a moody backdrop in his tracks.[47] He incorporates melodic samples sourced via tools like Serato Sample.[46] In early 808 Mafia tracks, these elements combine with trap percussion patterns—featuring snappy snares and layered kicks—to produce a gritty, street-oriented aesthetic that defined the group's breakthrough era.[43] Over time, TM88 evolved his techniques to include crossover elements, evident in productions like Lil Uzi Vert's "XO Tour Llif3," which he created using FL Studio on a portable setup.[14] This track broadened appeal while retaining core trap elements.[14]Artistic influences and evolution
TM88's artistic influences are deeply rooted in the Southern hip-hop landscape, particularly the innovative sounds of early producers who shaped the region's rap ecosystem. He has cited Mannie Fresh, Drumma Boy, and Zaytoven as key inspirations, drawing from their pioneering use of heavy basslines, crisp snares, and atmospheric synths that defined bounce and trap aesthetics in the late 1990s and early 2000s.[47] These figures, along with broader influences like Three 6 Mafia, Shawty Redd, Timbaland, The Neptunes, and Outkast, informed TM88's early approach to blending gritty percussion with melodic layers, allowing him to adapt non-trap elements into his foundational trap sound.[48] In the 2010s, TM88's style was firmly entrenched in pure trap production, characterized by aggressive 808 patterns and rapid hi-hat rolls that became staples of Atlanta's sound.[47][46] However, his work has evolved toward greater versatility, incorporating more emotive elements while retaining core trap drum foundations. This progression reflects his self-described growth from initial trap-focused beats to a broader palette, as seen in collaborations emphasizing emotional depth.[47] He has noted, "I’ve evolved... I can do a lot more now than I could back then," highlighting a shift influenced by his desire to push beyond traditional boundaries.[47] Atlanta's trap ecosystem played a pivotal role in this stylistic development, fostering a collaborative environment where producers like TM88 experimented with genre fusion amid the city's dominance in hip-hop innovation.[48] This ecosystem's emphasis on adaptability has allowed him to apply influences like Timbaland's unique sonic textures to create tracks that resonate across genres.[48] As of 2025, TM88 continues to innovate with dark, layered production in recent releases such as the "CARTEL" single (2024) and contributions to "FREE MASK" (2025).[43][49]Discography
Albums and mixtapes
TM88 has released several collaborative albums and mixtapes throughout his career, often partnering with prominent artists in the trap and hip-hop scenes to showcase his production style characterized by heavy 808 basslines and atmospheric synths. His debut major project, TGOD Mafia: Rude Awakening, was a collaborative album with Juicy J and Wiz Khalifa under the TGOD Mafia supergroup. Released on June 3, 2016, via Taylor Gang Entertainment and Atlantic Records, the 16-track effort featured TM88 handling primary production duties, blending trap beats with the rappers' signature flows on tracks like "All Night" and "Da Power." The album debuted at number 26 on the Billboard 200 chart.[29] In 2018, TM88 teamed up with Cleveland rapper Doe Boy for the mixtape 88 Birdz, released independently on August 22 via Freebandz and Rubberband Money Gang. Executive produced by Young Thug, the 11-track project highlighted TM88's beatmaking with guest appearances from Future and Young Thug on standout cuts like "10 Piece" and "Slimey As It Get," emphasizing street narratives over booming, melodic instrumentals. The release received positive attention for its cohesive sound but did not chart on the Billboard 200.[33] TM88's 2016 solo mixtape High Maintenance featured his production alongside guest artists, further establishing his sound in the trap genre. TM88's most recent full-length project as of 2025 is Yo!88, a collaborative album with producer Pi'erre Bourne released on December 10, 2021, through Crash Dummy Records and Capitol Records. The 11-track tape featured major artists including Wiz Khalifa, Young Nudy, and Roy Woods, with TM88 and Bourne trading production credits on futuristic, wavy beats for songs like "Block Boy" and "OMS." It garnered acclaim for its innovative trap sound and debuted with strong streaming numbers, though specific Billboard 200 positioning was not among the top debuts that week.[37] In 2022, TM88 collaborated with Kso Jaynes on the album Crashed On Route 88, blending trap elements with introspective themes.[50]| Title | Release Date | Label | Collaborators | Key Features/Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| TGOD Mafia: Rude Awakening | June 3, 2016 | Taylor Gang/Atlantic | Juicy J, Wiz Khalifa | Debuted #26 on Billboard 200; 16 tracks, all produced by TM88 |
| High Maintenance | 2016 | Independent | Various | Solo mixtape showcasing TM88's production |
| 88 Birdz | August 22, 2018 | Freebandz/Rubberband Money Gang | Doe Boy | Executive produced by Young Thug; features Future, Young Thug |
| Yo!88 | December 10, 2021 | Crash Dummy/Capitol | Pi'erre Bourne | Features Wiz Khalifa, Young Nudy; 11 tracks with dual production |
| Crashed On Route 88 | 2022 | Independent | Kso Jaynes | Collaborative album with trap and introspective elements |
EPs and singles
TM88 has ventured into releasing material as a lead and featured artist, often blending his signature trap production with rapping and collaborations that highlight his role in the genre's evolution. These releases, primarily EPs and standalone singles, demonstrate his ability to step from behind the boards to the forefront, frequently featuring high-profile guests and achieving notable streaming traction. In 2019, TM88 teamed up with producer 5AM for the EP 5:88, a five-track effort that emphasizes atmospheric trap instrumentals layered with minimalistic rap verses. Tracks such as "5:88" and "Track Meet" highlight the duo's chemistry, blending TM88's booming 808s with 5AM's melodic flair, and it was distributed through major streaming services like Spotify. The project received praise for its cohesive sound, appealing to fans of experimental trap production. As a lead artist, TM88's singles often serve as previews to larger projects or standalone experiments. "Medication" (2016), featuring Juicy J and Wiz Khalifa, was a promotional single from the collaborative album TGOD Mafia: Rude Awakening, where TM88 raps alongside the duo over his self-produced beat. The track's hazy, synth-driven vibe contributed to the album's streaming success, amassing millions of plays on platforms like Spotify.[51] "Slayerr" (2019), featuring Lil Uzi Vert, marks a high point in TM88's solo-leaning output, with Uzi's rock-infused delivery over TM88's euphoric production creating an anthemic trap-rock hybrid. Released as a single ahead of TM88's planned 88Effect project, it quickly gained buzz for its energetic replay value and was highlighted by outlets for bridging TM88's production roots with Uzi's star power.[52] Later singles include "Block Boy" (2021) with Pi'erre Bourne, the lead track from their collaborative album Yo!88. TM88 handles verses and production, delivering boastful lyrics over a bouncy, futuristic beat that exemplifies his evolving style. The single helped propel the album's reception, with its infectious hook driving streams on Apple Music and YouTube.[37] More recently, "CARTEL" (2024) pairs TM88 with emerging artist rari kari in an independent release produced by TM88 and others. The gritty, bass-heavy track explores street themes and has circulated on streaming platforms, marking TM88's continued push into new collaborations outside major labels.[53]| Release | Year | Type | Key Collaborators | Notable Impact |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5:88 | 2019 | EP | 5AM | Experimental trap sound; strong streaming presence on Spotify |
| "Medication" | 2016 | Single | Juicy J, Wiz Khalifa | Promotional hit from TGOD Mafia: Rude Awakening; millions of streams |
| "Slayerr" | 2019 | Single | Lil Uzi Vert | Buzz from Pitchfork and Complex; trap-rock fusion |
| "Block Boy" | 2021 | Single | Pi'erre Bourne | Lead for Yo!88 album; highlighted in Billboard interviews |
| "CARTEL" | 2024 | Single | rari kari | Independent release; recent streaming traction on Apple Music |