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Travis Porter

Travis Porter is an American hip hop trio from , consisting of stepbrothers (Lakeem Mattox) and Quez (Donquez Woods), along with their friend (Harold Duncan), whom they met while attending the same middle school. The group originally formed in 2006 under the name Hard Hitters before adopting the moniker Travis Porter in 2008. They rose to prominence through viral videos and mixtapes starting around 2009, pioneering a high-energy style of party rap that emphasized club anthems, culture, and Southern influences, significantly impacting Atlanta's hip hop scene. Key breakthroughs included their 2010 single "Make It Rain," which became a staple and amassed millions of views online, followed by hits like "Bring It Back" (2010) and "Ayy Ladies" featuring and (2011), both of which charted on the Hot 100. Their debut studio album, From Day 1, released in 2012 under Porter House Music Group and , solidified their status with production from notable figures like , while subsequent mixtapes such as Mr. Porter (2013) maintained their underground momentum. Known for energetic live performances and contributions to the "ratchet" subgenre of hip hop, Travis Porter influenced a wave of Southern groups by blending explicit lyrics, catchy hooks, and digital promotion strategies that predated mainstream streaming dominance. The group continued releasing music independently, including the 2021 album Travy Estates and the 2025 project Pilates, maintaining their presence in the scene.

Background

Members

Travis Porter is an hip-hop trio consisting of Lakeem "Ali" Mattox, Donquez "Quez" Woods, and Harold "Strap" Duncan, all natives of Decatur, Georgia, with deep roots in the Atlanta area. Ali and Quez, who are stepbrothers, met Strap while attending the same in Decatur, where the three bonded over their shared interest in music and began collaborating as young teenagers. Born in the late and early —Quez on September 4, 1990, Strap on January 25, 1991, and Ali in 1992—the members grew up in a vibrant hip-hop scene that influenced their energetic, party-oriented sound. In 2006, they officially formed the group under the name Hard Hitters, laying the foundation for their collective style that emphasizes high-energy delivery and club-ready anthems. Ali, born Lakeem Mattox, serves as one of the group's more composed and polished rappers, often providing structured verses that anchor the trio's tracks with smooth flows and charismatic presence. Raised in Decatur, he shares a familial bond with Quez that has shaped their creative synergy since childhood, contributing to the group's cohesive dynamic through his role in songwriting and performance refinement. His upbringing instilled a love for traditions, which he blends into the party's upbeat, celebratory vibe that defines Travis Porter. Quez, whose real name is Donquez , brings a manic and infectious energy to the group, often delivering rapid, hype-filled lines that amplify the party aesthetic with his bold, unfiltered personality. As Ali's stepbrother, he was instrumental in the early formation of Hard Hitters, drawing from his Decatur roots and experiences in local schools to fuel the trio's raw, street-smart edge. His contributions emphasize themes of fun and extravagance, helping to craft the high-octane hooks that became a hallmark of their music. Strap, born Harold Duncan, adds a dynamic and hype-driven flair to Travis Porter's sound, known for his enthusiastic delivery that energizes performances and recordings with relentless vigor. Having connected with Ali and Quez in middle school, he completed the trio's lineup in 2006, bringing his pre-existing rapping skills from the Decatur scene to enhance their collaborative energy. His Atlanta background contributes to the group's focus on lively, crowd-engaging elements, making him a key driver of their infectious party rap identity. The members' longstanding friendship and shared Georgia origins foster a tight-knit dynamic, where each individual's style—Ali's polish, Quez's intensity, and Strap's hype—interlocks to create Travis Porter's signature blend of fun, bold rap that prioritizes live-wire entertainment over introspection. This chemistry, honed since their middle school days and solidified in 2006, set the stage for their evolution as a unit.

Formation

Travis Porter originated in Decatur, Georgia, a suburb of , where stepbrothers (Lakeem Mattox) and Quez (Donquez Woods) met their friend (Harold Duncan) while attending the same . The three, who grew up together in the local community, bonded over their shared interest in music and the vibrant scene, which heavily influenced their early creative direction. In 2006, the trio formally came together as the group Hard Hitters, drawing inspiration from Atlanta's dominant styles of and music that defined the city's sound during the mid-2000s. They began performing at local venues and events in the Decatur area, honing their energetic party-rap style amid the post-snap music wave popular among Atlanta youth at the time. By 2008, the group rebranded to Travis Porter to enhance their marketability, adopting an enigmatic moniker that the members have never publicly explained or attributed a specific meaning to. This change marked a pivotal shift as they continued to build their presence in Atlanta's underground scene.

Music career

Early mixtapes and local success (2006–2009)

Travis Porter, originally known as the Hard Hitters, began releasing underground mixtapes in starting in 2006, focusing on high-energy party rap that captured the local youth scene. As stepbrothers (Lakeem Mattox) and Quez (Donquez Woods) joined with (Harold Duncan), whom they met in , the group honed their sound through informal collaborations and street-level distribution, building an initial following in Decatur clubs and among peers despite their young age. These early tapes emphasized irreverent lyrics over beats, laying the foundation for their signature style of freaky, club-oriented tracks. In 2008, the trio rebranded as Travis Porter to enhance marketability and broaden their appeal beyond the local snap music circuit. This shift coincided with increased visibility on platforms like MySpace, where they shared tracks and connected with fans, amplifying their grassroots buzz in Atlanta's underground. By 2009, they dropped key mixtapes such as I'm a Differenter and Who Is Travis Porter?, which featured standout cuts like "Go Shorty Go" and an early version of "Make It Rain," generating significant local traction in strip clubs and parties. These releases showcased their playful, turn-up energy, with "All the Way Turnt Up" becoming a staple in Atlanta venues, drawing crowds even before they were of legal age to enter many spots. Their performances at events solidified this local success, as they opened for established acts and energized crowds with high-octane sets that emphasized audience participation and hype. This period of relentless gigging and digital promotion culminated in a pivotal signing with in late 2010, marking the end of their independent grind and the transition to broader recognition, though their 2009 momentum was crucial in securing the deal.

Breakthrough and debut album (2010–2012)

Travis Porter achieved national prominence in 2010 with the release of their single "Make It Rain," initially dropped on July 14 and re-released on December 2 through . The track, produced by FKi, featured a remix with that amplified its appeal, peaking at No. 92 on the and No. 15 on the chart. Known for its infectious hook encouraging patrons to "make it rain" with dollar bills, the song became a defining anthem, capturing the exuberant energy of Atlanta's nightlife culture and influencing a wave of party rap centered on club indulgence. Building on this momentum, the group followed with "Bring It Back" on February 7, 2011, another club-ready track that peaked at No. 75 on the and No. 18 on the chart, earning 2× Platinum certification from the RIAA for over 2 million units sold and streamed. In 2012, "Ayy Ladies," featuring (with a remix adding and Wale), became their biggest hit, reaching No. 53 on the and No. 9 on the chart while securing 3× Platinum status from the RIAA. These singles solidified Travis Porter's reputation for high-energy, dance-oriented , drawing widespread radio play and viral attention through music videos and . The trio's debut studio album, From Day 1, arrived on , 2012, via Porter House Music Group and , compiling their breakthrough singles alongside new cuts like the bass-heavy "Wobble," the boastful "Pop a Rubber Band," and "Pu**y Real Good" featuring . The 13-track project, produced by collaborators including and J.U.S.T.I.C.E. League, debuted at No. 16 on the and No. 2 on the Top R&B/ Albums chart, selling approximately 14,000 copies in its first week according to Nielsen SoundScan. Despite modest initial sales, the album captured the group's playful, streetwise vibe rooted in their early foundation, earning certification from the RIAA over time. During this breakthrough period, Travis Porter ramped up touring and media exposure, performing at major events like Atlanta's Hot 107.9 Birthday Bash in 2010 and appearing on The Mo'Nique Show, while their high-energy sets at clubs and festivals amplified their party-rap persona. They were nominated for Best Group at the 2011 BET Awards, where they made notable appearances alongside artists like Big Sean, and continued touring extensively in 2011–2012, including shows at SXSW and college campuses, to promote From Day 1.

Independent era (2013–2020)

Following the closure of in 2011, shortly after Travis Porter's signing and the release of their debut album From Day 1, the group faced significant challenges in maintaining major label momentum, leading to a shift toward operations under their own Porter House Music imprint. This transition resulted in sporadic releases distributed primarily through digital platforms like and , as the trio navigated reduced promotional support and a more fragmented landscape without the backing of . The independent era marked a slowdown from their earlier breakthrough, with the group focusing on mixtapes that retained their signature club-oriented sound but achieved more limited commercial visibility. In 2013, Travis Porter released their first major independent project, the mixtape Mr. Porter, hosted by DJ Teknikz, DJ Self, and DJ Ill Will, featuring collaborations with Atlanta-connected artists such as and rising West Coast talents like YG and . Key tracks included "9 Outta 10" featuring YG, produced by DJ Mustard, and "Rollin Around," which exemplified their high-energy, party-ready style distributed freely on platforms like LiveMixtapes. The following year, they followed with Music Money Magnums 2 on June 3, 2014, a sequel to their earlier street tape, boasting production from and , and guest spots from fellow rappers and . Standout songs like "" and "Pot of Gold" featuring highlighted their continued emphasis on lavish, trap-infused anthems, again shared via and similar sites. By 2016, the group issued 285, a 13-track mixtape hosted by DJ E.Sudd and DJ X-Rated, featuring local Atlanta collaborators including , , and , with beats from producers like Mondo and . Notable cuts such as "Damn" featuring and "Lay It Down" reinforced their strip-club appeal, distributed through and , though the project underscored their increasingly niche presence in the evolving rap scene. During this period, Travis Porter also contributed features to tracks by other artists, maintaining ties within the circuit, while grappling with a relative hiatus in large-scale group endeavors. Amid these releases, the group's members briefly pursued solo endeavors, with Strap (as Strap Da Fool) dropping the mixtape in March 2013 amid rumors of a potential split, followed by projects like and No Nuts No Glory in 2016, allowing individual creative outlets during the independent slowdown. Ali and Quez similarly explored personal tracks, though these efforts remained secondary to occasional group collaborations, reflecting the challenges of sustaining unity without major label structure. Overall, the era from 2013 to 2020 represented a period of adaptation for Travis Porter, prioritizing grassroots distribution and local partnerships over mainstream resurgence.

Comeback and recent projects (2021–present)

In 2021, Travis Porter released their second studio , Travy Estates: Back On Bullshit, independently through their label PorterHouse Music Group on October 29. The 16-track project features collaborations with artists such as on "Clap Ya Hands," on "Rich," and BRS Kash on "Shake Break," alongside solo cuts like "Like Dat," "Hell Yea," and "Rappers and Scammers." Drawing heavily from Atlanta's heritage, the album explores themes of street hustle, party anthems, and regional pride, reflecting the group's roots in Decatur's music scene. As an independent release, Travy Estates: Back On Bullshit achieved modest streaming success, amassing plays on platforms like and without major chart placements, but it was praised for recapturing the group's energetic, unpolished sound after a period of lower visibility. Critics noted its role as a solid comeback effort, emphasizing authentic production and nostalgic vibes that resonated with longtime fans. Building momentum into 2024 and 2025, the group launched an HBCU Homecoming in October 2025, performing at campuses including , , , and , where they delivered high-energy sets of classics and new material to enthusiastic crowds. They also made notable live appearances, such as at the Breezy Bowl after-party tied to Chris Brown's , performing hits like "They Wanna" to celebrate Atlanta's legacy. In November 2025, Travis Porter announced a collaboration with fellow rapper Baby D for the upcoming Fila '25 album, recording their first joint track together in a session that highlighted the city's interconnected history. Quez of the group shared that Baby D was the first rapper he ever saw perform live, underscoring the full-circle significance of the partnership for 's trap pioneers. The project, produced under Crash Dummy Records, signals ongoing creative output from the trio.

Other ventures

Acting roles

Travis Porter made their acting debut in the 2012 independent Red Rock, an action-comedy produced within Atlanta's burgeoning and film scenes. In the film, group members Ali (Lakeem Mattox), Quez (Donquez Woods), and Strap (Harold Duncan) portrayed a fictionalized version of themselves as an up-and-coming trio whose tour bus breaks down in the remote town of Red Rock, leading them to uncover the town's dark secrets and fight to escape. The project, directed by Ryan Lightbourn and released on November 20, 2012, capitalized on the group's rising popularity from their music career breakthrough around 2010–2012, allowing them to transition their high-energy stage presence to the screen in an ensemble cast alongside actors like Willie Taylor. Beyond Red Rock, Travis Porter had a minor cameo appearance as themselves in the 2013 episode "Psh!! I'm Good!!" of the BET series The Game, where they performed and interacted briefly in a storyline involving sports and entertainment circles. The group's acting efforts in Red Rock received positive feedback for mirroring their vibrant, party-centric personas from and live shows, earning an 8.2/10 rating on from over 1,000 user votes, though it remained a niche project tied to their roots rather than a major venture.

Tours and performances

Travis Porter first garnered significant local attention through live performances in , notably at Hot 107.9's Birthday Bash 15 on June 19, 2010, where the then-unsigned trio energized the crowd with selections from their early mixtapes, showcasing their confident stage presence and party-oriented energy. They also shared stages with rising major artists that year, including a set at the Unsigned Urban Showcase in 2010, headlined by , which highlighted their growing buzz in the scene. The group's peak commercial period saw them expand their live footprint with the "No Sleep Till Atlanta" tour in summer 2012, directly supporting the release of their debut album From Day 1. This run featured a mix of club residencies and festival slots, such as their appearance at SXSW in March 2012, where they performed to diverse audiences and built momentum through high-energy sets emphasizing fan-favorite tracks. Supporting acts like Jose Guapo joined them on select dates, amplifying the tour's Atlanta-centric vibe and interactive atmosphere. They continued this momentum with a return to Birthday Bash in 2012, further solidifying their reputation for dynamic, crowd-hyping shows. In 2025, Travis Porter's recent comeback projects have reignited demand for their live appearances, leading to a dedicated HBCU tour that began in October. The itinerary includes stops at institutions like , where they headlined a throwback tailored to the nostalgic appeal of their party anthems, drawing alumni and students for celebratory performances amid festivities. Additional dates encompassed on October 11, around October 20, Gamecock Alumni Party on October 24, and on November 1, focusing on high-engagement sets that recapture the group's signature turn-up energy. Throughout their career, Travis Porter's shows have been defined by relentless high energy and direct crowd interaction, often centering on hits like "Make It Rain" to create immersive, participatory experiences that transform venues into raucous parties. This style, rooted in their club origins, continues to resonate, particularly in nostalgic settings like HBCU events.

Controversies

Dispute with Roscoe Dash

In 2010, a public dispute emerged between the Atlanta-based rap group Travis Porter and singer over the song "All the Way Turnt Up," which had gained underground traction the previous year. claimed he originally wrote and recorded the track, purchasing the beat from producer Vibe Beats on Soundclick.com and introducing it to Travis Porter, who subsequently added verses to a version that leaked and popularized in Atlanta clubs. He expressed frustration at being "pushed in the shadows" despite his foundational role, stating in an interview that he had recorded the song solo before the collaboration. Travis Porter, meanwhile, asserted their significant contributions to the song's early success and denied Dash's claims of sole ownership, sparking exchanges on platforms like , where rapper publicly defended Dash by clarifying the track as his. The group addressed the beef in interviews, describing how the leaked version with their verses had driven its buzz in the local scene. Tension escalated as Dash accused Travis Porter of improperly claiming the , though he later acknowledged their mutual respect and credited the collaboration for elevating his own opportunities. The conflict was partially resolved when the song received dual credits in various releases: writing attributed to alongside Travis Porter (Ali, Quez/Black Boe, Strap), with additional contributions from featured artist YT (Roscoe Dash's cousin), and production by Vibe Beats (K.E. on the Track). However, Dash's Interscope opted for a remix featuring instead of Travis Porter for the official single, effectively sidelining the group and allowing Dash to reclaim primary ownership. Despite the settlement, underlying resentment lingered, as evidenced by both parties revisiting the issue in later interviews. The feud received modest coverage in hip-hop outlets like HipHopWired and , underscoring the informal collaboration norms in Atlanta's early trap scene, where shared demos often led to credit battles amid rapid viral spread. This minor controversy highlighted the challenges of attribution in the region's DIY music ecosystem but did not derail either act's rising profiles during their breakthrough period.

Dispute with Young Dro and Yung L.A.

In 2009, a feud emerged between the Atlanta rap group Travis Porter and fellow local artists and over the track "Black Boy, White Boy," featured on Travis Porter's mixtape I'm a Differenter. Young Dro and Yung L.A., labelmates at the time, accused Travis Porter of repurposing an unreleased song idea of theirs without proper credit, specifically claiming the title originated from their own work. The public fallout unfolded through interviews and online exchanges, highlighting tensions in Atlanta's competitive scene during the late 2000s. In a , addressed the controversy directly, expressing frustration over the perceived lack of acknowledgment for their contribution to the concept. Travis Porter responded in a separate video , defending their track as original inspiration drawn from the local culture rather than outright theft, emphasizing that ideas in often overlap without formal ownership. Producer , who had worked with all parties including , , and Travis Porter, also commented on the beef in a , describing it as a misunderstanding amplified by the cutthroat Atlanta music environment. No legal action resulted from the dispute, and while it temporarily strained relationships within Atlanta's rap community, the issue faded without further escalation, allowing the artists to continue their careers independently.

Works

Studio Albums

Travis Porter's debut studio , From Day 1, was released on May 29, 2012, through Porter House Music Group and . The album debuted at number 16 on the chart and number 2 on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart, selling 14,000 copies in its first week. It features key tracks such as "Ayy Ladies" featuring and "Bring It Back," and was certified gold by the RIAA on July 25, 2023. The group's second studio album, Travy Estates (also known as The Travy Estates: Back on Bullshit), was released independently on October 29, 2021. This 16-track project emphasizes high-energy trap and party themes, with features from artists including , , and BRS Kash. It received positive reception as a comeback effort, noted for recapturing the group's signature club vibe and street-oriented lyricism.

Mixtapes

Travis Porter released several mixtapes throughout their career, often distributed via platforms like LiveMixtapes and independently through Porter House Music Group. Early works include I'm a Differenter (2009, Not On Label), which helped establish their sound, and Music Money Magnums (2011, Porter House Music Group), featuring tracks like "Whatever She Want" with . In the independent era, they dropped Mr. Porter (2013, Not On Label), focusing on solo member showcases and . This was followed by Music Magnums 2 (2014, Porter House Music Group), a sequel with production from and tracks like "Attached" and "Pot of Gold," released on platforms including . Later mixtapes include S.A.Q. (2015, Porter House Music Group) and 3 Live Krew (2015, Street Executives/Porter House Music Group), both highlighting collaborations and influences. Their final major mixtape, 285 (2016, Porter House Music Group), features songs like "Day Shift" and "Damn," distributed via and streaming services. Additional releases include Quickie (2017, independent).

Singles

Travis Porter's major singles achieved notable commercial success, particularly in the early 2010s. "Make It Rain," released in 2010 via Jive Records, peaked at number 15 on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart and was certified gold by the RIAA on July 25, 2023. "Bring It Back," issued in 2011 on RCA Records, reached number 75 on the Billboard Hot 100 and number 18 on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart, earning 2× platinum certification from the RIAA on February 22, 2024. "Ayy Ladies" featuring Tyga, from 2012 on RCA Records, peaked at number 53 on the Hot 100 and number 7 on the Hot Rap Songs chart, certified gold by the RIAA on July 25, 2023. Recent singles include "Pilates" (2025, independent) and "Talmbout Sumn" (2025, independent). These tracks, excluding features on other artists' songs, underscore the group's party-rap style and chart impact.

Filmography

Travis Porter, the Atlanta-based hip-hop trio consisting of , Quez, and Strap, ventured into acting with their debut project in 2012, marking an extension of their rising fame during that period. Their primary film credit is the short action-comedy Travis Porter: Red Rock, released on November 20, 2012, where the group members portrayed themselves as a stranded ensemble uncovering dark secrets in a remote town after their tour bus breaks down. In Red Rock, Ali, , and served as supporting actors in the , contributing to the film's blend of , , and elements set against an backdrop, which aligned with the group's local roots and cultural peak in 2012. The project was written and directed by Ryan Lightbourn, an independent filmmaker known for prior works like the award-winning short Roid Rage, emphasizing a low-budget, genre-mixing tailored to showcase the trio's on-screen chemistry. No additional feature films or television acting roles have been credited to Travis Porter as a group beyond this entry, though their music has appeared in soundtracks for projects like (2012) and (2014), distinguishing their visual media presence from pure audio contributions.