When you trace the roots of Southern hip-hop’s rise to global dominance, their is one name that stands out – Byron Otto Thomas AKA Mannie Fresh. Born and raised in the 7th Ward of New Orleans, Louisiana, he has made his mark in the rap game as an elite producer and rapper.
As one half of the iconic Big Tymers and the backbone of Cash Money Records during its most influential era, Mannie Fresh helped create a sound that would redefine southern rap.
Mannie Fresh grew up immersed in the city’s rich musical heritage. His father, DJ Sabu, a local DJ, introduced him to a world of funk, soul, and bounce music early on. That musical foundation would later play a vital role in his genre-shaping production style. Starting as a teenage DJ, Mannie mastered the art of controlling crowds, creating energy, and crafting rhythms. Those early skills translated seamlessly into his work as a producer.
In 1993 Mannie Fresh met Bryan “Birdman” Williams and joined the Cash Money Records family. From the mid-1990s through the early 2000s, Mannie Fresh produced almost every track for the label—an unprecedented role in hip-hop history. His production laid the foundation for the rise of artists like Juvenile, B.G., Turk, Lil Wayne, and the Big Tymers. Albums such as 400 Degreez, Guerrilla Warfare, and Tha Block Is Hot not only pushed Cash Money into the national spotlight but also positioned Mannie Fresh as one of the most important producers of the era.
Classics like “Back That Azz Up,” “I Need a Hot Girl,” “#1 Stunna,” and “Still Fly” showcased Mannie’s ability to blend Southern bounce with hot beats to create addictive tracks. His presence wasn’t limited to the studio either. As part of the Big Tymers, alongside Birdman, Mannie Fresh delivered chart-topping hits and proving he could shine just as brightly in front of the mic as he did behind the boards.
Even after parting ways with Cash Money, Mannie Fresh continued shaping the culture. He collaborated with artists such as Kanye West, T.I., Bun B, and Young Jeezy, remaining a respected and sought-after producer. His distinctive production style paved the way for the modern bounce-influenced sound that dominates today’s charts, influencing a new generation of producers.
Today, Mannie Fresh’s creativity is even more vivid as it was when he came into the music industry dominating with fire beats and rhymes over two decades ago. He recently put on a performance that rocked an entire theater as he traded in the urban wear for a clean, sleek, tuxedo. Mannie Fresh delivered an amazing concert with a full orchestra behind him. He performed a variety of music’s biggest hits including Frankie Beverly and Maze, “Before I Let Go,” The Sugarhill Gang, “Apache,” REO Speedwagon, “Keep On Loving You,” as well chart toppers he’s more familiar with such as, “Back That Azz Up” and “The Block Is Hot.” Check out the entire performance below.