Mannie Fresh is known to fans and throughout the music industry as a genre-defining producer, artist and entertainer, but he started out as one of the best DJs in New Orleans and is now returning to his musical roots. The multi-platinum, Grammy-nominated producer responsible for creating hits (UGK, Trina, Gucci Man, The Notorious B.I.G. and, of course, Cash Money) is spinning full time, including his #VirusKillaz virtual parties and a Black Music Month playlist for Apple, making his rounds in the community with a “Vax That Thang Up” remix with Juvenile and Mia X for dating app, BLK and even lending his voice to local politics.

“I’m a second generation DJ,” Fresh said on Apple Music’s The Estelle Show. “I experienced Black Music – the 60s and the 70s – from my dad [DJ Sabu] deejaying, and that’s when everything was Black Power, there was a message in the music. Marvin Gaye, ‘What’s Going On,’ that was pivotal to us. Bob Marley, Legend, it taught us how to get along with everybody and it also taught us culture. James Brown, ‘I’m Black and I’m Proud,’ that just shows you what the power of Black artists and good music could do.”

As a teenager, Mannie stepped out on his own, joining the Noila-based hip hop crew, New York Incorporated, responsible for some of the best parties in the city. With their fame, Mannie caught the attention of rapper Gregory D, formed a rap duo and was quickly signed to RCA to release The Real Deal (1992). Rap fans in the Big Easy fell in love with the album but it didn’t make much noise on a national level. The duo split, but Mannie and Gregory D remained friends and soon another opportunity came along. Brian “Baby” Williams offered Mannie a chance to join his fledgling crew, Cash Money. Working with Baby and other Cash Money members, Lil Wayne, Juvenile and BG, they created an impressive discography of chart-topping hits.

Fueled by Mannie’s quirky, inspiring production in the late nineties, Cash Money became the preeminent, southern rap label. His beats defined the sound of Cash Money with such cultural phenomena as Juvenile’s megahits, “Ha,” “Back That Azz Up,” Lil Wayne’s “Go D.J.,” and the crew’s “Cash Money Is An Army,” “Bling Bling,” among others. Baby and Mannie also formed their own group, Big Tymers, and released a slew of great singles and albums, “Still Fly,” “Get Your Roll On,” and “#1 Stunna.” His solo albums, The Mind of Mannie Fresh (2004) and Return of Ballin’ (2009) feature Bun B, Rick Ross and Lil Jon.

Mannie has always pushed the envelope, mixing layers of hip hop, funk and southern bounce with his sense of humor and warm personality. He continues to work with some of today’s biggest stars, producing bangers with Lil Wayne, 2 Chainz, T-Pain, Yasiin Bey, Big K.R.I.T. and Young Jeezy – his tables set to establish New Orleans’ unique hip hop sound as one of America’s greatest innovations.