Spotlighting Our Favorite Producers On Metro Boomin’s ‘HEROES & VILLAINS’
Following a slew of cryptic messages, and a Gibson Hazard-directed and Morgan Freeman-starring short film, Metro Boomin has finally unveiled his second studio album in full. Spanning 15 tracks, HEROES & VILLAINS masterfully proves Metro Boomin’s creative prowess as a visionary producer, while continuing to build upon the visual and auditory universe established by its 2018 predecessor NOT ALL HEROES WEAR CAPES, which debuted at #1 on Billboard upon its release.
With a lengthy career under his belt, Metro Boomin is still undoubtedly proving himself as one of the brightest minds of his generation. The short film that accompanies HEROES & VILLAINS is a truly stunning effort, starring Morgan Freeman, Lakeith Stanfield, Young Thug, Gunna and Metro himself, while featuring sound design and additional score by Peter Lee Johnson, Elliot Cleverdon, Omari Jazz and Gibson Hazard. The album, on the other hand, presents a star-studded combination of features, from Travis Scott, Don Toliver, Future and 21 Savage to The Weeknd and John Legend.
The mesmerizing sound of HEROES & VILLAINS wouldn’t be the same without the talented, up-and-coming and established producers Metro enlisted. Here are some of our favorites who contributed to the sound of the record.
johan lenox
Production credits on “On Time” and “Creepin’”
johan lenox's journey within music has been an extraordinary one. An award-winning composer and self-taught pianist, he immersed himself within popular music later in his life, capturing the attention of legendary producers Mike Dean and No I.D., and contributing to projects by the likes of Teyana Taylor, Big Sean, BROCKHAMPTON, Nas, Machine Gun Kelly and many more. His credits include writing, producing, arranging, and orchestral composing, qualities he also brings to his own work as a solo artist.
Elkan
Production credits on “Metro Spider”
Rising talent Elkan lands on “Metro Spider” off HEROES & VILLAINS alongside Metro Boomin, Allen Ritter, Nik D and OZ. The creator of AYN Sounds, Elkan is a multi-talented sample maker and producer, and has worked alongside the likes of Tory Lanez, Russ, SoFaygo, TOKYO’S REVENGE and many more.
Peter Lee Johnson
Production credits on “On Time,” “Umbrella,” “Trance,” “Creepin’,” “Niagara Falls” and “Walk Em Down”
A very close Metro Boomin collaborator, violinist and producer Peter Lee Johnson has cemented himself as a one of the most dominant names within hip-hop and pop production, with a career that dates back almost 10 years. He was nominated for a Grammy Award through his contributions to Lucky Daye’s 2019 single “Roll Some Mo” and has worked with everyone from 21 Savage, Drake and Juice WRLD to Ariana Grande, The Weeknd and Post Malone.
The full list of producers who contributed to HEROES & VILLAINS includes Allen Ritter, DaHeala, DAVID x ELI, DJ Moon, D. Rich, Elkan, Honorable C.N.O.T.E., johan lenox, Mario Winans, Metro Boomin, My Best Friend Jacob, Nik D, Oracles, OZ, Peter Lee Johnson, Prince 85, Scriptplugg, Simon On The Moon, Thundercat, TM88 and XZ.
