The Legendary Traxster
The Legendary Traxster: Multi-Platinum, Grammy-Nominated Producer and Pioneer of the Chicago Sound
The Legendary Traxster is a multi-platinum, Grammy-nominated music producer, songwriter, and rapper with over 30 years of experience in the music industry. A foundational figure in hip-hop, particularly within the Chicago and Midwest scene, Traxster is celebrated for creating a signature sound characterized by slow, dark, bass-heavy grooves, wild drums, and intricate hi-hats. This style not only defines Chicago hip-hop but has also influenced the broader music industry.
Early Life and Origins
Raised in Chicago’s Pocket Town neighborhood, Traxster found his passion for music at a young age. Throughout high school, he gained recognition by opening for established rap acts and performing his tracks on local college radio. Inspired by the growing rap culture, he began creating beats and rhymes on second-hand equipment in his basement. His early demos created excitement in his neighborhood, motivating him to pursue music professionally.
After high school, Traxster formed the rap group D 2 Tha S (Dedicated 2 Tha Streets), which quickly became an underground sensation in Chicago. Operating out of a home-based studio, he began charging local rappers for studio time and production, helping shape what would become known as the Chicago/Midwest sound—a combination of deep bass, syncopated rhythms, and fast-paced lyrical flows unique to Midwest rap.
Rise to Fame and Notable Achievements
Traxster’s career took off in the mid-90s when he co-founded Creator’s Way, a studio and label dedicated to the Midwest sound. On a handshake deal, he released Po Pimp by Do or Die featuring Twista, a track that quickly dominated Chicago’s streets and sold over 60,000 units independently before Rap-a-Lot Records signed Do or Die to a four-album deal. Po Pimp eventually sold over a million copies, and the album Picture This (produced primarily by Traxster) went platinum, becoming a hip-hop classic.
Following this success, Traxster produced Twista’s Adrenaline Rush album in its entirety, a project that solidified his influence in the hip-hop world. The album has sold over a million copies and set new standards for Chicago’s rap scene. He continued working with Twista, producing hits like Make A Movie featuring Chris Brown, further showcasing his unique production style.
Traxster’s versatility allowed him to expand beyond hip-hop. In 2005, he earned a Grammy nomination for his work on Mariah Carey’s The Emancipation of Mimi, co-writing and producing the track One and Only. He continued his success in 2010 with the platinum-certified single My Chick Bad by Ludacris featuring Nicki Minaj, which also received a Grammy nomination. His 2009 collaboration with Twista on Category F5 included the hit single Wetter, a gold-certified track that highlighted their continued chemistry.
Recent Work and Collaborations
In recent years, Traxster has worked with some of the biggest names in hip-hop and R&B, including Beyoncé on the “Cuff It – Wetter Remix,” Ye (formerly Kanye West), and Ty Dolla Sign. Notable recent productions include Chief Keef’s “Almighty,” Megan Thee Stallion’s “Find Out,” and Ye and Ty Dolla Sign’s tracks “Carnival,” “Do It,” and “Burn.” His unique style has remained relevant and sought-after, bridging generations and genres.
Personal Life and House Lindley
Traxster is married to artist and songwriter Tia London, and together they form House Lindley, a creative duo that blends their individual talents and visions to produce music that resonates with audiences worldwide. Their collaborative work represents Traxster’s commitment to evolving and innovating within the music landscape.
Notable Productions:
- Twista: “Adrenaline Rush” (produced in its entirety), “Make A Movie,” “Wetter”
- Do or Die: “Po Pimp,” “Do U”
- Ludacris: “My Chick Bad” ft. Nicki Minaj
- Mariah Carey: “One and Only”
- Chief Keef: “Almighty”
- Megan Thee Stallion: “Find Out”
- Beyoncé: “Cuff It – Wetter Remix”
- Ye & Ty Dolla Sign: “Carnival,” “Do It,” “Burn”
According to The Source magazine, Traxster’s production is “magical,” a sound that not only put Chicago on the map but also redefined the Midwest’s presence in hip-hop. His legacy as The Legendary Traxster endures, inspiring new generations of artists and fans alike. From chart-topping hits to groundbreaking sounds, Traxster’s influence will resonate through music forever.