Time flies if you’re having enjoyable. After shedding the exhausting weight that got here with executive-producing Gunna’s first post-prison launch, 2023’s A Reward & a Curse (Gunna reached an Alford Plea deal within the YSL RICO case and was launched in December 2022), hitmaking producer Turbo and the Georgia-bred rap star acquired again to the essence of their friendship: having a superb time.
Turbo serves because the architect on Considered one of Wun — which arrived final Friday (Could 10) — because the LP’s govt producer. Gunna pulls on life experiences all through the album, whereas bragging about abroad yacht events, orgy fantasies, being the best-dressed on the Met Gala or dropping 50 racks for a coach in his melodic raps.
The duo have been inseparable over the past 12 months, whether or not it was truly being collectively or speaking on the telephone once they couldn’t meet up. From the picturesque yard of his L.A. mansion, Turbo relays to Billboard that coast to coast studio classes from L.A. to Miami fueled Considered one of Wun.
The Grammy-nominated producer estimates that they recorded 100 songs in complete and recollects his favourite classes truly going down in the course of the ocean — a primary for Turbo — on a pal’s yacht off the coast of Florida, who had a studio constructed contained in the boat, to set a vibe completely matching Gunna’s opulent style stage.
“It was extra fulfilling than any album,” Turbo says of the undertaking. “We’re on the opposite facet of some little rut. Now we are able to have enjoyable. We are able to sit within the studio all evening how we used to, and it’s not as critical. The music is portraying the identical factor.”
Turbo lent his signature “Run It Again, Turbo” tag, woozy manufacturing and booming bass to a few Considered one of Wun tracks (“Neck On a Yacht,” “Time Reveals, Be Cautious What You Want for” and “Whatsapp (Wassam)”) whereas his Playmakers manufacturing firm protégés helmed a majority of the undertaking.
Gunna is predicted to earn one other prime 5 album on the Billboard 200 with Considered one of Wun, and he’s solicited excessive reward from many for the set — together with trade veteran Elliott Wilson, who hailed Wunna as a “prime 5 MC within the recreation proper now.”
As for Turbo, the 29-year-old can lastly flip his focus again to his personal upcoming solo undertaking as he’s teasing a brand new single releasing very quickly. He’ll even be govt producing SleazyWorldGo’s debut album, which is predicted to reach later this 12 months through Island Data.
Take a look at the remainder of our interview with Turbo, who peels again the layers on Gunna’s Considered one of Wun, recording on a yacht, the wild story behind “Whatsapp (Wassam)” and extra.
What have been yours and Gunna’s mindsets like whereas engaged on Considered one of Wun? What number of information did you guys find yourself doing?
We most likely recorded 100 information. I’ve three on this album. The remainder are to my producers signed to me, beneath The Playmakers. They’ve the lion’s share of the album, with 10-12 tracks. I executive-produced it with The Playmakers. The method is final confidence. It’s having enjoyable, actually, this time. The final album we have been in a spot with him getting out of jail. Tremendous-fun, super-summertime, super-girly information. Stuff to simply have enjoyable that you can simply hearken to.
What have been some conversations you had with Gunna relating to what you needed to perform with this album, in comparison with the final one?
I believe it was extra so getting again to the music. As a substitute of the story, we have been experiencing a whole lot of s–t, having a whole lot of enjoyable doing it. Simply getting again to what we have been already doing earlier than any of this mess occurred.
The place have been you guys recording? Have been you collectively for lots of it?
Man, I’ve seen Gunna each day. I’ve talked to Gunna each day pertaining to this album. A whole lot of it was recorded in L.A. A few of it was recorded in Miami on a ship. Considered one of our buddies has a pretty big boat. We spent like a month in Miami simply recording on the boat.
Wait, he’s acquired a studio on the boat?
That’s P s–t. That alone was a vibe. Recording in the course of the ocean on a f—–g boat. I had by no means achieved that. A track I produced known as “Neck on a Yacht.” That was recorded on this boat. That was one of many prime classes I can say for this album. One thing that was enjoyable. We had enjoyable doing it. A whole lot of it was between right here, LA [and] Miami. [My favorite] was most undoubtedly [recording] on the yacht.
How do you are feeling about Gunna’s progress sonically?
Particularly with all of the Afrobeat s–t occurring that we been doing — I believe it’s no limits. I believe him and I are each going into the second section of our careers. We’re occurring some famous person artist-producer s–t. You’ll hear it with the music. A whole lot of it’s one thing you’ve by no means heard earlier than. It’s the identical sonics however elevated. I believe that’s the place he’s going. He’s attempting s–t. Pushing the restrict.
“Whatsapp,” are you able to broaden on how that document got here collectively?
“Whatsapp” was mainly a real story. We went to an invitation — one in all our buddies had an occasion out right here in LA. It was a kind of billionaire-type of LA occasions. They seen Gunna there, and needed him to carry out two songs out of nowhere. Like, “Hey, are you able to carry out two songs?” He goes, “Yeah, I don’t know…” They go, “We’ll provide you with $200,000.” I checked out him, he checked out me and I mentioned, “It is advisable carry out the f—king songs.” They have been like from a distinct nation, so that they needed to mainly get the WhatsApp numbers to have the ability to deal with the enterprise and get the wiring info.
That’s how he’s been going. He’ll expertise one thing and go to the studio and rap about it. The track is named “Whatsapp (Wassam).” ‘Wassam’ is an Atlanta slang mainly saying, “What’s occurring?” Simply popping your s–t.
That’s hilarious. Have been they glad together with his efficiency?
Have been they glad? They have been ecstatic. That was cool. A very good Tuesday.
One other one you produced was “time reveals, watch out what you would like for.”
It’s type of pertaining to famous person s–t. That was one thing that was recorded earlier on within the course of. As you hear within the track, you hear sure issues about being a famous person and the issues that include being a famous person. Lots of people need the cash, fame and the glitz and the glam, however there’s so much [of other stuff] that comes with it. I believe that’s simply one thing he was attempting to painting. He was talking from his coronary heart.
Actually, I used to be in there with a number of of my associates, and we’re all musicians. So he walked into us kinda having a jam session, and we have been kinda jamming and taking part in music. Everyone had their keyboards out and we have been taking part in music. He acquired on a handheld mic you’ll be able to have within the studio and nonetheless be within the studio room, and he began rapping and mumbling and we recorded it. That’s how that happened. That’s why there’s no drums on there. We have been actually simply jamming and did every part proper there, [as] if we have been a band, for actual.
How did the options like Normani come about? I do know they only did a document collectively for her undertaking.
They have been working [together] round that point. We go to the studio each day. It’s simply work. That’s kinda how that week occurred with all of the options. We have been working with them, doing stuff, they usually simply picked the most effective track. He’s by no means been that kind [to go] like, “Let’s get a characteristic.” A whole lot of options he’s had up to now has at all times been our associates. Him and Normani are associates. Him and Leon [Bridges] are associates. All of us simply hang around. The music kinda simply occurs.
Do you care about gross sales numbers first-week or Billboard charts after the album comes out?
I believe I ought to care, however I actually don’t. It’s extra so a cultural factor for me. I don’t know the tips of the commerce. If I trip someplace and I hear any person taking part in it within the automobile, I care about that. So far as the numbers, I strive not to concentrate to that.
Have been you capable of talk with Gunna when he was behind bars?
Yeah, after all.
What was that first studio session like when he first acquired out?
Our studio is kinda like the lounge. It wasn’t like a studio session. Gunna’s my brother, so we discuss so much about s–t. Earlier than we even acquired on this name, we have been on the telephone for 45 minutes. He’s in Africa capturing the “Soar” video for Tyla. It was a random name. The primary classes was actually that. Bro, we simply having common conversations [and] doing common music. It was like every other session.
What do you consider his progress from the early days to now?
I’m pleased. I do know they solely provide you with 5 years on this s–t as an artist and producer. To be occurring 12 months seven, and [still] elevating to a brand new artist — and me elevating as a producer — I’m pleased.
You produced “From a Man” for [Young] Thug. How is working with [Young] Thug when he’s behind bars? [What’s the process] to supply information?
Identical factor. That’s like my brother. His staff are like my brothers. They mentioned he wanted it. That was one thing that was pre-recorded earlier than he went to jail. And a track he liked — that’s why he had the video for it and have been truly gonna launch it. It’s a no brainer.
Did you are feeling the expansion of the inventive group was stunted with Gunna’s and Thug’s arrests?
Sure, I really feel it nonetheless is. They have been such a giant piece. I’m actually within the studios, so that you see what number of artists come by and hearken to music and listen to how they discuss. It’s like now they don’t have the examine information.
I really feel like Thug began a whole lot of that, bringing Lil Child and Gunna round and championing these youthful artists in Atlanta.
That’s Atlanta tradition although. The studio is every part. It’s the membership. It’s the library. It’s the assembly room. Should you’re round whoever you’re round, you’re going to reap sure advantages being round them. Simply from listening to or studying sonically. That’s how I met a whole lot of artists, being within the studio. We’re capable of simply mesh. It wasn’t simply Thug, it was Future, T.I. – that’s Atlanta tradition. Now that it kinda went away, it simply hasn’t been the identical.
It’s loopy that A Reward & a Curse was snubbed by the Grammys this 12 months.
We gotta change the Grammys up. We’re not the primary individuals to get snubbed. With all of the success, no person’s being attentive to that s–t. Should you’re listening to “Fukumean” in all places, that’s all that I cared about.
Let’s get into your solo album arising. Was “Bachelor” the primary single?
Yeah, that was the primary single. I’ma drop one other single. I’m attempting to determine what track I need to use. That’s gonna be the introduction to my album.
What’s the distinction within the inventive course of in comparison with being a producer moderately when it’s your individual album?
As a producer, you’ve got a chance to flex your creativity. After I’m working with sure artists, I’m coming into no matter world they’re attempting to painting to the skin world. As a producer, I really feel like I could make my very own story. I’m probably not gonna make it about me. I’m gonna make it about having enjoyable. With my album, it’s been a very long time coming. I been recording for years and attempting to get the fitting scenario and ensure every part is aligned and I’m proud of it as a result of I simply don’t wanna do something, particularly at a time when anyone’s doing every part.
The “Bachelor” single is Gunna – that’s a no brainer. My subsequent single is perhaps Gunna, it is perhaps not. I work so much with Roddy Ricch, I work so much with Rob49. These are my guys. I been so targeted on Gunna’s album, and I’m additionally doing one other undertaking with SleazyWorldGo. I been tied down with these two various things so I haven’t targeted on my s–t since January. I believe that’s what I need to painting. How can I get Stevie Marvel and Future on a track? As a producer, I might do this. That’s one thing that the world has by no means skilled. That’s the place I’m attempting to flex my creativity, and produce my associates in and put one thing out that’s by no means been put out.
Have you ever seen different producers dropping their very own albums, like Metro Boomin, the place they’ve had moments doing it?
Yeah, I really feel like different producers have been attempting. Metro put up large factors for the producer world. I used to be speaking to Timbaland, and that’s how he felt. To listen to an OG say that, I assumed that was fairly dope — like, that is actual. It’s a neater dialog after we’re speaking about doing these collaborations. Lots of people simply wanna keep caught of their world and won’t wanna hearken to producers. It’s at all times work for me. I may say my success is a motive why you must pay attention, and Metro’s success is a motive you must pay attention.
So that you’re doing Sleazy’s undertaking too?
I’m govt producing Sleazy’s debut album. It’s a co-branded album. We’re about 80 % achieved with it. We’re doing a whole lot of the media stuff proper now. We’re gonna drop a number of singles within the coming months. I’m tremendous enthusiastic about it. His story is like next-level. That’s why I made a decision to f–ok with him. Individuals don’t know his story, and all of the stuff he went by means of, to be so younger. He’s maintaining with me within the studio and doing 100 songs. That’s one thing I at all times love. We most likely acquired 20 or 30 songs recorded. It’s about tightening up every part. He’s adamant about how he likes issues and the way he needs to painting his music to the world.
What have you ever seen in regards to the sound of hip-hop and the way it’s modified from the mid-2010s to now?
A whole lot of the youthful guys are doing issues which are tremendous enjoyable and I’m right here for it. Even among the youthful producers which are doing the craziest drum patterns. I don’t even understand how they’re doing it, however I’m right here for it. No matter pushes this factor of music I like, I’m right here for it.
I’m doing nation information proper now. Big information. I don’t really feel there’s any limits. I believe TikTok and the web introduced that. In 5 years, I don’t know, we gonna be on some Matrix s–t. AI is loopy proper now. Who is aware of? I used to be simply within the studio with Teddy Swims final month – we did some loopy s–t.
Who else are you working with this 12 months?
I am going some Moneybagg [Yo] and Morgan Wallen stuff popping out quickly. A whole lot of nation artists. Charlieonafriday, we simply did one thing a few weeks in the past. Gunna, myself, Sleazy. Me and Roddy [Ricch] have a whole lot of stuff occurring.
Did you’re employed on the leaked “GTA” with Juice WRLD and Gunna?
I acquired a loopy two or three songs with Juice WRLD and Gunna. He was one other nice particular person to do music with, as a result of as a producer I similar to an individual that’s gonna rap on all of my beats. We did perhaps seven songs in a two-day span. [Ed. note: Management confirmed that he did work on “GTA.”]
Is there anybody left you need to work with sooner or later?
I’d like to get within the studio with Stevie Marvel, Killer Mike, Andre 3000. Simply to speak to those guys and sit and see what we give you. After I get that kind of query, I don’t consider anyone else apart from the greats.
You mentioned you went out to Hawaii for the ASTROWORLD classes for Travis Scott. Have you ever achieved something like that since so far as a inventive camp?
Final 12 months, in December, I truly spent the month in Hawaii. That was life-changing. I flew all my Playmakers producers on the market. We made music and golfed. Hitting golf balls into the ocean and s–t. I had the ocean in my yard. I used to be hitting balls into the ocean and vibing out.
Hawaii, I’ma retire there. That was life-changing and I did it due to Travis. I keep in mind how nice these classes have been. We did stuff right here and there however a whole lot of occasions I see him it’s out. We haven’t achieved something price speaking about.
Is there any replace on the lawsuit over your producer tag from earlier this 12 months?
I don’t need to discuss that s–t, man. It comes with the expansion I assume.
