Metro Boomin
He reshaped the sound of hip-hop with his brooding, atmospheric beats, becoming the go-to architect for rap's biggest stars.
Born 1993 (age 33)·American record producer·Birthday: September 16·Millennials
Biography
Leland Tyler Wayne, the St. Louis native who would become Metro Boomin, didn't just make beats; he built entire sonic worlds. His journey began in his teenage bedroom, where he connected with artists like Future and Young Thug online, forging a signature style defined by ominous 808s, haunting melodies, and a cinematic sense of space. This wasn't just production; it was mood-setting, a dark, luxurious backdrop that became the default sound for a generation of trap music. His influence is measured in chart dominance and cultural moments, from the anthemic 'Bad and Boujee' with Migos to crafting entire albums for 21 Savage. More than a hitmaker, Metro Boomin operates as a meticulous curator and executive producer, using his platform to launch careers and define eras, proving the producer can be the central star.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
Metro was born in 1993, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Metro Was Born
The biggest hits of 1993
#1 Movie
Jurassic Park
Best Picture
Schindler's List
#1 TV Show
60 Minutes
Metro's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1993Born
European Union officially established
Gas: $1.11/galHome: $86,600Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"I Will Always Love You" — Whitney HoustonBest Picture: Schindler's List
1998Started school
Google founded; Clinton impeachment
Gas: $1.06/galHome: $107,300Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Too Close" — NextBest Picture: Shakespeare in Love
2006Became a teenager
Twitter launches; Pluto reclassified as dwarf planet
Gas: $2.59/galHome: $174,700Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Bad Day" — Daniel PowterBest Picture: The Departed
2009Could drive
Michael Jackson dies; Bitcoin created
Gas: $2.35/galHome: $148,500Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Boom Boom Pow" — The Black Eyed PeasBest Picture: The Hurt Locker
2011Could vote
Osama bin Laden killed; Arab Spring sweeps the Middle East
Gas: $3.53/galHome: $138,400Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Rolling in the Deep" — AdeleBest Picture: The Artist
2014Turned 21
Russia annexes Crimea; Ebola outbreak in West Africa
Gas: $3.37/galHome: $160,700Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Happy" — Pharrell WilliamsBest Picture: Birdman
2023Turned 30
ChatGPT goes mainstream; Israel-Hamas war begins
Gas: $3.52/galHome: $361,600Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Joe Biden"Flowers" — Miley CyrusBest Picture: Oppenheimer
2026Age 33 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Executive produced and provided the majority of production for the collaborative album 'Savage Mode II' with 21 Savage, which debuted at number one on the Billboard 200.
- Co-produced the multi-platinum single 'Bad and Boujee' for Migos, which reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100 in 2017.
- Released his own chart-topping solo project 'HEROES & VILLAINS' in 2022, featuring a roster of major hip-hop artists.
- Won Producer of the Year at the 2023 Billboard Music Awards, a testament to his industry-wide impact.
Did You Know?
His producer tag, "If Young Metro don't trust you, I'm gon' shoot you," is voiced by fellow producer Southside.
He famously announced a retirement from music in 2018, only to return with a series of major projects shortly after.
He is an avid comic book fan, and this interest often influences his album artwork and thematic concepts.
He attended Morehouse College for a period before focusing on music full-time.
“I just want to make the soundtrack to people's lives.”
