Producer mr Lee

Legendary producers are often remembered for their unconventional longevity, ability to craft timeless beats and collaborations with elite artists.  Though names like DJ Premier and Rick Rubin take center stage often being praised by the masses, the lesser-known Southern producer Mr. Lee seems to be exalted by fans amidst the shadows.

Since the early 90s, Lee has not only helped create the trademark sound of the South, but he has also laced beats for an impressive multitude of artists including the revered Tupac Shakur, Scarface, UGK and Jay Z.

As a child growing up on a compound in Pineville, Louisiana, Leroy Williams became well-versed in music competing as a pianist at age 9 and playing Gospel in church. Classically trained in numerous instruments, he played in the McDonald’s All-American Band in 1990 and became the first black drum major at the predominantly white Tioga High School.  Lee helped lead them to their first state championship in 19 years, and though the victory encouraged him to realize his dreams, he lost his college scholarship after maintaining his newfound popularity instead of his GPA.

A blessing in disguise, he relied on music as his savior and musically accompanied his father, a Gospel singer, until he discovered a passion for Hip Hop at 21.  He formed and became a member of rap group Four Deep until he decided to relocate to Houston where his favorite rapper Scarface resided in 1995.

On a mission to slang beats, Mr. Lee was only offered a meager $50 for his work and doors continually slammed in his face until another major one was opened. After meeting with Big Chief, the VP of Rap-A-Lot Records, he landed a deal on the very same imprint as his idol Scarface.  After receiving validation from Face during a studio session, he went on to lend his talents to Tupac and the Outlawz’ “Black Jesus” and Scarface’s Last of a Dying Breed album that included the track “Get Out” with Jay Z.

Unfortunately, it was difficult for him to revel in the fruits of his labor with drug and burglary charges hovering over him since 1997.  On the run and unable to attain a license or a bank account, he violated probation by traveling until he was arrested in 2004 for a traffic violation.  With a myriad of platinum records under his belt and letters of character from Willie Nelson and Randall Jamil, his accomplishments outweighed his criminal past, and his charges were dropped.

Since then, Mr. Lee has remained an incredible force by studying his craft daily and evolving with the ever-changing rap game.  One of the first producers to switch over to the digital medium, he ditched his ASR-10 in favor of an MPC drum machine and Korg and Roland keyboards to create Bun B, Pimp C, Jeezy, Z-Ro and Jay Z’s menacing “Get Throwed.” On MySpace, he corresponded with then up-and-comer Iggy Azalea and helped her sharpen her rap skills when she moved to Houston. 

Over the past two decades, his soulful and synth heavy sound has not only been emulated, but has allowed him to rack up 9 platinum albums, 6 gold albums and singles on the radio for 13 consecutive years.  He has had the opportunity to work with an array of artists including Paul Wall, Slim Thug, Mary J. Blige, Nipsey Hussle and Dwele.  Now currently working with LL Cool J, he hopes his new XMG label will not only help break on-the-rise stars King Shaun and Adonia, but serve as a hub for new artists to be heard in the future.