When listening to a new trap song, there are few things more exciting than hearing “run dat back, Turbo.” It’s a Pavlovian call to turn the volume up and lock in because there’s a master at work behind the boards.

Turbo’s sound is cinematic and immediate–melding lush instrumentation with trunk-rattling bass, pulling equally from raw energy and a keen ear for melody. His fingerprints are everywhere across modern rap: from diamond-certified anthems like “Drip Too Hard” and platinum hits like “Close Friends” and “Never Recover,” to shaping full-length projects that defined a generation. 

His chemistry with Gunna in particular is the stuff of legend, with Turbo steering Drip or Drown 2, Drip Harder, and A Gift & A Curse. Most recently, he executive-produced One of Wun, which debuted at No. 1 on Billboard’s Top R&B/Hip Hop charts. 

Now, Turbo’s back at the helm for Gunna’s latest album, The Last Wun—a bold, intentional statement record that blends trap’s roots with global sounds. And, with a solo project on the horizon, Turbo stands less as a background producer and more as an architect of hip-hop’s future.

Catching up with FLAUNT, Turbo discusses how he got started in music, executive producing Gunna’s new album, The Last Wun, and where Turbo’s sound goes from here. 

Growing up in Atlanta, how did the city and its music culture shape you?

Atlanta was everything. Growing up in the South is a different frequency, a different culture. It’s embedded in my DNA—the stuff I listened to, what inspired me, even the bass frequencies we love. I remember seeing people with twelves in the trunk, the mixtape era. It was instrumental in shaping who I am and the music I make.

When did you realize music was your thing, and how did you start producing?

I started producing around 14. I fell in love with the process of making something from nothing. You’re literally taking something from your mind and making it into a sound that can move people. That process hooked me early.

Do you remember the first beat that made you think you could really do this?

"Yeah, when I first got the 'dirty south horn' sound, I used it on every beat. That was during the Jeezy era. That sound became my favorite, and it was the first time I made something I really loved.

What makes a Turbo beat unique?

The instrumentation. I try to make real music with real instruments—maybe bring in a guitar or something orchestral. But more than a sound—I think it’s a frequency. You’ll know it’s a Turbo beat from the vibe.

How has your sound evolved since your inception as an artist?

I’ve always been intentional about not staying in a box and experimenting. Different artists bring out different things in me. My goal is always to push the sound forward and never sound like last year.

What’s the key to your chemistry with Gunna?

We’re real friends. Our families hang out. That friendship makes the creative process easy and authentic. The music comes after that.

Where were you when “Drip Too Hard” blew up?

I was in Atlanta, in a one-bedroom apartment, barely making rent. When it started going crazy, I was just excited that people loved the music. I remember being in the studio when it dropped, and just being happy the mix sounded good and people were gravitating to it.

What was your approach as executive producer on Gunna’s new album?

It was all about being intentional and putting out great music. At this point in our careers, we’re pioneers, so we wanted to set the bar high and not cut corners. I had a hand in everything—from the creative direction to the mixes and even the album title. I wanted to make sure every detail was right and that the project felt cohesive and fresh.

‍Your sound is cinematic and immediate–melding lush instrumentation with trunk-rattling bass, pulling equally from raw energy and a keen ear for melody. You are everywhere across modern rap: from diamond-certified anthems like “Drip Too Hard” and platinum hits like “Close Friends” and “Never Recover,” to shaping full-length projects that defined a generation, and featuring Afrobeat influences and collaborations with Wizkid and Burna Boy. How did those come about?

It happened naturally. Gunna started building relationships with Nigerian artists, and I did too. We became real friends with guys like Wizkid and Burna Boy, and the music just happened from us hanging out and vibing.

What’s the difference between producing and being an executive producer?

As executive producer, I oversee everything. I’m involved in the creative direction, the mixes, the mastering, and even helping other producers shape their contributions so everything fits the vision. I know Gunna better than anyone, so I can help articulate our ideas and make sure the project is the best it can be.

You’ve helped shape modern trap and hip-hop. Where do you see the genre going?

I think it’s time for trap and hip-hop to go as big as pop. Culturally, it’s already there, but I want to see it get the same recognition and opportunities. People love this sound, and I think it’s only going to get bigger.

What keeps you motivated to keep innovating?

I see myself as a modern-day pioneer. I feel a responsibility to keep pushing the culture forward and inspiring the next generation. I’m always looking for new ways to be creative and make an impact, and that drive keeps me going every day.