Sonny Digital Explained

Sonny Digital
Birth Name:Sonny Corey Uwaezuoke[1]
Birth Date:5 March 1991
Birth Place:Saginaw, Michigan, U.S.
Origin:Atlanta, Georgia, U.S.
Years Active:2010–present

Sonny Corey Uwaezuoke (born March 5, 1991),[2] better known by his stage name Sonny Digital, is an American record producer, rapper, and DJ.[3] He first saw recognition for his production work on YC's 2011 single "Racks", which peaked within the top 50 of the Billboard Hot 100. Throughout the following decade, he was credited on a string of commercially successful hip hop and trap singles including ILoveMakonnen's "Tuesday", Future's "Same Damn Time", 50 Cent's "I'm the Man", 2 Chainz's "Birthday Song", and Travis Scott's "Stargazing". Uwaezuoke has also produced for XXL Magazine's Freshman Hip Hop Cyphers in 2017 and 2018, and pursued a lukewarmly-received career as a recording artist.[4] [5] [6]

Early in their respective careers, he discovered and worked in tandem with Metro Boomin, 808 Mafia, Southside, and TM88 for his productions.[7] He signed with Universal Music Publishing Group in 2014.

Early life

Sonny was born on March 5, 1991, in Saginaw, Michigan and quickly moved to Atlanta, Georgia while still an infant. He has been involved in making music since an early age. At first he started rapping while at school, but found it hard to get instrumentals to rap over. When he was 13, he was influenced by his older cousin to start making beats. Aside from school, Sonny didn't have other hobbies like playing sports or video games, so he dedicated a large amount of his free time to creating music. Sonny was inspired by famous producers Shawty Redd and Drumma Boy and initially tried to copy their sound while learning to make beats. Eventually his production transformed into his own style.[8]

Career

2011–2013: First charting singles and success

When he was 16, he joined a hip-hop group as a producer and was also producing mixtapes for other local artists. In 2011, YC used one of his beats for the single "Racks", which went to become a national hit, peaking at #42 on the Billboard Hot 100[9] and being certified Gold by RIAA. The song was also featured in the Billboard 2011 Year-end Rap songs and R&B/Hip-hop songs charts.[10] [11]

Sonny released his first official mixtape Digital History on May 9, 2011. The tape, hosted by DJ 1Hunnit, is a collection of songs Sonny had produced between 2010 and 2011. It features many rappers, such as Plies, Wale, 2 Chainz and Future. It has been viewed over 70,000 times on LiveMixtapes.[12]

Sonny produced six songs on Gorilla Zoe's album King Kong released in June. Sonny's second mixtape Behind the Muzik was released on September 8, 2011. It is a collaboration with fellow producer Will A Fool, where each produced half of the songs.[13]

In late 2011, Sonny produced Future's hit single "Same Damn Time", which was initially featured on Future's mixtape Streetz Calling. Following the song's success, in 2012 Future released a new version of "Same Damn Time" as the third official single from his debut album Pluto. It peaked at number 92 on the Billboard Hot 100.[14] A music video for the single was released on April 4, 2012. Sonny Digital also produced the official remix of "Same Damn Time" featuring rappers Diddy and Ludacris, which was released on May 17, 2012. The remix was featured on Future's re-release of Pluto, titled Pluto 3D.[15]

In March 2012, Sonny produced Gorilla Zoe's mixtape Gorilla Zoe World. The tape was certified bronze for being downloaded over 25,000 times on popular mixtape site DatPiff.[16] In early 2012 Sonny also worked on Gucci Mane's mixtapes Trap Back and I'm Up. On June 8, 2012, Sonny Digital released his debut rap single, "Business Man", featuring rapper Que. The song was produced by BWheezy.[17] [18]

Sonny produced 2 Chainz' single "Birthday Song", which was released on July 24, 2012. Sonny created the original beat, which was later modified by a number of GOOD Music producers – Kanye West, BWheezy, Anthony Kilhoffer, Lifted and Mike Dean.[19] [20] The single peaked at number 49 on the US Hot 100, and also entered top 10 of the R&B and Rap charts. The official music video was released on August 30, 2012, and became a viral success, gaining over 30 million views on YouTube.

Later in 2012, Sonny produced the track "Don't Get Me Started", which was featured on the deluxe version of DJ Khaled's album Kiss the Ring, as well as on Ace Hood's mixtape Body Bag 2. The official video for the promo single was released on August 17, 2012, on Ace Hood's YouTube channel. Sonny was featured on Jo FloWroshus' single "Attention" from his 900° album. In an interview with BET Sonny stated he was working with artists B.o.B, Ace Hood and Wiz Khalifa, and making a new mixtape with fellow producer Drumma Boy.[21] He also wants to work with a famous pop singer like Justin Bieber.[22]

In March 2013, Sonny released a collaboration mixtape with rapper Que, titled Forbes Atlanta.[23]

2014–present: Billboard top 10 and more projects

In 2014, Sonny produced the track "Tuesday" by ILoveMakonnen and Drake. The song peaked at number 12 on the Billboard Hot 100.

In August 2018, Sonny produced the Travis Scott song "Stargazing", which peaked at number eight on the Hot 100 and earned Sonny his highest charting single.

In 2019, Sonny announced a follow-up collaboration project with Black Boe, the album to be titled Black Goat II, after 2017's Black Goat.[24] [25]

Other ventures

In 2011, Sonny founded his own self-titled record label.

Artistry

Sonny uses the music production software FL Studio along with custom plug-ins to make his beats. He seeks inspiration in listening to other producers' tracks, music in general and watching movies.

Discography

Mixtapes

Singles

Production discography

Charted songs

TitleYearPeak chart positionsCertificationsAlbum
USUS
R&B/HH
US
Rap
AUSCANUK
"Racks"
201142 6 4 Rack Nation
"Same Damn Time"
201292 12 16Pluto
"Birthday Song"
47 10 8
  • RIAA: 2× Platinum
Based on a T.R.U. Story
"Tuesday"
201412 2 58165
  • RIAA: Platinum
ILoveMakonnen
"Up Like Trump"
20154215
  • RIAA: Gold
SremmLife
"Blow a Bag"
952622
  • RIAA: Platinum
DS2
"I'm the Man"
46
  • RIAA: Gold
The Kanan Tape
"Red Opps"
2016743125
  • RIAA: Platinum
Free Guwop
"Froze"
68282194DC4
"Regrets"
201798Bloom
"Stargazing"
201887710715
  • RIAA: Platinum
Astroworld
"Cardigan"
202090Heaven or Hell
"After Party"
57232035

Production credits

2011

Gorilla ZoeKing Kong

Wiz KhalifaCabin Fever

YCNBA Live 2005 Exclusive

Juicy JRubba Band Business 2

Roscoe DashJ.U.I.C.E.

Kevin Gates – "Drug Dealer Potential"

Ace HoodBlood, Sweat & Tears

WaleThe Eleven One Eleven Theory

Juicy J – Blue Dream & Lean[28]

FutureStreetz Calling

Yung JocReady To Fly

2 ChainzUNKNOWN

Kid InkWheels Up[29]

Ilovemakkonnen side by side

2012

Jody Breeze – Airplane Mode[30]

Future – Astronaut Status

Gorilla Zoe – Gorilla Zoe World

Gucci ManeTrap Back

SPOT – The Price Iz Right

Gucci Mane – I'm Up

Future – Pluto

Young Lace – Above Average[31]

Juicy J – Blue Dream & Lean (Bonus Tracks)

Chevy WoodsGang Land

Waka Flocka FlameTriple F Life

Jackie Chain – Bruce Lean Chronicles

2 ChainzBased on a T.R.U. Story

DJ KhaledKiss the Ring

Ace Hood – Body Bag 2

Trae Tha Truth – Tha Blackprint

Diamond – The Young Life[32]

RockoWordplay

Roscoe Dash – Roscoe 2.0

Reese – Reese Vs. The World 2

B.o.BFuck 'Em We Ball[33]

Young Lace – Bipolar

Future – Pluto 3D

Frank Whyte – 1728

2013

Sonny Digital & Que – Forbes Atlanta

Chief KeefBang Pt. 2

Ace HoodTrials & Tribulations

2014

Young Money

Wiz Khalifa28 Grams

Wiz KhalifaBlacc Hollywood

B.o.B – No Genre Pt. 2

ILoveMakonnenILoveMakonnen

2015

Kourtney Money – The Return Of Money (Zone 6 Edition)[34]

FutureDS2

Travis ScottRodeo

Juicy J – 100% Juice

Chief KeefFinally Rollin 2

Chief Keef – Back From The Dead 3/Cabinet Fever

Wiz Khalifa – Cabin Fever 3

50 Cent – The Kanan Tape

Juicy J – OS To Oscar

Migos & Rich The Kid – Streets on Lock 4

Young Buck – 10 Pints

YFN Lucci – Wish Me Well

Pnb Rock – RNB 3 : Philadelphia

Young Thug – Slime Season

Jeezy – Gangsta Party

Que – I Am Que

Lil Uzi VertLuv is Rage

Ty Dolla Sign – Airplane Mode

Que – Lost Dawg

Key! - Screaming Dreams : The Prelude

21 Savage – Free Guwop

21 Savage – Slaughter King

SD – Just The Beginning

Ace Hood – Starvation 4

Key!

ZuseTrap Zuse

OJ Juiceman – 6 Rings 3

Lil Uzi Vert – The Wraith, The Uzi Vert

Jeezy – CITS

2016

Landstrip Chip – Cruising Control

G.O.A.T

Meek MillDC4

2017

Machine Gun KellyBloom

Smokepurpp

2018

Big Cat & PFTCommenter

Travis Scott – Astroworld

2019

Beyoncé –

Big Cat & PFTCommenter

2020

Don ToliverHeaven or Hell

Pap Chanel & Future

2021

Don ToliverLife of a Don

Notes and References

  1. http://www.allmusic.com/artist/sonny-corey-uwaezuoke-mn0002698847/ Sonny Corey Uwaezuoke Credits
  2. https://archive.today/20121225211629/http://vk.com/sonny_digital Sonny Digital
  3. http://www.hiphopweekly.com/2011/07/02/hhw-exclusive-behind-the-beats-with-sonny-digital/ HHW exclusive: behind the beats with Sonny Digital
  4. http://www.thesource.com/articles/219504/Behind-The-Boards%3A-Sonny-Digital/ Behind The Boards: Sonny Digital
  5. http://www.discogs.com/artist/Sonny+Digital Sonny Digital
  6. Web site: Sonny Digital talks break from producing and not getting the respect he deserves. Revolt.tv. April 9, 2018.
  7. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tc9RjIi1-TQ South Side, TM88, & Sonny Digital Studio Session
  8. http://www.theboombox.com/2012/08/14/sonny-digital-kanye-west/ Sonny Digital Shares Conversations With Kanye West, Working With Wiz Khalifa, DJ Khaled
  9. "YC Album & Song Chart History"
  10. http://www.billboard.biz/bbbiz/charts/yearendcharts/2011/hot-r-and-and-b-hip-hop-songs "2011 Year End Charts – Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs"
  11. http://www.billboard.biz/bbbiz/charts/yearendcharts/2011/hot-rap-songs "2011 Year End Charts – Rap Songs"
  12. http://www.livemixtapes.com/mixtapes/13800/sonny_digital_digital_history.html Mixtapes › DJs › DJ 1Hunnit › Sonny Digital – Digital History
  13. http://www.livemixtapes.com/mixtapes/14616/sonny_digital_x_will_a_fool_behind_the_music.html Mixtapes › DJs › DJ Iceberg, DJ Pretty Boy Tank › Sonny Digital x Will A Fool – Behind The Music
  14. Future > Chart History
  15. http://www.vibe.com/article/future-set-re-release-pluto-3d-new-songs Future Set To Re-Release 'Pluto 3d' With New Songs
  16. http://www.datpiff.com/Gorilla-Zoe-Gorilla-Zoe-World-mixtape.320956.html Gorilla Zoe – Gorilla Zoe World
  17. https://www.amazon.com/Business-Man-Album-Version-Explicit/dp/B008ARZQJA Business Man Album Version
  18. http://www.thatretailchick.me/press-play-power/producer-sonnydigital-preps-new-single-business-man/#.UIxdSMXMjko Producer @SonnyDigital Releases New Single 'Business Man'
  19. http://www.xxlmag.com/news/2012/08/sonny-digital-explains-origins-of-2-chainz-and-kanye-wests-birthday-song/ Sonny Digital Explains Origins of 2 Chainz and Kanye West's "Birthday Song"
  20. http://www.sweetpotion.com/albums/2012/33/ 2 Chainz – Based On A T.R.U. Story
  21. https://www.bet.com/article/v7pple/producer-sonny-digital-praises-kanye-s-helping-hand Producer Sonny Digital Praises Kanye's Helping Hand
  22. Web site: Behind the Beat . Full Blast Magazine . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20120712025430/http://fullblastmagazine.com/2012/06/behind-the-beat/ . July 12, 2012 .
  23. Web site: Sonny Digital & Que – Forbes Atlanta. LiveMixtapes.com. March 22, 2013.
  24. Web site: Sonny Digital Is Quietly Becoming One of Hip-Hop's Next Moguls. Respect-mag.com. August 13, 2019.
  25. Web site: Sonny Digital Teams With Black Boe For 'Black Goat 2' EP. January 16, 2020. HipHopDX.com.
  26. https://www.instagram.com/p/BzPiitSnGy2/
  27. http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/mixtape/id.1470/title.wale-the-eleven-one-eleven-theory Wale The Eleven One Eleven Theory > Tracklist
  28. http://www.livemixtapes.com/mixtapes/15290/juicy_j_blue_dream_lean.html Juicy J – Blue Dream & Lean
  29. http://www.datpiff.com/Kid-Ink-Wheels-Up-mixtape.263019.html Kid Ink – Wheels Up
  30. Web site: Jody Breeze – Airplane Mode . Livemixtapes . May 24, 2012 . March 4, 2015.
  31. http://indy.livemixtapes.com/mixtapes/18133/young_lace_above_average.html DJ Mustard › Young Lace – Above Average
  32. http://www.freeonsmash.com/news/2012/08/28/diamond-the-young-life-mixtape/ Diamond – The Young Life [Mixtape]
  33. http://www.datpiff.com/BoB-Fuck-Em-We-Ball-mixtape.415029.html B.o.B Fuck Em We Ball
  34. Web site: Kourtney Money – The Return Of Money (Zone 6 Edition) . Livemixtapes . February 20, 2015 . March 4, 2015.