Murda Beatz

Born Shane Lindstrom in 1994, Murda Beatz grew up in Fort Erie, Ontario, where an early interest in drums led him to jam regularly with relatives while his father, a devoted rock listener, urged him onward. At seventeen he turned to self-instruction in beat-making, trading his rock instruments for production tools and quickly placing tracks with rappers. One of his earliest targets was Atlanta’s Migos, whom he reached before their breakthrough; his outgoing approach soon linked him with larger figures including Drake, PartyNextDoor, French Montana, and Gucci Mane, several of whose collaborations achieved platinum certification.

The producer’s late-2010s output included the chart-topping Drake single “Nice for What,” Travis Scott’s “Butterfly Effect,” and Migos’ “Motorsport” featuring Nicki Minaj and Cardi B, the latter cut earning triple-platinum status after reaching the Top Ten. Murda Beatz also issued his own projects, beginning with the 2016 mixtape Keep God First, which showcased 2 Chainz, Playboi Carti, Offset, and additional prominent MCs. In April 2018 he and Smokepurpp delivered the joint mixtape Bless Yo Trap, hosting Lil Yachty and A$AP Ferg; the set entered the U.S. Top 40. That same period brought further Hot 100 success when “Nice for What” ascended to number one and was certified five-times platinum, while the 6ix9ine and Minaj collaboration “Fefe” peaked at number three and attained eight-times-platinum standing by year’s end.

Subsequent years brought continued placements alongside fresh solo releases such as the 2019 single “Shoplifting Spree” with Sheck Wes and Lil Pump, the 2020 track “Doors Unlocked,” and the 2021 mixtape Memory Lane recorded with Shordie Shordie and guest Trippie Redd. Throughout, listeners awaited Keep God First 2, the long-promised full-length debut that remained unreleased into 2022; a circulated track list indicated appearances from YNW Melly, Lil Durk, Wale, and further contributors.