Byron O. Thomas, (born March 20, 1969) professionally known by his stage name Mannie Fresh is a hip hop recording artist, record producer and DJ who is best known for his work with Cash Money Records from 1993 to 2005 and one half of the hip hop duo Big Tymers. Mannie Fresh is currently signed to both Def Jam South and his own division company, Chubby Boy Records.

Biography

Thomas began loving music at the age of nine as a local New Orleans DJ, playing songs at parties and clubs. In the late 1980s he began a partnership with New Orleans rapper MC Gregory D. They released their first album together Throwdown in 1987, with Mannie Fresh producing and MC Gregory D rapping. They would release two more records together in the late 1980s and early 1990s. After their last album together, in 1993 Thomas met Bryan "Baby" Williams who gave him an opportunity to become the in-house producer of his record label Cash Money Records. With Williams's help, Thomas made chart-topping albums for the Hot Boys, which was composed of Lil Wayne, B.G., Juvenile, and Turk, producing all of the group’s singles. He also produced all tracks on the members’ solo works as well.

Later, Thomas formed the Big Tymers along with Williams, as Mannie Fresh and Birdman respectively bringing him fame, and released five albums. In 2004, he released his own debut solo album The Mind of Mannie Fresh, which consisted of 30 tracks and featured the single “Real Big,” which peaked at #72 on the Billboard Hot 100. In 2005, he split from Cash Money for financial reasons, and later joined Def Jam South, to which he is currently signed. On October 27, 2009, Mannie Fresh released his second solo album, Return of the Ballin'. The album was entirely produced by Fresh himself and featured prominent guests Rick Ross and Lil Jon.

Discography Main articles: Mannie Fresh discography and Mannie Fresh production discography Studio albums The Mind of Mannie Fresh (2004) Return of the Ballin' (2009) The Mind of Mannie Fresh 2 (TBA) Collaboration albums OMFGOD (2015) (with Yasiin Bey) References ^ Guevara, Natalie (2007-11-30). "Sister of Producer Mannie Fresh Slain Inside Her Home". Vibe. Retrieved 2009-06-26.  ^ Sanneh, Kelefa (2005-12-06). "Set to Put New Orleans Rap Back on Top". The New York Times. Retrieved 2009-06-26.  ^ Sanneh, Kelefa (2005-01-03). "Loving, Rapping, Snuggling and...". The New York Times. Retrieved 2009-06-26.  ^ Capobianco, Ken (2004-12-31). "CD report - The Mind of Mannie Fresh". The Boston Globe. Retrieved 2009-06-26.  ^ Sanneh, Kelefa (2006-04-23). "New Orleans Hip-Hop Is the Home of Gangsta Gumbo". The New York Times. Retrieved 2009-06-26.  ^ http://omfgodbknola.com v t e Mannie Fresh Discography Production Discography Studio albums The Mind of Mannie Fresh Return of the Ballin' Singles "Conversation" "Real Big" "Like a Boss" "Drought" Featured Singles "Back That Thang Up" "Bling Bling" "I Need a Hot Girl" "I Got That Fire" "Do That" "In My Life" "Bring It Back" "And Then What" "What It Do" "Move Around" "That Girl" "Naw Mean" "My Hood" Related articles Big Tymers Cash Money Millionaires Cash Money Records