Producer/Rapper TOPE has long been recognized as one of the most essential rising producers on the West Coast—a creative force whose fingerprints sit on some of the region’s most innovative, soulful, and forward-thinking records. While he first entered the game as a dual-threat artist, it’s TOPE’s production work that has solidified his reputation and earned him praise from some of the biggest names, platforms, and gatekeepers in hip-hop.
Emerging with his debut album in 2007, TOPE quickly carved out a lane built on warm textures, dusty samples, rich musicality, and a deep respect for classic hip-hop foundations. His breakout project BROKE BOY SYNDROME pushed his name onto a national stage, earning nods from XXL, The Source, Hip Hop DX, Jay-Z’s Life + Times, Hip Hop Wired, Okayplayer, 2DopeBoyz, and other leading outlets. But what stood out most was the production—introspective, soulful, and filled with the kind of subtle detail that only comes from a meticulous ear.
Over the years, TOPE has built an extensive résumé behind the boards, producing and collaborating with a powerful list of respected artists: Slum Village, Blu, Planet Asia, LMNO, Cool Nutz, Skyzoo, TiRon, Myka 9, Abstract Rude, Scarub of Living Legends, and many others. His ability to balance boom-bap roots with contemporary bounce has made him a go-to producer for underground legends and breakthrough voices alike.
In 2014, TOPE caught the attention of Soul icon Erykah Badu, who personally co-signed his “TAKE YOUR TIME” music video—an early sign of how far his artistry resonated beyond the indie rap circuit. His momentum only grew. By 2015, TOPE planted new roots in the Bay Area, shifting his focus even further toward production work while still maintaining his ability to rap and perform when the moment called for it. He briefly toured with the late Gift Of Gab from Blackalicious, sharpening his craft and expanding his musical network.
That move to the Bay would also lead to one of TOPE’s most defining partnerships: his ongoing creative run with rising superstar LaRussell. Since linking in 2021, the chemistry between the two has been undeniable. Together they’ve built a catalog of six projects (and counting), including the viral hit “Baggage Claim” featuring Nef The Pharaoh—a record whose production showcases TOPE’s signature blend of bounce, grit, and soul. Their collaborative sound has become a cornerstone of LaRussell’s rise and a testament to TOPE’s ability to elevate artists into new creative space.
Beyond his artist collaborations, TOPE has expanded heavily into commercial work, producing for brands and talents such as Nike and Jeremy Lin, among others. That adaptability—shifting seamlessly between street-rooted hip-hop and major-brand soundscapes—shows just how wide TOPE’s sonic range extends.
In recent years, he has continued stacking production credits with notable West Coast names, including Zoe Osama, E-40, Iamsu, Guapdad 4000, and more. As his catalog grows, so does the respect: TOPE is no longer just an up-and-comer—he’s one of the West Coast’s most consistent, quietly influential producers shaping the next era of sound.
