Mannie Fresh facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Mannie Fresh
Mannie Fresh in 2017
Background information
Birth name	Byron Otto Thomas
Also known as	Manny Fresh Lovely
Born	(1969-03-20) March 20, 1969 (age 56) New Orleans, Louisiana, U.S.
Genres	Southern hip hop bounce trap
Occupation(s)	Record producer rapper disc jockey
Years active	1984–present
Labels	Cash Money Universal Def Jam Mass Appeal Chubby Boy Productions, Inc.

Byron Otto Thomas (born March 20, 1969), known as Mannie Fresh, is a famous American record producer, DJ, and rapper. He comes from New Orleans, Louisiana. He is most famous for creating music for Cash Money Records. He was also one half of the hip hop group Big Tymers with Birdman.

Mannie Fresh started as the main music producer for Cash Money Records in 1991. He helped create almost all the music released by the label from 1998 until 2004. Many of these songs became very popular. Seventeen of his songs earned gold, platinum, or multi-platinum awards. He also had 19 songs appear on the Billboard Hot 100 music chart. This includes his own song, "Real Big", which came out in 2004.

Mannie Fresh's Early Life and Career

Byron Thomas was born and grew up in the 7th Ward of New Orleans. His father, DJ Sabu, was a DJ and inspired him. Thomas started being a DJ for a hip hop group called New York Incorporated in 1984. He was only 15 years old at the time.

Working with MC Gregory D

In the late 1980s, Mannie Fresh began working with New Orleans rapper MC Gregory D. They released their first album together, Throwdown, in 1987. Mannie Fresh produced the music, and MC Gregory D rapped. They made two more albums together in the late 1980s and early 1990s.

Joining Cash Money Records

After their last album in 1993, Thomas met Bryan "Baby" Williams. Bryan Williams offered him a chance to become the main music producer for his new record label, Cash Money Records. With Williams' help, Mannie Fresh created many hit albums for the group Hot Boys. This group included Lil Wayne, B.G., Juvenile, and Turk. He produced all the songs on their group albums. He also produced all the songs for each member's solo albums.

Forming Big Tymers and Solo Work

Later, Thomas and Bryan Williams formed their own group called Big Tymers. Thomas became Mannie Fresh, and Williams became Birdman. This group made him even more famous. They released five albums together. In 2004, Mannie Fresh released his first solo album, The Mind of Mannie Fresh. This album had 30 songs. It included the single "Real Big", which reached number 79 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.

In 2005, Mannie Fresh left Cash Money Records. He then joined another record label called Def Jam South. On October 27, 2009, Mannie Fresh released his second solo album, Return of the Ballin'. Mannie Fresh produced all the songs on this album himself. It featured popular artists like Rick Ross and Lil Jon.

Awards and Honors

Mannie Fresh has received awards for his work as a DJ.

OffBeat Magazine's Best of The Beat Awards

Music Albums

Solo Albums

• The Mind of Mannie Fresh (2004)
• Return of the Ballin' (2009)

Albums with Other Artists

• How You Luv That (with Big Tymers) (1997)
• How You Luv That Vol. 2 (with Big Tymers) (1998)
• I Got That Work (with Big Tymers) (2000)
• Baller Blockin' (with Cash Money Millionaires) (2000)
• Hood Rich (with Big Tymers) (2002)
• Big Money Heavyweight (with Big Tymers) (2003)

See also

In Spanish: Mannie Fresh para niños