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 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 an American music producer, DJ, and rapper. He comes from New Orleans, Louisiana. He is famous for making many hit songs for Cash Money Records. He was also one half of the hip hop group Big Tymers. The other member was Birdman, who helped start Cash Money Records.

Mannie Fresh started as the main music producer for Cash Money Records in 1991. He helped create almost all the music from 1998 until 2004. During this time, 17 of his songs sold enough copies to earn gold or platinum awards. Also, 19 of his songs appeared on the Billboard Hot 100 music chart. In 2004, he released his first song as a solo artist, "Real Big".

Mannie Fresh's Music Journey

Byron Thomas grew up in the 7th Ward of New Orleans. His father, DJ Sabu, was a DJ too. This inspired Thomas to become a DJ at age 15 in 1984. He joined a hip hop group called New York Incorporated.

Early Music Career

In the late 1980s, Mannie Fresh started working with MC Gregory D, a rapper from New Orleans. 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 be the main producer for his new record label, Cash Money Records. With Williams' help, Mannie Fresh created many popular albums for the group Hot Boys. This group included Lil Wayne, B.G., Juvenile, and Turk. He produced all the songs for the group's albums. He also produced songs for each member's solo albums.

Big Tymers and Solo Work

Later, Thomas and Bryan Williams formed the group Big Tymers. Thomas was known as Mannie Fresh, and Williams was Birdman. This group became very popular, and they released five albums together. In 2004, Mannie Fresh released his first solo album called The Mind of Mannie Fresh. This album had 30 songs and included the hit single "Real Big". That song reached number 79 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.

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

Awards and Recognition

OffBeat Magazine Awards

Music Albums

Solo Albums

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

Group Albums

• 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