Hit-Boy, born Chauncey Hollis, jump-started his music career after receiving a Myspace message from his soon-to-be friend and mentor Polow Da Don in 2007. The message was only one sentence long: “Let’s get that paper.”

Born in Fontana, California in 1987, Chauncey Hollis is newphew of Rodney Benford, a founding member of 90s R&B group Troop. Hollis credits an early exposure to the music industry to his Uncle, whose band was becoming commercially successful in his formative years. After finding his niche in music production in his teenage years, Hit-Boy linked up with fellow beatmakers Chase N. Cash, BCarr, and Chili Chill forming a collective known as Surf Club.

After hearing London Bridge by Fergie in 2007, Hit-Boy was blown away by the beat. He looked up who produced the track, and sent Polow Da Don a Myspace request. Shortly after, Hit-Boy was at Record Plant Studios in Los Angeles playing his beats for Polow Da Don. Polow liked what he heard, and he signed Hit-Boy (and Surf Club) to a deal with Zone 4, Polow Da Don’s publishing company. In less than a year’s time, Hit-Boy would be making records with Flo Rida, Jennifer Lopez, and Snoop Dogg.

Hit-Boy’s tight and intricate drum programming and his ear for melodic hooks have led to relationships with Kanye West, Game, Lil Wayne, and most of hip-hop’s biggest names. After producing “Niggas In Paris” for Kanye and Jay-Z, Hit-Boy claimed his spot as one of the most sought-after hip-hop producers in 2012. Let’s check out some of his best beats.