The Alchemist is known for producing dirty, hard-hitting, sample-based rap music that is embraced by the most credible hip-hop luminaries, so most people are surprised when they find out that Alan “The Alchemist” Maman was born and raised in the affluent neighbourhood of Beverly Hills, and grew up with Shifty Shellshock (Crazy Town) and Scott Caan (spawn of James Caan) as childhood pals. So how does a kid from Beverly Hills make the jump to New York City and become one of the most respected hip-hop producers in the game?

Surrounded by billionaire families and luxurious homes in Beverly Hills, Al Maman sought out hip-hop as an alternative to the snobby, elitist attitudes of many of his peers. He became close with Scott Caan and Seth Binzer (who would later take the name Shifty Shellshock), who were also looking to rebel against their upbringings, using hip-hop, and general mischief as an outlet.

Scott and Al decided to form a hip-hop duo called The Whooliganz, taking the names Mad Skillz and Mudfoot, respectively. While rhyming at a party in Los Angeles, they met DJ Muggs (of Cypress Hill fame), who invited them to join his crew, The Soul Assassins, which also consisted of House Of Pain at the time. The Whooliganz released their debut single “Put Your Handz Up,” produced by label-mate DJ Lethal, but when it received very litte radio play, Tommy Boy Records decided to shelf it. Scott focussed on acting (you may have seen him in Entourage and/or the Miami Vice remake), while Al turned his focus to music production, and set out on a path to become powerhouse producer The Alchemist, as we know him today.

DJ Muggs took Al under his wing, and showed him the ropes while co-producing tracks for Cypress Hill’s III: Temples of Boom. The Alchemist received no credit for his work on Boom, but it gave him the confidence he needed to move to New York for school, and in turn, expand the reach of The Soul Assassins brand. While studying at NYU, The Alchemist met east coast hip-hop production guru DJ Premier, who gave Al an in at legendary hip-hop studio D&D, where he worked with producers Da Beatminerz and Tony Touch, and met a young, unestablished MC by the name of Jay-Z. After two years of general studies at NYU, Maman decided to take a semester off to focus on his music career, on the advice of the school’s guidance counsellor.

As DJ Muggs prepared the second Soul Assassins compilation, he gave The Alchemist an opportunity to produce a track for Queens, NY hip-hop group Infamous Mobb. Infamous Mobb were so happy with the The Alchemist’s beat, they decided to share it with their friends in the hardcore Queens rap duo Mobb Deep. Mobb Deep asked if they could jump on the track and release it on their upcoming album Murda Muzik, instead of featuring it the Soul Assassins compilation. DJ Muggs obliged, knowing what it meant for The Alchemist’s career. This was the first of many collaborations between Mobb Deep and the Alchemist. The Alchemist eventually became known as the unofficial third member of Mobb Deep, and one of the only outside producers the duo repeatedly called on for beats.

From that point on, The Alchemist was a mainstay in hip-hop production. After gaining notoriety in Mobb Deep, he was serving up beats to the likes of Nas, Jadakiss, and Raekwon, while remaining an integral part of the Mobb Deep family. He’s one of the most prolific producers in music, and he’s known for bringing some of the most unlikely, unheard samples to your ears, twisting and effecting them in a style that’s all his own. Let’s check out eight of The Alchemist’s best beats for this edition of the Producer Mixtape.