Mannie Fresh was one of the rappers and producers who helped put New Orleans on the map in the golden 1990s, when Cash Money Records and Master P’s No Limit Records ruled the airwaves and mixtapes. He is perhaps best known for his appearance on the monster Juvenile hit, “Back That Azz Up” along with L’il Wayne.

Fresh, born Byron Otto Thomas, was influenced by his father, who performed as DJ Sabu, and became a DJ at age 15. He connected with MC Gregory D in the late 80s, recorded several records, including the seminal “Throwdown” in 1987. He started with Cash Money in 1991 and produced nearly all of the songs on 17 albums for the label that went gold, platinum, or multi-platinum. He also performed as half of the hip-hop duo Big Tymers, along with Birdman. The Big Tymers released several albums and brought Fresh fame in his own right as a performer. He has also released solo albums, including the classic “The Mind of Mannie Fresh.” Most recently he can be heard on the “Take Me To the River: New Orleans” hit soundtrack along with Dee-1, Big Freedia, and Galactic with the catchy “Act Like You Know.”