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DJ Durel
DJ Durel
DJ Durel
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Key Information

Daryl McPherson, known as DJ Durel, is an American record producer, recording engineer, and DJ from Cleveland, Ohio. He was the official DJ of American hip-hop group Migos.

Career

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In late 2017, Control the Streets, Vol. 1, a compilation album released by Quality Control Music, featured six tracks produced by DJ Durel – more than any other producer features on the 30-track album.[1]

In 2018, Migos released Culture II, crediting DJ Durel and Quavo as executive producers of the album.[2] DJ Durel is listed as a producer on 12 of the 24 songs on the album and as a recording engineer for the entire album.

Discography

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Singles

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List of singles as a lead artist, with selected chart positions
Title Year Peak chart positions Album
US R&B/HH Bub.[3]
Hot Summer[4]
(with Migos) 		2018 19 Non-album single

As featuring artist

[edit]
List of singles as featuring artist, showing year released and album name
Title Year Album
"Come On"
(Quality Control, City Girls & Saweetie featuring DJ Durel)[5] 		2019 Control the Streets, Vol. 2

Production discography

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2014

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2015

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2017

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2018

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2019

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2021

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2022

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  • Bu$hi – "Parachute"

References

[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

DJ Durel

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Daryl McPherson, known professionally as DJ Durel, is an American , DJ, and from , , born in 1983, best recognized as the official DJ and longtime collaborator of the hip hop group . He has served as Migos' tour DJ since their early career, often described as the group's unofficial fourth member due to his integral role in their live performances and studio work. DJ Durel's production style emphasizes high-energy trap beats that align with ' signature sound, frequently incorporating ad-libs and party-ready rhythms. He co-executive produced ' 2018 album alongside , contributing to 12 tracks including the single "." His work extends to other projects, such as producing the opening track "" on (2021), which blends influences with trap elements, and three songs on Takeoff's solo album (2018). In 2018, he released his own single "Hot Summer" featuring , which peaked on and highlighted his solo production capabilities. Beyond , DJ Durel has crafted beats for artists in their orbit, including and Takeoff's collaborative projects like the 2022 track "Us vs. Them" with , where he shared production credits. His contributions to hip-hop production have earned him recognition in annual lists of top producers, praised for maintaining the group's groove and energy across albums like , which featured his beats alongside those of and .

Early life

Upbringing in Cleveland

Daryl McPherson, professionally known as DJ Durel, was born on May 8, 1983, in , . He spent his early years in the city.

Relocation to Atlanta

DJ Durel, originally from , , relocated to , Georgia, seeking greater opportunities within the city's rapidly expanding hip-hop ecosystem. had emerged as a pivotal center for Southern rap, drawing talent from across the U.S. with its innovative underground scene and influential labels that contrasted sharply with the more subdued Midwest hip-hop landscape of .

Career

Beginnings as a DJ

DJ Durel, born in , , relocated to , Georgia, where he established himself as a DJ in the local hip-hop and scenes. His initial gigs took place in Atlanta clubs and local events during the period from 2010 to 2012, allowing him to gain experience in the vibrant Southern music environment. During this time, he built a local reputation by DJing at parties and contributing to mixtapes within the trap and hip-hop communities. Durel also engaged in early collaborations with emerging Atlanta artists, including small-scale remixes and event hosting, which helped him network in the scene. He developed his signature DJ style, characterized by skilled techniques and carefully curated sets that blended high-energy tracks to engage audiences in the trap genre.

Partnership with Migos

DJ Durel joined as their official DJ in 2012, forming a connection through Atlanta's interconnected music networks, particularly via his association with , where he began collaborating during Quavo's early recording sessions with Offset and Takeoff. As ' dedicated tour DJ, Durel played a pivotal role in their live performances, handling set selections, crowd engagement, and duties to energize audiences during the group's breakthrough period, including the promotion of their 2015 debut album . His skills as a DJ, honed from early club gigs in , directly facilitated this partnership by showcasing his ability to amplify the group's high-energy trap sound in live settings. Durel contributed significantly to Migos' sound identity by curating tracklists for performances and incorporating signature ad-libs that enhanced their rhythmic, ad-lib-heavy style, helping define their infectious live energy and fan connection. His involvement bolstered Migos' commercial ascent, supporting major tours from 2015 to 2018, such as the rescheduled Yung Rich Nation Tour in mid-2015, which marked their first major headline run amid rising popularity, and the blockbuster 2018 Aubrey & the Three Migos Tour with Drake, which sold out 54 shows and grossed over $103 million.

Production and engineering roles

DJ Durel's production and contributions emerged prominently through his close collaboration with , where he transitioned from DJ duties to key creative roles in the studio. On ' 2018 album , Durel served as a joint alongside , overseeing the project's direction and contributing to its cohesive sound. He co-produced 10 of the album's 24 tracks, including the single "," blending trap beats with the group's signature ad-libs and flows. Additionally, Durel handled significant responsibilities, serving as a primary mixing and recording engineer across multiple tracks, which helped capture the rapid, intuitive recording sessions that defined the album's creation—often completed in 20 to 45 minutes per song. Earlier, in 2017, Durel expanded his production footprint on Quality Control Music's compilation album Control the Streets, Vol. 1, where he earned credits on six tracks featuring artists from the label's roster, such as Lil Yachty and Quavo. His beats on selections like "We The Ones" emphasized bouncy, street-oriented trap elements that aligned with the compilation's Atlanta-centric vibe. Durel's engineering work with Migos began gaining traction in their earlier releases, including production on one track from the 2015 debut album and contributions to independent mixtapes like (2014), which helped refine the group's raw energy into polished tracks. These efforts laid the groundwork for his more expansive roles in subsequent projects.

Recent activities

Following his contributions to Migos' Grammy-nominated album , DJ Durel has continued to expand his production and DJing roles in the evolving hip-hop landscape. DJ Durel maintained his affiliation with Quality Control Music into the 2020s, building on the label's 2019 compilation Quality Control: Control the Streets Volume 2, where he produced the intro track featuring Gucci Mane, Migos, and Lil Yachty, which helped sustain the label's trap sound amid shifting group dynamics. In 2022, he co-produced the track "Parachute" for French rapper BU$HI on the mixtape Bushi Tape 2, blending energetic beats with introspective lyrics about overcoming obstacles. Durel's production work extended into 2025 with "I'm Back Home" by Yung Petro, released in May on Quavo's Huncho imprint, marking a triumphant return-themed single for the following personal challenges. Adapting to his solo endeavors, Durel has focused on live performances, including DJ sets at the official after party for Offset's tour at Cultura Portland on November 11, 2025, and a appearance at Festivoix in , , on July 4, 2025.

Musical style

Influences and inspirations

DJ Durel was born and raised in , , before relocating to , Georgia, where he became immersed in the city's scene. His work with reflects the high-energy Southern trap sound prevalent in Atlanta hip-hop.

Production techniques

DJ Durel's production techniques are deeply rooted in the Atlanta trap tradition, emphasizing high-energy rhythms designed to complement rapid-fire rap flows. Central to his approach are heavy 808 basslines that provide a booming low-end foundation, often tuned to slide between notes for added groove and impact in trap beats. These are paired with rapid patterns, typically programmed at tempos ranging from 140 to 150 BPM to create a sense of urgency and hype that drives the track's momentum. Durel frequently incorporates samples drawn from various sources, flipping them with unconventional flourishes to infuse his beats with innovation. In later works, he has shifted toward digital tools such as for greater efficiency, leveraging its sequencer and plugins like Omnisphere for melody creation and Kontakt for instrumental layers, alongside effects for polishing the final sound.

Discography

Singles

DJ Durel's first single as a lead artist, "Hot Summer" featuring , was released on July 27, 2018, via and . The track, which showcased Durel's signature trap production with booming 808s and rapid hi-hats, peaked at number 15 on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart and debuted at number 11 on the Bubbling Under Hot 100. An official directed by Daps followed on September 4, 2018, depicting the group in luxurious settings and summer vibes, which amassed over 11 million views on and helped promote Durel's transition from behind-the-scenes roles to front-facing releases. The single's commercial reception underscored its role in bridging Durel's production expertise with ' star power, generating significant streaming numbers exceeding 1.8 million on within its initial weeks. In 2020, Durel released "Bad Moves" featuring Quavo and Rich The Kid on January 17, through Quality Control Music and Motown Records as part of the Bad Boys for Life soundtrack. The high-energy track, with its bouncy synths and ad-lib-heavy flows, aligned with the film's action-comedy theme and served as a promotional tie-in, though it did not achieve major chart success. The single highlighted Durel's ability to curate collaborations within the Quality Control roster, contributing to the soundtrack's overall visibility amid the movie's January theatrical release.

Guest appearances

DJ Durel has made several guest appearances on tracks by other artists, often contributing his signature DJ tags, ad-libs, or scratches that add energy to the production. His affiliation with has facilitated collaborations within the label's roster and beyond. One notable early feature came on the 2019 compilation album Control the Streets, Vol. 2 by , where Durel appeared on "Come On" alongside and . In the track, he provides an introductory DJ tag ("DJ Durel"), enhancing the high-energy club vibe of the song, which celebrates female empowerment and nightlife antics. The album, released on August 9, 2019, via /Motown Records, showcased label artists and peaked at number one on the Billboard 200. In the , Durel continued to lend his vocal flair to various projects. On the 2021 single "Creep" by Mango Foo, featuring Takeoff, Durel delivers a prominent DJ tag at the start, contributing to the trap-influenced flow about vigilance and mobility. Released independently on March 12, 2021, the track highlights Durel's ongoing ties to affiliates through Takeoff's verse. More recently, in 2025, Durel featured on "Do Something" from PNDRN's album How We Geh So Hot 2, alongside and Flizop. His contribution includes ad-libs and a DJ tag that punctuate the upbeat, motivational trap beat, emphasizing action and hustle. The album, released on August 22, 2025, via independent distribution, reflects Atlanta's underground scene. That same year, Durel appeared on Ennui's single "EMERGENCY," providing DJ scratches and ad-libs that amplify the track's urgent, high-tempo energy. Released on June 5, 2025, via NoSleepNation, the song captures a sense of immediacy in its hip-hop delivery.

Production discography

2014–2018

In 2014, DJ Durel began contributing to Migos' projects as a producer on their mixtape Rich Nigga Timeline, where he handled the beat for the track "Came to Party." This early work marked his initial involvement in crafting the group's signature trap sound through Quality Control Music releases. By 2015, Durel's role expanded with co-production credits on Migos' debut studio album Yung Rich Nation, including the track "Gangsta Rap" alongside Deko and OG Parker. He also contributed to other Quality Control-affiliated projects during this period, solidifying his position within the label's production roster. In 2017, Durel produced five tracks on the Control the Streets, Vol. 1 by , featuring artists from the label's roster. These included "Hellcat" (Quavo), "Um Yea" (Offset and ), "We The Ones" (Takeoff and ), "South Africa" (), and "Violation Freestyle" (Offset), and additional contributions across the project. His work on ' preceding album , such as duties, helped lay the groundwork for the compilation's cohesive trap aesthetic, though specific production on hits like "" was handled by . Durel's most extensive contributions came in 2018 with Culture II by Migos, where he co-produced 10 tracks as executive producer alongside Quavo. Notable examples include "Supastars" (with Buddha Bless, DA Honorable C.N.O.T.E., and Quavo), "Narcos" (with Quavo), "BBO (Bad Bitches Only)" featuring 21 Savage (with Kanye West, Buddha Bless, and Quavo), "Auto Pilot" (with Quavo), "CC" featuring Gucci Mane (with Quavo), "White Sand" featuring Ty Dolla Sign, Travis Scott, and Big Sean (with Ty Dolla Sign, Travis Scott, Weezy, and Quavo), "Crown the Kings" (with Quavo), "Flood" (with Earl), "Work Hard" (with Quavo and Dun Deal), and "Too Playa" featuring 2 Chainz (with Quavo). In 2018, DJ Durel also executive produced Takeoff's solo album The Last Rocket, producing tracks including "Martian (Intro)" and "She Gon Wink" (featuring Quavo). Additionally, he produced the single "Hot Summer" featuring Migos, released independently under Quality Control. The album's success led to a Grammy nomination for Best Rap Album, highlighting Durel's impact on the project's sound.

2019–2025

In 2019, DJ Durel contributed production to Quality Control's Control the Streets, Vol. 2, including the track "Intro" featuring , , and . He also appeared as a featured artist on "Come On" alongside and , marking his continued involvement with the label's roster during this period. DJ Durel served as a on multiple tracks from ' 2021 album , including "Avalanche," "What's Up" with , and "Modern Day" featuring , blending his signature trap elements with the group's evolving sound. His work on the project highlighted his role in bridging ' classic style with new collaborations amid the group's final full-length release. Expanding beyond in 2022, DJ Durel co-produced "" for French rapper BU$HI on the Bushi Tape 2, incorporating atmospheric trap beats that supported the artist's crossover appeal. This collaboration underscored Durel's growing international reach, pairing his production with PVLACE to create a track noted for its cinematic production style. In 2024, Durel produced "Gimme A Second" by featuring , a bilingual trap single that fused Southern hip-hop with Latin influences, released under Double P Records. The track's energetic beat, co-produced with Lab Cook, exemplified Durel's adaptability to cross-genre projects while maintaining his hard-hitting drum patterns. By 2025, Durel produced "I'm Back Home" for emerging artist Petro (also known as Yung Petro), a motivational trap released via Quavo's Huncho Records, featuring booming 808s and motivational lyricism tied to the artist's personal journey. He also contributed production to Offset's surprise Haunted by Fame, notably co-producing "Fashion Icon" with Rott, which delivered a sleek, fashion-themed trap sound amid Offset's introspective themes. Durel's mixing work appeared across the project, reinforcing his technical role in post-Migos solo endeavors.

References

  1. https://agnt.com/talent/DJDurel
  2. https://music.apple.com/us/artist/dj-durel/1269143239
  3. https://www.famousbirthdays.com/people/dj-durel.html
  4. https://www.xxlmag.com/best-hip-hop-producers-2018/
  5. https://www.complex.com/music/a/brian-josephs/migos-culture-ii-producer
  6. https://www.xxlmag.com/best-hip-hop-producers-2021/
  7. https://www.billboard.com/music/rb-hip-hop/dj-durel-migos-hot-summer-8467402/
  8. https://www.complex.com/music/a/tracewilliamcowen/quaov-takeoff-gucci-mane-us-vs-them-song-video-stream
  9. https://www.billboard.com/lists/best-rap-albums-all-time/
  10. https://artsandculture.google.com/story/a-brief-history-of-atlanta-39-s-rise-in-hip-hop/VgXRISv_xGKfyQ?hl=en
  11. https://genius.com/artists/Dj-durel
  12. https://www.xxlmag.com/migos-xxl-magazine-winter-issue-interview-group-solo-stars/
  13. https://consequence.net/2018/07/migos-dj-durel-hot-summer/
  14. https://mobo.com/news/migos-o2-brixton-academy-review-testament-group%25E2%2580%2599s-popularity
  15. https://www.reservoir-media.com/migos-and-dj-durel-drop-new-collab-hot-summer/
  16. https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/migos-postpone-tour-6546254/
  17. https://touringdata.org/2018/10/20/drake-aubrey-the-three-migos-tour/
  18. https://www.thefader.com/2018/01/22/migos-culture-ii-production-credits
  19. https://www.isustudentmedia.com/wzis/music_reviews/article_e06c6c9e-0f6d-11e8-87ec-0f4f52131244.html
  20. https://genius.com/albums/Migos/Culture-ii
  21. https://music.apple.com/us/album/quality-control-control-the-streets-vol-1/1440907116
  22. https://rateyourmusic.com/release/album/quality-control/quality-control-control-the-streets-vol-1/
  23. https://genius.com/albums/Quality-control/Quality-control-control-the-streets-vol-2
  24. https://genius.com/Bu-hi-parachute-lyrics/q/producer
  25. https://genius.com/Yung-petro-im-back-home-lyrics
  26. https://www.eventbrite.com/e/dj-durel-official-after-party-special-guests-offset-mango-foo-tickets-1964608572125
  27. https://www.setlist.fm/setlist/dj-durel/2025/scene-du-fleuve-loto-quebec-trois-rivieres-qc-canada-4b452356.html
  28. https://www.xxlmag.com/migos-yung-rich-nation-xxl-magazine-interview/
  29. https://www.musicradar.com/tuition/tech/10-tricks-every-trap-producer-should-know-638684
  30. https://mixelite.com/blog/beatmaking-techniques-for-trap/
  31. https://weownthenitenyc.com/dj-durel-hot-summer-feat-migos/
  32. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-sDMNha-9nw
  33. https://www.billboard.com/artist/migos/chart-history/rpt/
  34. https://kworb.net/spotify/track/3fEpuoSr8ufvyRR7s2jB3U.html
  35. https://music.apple.com/us/song/bad-moves-feat-quavo-rich-the-kid/1495128544
  36. https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/229968-dj-durel-quavo-and-rich-the-kid-make-bad-moves-new-song
  37. https://open.spotify.com/track/7dTI2vj38aAuNWE1GbKma8
  38. https://open.spotify.com/track/7o3aoh8XuZ6lvn8jQvw6So
  39. https://genius.com/Quality-control-city-girls-and-saweetie-come-on-lyrics
  40. https://genius.com/Mango-foo-creep-lyrics
  41. https://music.apple.com/us/album/creep-feat-takeoff-dj-durel-single/1558169940
  42. https://music.apple.com/us/song/do-something-feat-tony-shhnow-flizop-dj-durel/1833808921
  43. https://music.apple.com/us/album/emergency-feat-dj-durel-single/1818958673
  44. https://tidal.com/browse/album/440341447
  45. https://www.discogs.com/release/13614759-Migos-Rich-Nigga-Timeline
  46. https://www.discogs.com/release/11261710-Various-Quality-Control-Control-The-Streets-Vol-1
  47. https://genius.com/Migos-bad-and-boujee-lyrics
  48. https://www.xxlmag.com/migos-culture-ii-album-production-credits/
  49. https://genius.com/albums/Takeoff/The-last-rocket
  50. https://open.spotify.com/track/3fEpuoSr8ufvyRR7s2jB3U
  51. https://www.discogs.com/release/16262923-Various-Quality-Control-Control-The-Streets-Volume-2
  52. https://genius.com/albums/Migos/Culture-iii
  53. https://sungenre.com/album/migos-culture-iii/
  54. https://rateyourmusic.com/release/mixtape/bu_hi/bushi-tape-2/
  55. https://music.apple.com/us/song/gimme-a-second/1747405048
  56. https://open.spotify.com/track/6xvnJkeMQIFDqjxIpjQK62
  57. https://genius.com/albums/Offset/Haunted-by-fame
  58. https://www.vibe.com/lists/5-best-songs-offset-haunted-by-fame-album/
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