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Trocon Markous Roberts Jr. (born November 20, 1989),[1] better known by his stage name FKi 1st, $1T or 1st Down,[2] is an American rapper, singer, songwriter, DJ, and record producer. He first became known as one half of the Atlanta-based production duo FKi with fellow producer SauceLordRich (or Daye Rich), which was formed in 2007.[3] The duo produced for music industry artists in hip-hop and contemporary R&B during the 2010s, resulting in credits on Billboard Hot 100-charting singles such as "Dope" by Tyga, "Watch Out" by 2 Chainz, "Make It Rain", "Bring It Back" and "Ayy Ladies" by Travis Porter, as well as the quadruple platinum-certified single "Weekend" by Mac Miller. In his solo work, Roberts has co-produced the singles "Work" for Iggy Azalea in 2013, "White Iverson" for Post Malone in 2015, co-wrote "Deja Vu" for the artist the following year, and "Pick It Up" for Famous Dex in 2017.

Early career

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Prior to his musical career, Roberts was a cashier for Sam's Club.[4]

Career

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Beginnings

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Roberts embarked on his music career in the production and songwriting team FKi with Sauce Lord Rich. The duo grew up together in Atlanta, Georgia. When they first met, they realized they had the same music interests and tastes and started to build their own production company. The duo studied audio engineering at Full Sail University.[5]

FKi subsequently began working with Collipark Music, where they were introduced to Travis Porter and produced the singles "Make it Rain" and "Bring it Back", inside a basement with a microphone and an Mbox. In 2009, FKi shared studio space with Jon Jon Traxx, Iggy Azalea (then known by her birth name, Amethyst Kelly), and Natalie Sims.[6]

In 2011, Roberts met American EDM producer Diplo at a small local club in Atlanta, who introduced him to Iggy Azalea. They flew out to Los Angeles to Mad Decent studios and to produce Azalea's TrapGold (2012) mixtape, which Roberts also executive produced. He opened for her TrapGold European tour.[citation needed]

2014–2015

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In 2014, Roberts met Post Malone and contributed to his breakout single "White Iverson". It was released on SoundCloud and received one million plays within three weeks.[citation needed]

Hisborger noteworthy productions include "Watch Out" and "A Milli Billi Trilli" for 2 Chainz, "Weekend" by Mac Miller, "Sloppy Toppy" by Travis Scott, and "Pleazer" by Tyga, among others more. Alongside these tracks, Roberts produced a songs from Lil Uzi Vert's debut mixtape with DJ Drama and Don Cannon's Generation Now label, Luv Is Rage (2015)—"Moist", "Wit My Crew x 1987", and "Nuyork Nights at 21".[citation needed]

Roberts has DJ'ed at numerous events such as Low End Theory, Brownies & Lemonade, Trap City, Control Avalon, and more. In August 2015, he opened for Rita Ora at the El Rey theatre in Los Angeles and Drais Beach Club in Las Vegas. He also did so at Mad Decent's Mad Decent Block Parties in Los Angeles, Brooklyn, and Phoenix during 2017.[7][better source needed]

2016–2017

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In May 2016, FKi 1st released his solo EP First Time For Everything on Mad Decent. The EP features artists including Post Malone, Njomza, ILoveMakonnen, and Danny Seth.[8]

In April, FKi 1st joined Diplo & Friends at the Heineken House at Coachella. He also went on to tour with Fetty Wap on his Welcome to the Zoo Tour, Justin Bieber's Purpose Tour, and Post Malone's Hollywood Dreams Tour.[9] Roberts won a BMI R&B Hip Hop Award for his work on "White Iverson".[10] Roberts was the executive producer for Post Malone's debut album Stoney.[7][better source needed] Roberts teamed up with fellow Atlanta rappers Drugrixh Peso and Yakki to release the single "Do What Bosses Do" through his own label Zooly the Label.

2018–present

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In February 2018, he started the Good Gas series of albums featuring artists such as 2 Chainz, ASAP Ferg, and MadeinTYO.[11]

He released the album Tokyo Project in December 2019.[2] During 2020, Roberts produced Don Toliver's "Crossfaded", Kash Doll's "Wake Up", S3nsi Molly's "Don't Call Me Bo" and Parlay Pass's "Honda". In April of that year, Roberts and singer Victoria Kimani released the collaborative album Afreaka.

On April 1, 2021, the Street Dream Team album was released and featured Roberts, Band Gang Lonnie Bands and Good Gas. In the following June, Roberts and Good Gas released the song "Bushido" for the Fast and the Furious 9 soundtrack.[citation needed]

On June 1, 2022, Roberts released the album Last Player Alive; its deluxe edition contains guest appearances from Kash Doll, Buddy, Guapdad 4000, Twista, Coco Jones, and 8Ball & MJG. That same year, he produced 2 Chainz's single "Neighbors Know My Name" and Peezy's song "Hustlers Vs. Scammers".[citation needed]

Musical style

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FKi 1st's musical style ranges from trap to EDM. He has referred to himself as the "black Diplo."[12]

His record production and songwriting team, FKi, does a blend of glitch hop, hip-hop, drum and bass and trap.[5] Their sound was first heard on their premier mixtape Transformers n the Hood, which was presented and produced by Diplo, alongside HXV as well as Mayhem, and received attention from electronic, hip-hop and trap music forums throughout the US and abroad.[5] FKi went on to produce Iggy Azalea's entire TrapGold and in 2012 served as the official DJs for her European tour.[5] FKi has also collaborated with other producers like Borgore, Flosstradamus, The Invisible Men and Diplo, among others.[5]

Discography

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Solo albums

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  • First Time for Everything Part 1 (2016)
  • Tokyo Project (2019)
  • Last Player Alive (2022)
  • Last Player Alive (Deluxe) (2022)

Productions

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List of songs produced, co-produced and remixed by title, with performing artists and other credited producers, showing year released and album name[13]
Title Year Artist(s) Album
Last Player Alive (Deluxe) 2022 FKi 1st, Kash Doll, Buddy, Peezy, Rizz Capolatti, Pimpin Ken, Guapdad 4000, Twista, Coco Jones, Teddy Ray, MJG, & 8Ball. Last Player Alive (Deluxe)
Last Player Alive 2022 FKi 1st Last Player Alive
Hustlers Vs Scammers 2022 Peezy Only Built For Diamond Links
Tokyo Project 2019 FKi 1st Tokyo Project
Interlude 2022 Peezy Only Built For Diamond Links
Neighbors Know My Name 2022 2Chainz Dope Don't Sell Itself
Crossfaded 2021 Don Toliver Life Of A DON
Street Dream Team 2021 Good Gas, FKi 1st, Band Gang Lonnie Bands Street Dream Team
Bushido 2021 Good Gas, JP The Wavy F9: The Fast Saga Soundtrack
Afreaka 2020 FKi 1st, Victoria Kimani Afreaka
Wake Up 2020 Kash Doll (Single)
Don't Call Me Boo 2020 FKi 1st, S3nsi Molly (Single)
Velvet 2019 FKi 1st Tokyo Project
IROC 2019 FKi 1st Tokyo Project
Tokyo Freestyle 2019 FKi 1st Tokyo Project
Good Gas Vol. 3 2019 Good Gas Good Gas Vol. 3
FreaK ModE (ft. FKi 1st) 2019 3030 Tropicalia
I'm Not Crazy, Life Is 2019 2 Chainz Rap or Go to the League
Jumping Out The Window 2019 Key! SO EMOTIONAL
Me & You 2018 Njomza Vacation
On Go Freestyle (ft. 10k.Caash, G.U.N & FKi 1st) 2018 Good Gas On Go Freestyle
Good Gas Vol. 2 2018 Good Gas Good Gas, Vol. 2
Ice Me Out 2018 Kash Doll Ice Me Out
A&T 2018 21 Savage I Am > I Was
Please Believe (Ft. FKi 1st & Allen Ritter) 2018 Fossa Beats Falling Up
Que Lo Que 2018 Ratchéton Que Lo Que
Like That 2018 Kris Wu Antares
Freedom 2018 Kris Wu, Jhene Aiko Antares
R.I.P Screw 2018 Travis Scott Astroworld
5% Tint 2018 Travis Scott Astroworld
How I Feel 2018 Good Gas, ASAP Ferg, 2 Chainz Good Gas, Vol. 1
Drippy 2018 Good Gas, Zuse Good Gas, Vol. 1
Good Gas 2018 Good Gas, MadeinTYO, UnoTheActivist Good Gas, Vol. 1
Y3 2018 Good Gas Good Gas, Vol. 1
Notice Me 2018 Migos, Post Malone Culture II
Love N’ Hennessy REMIX 2018 A. Chal, 2 Chainz, Nicky Jam ON GAZ
Healthy 2018 Larry June, Jazz Cartier, FKi 1st You're Doing Good
Alive 2018 Lil Jon, Offset, 2 Chainz Alive
Phone 2017 Smokepurpp, Nav Phone
Do What Bosses Do 2017 FKi 1st, Drugrixch Peso, Yakki Do What Bosses Do (feat. Drugixh Pedo & Yakki)
Pick It Up 2017 Famous Dex ft. ASAP Rocky Dex Meets Dexter
Realize 2017 2 Chainz, Nicki Minaj Pretty Girls Like Trap Music
OG Kush Diet 2017 2 Chainz Pretty Girls Like Trap Music
Caskets 2017 Party Favor, Njomza Caskets (feat. FKi 1st)
Run Up (Official Remix) 2017 Major Lazer, Nicki Minaj, PARTYNEXTDOOR Major Lazer Essentials
Love N Hennessy 2017 A. Chal ON GAZ
Money Made Me Do It 2016 Post Malone, 2 Chainz Stoney
Feel 2016 Post Malone, Kehlani Stoney
No Option 2016 Post Malone Stoney
Broken Whiskey Glass 2016 Post Malone Stoney
Cold 2016 Post Malone Stoney
Came Up 2016 Flosstradamus, FKi 1st, Post Malone, Key!, Graves
Let Me Love You 2016 Ariana Grande, Lil Wayne Dangerous Woman
Deja Vu 2016 Justin Bieber, Post Malone Stoney
Forever 2015 FKi 1st, iLoveMakonnen, Santigold
Nuyork Nights at 21 2015 Lil Uzi Vert Luv Is Rage
Wit My Crew x 1987 2015 Lil Uzi Vert Luv Is Rage
Moist 2015 Lil Uzi Vert Luv Is Rage
I Can Tell 2015 Travis Scott Rodeo
Weekend 2015 Mac Miller, Miguel GOO:OOD AM
A Milli Billi Trilli 2015 2 Chainz, Wiz Khalifa Trap-A-Velli Tre'
Watch Out 2015 2 Chainz ColleGrove
Pleazer 2015 Tyga, Boozie Badazz The Gold Album: 18th Dynasty
On God 2015 Zuse, Post Malone
White Iverson 2015 Post Malone White Iverson
12 Bricks 2014 OG Maco OG Maco
Issue 2014 Ty Dolla Sign, Wiz Khalifa Taylor Gang
Missionary 2014 Ty Dolla Sign, FKi 1st Ty $
Drugs You Should Try 2014 Travis Scott Days Before Rodeo
Sloppy Toppy 2014 Travis Scott, Migos, Peewee Longway Days Before Rodeo
459 2014 YG, Natasha Moseley My Krazy Life
Get TF Out My Face 2014 Rich Homie Quan, Young Thug I Promise I Will Never Stop Going In
Hell You Sayin' 2014 Iggy Azalea, Travis Scott, T.I., Young Dro
Work 2013 Iggy Azalea The New Classic
Dope 2013 Tyga, Rick Ross Hotel California
F.D.B. 2013 Young Dro High Times
All The Time 2013 Jeremih, Lil Wayne, Natasha Mosley Magic Mike XXL Soundtrack
Employee of the Month 2013 2 Chainz, Diplo, FKi 1st B.O.A.T.S. II: Me Time
Cranberry Moonwalk 2013 B.o.B, Mike Fresh Underground Luxury
Decisions 2013 Borgore #NEWGOREORDER
Ayy Ladies 2012 Travis Porter From Day 1
Bring It Back 2011 Travis Porter From Day 1
Make It Rain 2011 Travis Porter From Day 1

References

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[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

FKi 1st

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Trocon Markous Roberts Jr. (born November 20, 1989), known professionally as FKi 1st, is an American , , , and DJ from , Georgia. He rose to prominence as one half of the production duo FKi, formed in 2007 with childhood friend and collaborator Steven "Sauce Lord Rich" Bolden, blending Atlanta trap influences with melodic instrumentation to create hits for major artists. FKi 1st's production credits include Post Malone's breakthrough single "" (2015), which peaked at number 14 on the and helped launch the artist's career, as well as Travis Scott's "Drugs You Should Try It" from (2015) and Iggy Azalea's platinum-certified "Work" featuring Drake (2013). His distinctive producer tag, "good job 1st!", became a recognizable staple in hip-hop tracks throughout the , appearing on multi-platinum records with artists like , , and . After graduating from Full Sail University's Recording Arts program in 2008, where he honed skills in and studio engineering, FKi 1st returned to to build his network, co-producing eight gold and platinum records with FKi before transitioning toward solo endeavors. In 2016, he released his debut EP First Time for Everything on Diplo's label, featuring collaborations with and touring alongside , marking his shift into performing as an artist. As a solo act, FKi 1st has continued to evolve, releasing projects like the Good Gas mixtape series—curated with Dice Soho and others—infusing trap beats with alternative and melodic elements, and dropping singles such as "Gano" and "Como Tu" in 2025. His work has earned Grammy nominations and diamond certifications, solidifying his influence in hip-hop production while he records new material as of 2025.

Early life and career beginnings

Childhood and upbringing

Trocon Markous Roberts Jr. was born on November 20, 1989, in , Georgia. Raised in Atlanta's dynamic music scene, Roberts grew up immersed in the city's burgeoning hip-hop and trap culture, which provided constant exposure to innovative sounds and local artists shaping Southern rap. He was born into a household filled with vinyl records spanning various genres, though his parents were not professional musicians themselves. From a young age, around five years old, Roberts showed an early affinity for music by experimenting with DJing at family parties, spinning tracks like George Clinton's "Flashlight" from . During his teenage years, Roberts's interest in music production ignited through influences from Atlanta's hip-hop pioneers, including seminal groups like and early trap architects such as , , and . This environment, combined with broader inspirations from producers like and acts like , fostered his passion for beat-making and audio engineering. He later honed these skills by attending , where he studied audio engineering. Prior to committing fully to music, Roberts faced typical pre-fame challenges, including working as a at , a job he found deeply frustrating and unfulfilling. These struggles underscored his determination to escape routine employment and pursue production, eventually leading him toward collaborative opportunities in Atlanta's competitive scene.

Formation of FKi duo

In the mid-2000s, Trocon "FKi 1st" Roberts and Steven "SauceLordRich" Bolden met as high school students in , Georgia, after both had relocated to the city—Roberts from , , and Bolden from New York. United by a mutual enthusiasm for hip-hop and production, they bonded during school bus rides, debating artists like and while sharing ideas about music creation. This early connection evolved into a formal in 2007, establishing the FKi production duo dedicated to crafting innovative beats. As self-taught producers, FKi 1st and SauceLordRich honed their skills using accessible tools like Fruity Loops on basic computer setups in home basements, without formal training beyond later studies at . Their collaborative process emphasized experimentation, blending the heavy 808 bass and rapid hi-hats characteristic of trap with (EDM) influences drawn from acts like , creating a hybrid sound that anticipated broader genre fusions. This approach allowed them to produce distinctive tracks quickly, focusing on melodic keys and loops to support vocal performances. FKi's initial efforts centered on the local scene, where they contributed beats to up-and-coming rappers, including early work for groups like , helping to amplify the city's emerging trap aesthetic through underground releases and mixtapes. Prior to attracting major label interest, these productions remained grassroots, circulated among regional artists and DJs to build their reputation. The duo branded FKi as a pioneering trap-EDM team, with FKi 1st embracing stage names such as $1T and 1st Down to embody their multifaceted, high-energy identity.

Professional career

Breakthrough productions (2014–2015)

In 2014 and 2015, FKi, the production duo consisting of FKi 1st and Sauce Lord Rich, achieved significant breakthroughs in the hip-hop and scenes through high-profile collaborations that garnered major label attention and commercial success. Their production on Tyga's "Dope" featuring , released in 2013 but certified gold by the RIAA on December 10, 2013, for sales exceeding 500,000 units, provided early exposure to mainstream audiences via . Similarly, their work on Iggy Azalea's "Work," the lead single from her 2014 debut album , co-produced with The Invisible Men, reached number 54 on the and was certified platinum by the RIAA in 2014, later achieving 2× platinum status for over 2 million units sold. These tracks highlighted FKi's signature trap-infused sound, blending heavy basslines and rhythmic hooks that appealed to both hip-hop and pop markets. A pivotal moment came with their production on 2 Chainz's "Watch Out," released as the from his 2015 mixtape Trap-A-Velli Tre on July 22, 2015, through . The track's bouncy, synth-driven beat captured 2 Chainz's energetic flow and peaked at number 19 on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart, earning a certification from the RIAA for 500,000 units on October 3, 2016, and later platinum certification on October 12, 2016, marking FKi's growing influence in major label trap productions. This exposure solidified their reputation for crafting club-ready anthems that bridged underground trap with commercial viability. The duo's most transformative collaboration during this period was with emerging artist on "," which FKi 1st co-produced with Rex Kudo. Post Malone initially discovered an instrumental beat by FKi on while living in the , recording an early version of the track in a friend's room using software before uploading it to on February 4, 2015. FKi 1st, impressed by the raw demo, reached out to Malone via , leading to an in-person meeting where they refined the production, adding polished layers of guitar riffs and atmospheric synths to enhance its melodic trap vibe; FKi 1st also encouraged Malone to adopt as part of his evolving image. The song exploded organically on , amassing millions of streams and debuting at number 84 on the , eventually certified diamond by the RIAA on November 14, 2022, for 10 million units, launching Post Malone's career and becoming a cornerstone of the SoundCloud rap movement. Another key contribution was their production on Travis Scott's "Drugs You Should Try It" from the album (2015), co-produced with Mike Dean and Charlie Handsome, which exemplified FKi's atmospheric trap style and helped elevate Scott's profile in the genre. By the end of 2015, these efforts contributed to FKi earning seven and certifications overall, shifting the duo from regional producers to nationally recognized talents and paving the way for individual spotlight on FKi 1st. Their work during this era emphasized innovative beat-making that fused trap percussion with accessible melodies, influencing a wave of genre-blending hits in hip-hop.

Solo debut and expansions (2016–2019)

In 2016, FKi 1st transitioned to solo artistry with the release of his debut EP First Time for Everything on May 20 through Diplo's Mad Decent label, marking his first project as a lead rapper and producer. The six-track effort featured collaborations with artists such as Post Malone, iLoveMakonnen, and Njomza, showcasing 1st's blend of trap beats and melodic rap flows. A highlight was the track "Echoes," featuring Elkka, which premiered with an official video on June 21, emphasizing atmospheric production and visual storytelling inspired by 1st's production ethos. That same year, FKi 1st expanded his influence as executive producer for Post Malone's debut album Stoney, released on December 9 via Republic Records, overseeing its creative direction alongside producers like Charlie Handsome and Rex Kudo. He contributed production to multiple tracks, including the breakout single "White Iverson" and "Congratulations," which helped propel the album to platinum certification by the RIAA in April 2017 for over one million units sold in the U.S., eventually achieving multi-platinum status. In 2017, 1st further solidified his production credentials with "Pick It Up" for Famous Dex featuring A$AP Rocky, released in October as the lead single from Dex's album Dex Meets Dexter; the track, built on a soul-infused trap beat, peaked at number 54 on the Billboard Hot 100 and earned triple-platinum certification. By 2018, FKi 1st launched the Good Gas series in collaboration with , curating a seasonal playlist and EP format to spotlight emerging talent with high-energy trap instrumentals. Volumes 1 and 2, released that year, featured beats and appearances from artists like , , and Zuse, establishing the series as a platform for raw, street-oriented hip-hop. This initiative extended to collaborations with Band Gang Lonnie Bands, integrating 1st's production into Detroit's emerging trap scene. His solo expansions culminated in 2019 with Tokyo Project, his first full-length , independently released on December 13 via Zooly The Label, comprising eight tracks that fused trap rhythms with Eastern-inspired melodies drawn from a personal trip to .

Recent releases and projects (2020–present)

In 2021, FKi 1st contributed to the for F9: The Fast Saga, co-producing the track "" alongside JP The Wavy under the Good Gas moniker. The song, released on June 17 by , features a high-energy trap beat that aligns with the film's action-oriented narrative. FKi 1st's solo output continued to evolve in 2022 with the release of his album Last Player Alive on June 1 via Good Gas the Label, comprising 16 tracks that delve into themes of resilience, creativity, and individuality in rap production. The project draws inspiration from West Coast player aesthetics, positioning "player" as a mindset of strategic navigation in life and music rather than superficial tropes. A deluxe edition followed later that year, expanding to 19 tracks with additional guest appearances from artists like Kash Doll and Buddy, further emphasizing FKi 1st's shift toward personal artistry. Singles such as "Time I'm On" featuring Pimpin Ken highlight the album's introspective edge on perseverance amid industry challenges. That same year, FKi 1st co-produced "Neighbors Know My Name" for 2 Chainz's album Dope Don't Sell Itself, delivering a concise, bass-heavy track released on February 3 that captures street-level bravado. Building on this momentum, FKi 1st released sleeping with shoes on on March 24, 2023, a 13-track collaborative album with the project sleeping with shoes on, exploring introspective trap sounds centered on unwinding and releasing daily stresses. The record blends lo-fi elements with trap production to create a relaxed yet rhythmic atmosphere, as described in its conceptual aim to evoke a sense of incomplete repose amid ongoing hustle. A deluxe version arrived on April 28, 2023, adding three tracks for a total of 16, while an edition followed on April 12, 2024, allowing focus on the beats' atmospheric layers without vocals. Entering 2025, FKi 1st maintained his output with singles "Gano" on October 10, featuring GOOD GASOLINA and Kiko el Crazy, and "Como Tu" on September 12, alongside GOOD GASOLINA and Tivi Gunz, both emphasizing bilingual trap fusions and energetic flows. These releases underscore his ongoing activity in blending production with . Over the 2020–2025 period, FKi 1st expanded Good Gas—initially launched as a curation series in the late —into a label-like entity focused on independent distribution, handling releases like Last Player Alive and sleeping with shoes on through platforms such as and streaming services without major label intermediaries. This shift has enabled greater creative control and support for emerging collaborators in the trap and hip-hop scenes.

Artistry

Musical style

FKi 1st's musical style is characterized by a fusion of trap beats with elements of EDM, hip-hop, and melodic instrumentation, often layering atmospheric synths and soft keys over heavy 808 basslines to create a dynamic, club-ready . His productions emphasize high-energy drops and crisp trap hi-hats, as exemplified in the breakout track "" for , where quick-slapping percussion and subtle melodic hooks merge hip-hop's low end with folk-influenced melodies for a laid-back yet impactful vibe. This approach draws from trap roots but incorporates electronic flourishes, resulting in tracks that balance gritty bass with soaring, emotive layers. In his early work as part of the FKi duo, the style leaned heavily toward trap-infused EDM hybrids, blending hip-hop rhythms with high-energy electronic drops suitable for festivals and clubs. Transitioning to solo endeavors, FKi 1st evolved toward more experimental melodic trap, incorporating R&B and alternative influences in projects like his 2016 EP First Time for Everything, which features woozy, introspective beats alongside collaborations that expand beyond strict genre boundaries. This shift is evident in his 2019 release Tokyo Project, a hip-hop-focused effort inspired by global travels, emphasizing vocal-forward tracks with layered, atmospheric production over traditional trap aggression. Critics have praised FKi 1st for bridging club-oriented electronic music with mainstream hip-hop, particularly during the rise of the rap era, where his melodic trap innovations influenced a generation of artists blending viral, mosh-pit energy with accessible hooks. His ability to infuse trap with unconventional melodic elements has been noted for pushing the genre "left" while retaining its core bass-driven appeal, earning acclaim for versatile productions that resonate across hip-hop and EDM audiences. In subsequent releases such as Last Player Alive (2022) and Sleeping with Shoes On (2023), FKi 1st has continued to refine his melodic trap sound, incorporating more introspective R&B influences and collaborations with emerging artists, maintaining his fusion of trap, EDM, and alternative elements as of 2025.

Production approach and influences

FKi 1st's production process relies on digital audio workstations including and , where he creates beats by flipping samples—often drawn from his own past works or shuffled tracks—and integrating live instrumentation recorded via tools like the U87 microphone paired with an SSL super analog channel in . This approach allows for dynamic layering, such as pitching up vocals or incorporating melodic elements like marimbas and piano loops to build cinematic, mood-driven tracks. His workflow centers on real-time, in-studio collaborations, where he constructs beats piece by piece alongside artists, frequently producing multiple songs in a single high-energy session to capture organic energy. This method was pivotal in his early partnership with , whom he connected with through demos before relocating to together for intensive daily sessions that yielded foundational tracks like "." FKi 1st prioritizes crafting "tastemaker" beats with viral appeal, leveraging platforms like to share demos and identify collaborators who align with his vision of melodic, boundary-pushing hip-hop. Influenced by Atlanta's trap heritage, FKi 1st draws from pioneers like T.I., Young Jeezy, , and , as well as acts such as and funk icon George Clinton, which inform his self-taught style honed during the era. He also incorporates EDM elements and global flavors, evident in the Tokyo Project (2019), an eight-track album inspired by a trip to , where he collaborated with artists including KOHH and Young Coco as part of the Good Gas crew, evoking a spiritual, cross-cultural journey through pitched samples and live recordings. At the core of his philosophy is a commitment to innovation, blending glitch hop's glitchy effects and broken beats with hip-hop and trap to create heterogeneous sounds that defy limits. This extends to mentoring emerging artists via the Good Gas series, a collaborative platform launched in that spotlights rising talents through Atlanta-inspired releases, fostering their growth much like his early support for .

Discography

Studio albums

FKi 1st's debut studio album, Tokyo Project, was independently released on December 13, 2019, through Zooly The Label, featuring 8 tracks that highlight his transition from to . Inspired by a transformative month-long trip to , the album explores themes of self-discovery, global travel, and the evolution of , incorporating forward-thinking elements reminiscent of 's vibrant culture, lights, and technology. Notable singles include "Your Way" and "Tokyo (Freestyle)," with the project accompanied by and a emphasizing international influences and collaborations with Japanese artists like Kohh and . The album received positive reception for its production quality and lyrical bars, marking a significant step in FKi 1st's solo career. Street Dream Team, a collaborative album with Good Gas and Band Gang Lonnie Bands, was released on April 1, 2021, via Good Gas The Label, comprising 17 tracks featuring artists such as and Band Gang Biggs. The project blends trap and elements, showcasing FKi 1st's production alongside group dynamics and street narratives. His second solo studio album, Last Player Alive, arrived on June 1, 2022, via Good Gas The Label, comprising 16 tracks with a deluxe edition expanding to 19 songs featuring guests like , Buddy, , and . The project delves into themes of personal survival and resilience in the music industry, portraying the "player" mindset as a strategic approach to life, business, and artistry, drawing from West Coast influences like and . The lead single, "Time I'm On" featuring Pimpin Ken, sets the tone for introspection on perseverance, while tracks like "Firestarter" underscore dedication to craft through vivid visuals. It was praised for shifting focus to FKi 1st's individual artistry, teasing a potential Part 2. Sleeping with Shoes On, a collaborative studio album with producer stwo (under the moniker sleeping with shoes on), was released on , 2023, spanning 13 tracks with a deluxe edition adding three more, including features from Jadah Blue and . The album emphasizes introspective lyrics over melodic, lo-fi hip-hop beats blended with trap elements—coined "lofye"—to evoke relaxation, tranquility, and in , conceptualized as music for unwinding without fully letting go. Key tracks like "Can't Fuck Up My Day" and "Lately" highlight this serene yet grounded vibe, with an instrumental version released on March 29, 2024. Reception noted its appeal as a long-awaited project for fans seeking chill, present-focused sounds. Across his studio discography, FKi 1st's albums have achieved multi-streaming success primarily on digital platforms like , amassing over 284 million total streams for his catalog as of 2023, though no physical sales certifications from bodies like the RIAA have been reported.

Extended plays and mixtapes

FKi 1st's extended plays and mixtapes represent his experimental forays into shorter-form releases, often serving as platforms to showcase production versatility and collaborate with emerging rappers. These projects, released primarily through digital channels, helped cultivate his solo identity beyond duo work and built anticipation for full-length albums. His debut solo EP, First Time for Everything (Part 1), arrived on May 20, 2016, via , comprising six tracks that blend trap influences with melodic elements. Featuring artists such as on "The Meaning," and on "Live a Lil," and Danny Seth on "Prove Yourself," the project marked FKi 1st's transition to lead artist while highlighting his signature bouncy beats. Standout track "Echoes" exemplifies the EP's atmospheric vibe, drawing praise for its introspective production. Distributed digitally on platforms like and , it garnered attention for bridging his production roots with vocal performances. The Good Gas series, launched in collaboration with , emerged as an ongoing compilation starting in 2018, focusing on curated beats tailored for rappers and featuring up-and-coming talent. Good Gas, Vol. 1 (February 23, 2018) includes four tracks with contributions from Zuse and , emphasizing high-energy trap instrumentals like "Drippy." Followed by Vol. 2 (September 28, 2018), a five-track EP spotlighting artists such as , , and on "Live a Lil," the series continued with Vol. 3 (May 31, 2019), a seven-track boasting features from , , Dice Soho, and . These releases prioritize raw, collaborative energy over polished narratives, with tracks like "How I Feel" (featuring and A$AP Ferg) underscoring FKi 1st's role in elevating Atlanta's sound. The series has extended into the 2020s, with singles like "Throw It Back" (2023) previewing Vol. 4, maintaining digital availability on streaming services to foster fan engagement and artist discovery. In 2023, FKi 1st released the EP Ja 1$t Morant on June 30, channeling basketball star Ja Morant's flair into six concise tracks under the Good Gas imprint. Featuring Ralfy the Plug on "Why He Do That?," on "Emo," and Rizz Capolatti on "Unlimited," the project delivers quick-hitting trap cuts that reflect spontaneous creativity. Available digitally via , , and , it ties into his broader instrumental explorations, including the 2024 instrumental version of his album sleeping with shoes on, reinforcing his emphasis on accessible, beat-driven formats.

Production credits

Key collaborations with major artists

FKi 1st's collaboration with began in 2015 when he co-produced the breakthrough single "," which peaked at number 14 on the and was certified diamond (10× platinum) by the RIAA in November 2022. This track marked 's entry into mainstream success and showcased FKi 1st's trap-influenced beats with melodic elements. Their partnership extended to 's debut album Stoney (2016), where FKi 1st contributed production to "Broken Whiskey Glass." In 2018, FKi 1st teamed up with for "R.I.P. " from the album Astroworld, co-produced with additional input from Scott and Mike Dean; the track debuted and peaked at number 26 on the and received platinum certification from the RIAA. The song's atmospheric production, blending chopped-and-screwed influences with heavy bass, highlighted FKi 1st's ability to craft immersive soundscapes for high-profile hip-hop projects. Earlier, in 2017, he co-produced "Pick It Up" by featuring A$AP Rocky for the album Dex Meets Dexter, which reached number 54 on the Hot 100 and was certified 3× platinum by the RIAA. His contributions to include the 2014 single "Watch Out" from the mixtape Trapavelli Tre, which peaked at number 64 on the and earned 2× platinum certification from the RIAA. More recently, FKi 1st produced "Neighbors Know My Name" for 's 2022 album Dope Don't Sell Itself, which debuted at number 23 on the and featured the track's sultry, R&B-infused trap sound. FKi 1st co-produced Iggy Azalea's 2013 single "Work" featuring Drake, which peaked at number 13 on the Billboard Hot 100 and was certified 3× platinum by the RIAA.

Contributions to soundtracks and series

FKi 1st co-produced the track "Bushido" for the F9: The Fast Saga original motion picture soundtrack, released on June 17, 2021, by Atlantic Records. The song features Japanese rapper JP The Wavy and is credited under the artist name Good Gas, a production collective founded by FKi 1st in collaboration with Mad Decent. Additional production came from RhondofromJersey and De'Jour Thomas, blending trap beats with Japanese hip-hop elements to complement the film's high-octane action sequences set in Tokyo. The track's inclusion marked FKi 1st's entry into major film scoring, integrating his signature trap production—characterized by heavy 808 bass and atmospheric synths—into a cinematic context. "" received over 16.8 million streams on , contributing to the soundtrack's overall commercial success, which peaked at number 124 on the 200. This collaboration highlighted FKi 1st's ability to adapt his sound for visual media, fusing urban trap with international influences to enhance the film's global appeal. Post-2020, FKi 1st extended the Good Gas brand through compilations and collaborative projects that occasionally intersected with media placements, though no additional major soundtrack credits emerged by 2025. The F9 involvement solidified his production footprint in Hollywood-adjacent spaces, paving the way for potential future expansions into and scoring.

References

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  43. https://audiomack.com/2-chainz/song/neighbors-know-my-name
  44. https://fki1st.bandcamp.com/album/sleeping-with-shoes-on
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  88. https://app.chartmetric.com/artist/883697
  89. https://www.billboard.com/charts/billboard-200/2021-07-03/
  90. https://open.spotify.com/track/52HrZG4pwtYxTUuu6qlTWf
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