The Runners

Though the name may not immediately ring any bells, one need only look at their impressive list of hits to be reminded just how pivotal they have been on the current hip hop scene. Hailing from Orlando, Florida, the up-and-coming production duo consists of Andrew “Dru Brett” Harr and Jermaine “Mayne Zayne” Jackson.

The team was virtually unknown as recently as 2005 when they created “Does Anybody Know” for Fat Joe’s All Or Nothing, their first song for a major artist. It wasn’t until Miami rapper Rick Ross burst out on the scene with the bass-heavy, The Runners-produced “Hustlin’” in 2006 that people began to take notice. Since then, they have collaborated with artists such as Danity Kane, Lil Wayne, Day26, Chris Brown, T.I., DJ Khaled, Keyshia Cole, Young Jeezy and Ludacris.

They recently found time to take a break from their demanding schedule and talk with G.O.A.T. Magazine about their beginnings as well as where they are headed to.

The drive to become producers surfaced at an early age for both Dru and Mayne. Dru explained that while he wanted to learn how to play the piano, his short attention span made him unable to sit still long enough to practice. Eventually, his piano teacher brought him into a studio and familiarized him with some of the equipment, prompting him to save up some money and purchase a Pro Tools rig to start experimenting on his own.

In Mayne’s case, he started out by playing the keyboard and drums in his mother’s church. At home, he created his first songs on a Korg Triton keyboard. To better his skills and knowledge on the recording arts, he decided to move to Orlando to attend Full Sail, a private university that focuses on entertainment.

It was because of this decision that the team ultimately set up shop in Orlando, as Dru followed Mayne to The City Beautiful after the he graduated from Full Sail in 2003.

“Orlando was ‘wide open,’” explained Dru. “There wasn’t much competition and we knew we would stand out.”

Similar to their production idol Dr. Dre, whom they credit with creating a new sound for California, The Runners hope to serve as the new Miami sound machine, bringing a fresh vibe to the region – something inspired by their Orlando roots.

“We made Rick Ross’ “Hustlin’” and it helped energize a musical movement in Miami,” said Dru. “We lived in Orlando, and Miami was the closest musical hub. We kept our sound original and it became the ‘Miami sound machine.’”

The go-getting duo has worked along the way with fellow Floridians DJ Nasty and DJ Khaled, whom they credit with giving them a better understanding of the industry and how to make hits. Dru elaborated by saying that, as DJs, they understand what a hit record is supposed to sound like. In addition, it helps that they have strong relationships with virtually every rap artist.

“We did not have to go through a middleman to get our music to the artist,” he said.

As far as production goes, they said the DJs know what a hit track should have and they understand song structure, noting that “Khaled’s success with hit records speaks for itself.” Furthermore, they said they appreciate the confidence they received from DJ Nasty who “believed in them from day one” and knew, coming from radio, what they were capable of achieving.

More recently, the production team has been working to bring new artists to its Runners Music Group/Trac-N-Field Entertainment imprint. They said they are looking for artists who are different and can bring something fresh to the game – those that aren’t copy cats.

“We look for artists that will change the way people view urban music and inspire us to go somewhere different creatively,” Dru said.

One such artist – the first signed to their label – is rising rap star Bali. Dru said that Bali is a very unique artist who takes a different approach to rap about his trials and tribulations.

“His album has a theme and good structure behind it,” he said.

The duo was also able to shed some insight into their creative process, explaining that their motivation lies in being “cutting edge” – something that has helped bring hip hop into a new era. They said they like to set the trend for urban music, adding that while they first evaluate an artist to make sure the beat or song will fit their style, they also make sure to bring something innovative to the table that can take the artist somewhere they haven’t been before. They pointed to Ace Hood’s “Cash Flow” as a prime example.

Though their origins are humble, there is no denying the talent and potential that Dru and Mayne bring to the game. They have produced massive hits for some of the biggest names in the industry, grabbing a “Producer of the Year” nomination at the 2008 BET Hip Hop Awards in the process.

“We feel great about it,” Dru said. “It’s nice to be rewarded for our hard work.”

Though in the beginning some people called them “one hit wonders,” they quickly showed them up, saying that it takes consistency to survive in the industry.

“People can’t deny hit records,” they said.

Finally, one thing they hope people think of when someone mentions The Runners?

“Damn! They got some crazy drums!”