Whether you know him as Nappy Boy or Teddy Penderazzdown, T-Pain has left his mark on Hip-Hop and R&B since he entered the game. Born Faheem Rashad Najm, the Tallahassee, Fla. native’s unique style and charismatic presence make him a standout not only a solo artist, but as an added flair when featured with others.
Debuting in 2005 with Rappa Turnt Sanga, T-Pain ushered in a wave of auto-tuned hits, which became his signature style. With six studio albums since, the Grammy Award-winning artist has proved to be multifaceted in sound and talent, rapping, producing, writing, and performing his own original songs.
His catalog includes hit records like “I’m ‘n Luv (Wit a Stripper,)” “Bartender,” “Can’t Believe It,” and “Buy U a Drank (Shawty Snappin’). Despite all criticism, the melodic musician managed to earn over a dozen top 20 hits on the Billboard Hot 100 between 2005 and 2009.
Lending his witty lyrics and electronic-modified melodies on other artists’ biggest hits, T-pain has nailed collaborations with the likes of Lil Wayne, Chris Brown, Kanye West, Jamie Foxx, and more. Additionally, through mixtapes, remixes, and covers, proved to have a vocal range not dependent on autotune for a shining performance.
In celebration of T-Pain’s 39th birthday, VIBE counts eight songs that are written, co-written, produced by, or interpolate original lyrics from Legacy Recordings and SME’s Certified’s crowned Godfather Of Autotune.
“Digital Girl” - Jaime Foxx Feat. Kanye West & The-Dream
T-Pain is credited as a composer and lyricist on “Digital Girl”, the fan-favorite track from Jamie Foxx’s 2008 third studio album Intuition. Additionally featuring Kanye West and The-Dream on a remix with Drake, the song contains re-sung lyrics from “Can’t Believe It” performed by T-Pain and Lil Wayne.
“Make A Movie”- Twista Feat. Chris Brown
T-Pain is credited as a songwriter on Twista and Chris Brown’s quiet storm-ready “Make A Movie.” Released in 2010, the song landed in the top 10 on Billboard’s Hot Hip-Hop and R&B Songs and Hot Rap Songs chart.
“RoboCop” -Kanye West
T-Pain is credited as a songwriter on “RoboCop,” from Kanye West’s 2008 album 808s And Heartbreak. Produced by the Chicago rapper himself, the team of cowriters also includes Jeezy and Kid Cudi.
"He Ain’t Gotta Know" - Bow Wow, Omarion
T-Pain’s “Nappy Boy” tag echoes at the beginning of “He Ain’t Gotta Know” performed by Bow Wow and Omarion, marking his producer territory. The track is featured on the Face Off album, released in 2007. T-Pain is also credited as a songwriter and performer on the dirty mackin’ track.
“Straight Up & Down” - Bruno Mars
T-Pain is credited as a co-writer on “Straight Up & Down” released by Bruno Mars in 2016. The song, featured on the triple-platinum 24K Magic album, samples Shai’s 1992 hit “Baby I’m Yours.”
“Ride”- Ace Hood Feat. Trey Songz
T-pain is credited in composition and lyrics on “Ride” by Ace Hood and Trey Songz. Released as the second single from Ace Hood’s debut album Gutta in 2008, the song was remixed to include Rick Ross and Juelz Santana.
“Sweet Hangover” - Omarion
T-Pain is credited as the sole producer of Omarion’s “Sweet Hangover.” It was released in 2010 on the singer’s Ollusion album under his own imprint StarrWorld Entertainment and debuted at No. 19 on the US Billboard 200.
“Trick'n” - Mullage
Mullage’s standout record “Trick’n” contains an interpolation of “Can’t Believe It” performed by T-Pain and Lil Wayne. The track uses T-Pain’s vocals singing the infamous line “it ain’t trick’n if you got it/what you askin’.”
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