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Does anybody know? While at first the question posed seems like a rather general inquiry of sorts, it could've easily applied to the production duo The Runners (as in, does anybody know who they are?). The beatsmiths were virtual unknowns as recently as 2005 when they crafted, "Does Anybody Know", for Fat Joes All Or Nothing, the first song they ever placed for a major recording artist. Then Dru Brett and Mayne Zayne, who compose The Runners, shopped a particular bass heavy, snare snapping track and their fortunes changed, seemingly overnight. Everyday Im hustlin/ Everyday Im hustlin/ Everyday Im/ Everyday Im. Rick Ross's massive hit "Hustlin", produced by The Runners, instantly put them in over demand. Everyone from Lil Wayne (Money On Mind) to Jim Jones (Reppin Time) To Young Jeezy has since been blessed by the duos trademark measured and screwed sound. "We had to breakthrough that barrier and get noticed, and thats what Hustlin really did", explains Dru. "[It] brought us to the forefront of this business for a fact.
Thats how we got out there." But The Runners have been planning for this moment from the time they met as toddlers in Vero Beach, Florida. Their fathers were both physicians and their families soon became fast friends. Thats when Dru and Mayne, who grew up with a healthy love of music, clicked. When Dru's family moved to North Carolina during his teen years, he and Mayne they momentarily lost touch with each other but both continued their musical interests separately. When they reunited through telephone, Dru and Mayne discovered they'd each been toiling with DJing and production. The duo then re-teamed officially in 2003 as The Runners and set up shop in Orlando, where they launched Trac-N-Field Entertainment.
Influenced by the likes of other duos such as The Neptunes and Timbaland, The Runners production style has exploded in clubs and on radio much like their counterparts. Similar to their true production idol, the legendary Dr. Dre, who created a style for an entire coast, The Runners want to serve as the new Miami sound machine for an entire region. From Rosss enormous smash, to DJ Khaleds ode to Dade County, Born N Raised, to upstart Smitty's underground hit Lil Haiti, The Runners have been instrumental in the crafting the new hip-hop soundtrack of the 305. "Were trying to give Miami that sound that Dre gave California, or certain producers gave Atlanta", says Dru. "I think thats what people are hearing in our records now." Its the emotional charge in each track that makes listeners so familiar with their production and what they hear.
The instant reaction. Right at the moment the music starts. And The Runners plan to bring that to R&B soon, too. "At first they called us one hit wonders", says Mayne. "But they called us that when we had a couple of hits out there. Wait til they hear the R&B stuff. Its gonna blow their socks off!" Already in the studio working with Young Jeezy, Trick Daddy, Jadakiss, and Trey Songz, The Runners are just beginning to show the world who they really are. From hip-hop to R&B, and with mounting interests in fashion, modeling, television, and a label deal, The Runners name is becoming a brand associated with unparalleled success. "Were gonna go far in this business, because its never enough for us. Its whats next", says Dru. "We want to take it to that level." "Were living out our dreams, but we havent finished them yet. Thats why were here. Thats what we live for", continues Mayne. "In five years to come, you'll see us all over the place; expect to see us on TV, in commercials, in every magazine. Its a part of the big picture." "We embrace this. Were about our business, because this is the music business. We bring the music to the table, but we also bring the business to the table. So were gonna be a success. Dont just look at us as producers, but as entrepreneurs and businessmen, as well." And if you aint know, now you know.
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