Working on Dying

{{Short description|American producer collective}} {{Use mdy dates|date=February 2020}} {{Infobox musical artist | name = Working on Dying | image = Working on Dying logo.png | caption = Logo of Working on Dying | origin = Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S. | genre = {{hlist|Hip hop|trap|rage|tread}} | years_active = 2012−present | website = {{URL|workingondying.com/}} | current_members = <!-- If changing members in the band, please provide a reliable source --> *F1lthy *Oogie Mane *Brandon Finnesin *Loosie Man *FaxOnly *Jarek+ *Ilykimchi *Swaggyono *1srael *ShaunGoBrazy *Bnyx *BeautifulMvn *Nvbeel | past_members = *Forza *Alien }}

'''Working on Dying''' is an American producer collective based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. It was formed in 2012 by American record producer Richard Ortiz, known professionally as F1lthy, and his younger brother, Jordan Ortiz, who is known professionally as Oogie Mane.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web|title=Working On Dying in real life|url=https://www.thefader.com/2018/11/27/working-on-dying-lil-uzi-vert-interview|url-status=live|access-date=August 11, 2020|website=The Fader|language=en|archive-date=July 27, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200727174811/https://www.thefader.com/2018/11/27/working-on-dying-lil-uzi-vert-interview}}</ref><ref name=":1">{{Cite web|last=|date=2019-11-27|title=The Rise and Rise of Working on Dying|url=https://lofimagazine.com/2019/11/27/the-rise-and-rise-of-working-on-dying/|url-status=live|access-date=2021-02-18|website=LO-FI The Magazine|language=en|archive-date=January 17, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210117054941/https://lofimagazine.com/2019/11/27/the-rise-and-rise-of-working-on-dying/}}</ref>

== History ==

=== Foundation === Beginning in 2012,<ref name=":0" /> F1lthy began developing production skills on FL Studio over a period of six months after being inspired by the then upcoming underground rapper and producer SpaceGhostPurrp and the rap group Metro Zu, both from Miami, Florida.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":1" /> F1lthy later shared his production work with Oogie Mane.<ref name=":1" />

Forza, who lived nearby, would skateboard with the brothers in middle school.<ref name=":0" /> Oogie Mane and Forza would later be introduced to Lil Uzi Vert in 2013 while they were freshmen attending Northeast High School.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":1" /> Jarek, the godbrother of F1lthy and Oogie Mane, then introduced the two to The Loosieman, who was a rapper at the time under the name Declan?.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":1" /> The group adopted the name Working on Dying in memory of The Loosieman's father who died at the time.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":1" />

{{Blockquote|text=My father died of cancer the day after I turned 18, ... I was in a car, I had a glass of whiskey, driving, and I was like, 'Shit, I’m really working on dying right now'|author=Loosie Man<ref name=":0" />}}

Oogie Mane had his first notable productions in late 2013 on Xavier Wulf's "The Alpha K9' and Chris Travis' "Another Planet" and "Night Ryder".<ref name=":1" /> Working on Dying's debut tape was ''The Loosieman Presents: Working On Dying'', released on January 3, 2014.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":1" /> The tape featured ambient synths mixed with vocals from Lil B, Gucci Mane and a TED Talk about death from Peter Saul, an intensive care unit specialist.<ref name=":0" /> At this time, Forza was not heavily involved in the group as he was pursuing interests in football and skateboarding, though he would become more involved a year later.<ref name=":0" />

Brandon Finessin, who was a close friend of the group during high school, would learn how to make beats from F1lthy and joined the team officially around the same time. Working on Dying began to reach out to Black Kray and Goth Money, establishing more connections within the underground community, while Oogie Mane's production on Lil Uzi Vert's mixtape ''The Real Uzi'' brought more recognition when released in late 2014.<ref name=":1" />

=== Tread style === {{Infobox music genre | name = Tread | cultural_origins = Mid-2010s Philadelphia | instruments = {{hlist|Vocals|synthesizer|sampler|drum machine (Roland TR-808)}} | stylistic_origins = * Trap * cloud rap * phonk * lo-fi * chopped & screwed }}

Working on Dying is often attributed with creating the trap sub-genre ''tread'', which was coined by frequent collaborator Bootychaaain.''<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":1" />'' The genre is characterized by futuristic synthesisers, slowed down samples,<ref name=":0" /> busier drum programming with distinctive 808 patterns, high tempo (usually set around 160 to 190), usually having off-beat hi-hats in addition to trap's triplets and a fast style of lethargic rapping. It's also usual for producers to take influences from cloud rap such as lushy synth pads and reverb-heavy atmospheric production.<ref>{{Cite web|date=September 6, 2017|title=Hit the Gym: On the Proliferation of Tread Music|author=Lucas Foster|url=https://www.passionweiss.com/2017/09/06/tread-music/|access-date=August 11, 2020|website=Passion of the Weiss|archive-date=November 12, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201112042354/https://www.passionweiss.com/2017/09/06/tread-music/|url-status=live}}</ref>

Forza has been credited with tuning 808s into a unique style that would later develop into tread. According to WOBC-FM, production by Forza included "his signature high tempo drums and unconventional 808 patterns that automatically makes you want to mosh", describing him as "a pioneer in the underground’s Soundcloud scene".<ref>{{Cite web|title=SleepWalker 2019 Freshman List|url=https://blog.wobc.org/post/184527413451/words-by-amari-newman-maxx-mcgee-brennan-ryan|url-status=live|access-date=2021-02-18|website=WOBC-FM|language=en|archive-date=February 18, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210218075915/https://blog.wobc.org/post/184527413451/words-by-amari-newman-maxx-mcgee-brennan-ryan}}</ref> One of the first works recognized as proliferating tread rap was 5 Finger Posse's mixtape ''Trapped in the Trenches'', produced by Working on Dying.<ref>{{Cite web|title=The 10 Best Dark Underground Trap Bangers, according to Mutant Joe|author=Felicity Martin|url=https://www.dummymag.com/10-best/10-best-dark-underground-trap-bangers-mutant-joe/|url-status=live|access-date=2021-02-18|website=DummyMag|language=en-US|archive-date=January 19, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210119114932/https://www.dummymag.com/10-best/10-best-dark-underground-trap-bangers-mutant-joe/}}</ref>

As tread became more established, Working on Dying would then promote their music through weekly releases called "Tread Tuesdays", a play on Kanye West's GOOD Fridays.<ref name=":1" /> Various rappers would be involved with the popularity of tread rap including Lucki, Lil Yachty, Black Kray, Hi-C, WiFiGawd, 5 Finger Posse, Chxpo and others.<ref name=":1" /> The collective's persistent promotion through live performances, internet streams and consistent releases would pay off and bring them into the mainstream rap scene.<ref name=":1" />

=== Mainstream success === {{more citations needed section|date=August 2024}} In 2017, Philadelphia rapper Matt Ox – 12 years old at the time – went viral on Twitter with his song "Pretty Penny", grabbing the attention of F1lthy and Oogie Mane, the latter of whom produced the track "Overwhelming", which saw viral success.<ref name=":1" /> During this time, record labels began rapidly reaching out to F1lthy. In response, he sought the help of veteran Philadelphia rapper and producer Finesse, who managed the label as of 2018. Finesse began his career as an associate of the Roots and Dice Raw. Eventually, he earned a master's degree in business.<ref name=":0" /> With Working on Dying, Finesse took over the collective, became CEO, formed an LLC, and hired lawyers to develop it into a company.<ref name=":0" />

Following the introduction of Finesse's management, Working on Dying would see their first mainstream successes in 2018, with Oogie Mane producing the song "I'm Upset" for Drake's album ''Scorpion'' while the group saw further credits on Matt Ox's debut album ''Ox'', along with Juice Wrld and Future's collaborative album ''Wrld on Drugs''.''<ref name=":1" />'' At this time, Complex included Working on Dying on their ''9 Producers to Watch in 2018'' article.<ref>{{Cite web|title=9 Producers To Watch In 2018|url=https://www.complex.com/music/2018/03/producers-to-watch/|url-status=live|access-date=2021-02-18|website=Complex|language=en|archive-date=October 4, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201004180236/https://www.complex.com/music/2018/03/producers-to-watch/}}</ref>

Controversy arose in 2019 when parts of Lil Uzi Vert's ''Eternal Atake'' began to leak online.<ref name=":2">{{Cite web|title=Working On Dying Collective Responds To Lil Uzi Vert's Leak Debacle|url=https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/276741-working-on-dying-responds-to-lil-uzi-verts-leak-accusations-news|url-status=live|access-date=2021-02-18|website=HotNewHipHop|language=en|archive-date=July 27, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200727173500/https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/working-on-dying-responds-to-lil-uzi-verts-leak-accusations-news.96949.html}}</ref> Lil Uzi Vert accused Working on Dying producer Forza of leaking the music and threatened to assault the producer; Forza responded by threatening suicide.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Producer Forza Threatens Suicide After Lil Uzi Vert Calls Him Out|url=https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/275989-producer-forza-threatens-suicide-after-lil-uzi-vert-calls-him-out-news|access-date=2021-02-18|website=HotNewHipHop|language=en|archive-date=March 2, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210302050958/https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/producer-forza-threatens-suicide-after-lil-uzi-vert-calls-him-out-news.96924.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Finesse responded to the situation by firing Forza, stating "When you find out heavy accusations you don't be quick to take action, you gotta figure it out. You have to gather the evidence, and we did. It's a hard decision we had to make".<ref name=":2" />

F1lthy produced various songs for Playboi Carti's 2020 album ''Whole Lotta Red'', including opener "Rockstar Made", with Danny Schwartz writing in ''Rolling Stone''<nowiki/>'s review of the album "Whole Lotta Red notably marks a breakthrough for Working on Dying producer F1lthy, whose heavy distortion on standouts like “Stop Breathing” and “On That Time” supplies much of the album's adrenal punk energy. His beats set the tone for the first 12 songs, a turbulent sequence that pretty much exists for the singular purpose of moshing.<ref>{{Cite magazine|last=Schwartz|first=Danny|date=2021-01-04|title=Playboi Carti Lives Out His Vampire Rock Star Fantasy on 'Whole Lotta Red'|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-album-reviews/playboi-carti-whole-lotta-red-2-1109582/|url-status=live|access-date=2021-02-18|magazine=Rolling Stone|language=en-US|archive-date=January 4, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210104225856/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-album-reviews/playboi-carti-whole-lotta-red-2-1109582/}}</ref> In 2021, Working on Dying collaborated with Freddie Gibbs on his single "Gang Signs" featuring Schoolboy Q.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Freddie Gibbs Taps Schoolboy Q for New Single "Gang Signs"|url=https://www.complex.com/music/freddie-gibbs-schoolboy-q-gang-signs|url-status=live|access-date=2021-02-18|website=Complex|language=en|archive-date=February 5, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210205050507/https://www.complex.com/music/freddie-gibbs-schoolboy-q-gang-signs}}</ref>

On September 2, 2022, rising rapper Yeat released a single titled "Talk" produced by Bnyx, another member of Working On Dying. On September 9, Yeat released his highly anticipated extended play, ''Lyfe''.<ref>{{cite web |last=Cummings-Grady |first=Mackenzie |date=September 9, 2022 |title=Yeat Shares 'LYFË' Project f/ Lil Uzi Vert' |url=https://www.complex.com/music/yeat-lyfe-ep |accessdate=September 10, 2022 |website=Complex}}</ref> Six out of the twelve songs were produced by Bnyx, including the single "Talk," as well as "Flawlëss" featuring Lil Uzi Vert, "Out thë way," "Wat it feel lykë," electric guitar boasted "Can't stop it," and closing track "Killin ëm." Songs like "Out thë way" and "Talk" trended on social media app TikTok, influencing and praising Bnyx's work on the album. ''Lyfë'' charted at #10 on the Billboard 200.<ref>{{cite magazine |title=Bad Bunny's 'Un Verano Sin Ti' Has Most Weeks at No. 1 on Billboard 200 Since 2016 |url=https://www.billboard.com/music/chart-beat/bad-bunny-un-verano-sin-ti-billboard-200-chart-number-one-most-weeks-2016-1235140844/ |access-date=September 18, 2022 |magazine=Billboard}}</ref> Bnyx has worked with Yeat in the past, especially on Yeat's mixtape ''4L'' on the song "Forëally/4LY," and "Tonka 2" on Yeat's extended play ''Trendi''.

On February 24, 2023, Yeat released his highly anticipated third studio album ''Afterlyfe'', featuring production from Bnyx on eight songs, which are "No morë talk," "Nun id change," "Now," featuring Yeat's alter ego Luh geeky, "Slamm," "Sum 2 do," "Back home," and closing tracks "Dëmon tied," and "Mysëlf".{{Citation needed|date=July 2025}} Bnyx stated that "Mysëlf" and "Cant stop it" from Yeat's extended play ''Lyfë'' were originally supposed to be the same song, but they were split into two. Yeat had previously shown snippets of most of these songs on Instagram. On the outro track to ''AfterLyfe'', titled "Myself," Bnyx has been credited on some background vocals over the very emotional and laid back beat.{{Opinion|date=July 2025}} In a call on Yeat's affiliated Discord server following the release, Bnyx stated that his younger brother, BeautifulMvn, helped produce two tracks with him.

Bnyx would go on to produce the single Search & Rescue released by Canadian rapper and singer Drake in April, along with his younger brother BeautifulMvn. In June, Lil Uzi Vert would release their third studio album Pink Tape, and on the track "Aye" (featuring Travis Scott) Bnyx has production credits. A month later he would co-produce Kash Krabs' (Oddwin) song "DYNASTY" with producers Harz and Snapz. In the same month, Bnyx would appear as a co-producer on Travis Scott, Bad Bunny, and the Weeknd's song "K-pop".<ref name="PF">{{cite web |last=Corcoran |first=Nina |date=July 19, 2023 |title=Travis Scott, Bad Bunny, the Weeknd Announce New Song 'Kpop' |url=https://pitchfork.com/news/travis-scott-bad-bunny-the-weeknd-announce-new-song-kpop/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230721050032/https://pitchfork.com/news/travis-scott-bad-bunny-the-weeknd-announce-new-song-kpop/ |archive-date=July 21, 2023 |access-date=July 20, 2023 |website=Pitchfork}}</ref>

== Discography ==

=== Albums === {| class="wikitable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center;" |+List of albums ! scope="col" |Title ! scope="col" |Details |- ! scope="row" |''Working on Dying'' (with Bladee)<ref>{{Citation |last= |title=Working on Dying by Bladee |date=2017-12-28 |url=https://music.apple.com/us/album/working-on-dying/1615762227 |access-date=2023-06-23 |publisher=Apple Music |language=en-US}}</ref> | * Released: December 28, 2017 * Label: Year0001 * Format: Digital download, streaming |- ! scope="row" |''Waiting to Die''<ref>{{Citation |last= |title=Waiting to Die by Working on Dying |date=2020-12-04 |url=https://music.apple.com/us/album/waiting-to-die/1541245200 |access-date=2023-06-23 |language=en-US}}</ref> | * Released: December 4, 2020 * Label: Universal * Format: Digital download, streaming |- ! scope="row" |''Outta Here Soon'' (with NxG)<ref>{{Citation |last= |title=Outta Here Soon by NxG & Working on Dying |date=2021-10-29 |url=https://music.apple.com/us/album/outta-here-soon/1591144935 |access-date=2023-06-23 |language=en-US |last2=}}</ref> | * Released: October 29, 2021 * Label: Simple Stupid Records * Format: Digital download, streaming |- ! scope="row" |''Cold Visions'' (with Bladee)<ref>{{Citation |last= |title=Cold Visions by Bladee |date=2024-04-24 |url=https://music.apple.com/us/album/cold-visions/1742604139 |access-date=2024-05-06 |publisher=Apple Music |language=en-US}}</ref> | * Released: April 24, 2024 * Label: Trash Island * Format: Digital download, streaming |}

=== Mixtapes === {| class="wikitable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center;" |+List of mixtapes ! scope="col" |Title ! scope="col" |Details |- ! scope="row" |''LSMN<ref>{{Cite web |title=LSMN, by THE LOOSIE MAN |url=https://workingondying.bandcamp.com/album/lsmn |access-date=2023-06-23 |website=Working on Dying |language=en}}</ref>'' | * Released: July 21, 2015 * Label: Self-released * Format: Digital download, streaming |- ! scope="row" |''This And That''<ref>{{Cite web |title=This And That, by The Loosie Man and Oogie Mane |url=https://workingondying.bandcamp.com/album/this-and-that |access-date=2023-06-23 |website=Working on Dying|language=en}}</ref> | * Released: September 19, 2015 * Label: Self-released * Format: Digital download, streaming |- ! scope="row" |''Tread Mixxx<ref>{{Citation |title=WORKING ON DYING - TREAD MIXXX |url=https://soundcloud.com/oogiemane/working-on-dying-tread-mixxx |access-date=2023-06-23 |language=en}}</ref>'' | * Released: May 21, 2016 * Label: Self-released * Format: Digital download, streaming |}

=== Singles === {| class="wikitable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center;" |+List of singles ! scope="col" |Title ! scope="col" |Year ! scope="col" |Album |- ! scope="row" |"Money Shot" {{small|(featuring Robb Banks)}} | rowspan="5" |2020 | rowspan="5" |''Waiting to Die'' |- ! scope="row" |"Break Up With Your Boyfriend" {{small|(featuring KEY! & Quadie Diesel)}} |- ! scope="row" |"Off the Lead" {{small|(featuring Lancey Foux)}} |- ! scope="row" |"Find Me"<ref>{{cite web |title=End of Daze - Single |url=https://music.apple.com/us/album/end-of-daze-feat-jurdan-bryant-mereba-hollywood-jb-single/1516715863 |accessdate=June 11, 2020 |website=Apple Music}}</ref> {{small|(with Lucki)}} |- ! scope="row" |"The Madness" {{small|(with Father and Zack Fox)}} |- ! scope="row" |"Stop The World" {{small|(with Tate Kobang)}} |2021 |{{n/a|Non-album single}} |}

==See also== * Raider Klan

== References == {{reflist}}

Category:Hip-hop collectives Category:Record production teams Category:Musical groups established in 2012 Category:2012 establishments in Pennsylvania