He has constructed club-cracking anthems for Nicki Minaj, Jeezy, Gucci Mane, Yo Gotti and
Young Dolph. His music became radio mainstays last year with two breezy, laidback singles–
“California” performed by Colonel Loud featuring Young Dolph, Rico Barrino and T.I. and
“On the Way” featuring DJ Luke Nasty.
Under the tutelage of platinum producer/label CEO Mr. Collipark, his production prowess
helped jumpstart the careers of Soulja Boy and V.I.C., as well as provided savage soundtracks
for Ying Yang Twins. From laying down unpredictable production for Atlanta’s newest
superstars-in- the-making Dae Dae and YFN Lucci, to Wale, Travis Porter and K Camp, to
veteran rappers Fabolous and Plies, multi-faceted hip hop/R&B/ EDM beat technician Mr.
Hanky is the most accomplished music producer that you may have never heard of.
With a musical flair that bounces between riveting dance tracks, mid-tempo melodic grooves and
throbbing R&B and Top 40 ballads, Mr. Hanky cannot be contained to one particular genre or
style. And over the last few years, he has been quietly overhauling the soundscape of urban
music.
“I work hard to give artist a better platform to succeed by creating music that crosses genres and
reaches different demographics,” Mr. Hanky explains. “In the last three or four years, I just
started creating a whole new wave. I started creating a different sound because everything was
starting to sound the same.”
Born Corey Dennard and raised in East Atlanta, Hanky’s musical roots date back to childhood.
Both his mother and sister are trained musicians, and young Corey got his feet wet in music
playing trumpet in the school band and learning the piano. He cultivated those talents into
landing a scholarship to Southern University, where he played in the Human Jukebox Marching
Band.
“I’m a musician before I’m a producer,” he points out.
It was in college that he started making beats in his dorm room and hustling burned CDs for
extra cash. By the time he finished college and moved back home to the A, word had already
made it back home that the kid had some heat. Building his resume, he worked with several
independent artists and eventually landed a position as in-house producer at Collipark Music.
While at the label, he helped catapult the careers of Soulja Boy and V.I.C., producing the club
smash ‘Smart Girl Dumb Booty" by Tex James featuring Stuey Rock and Dallas duo Treal
Lee and Prince Rick’s street anthem “Throwed Off” (Fuck Everybody).
In 2006, he launched his own imprint Mr. Hanky Productions and since then, his client list has
swelled to include some of the most-well- known artists in the music industry. Last year, Hanky’s
runaway hit single the relaxed, laidback "California” performed by Colonel Loud featuring
Young Dolph, Rico Barrino and T.I. made a huge impact at radio. The infectious single has since
appeared in the motion picture Keanu and is slated for two major movie releases next year.
He followed up with “On the Way” performed by DJ Luke Nasty, which hit radio and caught on
like wildfire. The single reached more than 3,000 spins per week on urban and rhythmic radio
stations across the country.
“When collaborating with artist, I encourage them to go beyond their comfort zone and speak to
a wider range of listeners beyond their neighborhood”, Mr. Hanky explains. “Every day I
continue to look for ways to be more creative and to come up with records that the people want.”
That is exactly what he has done and what he will continue to do. Mr. Hanky is developing new
artists under his production company and has a brand new album in the works with star-studded
singles already on deck.
I’m just cocking back, loaded and ready to go,” he says.
Quiet as it’s kept, Mr. Hanky has been making hit records for over a decade. With a flair for
cooking up hip hop anthems and radio buzz records, Mr. Hanky has built up an impressive list of
production credits. The BMI producer has been able to stay in demand over the years because he
refrains from focusing on trends and strives to create timeless music.
“I can make a song for your local trap artist and then, I can do something for a gospel or R&B
artist or a pop record,” says Mr. Hanky. “I do what feels best.”
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