Draft:Configa

• Comment: A long comment from the draft creator has been moved to the draft talk page. bonadea contributions talk 15:47, 13 June 2025 (UTC)

• Comment: If he has notability you have concealed it with walls of text and a welter of WP:BOMBARD you need to cut, cut, and cut again. Précis this by a huge amount.
  All inline links should be removed, please, and turned into references if appropriate, Wikilinks, or external links in a section so named. See Wikipedia:External links. There should be no links pointing to external sources until those in the 'References' section (with the exception of one optional link in any infobox). 🇵🇸‍🇺🇦 Fiddle^Timtrent Faddle^Talk to me 🇺🇦‍🇵🇸 09:54, 9 June 2025 (UTC)

• Comment: See also Draft:Configa 2. -- DoubleGrazing (talk) 17:10, 30 May 2025 (UTC)

• Comment: To the submitter: it looks like you have been trying to create headings and sections by using hash tags. Please go through the draft and fix this – the Manual of Style describes how. bonadea contributions talk 07:57, 8 April 2025 (UTC)

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Configa
Birth name	Andrew Laidlaw
Origin	Gateshead, Tyne and Wear, England
Genres	Hip hop, Boom bap, R&B
Occupation(s)	Record producer, Sociologist, CEO
Years active	1997–present
Labels	Configaration Records, SLAMjamz Records
Website	configa.bandcamp.com

Configa is a British hip hop producer, academic, and label founder whose work spans international collaborations, chart-topping releases, and peer-cited scholarship on race and hip hop culture.

Configa (born Andrew Laidlaw) is a British hip hop record producer, academic, and label founder, known for his sample-based boom bap production, international collaborations, and peer-cited scholarship on race, identity, and youth culture. Originally from Gateshead, England, he has released music through SLAMjamz Records (founded by Chuck D) and his own Configaration Records label. His work has received international airplay on BBC Radio 2, BBC Radio 6 Music, CBC Music, and SiriusXM channels including Shade 45 and Rock The Bells Radio, and has been cited in multiple peer-reviewed journals and university reading lists.

Configa’s collaborations span artists including Arrested Development, Chuck D, Big Daddy Kane, Chino XL, Masta Ace, Monie Love, Tim Burgess, Ras Kass, Canibus, Sadat X, Diana King, Craig G, Grandmaster Caz, The Sugarhill Gang, and Sean Price. He has served as co-executive producer and primary producer on three Arrested Development albums: Don’t Fight Your Demons (2020), For the FKN Love (2021), and Bullets in the Chamber (2024). Two tracks produced by Configa — "Hello" (featuring Ras Kass) and "Vibe" (featuring Big Daddy Kane) — reached #1 on prominent genre-specific charts: the former on the HipHopGods Top 20 (RAPstation / WBAI 99.5 FM, New York), and the latter on CBC Music's national hip hop chart in Canada.

His work has been covered in major hip hop publications such as The Source, HipHopDX, and AllHipHop, and he was named Producer of the Year by the UK magazine B-Boy Document in 2022. His music has also reached specialist radio audiences through the long-running underground hip hop program WeFunk Radio (90.3 FM, Montreal).

He was also a long-time collaborator of Chino XL, working together for over two decades. Following Chino XL’s death in 2024, Configa received widespread media attention and was the most frequently quoted artistic collaborator in tributes published by outlets including People, NME, Entertainment Weekly, MassLive, and American Songwriter. His Instagram statement was widely reproduced and became a focal point of public memorial coverage.

Early life

Configa grew up in Gateshead, Tyne and Wear, in a musical family. His father, North East drummer Steve Laidlaw, played with the local band Busker — best known for the regional anthem "Home Newcastle" — and later contributed live drums to several of Configa’s productions. His grandfather, Ted Joynson, was a decorated distance runner and world champion veteran athlete. He began producing music in the late 1990s while studying at university, drawing influence from both the UK underground hip hop scene and the golden age of hip hop.

Academic influence

Publishing under his real name, Andrew Laidlaw, Configa is recognised in hip-hop scholarship for his 2011 doctoral thesis, which Solomon Pace-McCarrick has described as a "seminal study" in the field. Titled Blackness in the Absence of Blackness: White Appropriations of Rap Music and Hip-Hop Culture in Newcastle upon Tyne, the thesis was completed at Loughborough University and explores how race, identity, and cultural belonging are negotiated within British hip hop scenes.

The thesis has since become a reference point in international hip-hop studies, particularly for its analysis of whiteness and subcultural participation. Notable citations include:

• Palma-Martos et al. (2021) on gendered rap consumption across Europe, published by Springer.
• Yehan Wang (2023) in Sociological Research Online, applying Laidlaw’s framework to authenticity in Chinese hip hop.
• Solomon Pace-McCarrick (2021) in E-International Relations, who incorporates the thesis into analysis of hip hop and diplomacy.
• Gareth Dylan Smith’s edited volume Popular Music Education: Perspectives from the Classroom (Routledge, 2020), which references Laidlaw in relation to race and pedagogy.

Configa has also been featured and interviewed in various media outlets, including international podcasts and radio, further reinforcing his dual identity as both a cultural theorist and a practicing hip-hop producer. In a 2024 interview with West Coast Styles, he stated: “I obtained my PhD on a hip hop thesis… I’ve literally grown up with this culture. It’s part of who I am.”

He is also the founder of the independent label Configaration Records and the promotional agency Laidlaw Media. His podcast appearances include WTFI?, The Real Hip-Hop Podcast, and We Ear Hustling Baby."The Real Hip-Hop Podcast – Episode 39: Configa". The Real Hip-Hop. 2023. Retrieved 5 June 2025.</ref>"We Ear Hustling Baby – Interview with Configa". YouTube. 17 April 2024. Retrieved 1 May 2025.</ref> The thesis continues to appear on university reading lists and remains cited in scholarship on hip hop, race, and cultural studies.

Career

2000–2014: Early career

Influenced by golden age hip hop and the Native Tongues collective, Configa began recording his own tracks as a teenager, then began his music career at the dawn of the new millennium. In 2002, he released The King of Linguistics on the Los Angeles–based independent label Rap Junkie Records. The album combined introspective lyricism with boom-bap production and drew attention within underground hip hop circles. It was listed among MTV.com’s upcoming releases for October 29, 2002, alongside artists such as Christina Aguilera, Bone Thugs-N-Harmony, Nirvana, and the 8 Mile soundtrack, signaling early visibility within the wider music industry. BritishHipHop.co.uk reviewed the release as a cohesive and stylistically varied project, noting Configa’s early efforts to engage U.S. audiences. The review positioned him as one of the few UK-based hip hop artists actively pursuing international recognition at a time when transatlantic success for British rappers was uncommon. In 2005, the linguistics blog Language Log, hosted by the University of Pennsylvania, highlighted The King of Linguistics as the only music title found in an Amazon database search for the word “linguistics,” calling it a rare example of the term’s use in popular culture.

In 2003, Configa retired from rapping to focus exclusively on production. A year later, he became a founding member (as producer) of the underground hip hop collective Slept On Fam. The group gained early recognition in the U.S. independent scene, and in 2007, music writer Adam Bernard described them as gaining momentum, noting their win as Group of the Year at the second annual Get 'Em Magazine Music Awards in Pensacola, Florida, where they were reported to have “beat out Oscar winners Three 6 Mafia.”

The Configa-produced album Audio Crack (2006) received favorable coverage from RapReviews and Muse’s Muse. RapReviews praised Configa’s production, writing: “What makes Configa so good? Really, anything that ever made DJ Premier or Large Pro so good,” and highlighted his “superb” sampling and “precise, hard, and oh so dusty” drums. The review concluded that it “might be one of the strongest albums for 2006.” Muse’s Muse described the album as “a healthy (audio) crack epidemic that the industry can benefit from,” noting that the group blended “street credible rap acts like the Wu-Tang Clan, Heltah Skeltah, De La Soul, and Mobb Deep with their own effusive style and flow,” supported by “carefully integrated samples — strategically placed in their organic production.” The album featured collaborations with artists such as Chino XL on “Warriors March”, and tracks like “From the Bottom” and “Green Power” demonstrated Configa’s early fusion of boom bap with reggae and soul influences.

From 2006 to 2007, he hosted the Configa Radio Show on Hype Radio. Episodes from this period were later archived on Mixcloud.

In 2010, Configa released Pac to the Essence Volume 1, a remix project commemorating the 14th anniversary of Tupac Shakur’s death. The album reimagined Shakur’s vocals with new boom-bap production and was praised for its respectful and cohesive reinterpretations. RapReviews highlighted Configa’s work on tracks such as “Lie to Kick It,” describing it as “1970s soul meets a Dr. Dre roll, wrapped up in a fat funk smoky blunt,” and suggested it had potential as a commercial single.

In 2011, he released Calm Before the Storm, a 20-track compilation album produced entirely by Configa, which was issued on his newly founded label, Configaration Records. It featured underground emcees from the United Kingdom, United States, and Australia. The Word Is Bond called the release “a great listen from start to finish,” noting Configa’s “slew of dope beats” and the wide-ranging guest list. RapReviews added that “there are winners over and over again here,” praising Configa’s production as worthy of approval from Diamond D and the D.I.T.C. crew, concluding that “there’s too much talent here to ignore in front of and behind the boards.”

Two of Configa’s tracks—“We On Fire” (featuring Jaz Kahina) and “Back 2 Basics” (featuring John Graham)—were featured in the British crime film The Liability (2012), released in the United States as The Hitman’s Apprentice, starring Tim Roth and Jack O'Connell. Configa also contributed music to the independent film The Stagg Do (2014), set in North East England, further linking his work to regional UK cinema.

Also in 2011, Configa collaborated with Arizona-based rapper Big Meridox on a track from Meridox’s DeLorean Fuel EP. RapReviews credited Configa’s beat as a key factor in the song’s appeal, noting that “the rowdy Arizonian benefits from the UK producer’s ability to lay down a smooth funky beat.”

His work during this period helped establish his transatlantic reach across the UK and US underground hip hop scenes, drawing comparisons to producers such as DJ Premier and Pete Rock. In a 2021 Medium article, Configa was described as “one of the most important producers in the game today,” with his boom bap style characterized by “multi-layered, heavily instrumental, and almost baroque” production. His growing prominence helped draw wider attention to hip hop emerging from North East England, an area not traditionally viewed as a national epicenter for the genre.

Legal dispute over unauthorized sampling (2015)

In 2015, Configa became involved in a legal dispute concerning the unauthorized use of one of his instrumentals on the track “Change Your World,” featured on TeeFLii’s major-label debut album Starr. The beat, originally released by Configa as part of an earlier independent project, was sampled without permission or credit. The dispute led to a public exchange with Epic Records executive Sha Money XL. Configa outlined his grievances in an open letter published on his blog, and the incident drew attention from the independent music press. Configa also discussed the incident in a pair of video interviews, addressing the legal and ethical issues surrounding the unauthorized use of his work.

2015–2017: HaStyle trilogy and Configaration Volume 1

In 2015, Configa released The Calm Before HaStility, an EP that introduced his boom bap production style in collaboration with New York emcee HaStyle. The project included the reflective track "R.I.P." and helped establish the duo’s stylistic foundation. The project later resurfaced on the KVRX Topless 39 chart in 2024, nearly a decade after its release, indicating a resurgence of interest on independent U.S. radio. The track "Wut You Got" was also featured on KVRX’s Dark and Stormy Show, underscoring the project’s enduring underground appeal. Around the time of its initial release, Configa appeared on the Croatian hip hop program Mixtape Sessions (Radio Student) to discuss the EP’s influences and sound.

Later that year, Configa and HaStyle followed with a second EP, A Good Combination, expanding their collaborative output. Hip-Hop Life and Times described the release as "eight tracks of soul-sampled boom bap, laced with classic storytelling rhymes," and highlighted Configa’s piano-driven production on the track "Paved the Way," a celebration of pioneering women in hip hop. The EP received further praise from Insomniac Magazine, which called it "a great combination" that "delivers on all levels," and from Brazilian outlet Bocada Forte, which described it as "classic boom bap rap."

The final installment of the trilogy, HaStility (H1), was released in 2016. Hip-Hop Life and Times described it as "a record that oozes the Golden Era sound," with gritty production and a seamless flow of cuts and samples. The album featured guest appearances by El Da Sensei, Prince Po, and Chino XL, and was promoted through a second appearance by Configa on Croatia’s Mixtape Sessions radio show. RapReviews called the album a "solid throwback" for fans of 1990s boom bap, noting Configa’s "penchant for dusty instrumental breaks and quirky sampled dialogue reminiscent of a 1989 Prince Paul."

In a 2017 interview, Configa described his artistic philosophy as rooted in authenticity: "It’s not old, it’s not new. It’s true… music free of any outside corruption."

That same year, he released Configaration Volume 1 through SLAMjamz Records, a label founded by Chuck D of Public Enemy. BritishHipHop.co.uk described the album as Configa’s "magnum opus," while The Music Box called the project "something special." RapReviews praised the album’s stylistic range, noting Latin horns on "From the Soul," dancehall influences on "Pop Off," and jazz-tinged soul on "U Make My Day." The album featured original production by Configa, with guest appearances from Chuck D, Craig G, Spoonie Gee, Reks, and posthumous verses from Sean Price and John “Vietnam” Nguyen.

Music videos for "From the Soul" and "What’s Your Story (Be Like That)" were released in 2018, the latter was described by ‘‘Hip-Hop Life and Times’’ as a “poignant docu-style tribute” to John Vietnam’s legacy. Bandcamp Daily praised the record in its editorial roundup of the month’s hip hop releases (December 2017), highlighting its "hard-hitting beats" and era-straddling guest features.

2020: Forward Future and entry into Arrested Development

In 2020, Configa collaborated with Jahi of Enemy Radio—a Public Enemy-affiliated group led by Chuck D—to release the album Forward Future. The project combined sample-driven boom bap production with socially conscious lyricism, addressing systemic injustice, mental health, and media influence. Configa’s sound on the album drew inspiration from the politically charged aesthetic of Public Enemy, blending classic hip hop textures with contemporary themes. HipHopDX praised the album’s “pointed social commentary,” and its cohesive production, particularly on tracks such as “Ghetto Poems,” “Rock On,” and “More News @10.” The single “Mindfulness” received additional coverage in I Am Hip Hop Magazine, which described it as “a classic, yet cosmic boom-bap groove” and highlighted its focus on mental well-being.”Savino, MJ (April 14, 2020). "New Video: Configa & Jahi "Mindfulness"". I Am Hip Hop Magazine. Retrieved April 20, 2025.</ref>

The album was characterized by a fusion of vintage and modern elements. According to its listing on Light in the Attic Records, the project “embraces hip-hop’s continuous balance between reflecting on the past and moving forward,” describing it as a dialogue between golden age traditions and millennial perspectives. Forward Future received an international green vinyl release in 2021 through Mosta Records, an independent label based in Singapore, marking an international physical release. The vinyl edition attracted attention in Southeast Asia and helped expand Configa’s reach in non-Western markets and audiences.

The album received critical acclaim, appearing on multiple year-end lists. YearEndLists included it in their roundup of the Best Hip Hop Albums of 2020, while HipHopGoldenAge praised it for its “blend of classic and modern influences,” calling it one of the standout underground projects of the year.

Don’t Fight Your Demons (2020)

In 2020, Configa served as co-executive producer and primary music producer on Don’t Fight Your Demons, a studio album by the American hip hop group Arrested Development. Released during a period of intensified racial unrest in the United States—including the resurgence of the Black Lives Matter movement and widespread protests against police violence—the album marked a renewed political urgency for the group. Reviews described it as a creative resurgence that helped reintroduce Arrested Development to a broader audience. Configa produced over half of the album’s tracks and shaped its overall sound, which leaned heavily on boom bap aesthetics and sample-based production. Thematically, the album addressed issues such as mental health, social justice, identity, and systemic oppression. Songs like “Sunset in Ghana,” “The Same People,” “Do or Die the Mantra,” and “Becoming” were noted for their juxtaposition of classic hip hop textures with urgent, contemporary commentary.

The album received critical recognition from multiple independent music publications. Hip Hop Golden Age named it one of the best hip hop albums of 2020, citing its authenticity and praising Configa’s production for “anchoring the group’s message-driven lyrics.” Cryptic Rock praised its “timely themes” and described it as “proof that Hip Hop is still a viable artform that can bring a message,” singling out Configa’s role in maintaining the group’s socially conscious ethos.

In a 2020 review for The New Haberdasher, music critic William P. Stodden described Don’t Fight Your Demons as “an essential record for this year” and wrote that “Arrested Development employed some of the hardest hitting producers in the game today, including Configa.” He stated that “by far the most lush production on the record belongs, however, to Configa,” whose style “hearkens back to the Golden Age and the Backpack eras, and is evocative of the triphop of the Quakers album and the production of Madlib.”

In an interview with VladTV, Arrested Development frontman Speech described how he discovered Configa’s work through his collaborations with Jahi of Public Enemy. He explained:

There was this dude Configa, a producer out of London, who did a record with a good friend of mine from Public Enemy named Jahi, and I heard his production, and I was like ‘yo, I really like what you are doing.’ And I asked him if we could work together […] This record, Don’t Fight Your Demons, is by far our best record—maybe our best record period, but definitely our best record since 3 Years, 5 Months and 2 Days in the Life Of…, and I’m grateful because fans are saying that too.

One of the album’s lead singles, “Becoming,” produced by Configa, was later playlisted on LL Cool J’s Rock The Bells Radio on SiriusXM, and by 2024 had surpassed one million streams on Spotify.

2021: Remix contributions to Expansion

In 2021, Configa contributed three official remixes to Expansion, a solo album by Speech, frontman of Arrested Development. Bandcamp Daily praised the album in its editorial roundup of the month’s hip hop releases, highlighting Configa’s remixes for their "tuneful funk-forward loops and low-end punch.”

2021: The ConfigHas Crates and The Year After

In 2021, Configa released two collaborative albums reflecting his commitment to classic boom bap production and working with both seasoned and emerging hip hop artists: The ConfigHas Crates with veteran New York emcee HaStyle, and The Year After, an international collaborative project with newcomer DJ Views featuring a range of established and underground emcees.

The ConfigHas Crates

Released in early 2021, The ConfigHas Crates compiled previously unreleased tracks recorded by Configa and HaStyle between 2013 and 2015. The album received positive reviews for its throwback production style and strong artist–producer chemistry. Hip Hop Golden Age called it “a must-have for all fans of that true-school, rugged, boom-bap, lyrical style Hip Hop,” and described Configa as “one of our favorite producers active today.” The Word Is Bond referred to the release as “yet another timeless classic under his belt,” citing Configa’s continued consistency. Airdrift Signals described the range of Configa’s instrumentals as varying from “militaristic and Wu-inspired” to “bright and flirtatious.” Writing for The New Haberdasher, William P. Stodden praised the project as “nothing less than an excellent offering,” noting Configa’s richly layered production and highlighting the use of acoustic guitars, string arrangements, and “Wall of Sound” influences.

The project features guest appearances from Sadat X (of Brand Nubian), Prince Po (of Organized Konfusion), El Da Sensei, Chino XL, Nine, Wordsworth and Rashan. In 2024, the track “Lik a Shot,” featuring Wordsworth and Rashan, received airplay on All Underground Hip Hop Radio.

The Year After

Later that year, The Year After was praised by Hip Hop Nostalgia, which referred to Configa as an “acclaimed producer,” and highlighted the album’s lineup, which included (among others) Speech, Chino XL, Ras Kass, Akrobatik, Planet Asia, Pacewon, Nine, Kxng Crooked, Termanology, Craig G, and El Da Sensei. Boom Bap Nation praised the album’s “potent lyricism and classic hip-hop vibes,” describing Configa as a “mega producer” and praising the project’s “timeless boom-bap energy.” The New Haberdasher described the album as “a hardcore, albeit somewhat dark boom bap hip hop record,” noting the stark contrast between Configa’s “rich, multi-layered” style and DJ Views’ more minimalist approach. Hip Hop Golden Age named it one of the standout 90s-inspired sample-driven releases of the year, building on Configa’s acclaimed recent work with Arrested Development and Jahi.

2021–2022: For the FKN Love

In late 2021, Configa served as co-executive producer and produced the majority of the tracks on For the FKN Love, a studio album by Arrested Development. The project included guest appearances from prominent hip hop figures such as Big Daddy Kane, Masta Ace, Monie Love, Freddie Foxxx, and members of The Sugarhill Gang, as well as Fatman Scoop, Dee-1 and G. Love.

Hip Hop Golden Age included For the FKN Love among the best hip hop albums of 2021, describing it as “a 17-track tour-de-force” driven by “masterful 90s-centric boom-bap production.” Tinnitist praised the production’s energy and craftsmanship, while Underground Hip Hop Blog referred to the album as the group’s “biggest release ever.” Generation Riff critic Rob Janicke described the album as “one of the best-sounding albums I’ve heard in years,” citing Configa’s ability to craft a cohesive “sonic tapestry” across diverse tracks.

The album’s lead single, “Vibe,” premiered on The Word Is Bond and went on to reach number one on CBC Music’s hip hop chart.

In January 2022, “Swing Um” (featuring Speech, Fatman Scoop, Masta Ace, Dell-P, and Configa), produced by Configa, was aired on DJ Eclipse’s Rap Is Outta Control radio show on SiriusXM’s Shade 45.

Configa produced approximately 75 percent of the album’s music. In promotional interviews, frontman Speech and Configa discussed the album’s boom bap orientation and collaborative process. On the From Da Ground Up Productions podcast, Speech highlighted tracks such as “Vibe” featuring Big Daddy Kane and reflected on the project’s sound. In a November 2023 appearance on the Halftime Chat RnB Podcast, Speech further reflected on Configa’s role as both co-executive producer and principal collaborator.

Configa also produced “Never Had Your Back,” a personal track inspired by Speech’s daughter and broader themes concerning the experiences of Black women in America. The album’s production process was collaborative, with Configa and Speech jointly selecting tracklists and refining the album’s structure. In one example, Speech advocated for the inclusion of “Where Lions Roam,” a track Configa initially hesitated to include, ultimately citing its sonic uniqueness and narrative contribution to the album’s arc.

Reflecting this collaborative ethos, For the FKN Love features an intergenerational and stylistically diverse roster of contributors — from established figures like Big Daddy Kane, The Sugarhill Gang, Masta Ace, Freddie Foxxx, Monie Love, Kxng Crooked, Fatman Scoop, and G. Love, to a broad range of newer voices including Dell-P, Twan Mack, Lish, Ke’Andra, Dee-1, 4ize, Tony Momrelle, Twisted Royalty, Cleveland P. Jones, MRK SX, and Jahah. The album also includes a guest appearance by Configa’s father, a drummer, adding a personal dimension to the project’s broader themes of joy and unity.

In a later interview with B-Boy Document, Speech praised Configa’s evolving artistry, stating: “I see Configa making more classic albums and also scoring movies, TV shows and commercials.” In January 2022, Configa appeared on The Crucial Hip Hop Show with Jojo Mavrakis and Rob Hardman on Street Sounds Radio, where he discussed his production techniques, musical influences, and his views on hip hop’s evolution.

2022: Re:Configa’d

In 2022, Configa released Re:Configa’d, a remix album compiling his reinterpretations of tracks by artists including Tupac Shakur, The Notorious B.I.G., Biz Markie, Mary J. Blige, Nas, Heavy D, Nipsey Hussle, Ad-Rock, Canibus, Grand Puba, Chino XL, and others. The New Haberdasher described Configa as “one of the Greats of the Underground who has been making beats that BOOM,” and characterised Re:Configa’d as “a modern iteration of the Classic Mixtape,” highlighting his ability to reshape the atmosphere of iconic tracks through his “lush” boom bap production. The review noted that “all these tracks sound like they were produced on different equipment, over various sessions,” capturing the eclectic spirit of classic mixtapes while giving new life to both well-known and more obscure vocal performances.

2023–2024: Up & Away

In October 2023, Configa partnered with Los Angeles–based R&B artist Sulpacio Jones to produce Up & Away, an EP that blends nostalgic and contemporary R&B elements with soul-infused boom bap production. Tracks such as “Hot Like Me” (featuring T Slack), “Cherries,” and “U Make My Day” showcase Jones’s emotive vocals alongside Configa’s production. Several tracks were broadcast across three separate episodes of BBC Music Introducing in the North East in late 2023, and were also featured on the Neo2Soul Playlist podcast and Select Soul Show’s July 2023 playlist. The single “Hot Like Me” also appeared on the Soul Associates Top 30 chart, published by the Soul Strutter blog.

2024: Bullets in the Chamber

In 2024, Configa again served as co-executive producer and primary music producer for Arrested Development’s album Bullets in the Chamber. The album features contributions from Chuck D, Ras Kass, Skyzoo, Sa-Roc, Canibus, Grandmaster Caz, Diana King, and DoItAll. It was ranked second on The Source’s annual roundup of “Best Hip Hop Albums You Might Have Unjustly Missed.”

The album received critical praise from multiple independent outlets. Style Weekly described it as “a soundtrack for hope,” while Cryptic Rock and Bad Magics commended Configa’s “soulful beats” and melodic arrangements. In a February 2024 interview with Cambs Edition, Arrested Development frontman Speech emphasized Configa’s importance to the group’s evolving sound, stating: “We’ve been relying heavily on producers from around the world. One in particular is Configa out of the UK.”

The track “For Free,” featuring Speech, Configa, and April So Lyrical, was included in DJ General Strike’s “Top 40 Protest Songs of Winter 2024,” published by the socially conscious music platform Shouts Music. The listing described Bullets in the Chamber as “so full of great protest songs, it was hard to pick just one.”

In January 2024, Configa appeared on the Brazilian radio program Jazzmasters, broadcast by *Alpha FM*, where he discussed his role in producing Bullets in the Chamber, as well as his recent collaboration with Sulpacio Jones and his perspectives on hip hop and soul music’s evolution.

Jolicoeur

In 2024, Configa collaborated with veteran UK rapper Tommy Evans on the concept album Jolicoeur, a tribute to the late Trugoy the Dove of De La Soul. Configa produced the entire project, which explored themes of self-love, nature, resistance, and personal growth through boom bap–influenced production and introspective lyricism. Urban Vault described the collaboration as the “world’s first producer–rapper–PhD combo.” Digiwaxx called the album “tailor made for the summertime,” praising Configa’s production for “making listeners dance” and noting its sonic homage to the Native Tongues era.

One of the album’s tracks, “They Are Not Expecting Us to Fight,” featuring Configa, Evans, and Speech of Arrested Development, was included in DJ General Strike’s “Top 40 Protest Songs of Winter 2024” on the independent platform Shouts Music.

Two singles were released in support of Jolicoeur. The first, “Summertime,” featured guest vocals from Matthew Allman and was accompanied by a music video. BritishHipHop.co.uk described the track as a “timely up-tempo track to resurrect a typically torrential August.” The second single, “The Water,” featured vocalist Glorynade and continued the album’s thematic focus on nature and renewal.

Several tracks from the album were also included on UKHH.com’s Summer Heaters 2024 playlist.

Recent projects

In February 2025, Configa produced a remix of “All I See Is Melanin” by Arrested Development as part of a five-track EP released for Black History Month. The release included Configa’s remix, along with instrumental and a cappella versions, and was praised by Insomniac Magazine for celebrating Black culture and identity. The remix was also highlighted in a profile by AllHipHop, which spotlighted the group’s continued activism and Configa’s role. A corresponding music video featuring Configa’s remix was also released on Sensimedia, a platform dedicated to hip hop and urban culture.

In May 2025, Configa was credited in a documentary on Marley Marl, produced by the National Hip-Hop Museum and directed by filmmaker Nick Light. Light, a long-time collaborator, had previously directed several of Configa’s music videos. Also in May 2025, Configa contributed a remix to the track "Outer Body Experience," originally featured on UK rapper Gee Bag’s 2024 album No More Worries. The remix version, featuring Anyway Tha God and Bad FX, was released via 369 Recordings and premiered on BritishHipHop.co.uk.

Production style and influence

Configa’s production style is rooted in boom bap and sample-based techniques, often drawing from genres such as funk, soul, and jazz fusion. His work is frequently noted for its adherence to traditional hip hop aesthetics within a modern context, particularly through his collaborations with Arrested Development. Critics have described these productions as a return to the group’s foundational sound.

His beats, grounded in classic sample-based hip hop, have drawn comparisons to producers such as DJ Premier and Pete Rock. Music critic Rob Janicke described Configa’s production as “one of the best-sounding” in recent years, highlighting his ability to craft a cohesive “sonic tapestry” across diverse tracks. A recurring signature in his productions is the vocal tag “Configa, Configa,” which typically appears at the start of tracks. The tag is featured in several collaborations, most notably with Arrested Development. Hip Hop Golden Age referenced the tag and highlighted Configa’s production as a key architect of the group’s 2021 release For the FKN Love.

In addition to his musical influences, Configa’s academic background in cultural studies and social theory informs a broader artistic ethos. His work often blends sample-based hip hop with politically conscious themes and socially aware lyricism, aligning with the traditions of socially engaged hip hop.

Reviews of Configa’s production style have highlighted its versatility and depth of sound. Airdrift Signals described his approach as “varying from militaristic and Wu-inspired to bright and flirtatious,” while The New Haberdasher called it “multi-layered, heavily instrumental, and almost baroque.” These perspectives reinforce the signature richness of Configa’s sample-based sound.

Legacy and impact

Over a production career spanning more than two decades, Configa has established a profile through his collaborations with key figures in socially conscious hip hop, including Arrested Development and Jahi of Enemy Radio. His collaboration with Arrested Development spans three albums — Don’t Fight Your Demons (2020), For the FKN Love (2021), and Bullets in the Chamber (2024) — and has been cited in critical reviews as contributing to the group’s recent creative resurgence. "The Best Hip Hop Albums of 2020". Hip Hop Golden Age. 2020. Retrieved 2025-05-11.

He is also recognised in hip hop scholarship, with his doctoral thesis Blackness in the Absence of Blackness cited in academic publications on race, identity, and cultural appropriation in hip hop worldwide. Wang, Yehan (2023). "Keeping It Real in Chinese Hip-Hop: Everyday Authenticity and Coming From the Street". Sociological Research Online. 28 (3): 575–592. doi:10.1177/13607804231178628.Palma-Martos, Maria-Luisa (2021). Music, Digitization and Copyright. Springer.

This dual impact — both artistic and academic — underscores Configa’s long-standing presence and growing influence within global hip hop culture. Configa’s two-decade collaboration with rapper Chino XL has significantly contributed to his international profile. Following Chino XL’s untimely death in July 2024, Configa’s tribute was quoted in more than 25 independent media outlets worldwide, including People, Entertainment Weekly, NME, MassLive, American Songwriter, Indy100 (a subsidiary of The Independent), Nine.com.au (Australia), Antena 3 Noticias (Spain), ZikNation (France), AS (Diario AS) (Spain), Yardbarker, Androbit (Hungary), The Industry, and others. In many of these publications, Configa was the only artist quoted in full, with his tribute message reprinted verbatim. Other figures cited — such as Chuck D, Joe Budden, Ice-T, KXNG Crooked, A-F-R-O, and Evidence — were often included in shorter excerpts or referenced indirectly.

In his widely cited tribute, Configa wrote:

“One of the GREATEST to ever touch a mic (and I told him this personally many times too). I have known him, worked with him and built with him over the last 20 years (and have been a fan for the last 30 years). I’m just glad that we got to collaborate on some AMAZING music – the last time being only 3 years ago… This one HURTS.”

This level of international media attention, alongside Configa’s contributions to hip hop production and scholarship, has highlighted his visibility within the global hip hop community. "Rapper Chino XL Dead at 50". People Magazine. 30 July 2024. Retrieved 2025-06-05. "Tributes paid as rapper Chino XL dies, age 50: "One of the greatest to ever touch a mic"". NME. 30 July 2024. Retrieved 2025-06-05. "Rapper Chino XL Dies at 50". Entertainment Weekly. 30 July 2024. Retrieved 2025-06-05. "Rapper considered 'one of the greatest to ever touch a mic' dies at 50". MassLive. 30 July 2024. Retrieved 2025-06-05. "Tributes Roll In for Rapper Chino XL After His Death". American Songwriter. 31 July 2024. Retrieved 2025-06-05. "Chino XL: Cause of death revealed". Indy100. 30 July 2024. Retrieved 2025-06-05. "Rapper Chino XL dead at 50". Nine.com.au. 30 July 2024. Retrieved 2025-06-05.

In 2023, Configa was among the artists featured in a tribute roundup published by Hip Hop Golden Age following the death of De La Soul’s Trugoy the Dove. His comments appeared alongside those of artists including Pharrell, Chuck D, DJ Premier, Busta Rhymes, and Questlove. "Hip Hop Twitter Mourns Death of De La Soul's Trugoy the Dove". Hip Hop Golden Age. 2024. Retrieved April 22, 2025. Several of the artists featured—such as Chuck D, Speech, Masta Ace, Skyzoo, and Rah Digga—have also collaborated with Configa.

Configa’s production style has been praised for its cohesion, melodic sensibility, and deep adherence to hip hop tradition, providing a deep and introspective backdrop for socially and politically aware lyricism. "Arrested Development – Bullets in the Chamber (Album Review)". Cryptic Rock. 2024. Retrieved 2025-04-19. "Top 150 Hip Hop Albums of the 2020s". Hip Hop Golden Age. Retrieved 2025-04-21.

In 2019, Configa launched the “Bday 16 Bars Competition,” a global initiative to spotlight emerging underground artists. Supported by Chuck D, the competition offered prizes including an EP produced by Configa, promotion through Laidlaw Media affiliates, and a music video package. The initiative received coverage from outlets including Music Connection Magazine, the Hip-Hop Daily Dose podcast, and The WTFI? Podcast. "Enter Configa's Birthday Beat Competition". Music Connection. 2019. Retrieved April 23, 2025. "Hip-Hop Daily Dose – Configa Bday Beat Competition". Spotify. 2019. Retrieved April 23, 2025. "Birthday Beat Contest". Laidlaw Media. 2019. Retrieved April 23, 2025. "The WTFI Podcast – Apple Podcasts". Apple Podcasts. Retrieved April 23, 2025.

Configa’s international presence expanded through his collaboration with Mosta Records, an independent label based in Singapore. In 2021, Forward Future was released on green vinyl in Southeast Asia, marking an international release that combined golden age hip hop aesthetics with contemporary social commentary. The collaboration demonstrated Configa’s ability to engage audiences across hip hop communities worldwide. "Mosta Records". Mosta Records. Retrieved April 23, 2025.

Recognition and industry coverage

Configa’s work has been covered in major hip hop publications and music media, including The Source, HipHopDX, and AllHipHop. In 2022, he was named Producer of the Year by the UK magazine B-Boy Document. His music has additionally reached specialist radio audiences through the long-running underground hip hop program WeFunk Radio (90.3 FM, Montreal).

In GQ Magazine’s 2020 feature, 354 Albums to Blow Your Mind, Chuck D praised Configa’s production work:

"Configa has been producing and orchestrating beats and music over the past decade," delivering "a perfect match of beats, rhymes, consciousness and life" through projects such as Forward Future (2020).

Configa’s work has been recognised by music industry curators and streaming platforms. In August 2022, Juno Records featured the Arrested Development album For the FKN Love—primarily produced by Configa—in its “Juno Recommends Hip Hop/R&B” chart, noting that “as ever,” he handled production duties for the project, which featured guests ranging from Big Daddy Kane and Monie Love to newer voices such as Twan Mack and Ke’Andra.

His productions have been included on Spotify editorial playlists, featured on BBC Radio 6 Music, and supported by BBC Introducing North East, broadening his reach across both major and grassroots platforms.

The single “Vibe,” released in late 2021, reached number one on CBC Music’s national hip hop chart in early 2022 and later surpassed one million streams on Spotify in 2024. Speech credited Configa’s production as a key part of the track’s success. “Becoming”, the lead single from Don’t Fight Your Demons, also surpassed one million Spotify streams, reflecting sustained audience interest in Configa’s production work.

His music has also received airplay on SiriusXM’s Shade 45 and Rock The Bells Radio, as well as on Itch FM, underscoring his continued relevance within both commercial and underground hip hop circles.

Speech has also credited Configa’s production as instrumental to the group’s musical resurgence.

Recognition and year-end lists

In its Winter 2021 issue (released in April 2022), B-Boy Document magazine named Configa Producer of the Year and featured an extended interview. In the piece, Configa reflected on his creative evolution, stating: “With Speech, he puts so much emphasis on the hook of a song, and this changed my mind state… I don’t want to just make boom bap songs. I want to create harmonies and spread some joy, and I think this is what we did on For the FKN Love.” He contrasted the album’s tone with his prior work, adding: “This album is about joy, whilst last year’s was embedded in a Black Lives Matter theme. We deliberately set out to make statement songs designed to spread happiness.” In the same issue, Speech described Configa’s versatility: “I feel that right now the sky is the limit for Configa… he is so well-rounded that I see him being successful at anything he puts his mind to.” He also praised the album’s UK connections and family contributions, noting: “I was so happy to have his dad on the album, as Configa is a family dude,” referring to the drummer feature by Configa’s father, alongside UK artists such as Tony Momrelle, Monie Love, and Twisted Royalty. The issue also included a review describing the album as “conscious and thought-provoking rhymes encapsulated in a rich tapestry constructed by Configa.”

Hip Hop Golden Age recognised Configa’s production work across multiple projects over four consecutive years. In 2020, it included Don’t Fight Your Demons—which Configa co-executive produced and for which he produced over half the tracks—among its best hip hop albums of the year, writing that “the work on the boards from British producer Configa gives this album an authentic Hip Hop vibe.” That same year, the site also named Forward Future, his collaboration with Jahi, to its year-end list.

For the FKN Love appeared on the site’s best albums of 2021 list, and Bullets in the Chamber was included in its 2024 roundup. In January 2025, Hip Hop Golden Age ranked both Don’t Fight Your Demons and For the FKN Love in its “Top 150 Hip Hop Albums of the 2020s” list.

In addition to critical recognition, Configa reported reaching more than 585,000 Spotify listeners across 175 countries in 2024, generating over 6.4 million streams and 239,000 listening hours.

Selected awards and year-end list placements

• Producer of the Year, B-Boy Document Awards (2022)
• Multiple “Best Hip Hop Albums of the Year” inclusions (2020, 2021, 2024) — Hip Hop Golden Age
• Ranked in Hip Hop Golden Age’s “Top 150 Hip Hop Albums of the 2020s” (2025)

Configa’s work has also been recognised through sustained critical attention and frequent inclusion in year-end and retrospective lists.

Radio recognition and enduring presence

Configa’s work has received widespread airplay across both mainstream and specialist radio platforms internationally.

On BBC Radio 2, Arrested Development performed live on The Romesh Ranganathan Show in 2023, including Do or Die the Mantra, produced by Configa, with Speech acknowledging his contributions. On BBC Radio 6 Music, tracks such as Thank You and Hip-Hop Saves Lives by Arrested Development were broadcast on The Huey Show, presented by Huey Morgan, frontman of Fun Lovin' Criminals. Configa’s instrumental track Becoming was featured on a December 2022 episode of Focus Beats, a BBC Sounds program dedicated to ambient and concentration-friendly music. He has also been supported extensively by BBC Introducing North East, with airplay for tracks such as Summertime, Up & Away, Hot Like Me, Blown, and The Water.

Configa’s productions have reached prominent chart placements. In 2024, Hello (Arrested Development featuring Ras Kass) reached #1 on the HipHopGods Top 20, syndicated via Chuck D’s RAPstation network. Two years earlier, Vibe (featuring Big Daddy Kane, Cleveland P. Jones, and Tasha LaRae) topped CBC Music’s hip hop chart in Canada and later surpassed one million Spotify streams. Becoming, from Don’t Fight Your Demons, also surpassed one million Spotify streams and was placed in regular rotation on SiriusXM’s Rock The Bells Radio, curated by LL Cool J.

His music has received airplay on SiriusXM’s Shade 45 and Rock The Bells Radio, as well as on Itch FM and independent U.S. stations such as WTYE FM, which has also featured editorial coverage of his work.

Configa’s music has been a recurring feature on RAPstation, the global hip hop radio network founded by Chuck D. His tracks have aired on the network’s flagship show, …AndYouDontStop!, hosted by Chuck D, where his music has frequently opened the show in the Songs That Mean Something segment, and has also featured on HipHopGods Radio, both syndicated via WBAI 99.5 FM (New York) and other stations.

College and independent FM radio stations worldwide have also featured Configa’s music. His remix of A Different World by Speech aired on Word is Bond Rap Radio (94.9 FM, Canada). Additional U.S. airplay has come via Side B Radio (WPRB 103.3 FM, Princeton).

Configa’s tracks have also been widely included in curated podcasts and radio mixes. He was featured in Concrete Jungle (Italy), Dubmatix’s Sticky Icky Reggae Mix, and multiple Jamz Podcast mixes from 2022 to 2025.

International radio support has included HANGTIME! (Radio Grenouille, France), Mos Eisley Music (Germany), Funky Fresh (Radio X, Frankfurt), and Mundo Livre FM (Brazil). His remix of All I See Is Melanin aired on RoboPdeRadio.nl (Netherlands). Additional plays have included WEFUNK Radio (Montreal), Rádio B (Czech Republic), and Wild1 Radio (global online station).

Media appearances

Configa has appeared on a range of international radio shows and podcasts. In 2015, he was interviewed on Mixtape Sessions, an underground hip hop radio show from Zagreb broadcast on Radio Student, where he discussed his work and introduced the EP The Calm Before HaStility. He returned to the show in 2016 for an interview about the follow-up project, HaStility, which was later archived on Mixcloud.

In 2018, he was interviewed on the ANEW Podcast, where he discussed the influence of his academic background on his creative process.

In 2019, Configa appeared on episode 2 of the podcast WTFI? (Who The F@&k Is…?), where he spoke about his career, hip hop philosophy, and the legacy of rapper John Vietnam. The episode also highlighted his Bday 16 Bars Competition, which was judged by Chuck D.

In 2020, Configa was named Artist of the Week on DJ Kawon’s Mixtape Show Interviews, where he discussed his background, influences, and current projects. Later that year, he appeared on Word is Bond Rap Radio, a Canadian hip hop program hosted by DJ Chase March on 94.9 FM (Radio Western) in London, Ontario. The episode featured an in-depth interview with Configa and Speech of Arrested Development, as well as a half-hour mix of their music, including Configa’s track Becoming from Don’t Fight Your Demons.

In 2021, Configa appeared on several podcasts. On episode 39 of TheRealHip-Hop.com Podcast, he discussed his production style, independent philosophy, and creative evolution. He also featured on episode 35 of the GRYSKLL podcast, where he spoke about authenticity in hip hop and transatlantic collaboration. On episode 41 of Boom Bap Chat, he and Speech discussed their creative process behind Don’t Fight Your Demons. He was also interviewed on The Boom Bap Hour Podcast, where he discussed the history of UK hip hop and R&B, his collaborations with Speech and Arrested Development, and his production work on Don’t Fight Your Demons. The show’s promotional material described him as “the UK’s legendary super-producer.”

He was also featured on Off The Cuff Radio, Supernova Earth Show, and The Masterminds Podcast, discussing topics including production techniques, hip hop aesthetics, and the relationship between music and academia.

Configa has also been profiled in music publications such as The Riff Magazine and Canvas Rebel. In a 2024 interview with Canvas Rebel, he stated: “I seek to preserve and honor the culture and put that at the forefront of everything that I do.”

In an interview with West Coast Styles, he emphasized the importance of artistic longevity and independence. Also in 2024, he was interviewed on We Ear Hustling Baby on YouTube, where he discussed his background, influences, and current projects.

Collaborations and guest appearances

Configa has worked extensively as a producer and executive producer with both UK and US artists across multiple generations, often bridging classic and contemporary voices in hip hop. His collaborators include members of Arrested Development, Public Enemy, and The Sugarhill Gang, as well as prominent solo artists such as Chuck D, Big Daddy Kane, Masta Ace, Monie Love, Canibus, Ras Kass, Chino XL, Sadat X, Prince Po, Nine, Wordsworth, and El Da Sensei. He has also collaborated with Jamaican singer Diana King and DoItAll of Lords of the Underground.

Configa served as executive producer and primary producer on three recent Arrested Development albums: Don’t Fight Your Demons, Bullets in the Chamber, and For the FKN Love. The first was described by Wordplay Magazine as “a 'how-to' handbook brimming with incomparable lyricism, storytelling, and cognizant awareness.” The second featured Chuck D on the track Hip Hop Saves Lives, with production (by Configa) described by Cryptic Rock as “authentic Hip Hop beats” that underscored the album’s “timely themes.” For the FKN Love was again co-executively produced by Speech and Configa, and one of its singles, Never Had Your Back, featured Configa’s production, with That Eric Alper describing him as a "legendary British Boom-Bap producer" and the track as "well-executed," highlighting an international creative process that spanned the UK and Georgia, USA.

Configa’s guest-heavy projects often pair veteran emcees with rising or underground talent. This included verses from Sadat X, Prince Po, El Da Sensei, Chino XL, Nine, and Wordsworth on The ConfigHas Crates, with the album praised for its “hard-as-nails beats and precision bombing lyrical delivery.”

Configa has also collaborated with a range of independent and international artists, with selected releases—including remixes and original productions—receiving airplay across Europe, North America, and Asia.

In October 2022, Configa partnered with Italian producer Gianni Colonna and the Foggia-based label Kuore Nero on a series of collaborative projects, including initiatives for developing new artists. In their coverage of the partnership, both Foggia Città Aperta and Stato Quotidiano described Configa as one of the leading British hip hop producers.

Collaborations with Arrested Development

Configa has maintained an ongoing collaboration with Arrested Development, producing multiple tracks for the group across several albums. On Vibe from the 2021 album For the FKN Love, the track opens with the line “Configa on the beat,” directly acknowledging his role as producer.

In Thank You from the same album, Speech gives a shout-out to Configa, saying, “Shout out to our dude ‘Configa, Configa,’” referencing Configa’s signature vocal tag.

On the 2024 album Bullets in the Chamber, the track Hello opens with the line, “Here’s the third installment / Of our trilogy / AD, Configa and me,” marking the continued partnership between Configa and Arrested Development across three consecutive albums.

Additional shout-outs to Configa appear throughout both albums, underscoring his integral role in shaping the group’s modern sound. Speech has credited Configa with helping to define Arrested Development’s current musical identity, blending classic boom bap aesthetics with a renewed sense of lyrical and sonic purpose.

Business ventures

In 2010, Configa founded Configaration Records, an independent label dedicated to conscious, lyrically driven hip hop and collaborative transatlantic projects. The label has released solo and collaborative projects from underground artists as well as veteran collaborators, including affiliates of Public Enemy.

Media

Configa also founded Laidlaw Media, a digital platform and promotional agency focused on supporting independent hip hop artists. The company offers press, branding, and international visibility services, with a particular focus on the UK and U.S. hip hop scenes.

Discography

Configa’s discography spans a range of projects within hip hop, characterised by his use of boom bap production and traditional stylistic elements. Notable releases include Configaration Volume 1, which features collaborations with Chuck D, Craig G, Reks, Spoonie Gee, and Sean Price. The album combines layered soundscapes and intricate samples with heavy percussion, creating a cohesive production style that was well received by reviewers.

In addition to solo work, Configa has been a longtime collaborator with Arrested Development, contributing extensively to the albums Don’t Fight Your Demons (2020), For the FKN Love (2021), and Bullets in the Chamber (2024). His production on these albums has been noted for complementing the group’s socially conscious lyricism with classic boom bap sensibilities. The track "Vibe," produced for For the FKN Love, reached number one on CBC Music’s hip hop chart and received widespread radio airplay.

Other collaborative releases include The Year After, Topic of Discussion featuring Ruste Juxx, and Burn This Bitch Down. Configa’s production on The Year After was praised by the hip hop website Hip Hop Golden Age for its cohesiveness and its blend of traditional and contemporary elements, with a diverse lineup of guest emcees.

Solo releases

• Baptizm of Fire (2000)
• The King of Linguistics (2002)
• Pac to the Essence Vol. 1 (2010; remastered 2014)
• Calm Before the Storm (2011)
• Configaration Volume 1 (2017)
• Re:Configa’d (2022)
• JVN 10 Year Tribute (EP) (2022)

Instrumental albums

• Forward Future (Instrumentals) (2020)

Collaborative projects

• Audio Crack (with Slept On Fam) (2006)
• The Calm Before HaStility (EP) (with HaStyle) (2015)
• A Good Combination (EP) (with HaStyle) (2015)
• HaStility (H1) (with HaStyle) (2016)
• Forward Future (with Jahi) (2020)
• The ConfigHas Crates (with HaStyle) (2021)
• Topic of Discussion (EP) (with Ruste Juxx) (2021)
• The Year After (with DJ Views) (2021)
• Up & Away (EP) (with Sulpacio Jones) (2023)
• Jolicoeur (with Tommy Evans) (2024)

Selected singles

• "15 Minutes" (2010)
• "Hot Off Da Press" (2010)
• "Burn This Bitch Down" (2020)
• "How Many Shots?" (2020)
• "Something I Said" (2021)
• "Summertime" (2023)
• "Hot Like Me" (2023)

Selected production credits

• "Yours. To Be (Configa Remix)" – Tim Burgess (2020)
• "Becoming" – Arrested Development (2020)
• "A Different World (Configa Remix)" – Speech (2021)
• "Vibe" – Arrested Development (2021)
• "Hello" – Arrested Development (2024)
• "Hip-Hop Saves Lives" – Arrested Development (2024)
• "All I See Is Melanin (Configa Remix)" – Arrested Development (2025)
• "Outer Body Experience (Configa Remix)" – Gee Bag feat. Anyway Tha God & Bad FX (2025)

Albums produced with Arrested Development

Configa has served as Arrested Development’s lead producer and co-executive producer on multiple albums since 2020.

• Don’t Fight Your Demons (2020)
• For the FKN Love (2021)
• Bullets in the Chamber (2024)

References

Category:Living people Category:British hip hop record producers Category:Musicians from Gateshead Category:Alumni of Loughborough University Category:British sociologists Category:Hip hop record producers Category:21st-century British musicians Category:English music academics Category:Underground hip hop musicians Category:Year of birth missing (living people)