When it comes to the music industry, specifically Hip-Hop and R&B music, to have longevity is an amazing thing. Even a rarer feat is to remain relevant with consistent hits through decades, given how innovative and fast-changing “urban music” can be with constant new hot sounds. Since the mid-90s, Fred “Toxic” Taylor has proven to have both relevancy and longevity as a producer and songwriter with hits for a laundry list of artists including Charlie Wilson, Jamie Foxx, Twista, Faith Evans, Cardi B, Keyshia Cole, Monica, Lil’ Kim and more.
“I have been fortunate to work with so many great artists, and it challenges me to raise the bar. And I love a good challenge,” Toxic says.
Born and raised on Chicago’s Westside, the now multi-platinum producer began rapping as a teenager and found it to be a creative outlet for his ideas. He soon met friend and future long-time collaborator, Twista, before joining the group Ill-State Assassins in 1994 and later forming his own group, 3 in the Chamba, all of whom can be credited with laying the foundation for the modern-day scene of Westside Hip-Hop in the city. Alongside Chamba group members DJ Riot One & Chain Saw, he began his transformation from rapper to producer, creating a sound that began to catch on, leading to a reunion with old friend Twista to engineer and produce music, and he hasn’t stopped working since.
His latest project, HOLY, is a powerful and deeply “personal” new album that draws on his experiences growing up on the west side and explores themes of survival, faith, growth, redemption, and perseverance. Serving as both a personal testimony and cultural statement, the 19-track opus blends street wisdom and spiritual reflection with honest storytelling about the realities of Chicago’s gritty streets while also inspiring listeners to overcome their circumstances and embrace their purpose.
N’DIGO recently sat down with the Grammy Award-winning musician to learn about his early inspirations, commitment to inspiring the next generation, and the life-changing events he experienced while creating his new album.
N’DIGO: In your own words, who is Fred “Toxic” Taylor?
Fred “Toxic” Taylor: I’m a child of God, a father to three beautiful kids and grandfather to nine amazing grandchildren, and Joann Taylor’s son from Chicago’s Westside, raised in “Holy City“. I’m a producer, artist, songwriter, filmmaker, mentor, and someone who believes your past doesn’t have to define your future. I’ve been blessed to work on records that have sold over 50 million copies worldwide. Blessed to be a Grammy-winning music producer, but my greatest accomplishment is using my story to inspire people. Everything I create now has purpose. I want my music, films, and community work to leave people with hope, truth, and something they can carry with them.
Did you always know you wanted to do music as a child?
Absolutely. From the beginning, I was inspired by Michael Jackson, LL Cool J, and Rakim. Music was always around me. I started writing rhymes and making beats because it became my way of expressing everything I was seeing and feeling growing up on the Westside of Chicago. I knew early on that music wasn’t just something I loved; it was something I was called to do.
Who was the first artist to really have an impact and influence on you?
Michael Jackson was the first artist that really changed everything for me. LL Cool J, Rakim, Fatboys, Big Daddy Kane, Kool G Rap, Run-DMC– they made Hip-Hop feel powerful and authentic to me. Those artists showed me that you could tell your story without compromising who you are. After that, I studied everybody that came out. I fell in love with Hip-Hop.
How did you find your own unique style and approach to making music?
I never wanted to sound like anyone else. I always believed that music had to feel cinematic, soulful, and emotional while still hitting hard. I focused on creating records that people could feel, not just hear. Growing up in Chicago gave me a different perspective on certain things in life and the sound I poured into every song-beat and every record I touched.
What was the journey for you like coming up in Chicago’s ’90s Hip-Hop scene?
Chicago in the ’90s was full of incredible talent, but there wasn’t a real blueprint at the time. We had to create our own opportunities. It was competitive, but it was also inspiring because everybody was pushing each other to get better. I was fortunate to be part of a generation that helped prove Chicago belonged on the national stage. I was a part of the biggest hip-hop groups and communities: The ILL State Assassins, Chi Rock Nation, Empire of Destruction, Tha Chamba. My group was one of the first groups to get a record deal. Tha Chamba’s Makin’ Illa Noize album is considered a hip-hop collectible. We weren’t waiting for permission; we were creating our own lane.
Please tell us about your latest project, HOLY?
HOLY is the most personal project I’ve ever created because it’s not just an album; it’s my testimony. It tells the story of growing up in “Holy City” on Chicago’s West Side, the choices I made, the mistakes, the redemption, and how God never gave up on me.
While I was creating this project, my life changed forever. I nearly died from a severe GI bleed from diverticulosis and had to receive eight blood transfusions. The doctors fought to save my life, but I know God is the reason I’m still here. At the very same time, my son was sitting in jail after being falsely accused of rape. As a father, it was one of the darkest seasons I’ve ever experienced. We were both fighting for our lives in different ways.
During that time, I felt God speaking to my spirit, telling me that He didn’t save me just to survive; He saved me to tell my testimony. He wanted me to go out and speak about His grace, my experience, and the hope that can be found even in the middle of unimaginable pain. That’s what HOLY is about. It’s about transformation, faith, forgiveness, and purpose. It’s proof that no matter how broken your story may seem, God can still rewrite it.
The album is also becoming HOLY: A Chicago Story, a film that will bring those experiences to life and continue spreading that message of hope.
Bottom Row: Fred “Toxic” Taylor holding diamond-certified hit single (Bodak Yellow) he produced for Cardi B
If you had to pick three records from your catalog that have that classic Toxic sound, what would they be?
I’d say Twista‘s “Hope” featuring Faith Evans from the Coach Carter soundtrack because of the emotion and message, “Trust” with Keyshia Cole and Monica, and my new record “HOLY CITY Baby.”
Those songs represent different stages of my career, but they all have the soulful, emotional production and storytelling that’s always been part of my sound.
What are your thoughts on the emergence of AI technology and how it will affect the entertainment business?
AI is a tool, not a replacement for creativity. I think it can help artists work faster and unlock new ideas, but it can never replace real-life experiences, emotion, or authenticity. People connect with truth. Technology will continue to evolve, but the human story will always matter most. We use AI like a sampler, sort of how we used the Akai MPC.
The last album that really held your attention was…
The Chicago Hip-hop Guys, Easy O’Hare, I Am Gwad, Philmore Green, Rufus Sims, and Ju Jilla. I appreciate projects that have depth, intention, and replay value. It reminded me that complete bodies of work still matter.
What’s something people would be surprised to know about you?
Before music became my career, I spent my teenage years as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses, going door-to-door and preaching throughout Chicago’s Westside. Those experiences taught me discipline, communication, and how to connect with people from every walk of life. Looking back, even those moments helped prepare me for the path I’m on today.
Best advice for aspiring artists?
Master your craft before you chase the spotlight. Don’t build your career on trends; build it on substance. Stay consistent, own your business, protect your publishing, and never stop learning. Stay humble with pride; never burn bridges. Longevity always beats overnight success.
Best advice you ever got about the music industry?
Treat music like a business, because that’s exactly what it is. Talent gets people to notice you, but character, relationships, and smart business decisions determine how long you stay.
Favorite quote or affirmation?
“Your greatest message will come from the greatest test you’ve overcome.” “One decision can change everything.”
What’s next for Toxic?
The HOLY movement is just getting started. I’m releasing the HOLYDeluxe album, developing HOLY: A Chicago Story into a feature film, expanding my work with youth through music education, mentorship, and continuing to tell authentic stories that represent Chicago in a positive light.
At this point in my life, success isn’t just measured by plaques or awards; it’s measured by impact.
For more information on Toxic and his latest album, HOLY, please visit www.toxicproduction.com and connect with him on social media: Facebook/@producertoxic and Instagram/@theproducertoxic.
