BIOGRAPHY
Marvin “Hagler” Thomas
A true student of the game and an architect of sound whose influence echoes far beyond the studio. With multiple accolades, including Grammy and Juno recognition, he carries his success with grace, acknowledging his achievements without arrogance.
Born and raised in Scarborough, in the east end of the Greater Toronto Area, Hagler’s passion for music was evident from an early age. He dedicated his adolescence to perfecting his craft, honing his skills through The Remix Project and forging his own path to success despite the odds. His sacrifices paid off, cementing his role in shaping Toronto’s signature sound, with his unique drum programming style now recognized on a global scale.
Early in Hagler’s production career, he audio engineered for numerous Toronto artists like Melanie Fiona and Jessie Reyez as well as international names like King Louie, Wale and Skinny Fabulous. His breakthrough came when he landed his first major placement on Drake’s third studio album, Nothing Was the Same. Collaborating with OVO co-founder and producer Noah “40” Shebib, they produced "Furthest Thing”, a pivotal moment that opened the floodgates to an abundance of opportunities. Shortly after, he co-produced “Trophies” for Drake which landed on Young Money’s album Rise of an Empire, further solidifying his status in the industry.
His work continued on Drake’s fourth studio album, Views, which recently became diamond eligible. Hagler’s ability to blend modern and nostalgic sounds is evident in his contribution to the fan-favorite Teenage Fever, a track that pays homage to Jennifer Lopez’s 1999 smash hit “If You Had My Love”, on Drake’s More Life project.
Hagler has built an impressive catalog, producing for a number of mainstream artists like Chris Brown, Jordin Sparks, Tory Lanez, Bryson Tiller, Vince Staples, A$AP Ferg, Ty Dolla $ign, and many more. His creative journey has taken him to studios across North America, the Caribbean, and Asia, where he continues to push sonic boundaries and break the rules to redefine the sound of today’s music.
