Story & Lesson Highlights with Tommy Martin Jr. of Detroit

We recently had the chance to connect with Tommy Martin Jr. and have shared our conversation below.

Tommy, a huge thanks to you for investing the time to share your wisdom with those who are seeking it. We think it’s so important for us to share stories with our neighbors, friends and community because knowledge multiples when we share with each other. Let’s jump in: What is something outside of work that is bringing you joy lately?
Lately, working out has been a huge source of joy for me. I’ve been consistently training 3–4 days a week for the past year and a half, and I do most of my workouts at the legendary Original Powerhouse Gym in Highland Park, Michigan. Fitness has become more than just a routine—it’s a way to stay disciplined, clear my mind, and keep my energy high. As a music producer, I’ve found that working out sharpens my focus and creativity, almost like it’s part of the creative process itself. The same consistency and persistence I build in the gym spill over into the studio, helping me push through long sessions and stay inspired.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m Tommy Martin, but most people know me as ThomasMBeats. My journey started back in high school, making beats in my father’s basement in Detroit. What started as a hobby quickly turned into a passion I carried through college, and by the time COVID hit, I had started rapping and producing for more artists, which eventually opened the door for me to take my sound out to Los Angeles.

I spent two years in LA recording with artists in major studios, working sessions at the Vocal Corner Store in Burbank with vocal coach Nick Cooper, modeling in fashion shows, and even doing interviews at the WISH app mansion. One of the biggest turning points for me was being mentored by Grammy-winning artist Ash Riser, who had close ties to TDE and inspired me to co-found a producer collective with him before his passing. I even landed my first acting gig as a background extra in an Andra Day music video that later aired on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon.

Life brought me back to Detroit when my father got sick, but I never slowed down. I’ve been active in both the Detroit and LA music scenes, and recently I produced four songs on LiAngelo Ball’s Def Jam debut album — including Law N Order, which passed a million streams and is set to be featured on NBA 2K26. Beyond Gelo, I’ve also been working with other major label artists, and my beats have been previewed on live streams by Kai Cenat and Plaqueboy Max, reaching a whole new wave of listeners.

Right now, I’m continuing to build with Gelo and other major artists, while also working on new opportunities — including something big with the NFL. At the end of the day, I want my music to connect people and push culture forward, whether it’s from Detroit, LA, or anywhere else my sound travels.

Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. What relationship most shaped how you see yourself?
The relationship with my father has shaped me the most in how I see myself today. Growing up, I would watch him DJ and bring people together through music. Even though I didn’t realize it at the time, those moments planted the seed for my love of creating and performing. Seeing his passion for music showed me that it could be more than just entertainment—it could be a way to connect with people and leave an impact.

That influence carried over into how I approach my own career as a producer and artist. Just like him, I want my music to bring people together and create moments they’ll never forget. His example taught me discipline, creativity, and the importance of following through on what you love, and those are values I carry with me every time I step into the studio.

If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
I would tell my younger self, “You’re enough, just as you are. Don’t waste time doubting yourself or comparing your journey to anyone else’s. Every challenge you’re facing now will one day become the very reason you’re strong enough to step into the opportunities meant for you. Keep creating, keep believing, and don’t be afraid to dream bigger than what’s around you. One day, the same struggles you feel alone in will inspire someone else who needs hope. Trust that God’s timing is perfect, and your story is already being written in a way you can’t imagine yet.”

Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? Whom do you admire for their character, not their power?
I really admire J. Cole for his character. In an industry where it’s easy to get caught up in status, money, and fame, he’s always stayed grounded and true to himself. What I respect most is how he balances humility with greatness—he doesn’t need to flash everything he has to prove who he is.

Cole’s honesty in his music and the way he carries himself has always stood out to me. He’s built a career on substance, storytelling, and consistency, all while uplifting others along the way. That inspires me as an artist and producer to not just chase success, but to make sure my work is authentic and meaningful, the same way he does.

Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: Are you doing what you were born to do—or what you were told to do?
I’m doing what I was born to do. Music has been a part of me since the beginning—watching my father DJ, making beats in his basement, and growing that passion through every stage of life. Even when I tried to focus on other things, music always found its way back to me.

For me, this isn’t just about producing songs—it’s about purpose. I was born to create, to inspire, and to use music as a way to connect people across different places and experiences. That’s why I can’t see this as something I was simply “told” to do. It feels bigger than me, like I was placed here to carry it out.

At the end of the day, I know this is my calling, and every beat I make, every song I touch, and every door that opens is proof that I’m walking in what I was born to do.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thomasmbeats?igsh=enR0eWdsenBiZmV3&utm_source=qr
• Twitter: https://x.com/thomasmbeats?s=21
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1AWZnZgSdi/?mibextid=wwXIfr
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/@thomasmbeats?si=fcCBBmnuiQULd1xI