Turning the Low Into the Loud

From Twitter handles to club anthems, Slugg’s origin story is as layered as the music he produces. Before he became better known as Slugg, Mateo Acosta was a kid born and raised in Miami, who later relocated to Orlando blending hip-hop and house influences—already laying the foundation for his future sound. By the age of 15, he was already immersed in production software, experimenting with sound arrangements and developing the style that would become his signature. Blending ’90s hip-hop grit with house grooves, Slugg’s sound is now instantly recognizable: bold, bass-heavy, and full of unexpected texture.

A Name That Stuck (and Hit Hard)

The name “Slugg” started as a Twitter handle in high school, inspired by underground rap group Atmosphere and his love for Snoop Dogg’s first album "Doggystyle". “Slugg with two Gs,” he laughs. “I just thought it looked cool.” Over time, it took on a deeper meaning, more about impact. “People think of the snail, but for me, it means the bullet. My music and sound is coming at you—it’s a slug.”

His musical evolution picked up pace when he joined a local collective called House Keepers, where he began releasing tracks and playing shows around his home at the time in Orlando. That experience gave him the foundation—and confidence—to build something of his own.

Finding His Sound

Slugg’s process is rooted in feeling. He starts with drums, builds from the groove, and makes sure the energy hits in all the right places. His basslines are especially distinct. “Even outside of my friend group, people in the club know it right away—‘that’s a Slugg bassline,’” he says. His sets often lean on hypnotic repetition and rhythmic switch-ups that keep dance floors fully locked in.

One of his most defining moments came during a period of self-reflection. “I turned on my mic and just started freestyling,” he says. “I wasn’t trying to make a song—I was just trying to lift my own spirits.” Out of that moment came “Ayo, Slugg,” a now-iconic vocal tag that debuted on his mixtape “Pimpin’ Aint Easy” and has since become a rallying cry during his sets. Tracks like “Carolina’s Finest” open with it, and the phrase has evolved into a full-blown call-and-response

Building a Movement: GetBusy and Lisa’s Kickback

Beyond producing, Slugg has spent the last few years building platforms to support the scene around him. He and his creative partner and lifelong best friend Leo Vallejos co-founded getbusy, a record label and community built on a simple principle: good music first. “We don’t care about numbers,” Slugg says. “If it moves us, we’re signing it.”

What started as a passion project has evolved into a respected imprint. getbusy isn’t chasing trends, it’s creating space for sounds that feel raw, emotional, and undeniable. “Big or small, we’re just looking for music that has soul,” he says.

That same spirit extends to Lisa's Kickback, a recurring event series designed to capture the energy of a house party while delivering club-level music. Lisa’s Kickback has grown into a trusted stage for new talent and new music. “It’s that same backyard energy, but curated with intention,” Slugg says.

Together, getbusy and Lisa’s Kickback reflect Slugg’s commitment to building something beyond himself—spaces for music, connection, and discovery. “We’re building something bigger than us,” he says. “And it’s just getting started.”

Bigger Stages, Same Raw Sound

With a sound that pulls from both his hip-hop roots and his club upbringing, Slugg’s tracks stand out—and the industry has taken notice. His music has earned support from heavyweights like Loco Dice, Jamie Jones, Joseph Capriati, Marco Carola, The Martinez Brothers, and many more. On the festival circuit, he’s made appearances at major events including EDC Las Vegas, EDC Orlando, Skyline, Okeechobee Music & Arts, The BPM Festival, and III Points, bringing his unmistakable style to massive stages without losing the underground edge.

This year, he’s gearing up for his biggest move yet: an international expansion playing in Ibiza at [UNVRS] and Jamie Jones’ Paradise, the party series that once inspired him from afar. “It’s surreal,” he says. “I used to watch those parties on streams and dream about being there. Now I’m on the lineup.”

Staying Grounded and Words to New Creators

As his profile rises, Slugg is learning the art of balance. “I used to say yes to everything,” he admits. “Now I’m more intentional. I pick my battles. Rest matters.” While his schedule may have shifted, his mission hasn’t—he’s still focused on building a catalog of music with heart and creating a community that resonates.

That mindset also shapes the advice he gives to new DJs and producers: trust your gut and enjoy the process. “Everything I make is feeling-based,” he says. “I’ve got thousands of loops that might never see the light of day, but when something feels right—I just know. That’s when it’s ready.” And when it comes to success, he doesn’t measure it in streams. “Forget the followers. Forget the hype. If the music moves you, that’s all that matters.”

EPISODE 4 : SLUGG