In the heart of New Orleans’ 17th Ward, where brass bands and second lines have long set the rhythm of daily life, a new sound is emerging. Corey Toliver, better known as DaWoogDr, is crafting the next chapter in the city’s rich musical legacy through his rapidly growing label, SoFokus Productions.
“You’ve got to be focused with whatever you decide to do in life,” Toliver explains, his voice carrying the unmistakable warmth of New Orleans’ Pigeon Town neighborhood where he was raised. It’s this philosophy that inspired both his company’s name and his approach to the music industry.
Founded in 2020, SoFokus Productions has already expanded to include over ten artists, but Toliver’s journey to this point wasn’t a straight path. With degrees in both culinary arts and HVAC, he embodies the hustle and versatility that New Orleans is famous for. But music kept calling.
His entry into music production came through a collaboration with his friend Foolish300, but it was another mentor, Kwater, who would help shape his technical expertise. “My biggest challenge was learning how to record the music,” Toliver recalls. Rather than getting discouraged, he approached it with the same methodical focus he brings to everything else. “I made notes on how to turn on the equipment and set everything up step by step. It took about a month to learn it, and then I dropped my first project, SoFokus Volume 2 DaWoogDr.”
What sets DaWoogDr apart in the crowded music industry isn’t just his technical skills or business acumen—it’s his willingness to take chances. Operating from both New Orleans and Houston, he’s building a production company that aims to be more than just a record label. His vision extends to movies and broader entertainment, with a focus on elevating not just himself but his entire team.
“I do a little bit of everything,” he says, and he means it. Whether he’s in the studio engineering tracks at 717 Duck Off Studios or developing new talent for SoFokus Productions, Toliver brings the same level of dedication and attention to detail that helped him master recording equipment in those early days.
The DNA of New Orleans’ 17th Ward runs deep in everything SoFokus Productions creates. Like the neighborhood’s famous second lines that transform ordinary streets into celebrations, Toliver is turning everyday stories into songs that resonate. His artists deliver what he calls “a distinctive Southern sound that combines heartfelt storytelling with hard-hitting beats.”
Looking ahead (though he’s careful not to count his eggs before they hatch), Toliver’s ambitions are clear: to become one of the top producers in the world and to take his entire team to the summit of their careers. “I have a long way to go—I’m still living my story,” he says with characteristic humility.
For those wondering what a day in the life of DaWoogDr looks like, it’s a masterclass in staying focused. Between managing his growing roster of artists, engineering sessions, and expanding his production company’s reach, Toliver exemplifies his brand’s message: success comes to those who remain SoFokus.
In a city known for creating its own rules in music, DaWoogDr is writing a new playbook—one that combines old-school hustle with new-school business savvy. And if his track record is any indication, the next chapters of this story will be worth watching.
To follow DaWoogDr’s journey and connect with SoFokus Productions, visit www.sofokusproductions.com or follow @sofokusproductions on Instagram and Facebook.
