Melvin Breeden , better known as Mel-Man, is a producer from Norfolk, Virginia. He is the President/CEO of Big Cat Records. Early life Mel-Man grew up in the city of Pittsburgh's toughest neighborhood known as the Hill District. He was always into music as a youth and started rapping and producing locally. He released several albums and performed around the Tri-State region. Mel-Man, with help from Sam Sneed, met with Dr. Dre. He co-produced and is featured on Dr. Dre's 1999 album, 2001.