Music Production
D.A. Doman: One of Hip-Hop’s Most In-Demand Producers
D.A. Doman (Source: D.A. Doman)
After a breakout year in 2018, D.A. Doman has become one of hip-hop’s most in-demand producers. The Chicago native has helped lead the resurgence of 100 BPM tracks with his signature sound.
He also played a key role in Tyga’s comeback, producing two Billboard Hot 100 singles for the rapper (“Taste” and “Dip“). Doman also produced “SWISH,” which was one of DJcity’s most-downloaded tracks of the year (along with “Taste” and “Dip”).
To cap off a successful 2018, the 34-year-old produced Kodak Black’s “ZEZE,” which peaked at No. 2 on the Hot 100, and Kid Ink’s “YUSO,” which reached No. 26 on Billboard’s Rhythmic Songs chart.
Continuing the momentum in 2019, Doman has lent his signature sound to Bhad Bhabie (“Bestie“) and Tyga (“Floss in the Bank“). Both tracks appeared on DJcity’s monthly Top 50 chart. Most recently, Doman produced two tracks on Rich The Kid’s new album (“Save That” and “The World is Yours 2 – Intro”).
We spoke with Doman to learn more about his background and sound.
Most of your previous work is slower and trap-influenced, but in 2018 you started producing more 100 BPM tracks. Why did you transition?
I produced Chris Brown‘s single “Privacy” in 2017, and that did well. That was uptempo, and I wanted to do something different than the rest of hip-hop. Everyone was doing slow beats, so I said to myself, “let me make some uptempo ones.” I wanted to be unique and have my own sound. It was influential ’cause now there’s a lot of people doing uptempo music again. “Taste” and “ZEZE” definitely made an impact. I’ve had several big hip-hop producers [direct message] me and thank me for changing things up and keeping things fresh.
Yeah, 100 BPM tracks have made a comeback. How long do you think it will last?
Everything goes in trends, so this sound that I got hot will eventually die off. Hip-hop is so versatile though; you can have a bunch of different vibes going at once. For instance, trap tempo stuff is still super popular now, but so is this uptempo wave that I brought in.
You had a very successful 2018 and are continuing to see success. Do you feel pressure to keep up the momentum?
You know honestly, I love music so much, it never feels like work when I’m doing it. And the only way to keep up the momentum is to keep making music all the time. So no, I don’t feel pressure.
Have you produced any tracks that you think got overlooked?
I think the best things don’t get overlooked. “Taste” could of easily gotten overlooked, but it didn’t, there’s a reason for that. [laughs]
You’ve produced a lot of tracks for Tyga. What’s your relationship with him like?
It’s a good relationship. He trusts my ear.
The majority of your work has been in hip-hop and R&B. Do you have any desire to work in other genres?
Yup, I have some music coming in other genres. Rap and R&B are my first loves though, after my wife and daughter. [laughs]
Do you have any upcoming tracks that you can tell us about?
I got a bunch of stuff coming up. I have a big record with Ty Dolla $ign coming. He’s not only a great singer but a great writer too. And I got more, but it hasn’t been officially announced yet so I can’t speak on it. The two songs I produced on Rich The Kid’s album, “Save That” and “The World is Yours 2 – Intro,” are out now. You can check those out. “Save That” is my signature uptempo sound and is club ready.
Thanks much for the interview and thank you to all the DJs, PDs, and MDs who have my records in rotation. You guys make the world spin.
Follow D.A. Doman on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter. You can also listen to a playlist of tracks he’s produced on Apple Music, Spotify, and Tidal.
Related: Watch Kid Ink’s ‘YUSO’ Music Video
Watch the Producer of Future’s ‘March Madness’ Explain How He Made the Track
808 Mafia member Tarentino has explained how he produced Future‘s hit song “March Madness” on a new episode of Genius’ Deconstructed.
The track was the first single from Future’s 2015 mixtape 56 Nights. By 2017, “March Madness” had been certified platinum.
In the video, Tarentino explains how Future inspired him to come up with the track and then breaks the beat down layer-by-layer.
Watch Deconstructed above.
Related: Watch the Producer of Blueface’s ‘Thotiana’ Explain How He Made the Track
Native Instruments Announces Details of MASSIVE X
MASSIVE X. (Source: Native Instruments)
Native Instruments has revealed the details of MASSIVE X, a long-awaited update to their popular sound design software. It is scheduled for a June release.
MASSIVE X comes with a redesigned user interface, over 100 wavetables, new modulation options, and more. It will be available as a free download for users of Native Instruments’ KOMPLETE 12 software.
Read more about MASSIVE X here.
Watch the Producer of Blueface’s ‘Thotiana’ Explain How He Made the Track
The producer behind Blueface‘s “Thotiana” explains how he made the track on a new episode of Genius’ Deconstructed. The breakout hit reached No. 9 on Billboard’s Hot 100, and the Cardi B and YG remix is currently No. 14 on DJcity’s Hot Box chart.
In the video, Scum Beatz talks about going to high school with Blueface in Santa Clarita, California. He then breaks down the process of producing the hit song. Scum also calls Blueface to talk about their favorite “Thotiana” remixes, then gives viewers a sneak peak of the beat for “Thotiana Pt. 2.”
Watch Deconstructed above.
Related: Watch the Producers of Ariana Grande’s ‘thank u, next’ Explain How They Made the Track
Mannie Fresh Breaks Down the Making of Juvenile’s ‘Back That Azz Up’
In 1999, New Orleans rapper Juvenile burst onto the national scene with his raunchy club anthem, “Back That Azz Up.” The track, which was produced by the legendary Mannie Fresh, introduced New Orleans bounce music to the world. It peaked at No. 19 on Billboard’s Hot 100 and has remained a staple in DJ sets throughout the years.
With the 20th anniversary of “Back That Azz Up” this month, Mannie sat down with Genius to discuss the making of the track. He also talked about his background and approach to producing.
“[‘Back That Azz Up’] stood the test of time,” Mannie said. “I don’t see it going nowhere.”
“The way I produce is definitely from a club DJ’s perspective,” Mannie added. “I like it when people dance; I like it when they move. And I notice certain sounds, the way certain drops happen in songs, and [how] the way [producers] format [them] [make] a difference on the dance floor.”
Watch above.
Related: Mannie Fresh Makes Beat Out of Three Random Records
Producer Louis Bell Talks Working With Post Malone and More
Chart-topping producer Louis Bell sat down for an interview on the music production show Pensado’s Place. Bell co-wrote and co-produced many of the songs on Post Malone‘s album beerbongs & bentleys, including the hits “rockstar” featuring 21 Savage and “Better Now.” The Boston native also worked with Post on “Wow.” and Preme‘s “Jackie Chan.”
In the interview, Bell talks about his studio sessions with Post before discussing his creative process, favorite plug-ins and more.
On creativity:
“I think that’s what creativity is, is taking something so small and being able to manipulate it and bend it and stretch it out, and, without watering it down. That’s the key.”
On what he looks for in his artists’ vocals:
“Feel, energy, vibe, and emotion. There’s no app yet that can fix that stuff, so that’s why I demand that.”
On what makes Post Malone unique:
“He sounds like he has so much soul and pain… and just hearing him sing, I just felt everything he was saying… There’s not one line that he sings, that he’s just singing to sing it.”
Watch the full interview above (it begins at the 7:56 mark).
Related: Chart-Topping Engineer Manny Marroquin Talks Working With Post Malone and More
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