40's R&B Sound Origins

Noah "40" Shebib's "soft beats" and "hazy synth tones" on Drake's "So Far Gone" forged the Toronto R&B sound, influencing The Weeknd and redefining modern melancholic R&B.

Tracklist

  1. Successful — Drake featuring Trey Songz & Lil Wayne
  2. Freek'n You — Jodeci
  3. Heartless — Kanye West
  4. Houstatlantavegas — Drake
  5. Wicked Games — The Weeknd
  6. Marvins Room — Drake
  7. Break from Toronto — PARTYNEXTDOOR
  8. Un-thinkable (I'm Ready) — Alicia Keys
  9. Too Deep — dvsn
  10. Take Care — Drake featuring Rihanna

Transcript

Welcome to OffStereo. Late night session. Let's get into it.

Successful — Drake featuring Trey Songz & Lil Wayne

"Successful" by Drake featuring Trey Songz & Lil Wayne. This track, from Drake's "So Far Gone," introduced the world to Noah "40" Shebib's distinct production. After years as DJ Chilly, '40' shifted from aggressive gangster rap beats to crafting "the softest beats ever," seeking progressions and chords. This downtempo, atmospheric sound, with its "wet, slapping drums" and "hazy synth tones," became synonymous with Drake, marking the genesis of their influential partnership and the Toronto R&B sound.

Freek'n You — Jodeci

"Freek'n You" by Jodeci. '40' credits his sister Suzana for inspiring his love of Sade and '90s hip-hop, but his taste for R&B was cultivated throughout his life, listening to SWV, Jon B, Silk, and Playa. Jodeci's smooth, soulful, and often suggestive R&B sound represents a cornerstone of the '90s R&B aesthetic that '40' deeply admired and later infused into his own ambient, slow-jam-like productions for a new generation.

Heartless — Kanye West

"Heartless" by Kanye West. While '40' developed his own unique style, the innovative spirit of producers like Kanye West, who skillfully blended hip-hop with melodic elements, undoubtedly played a role. '40' himself shared that he likes to take risks and break the rules when making beats. Kanye's ability to craft emotionally resonant, genre-blurring tracks paved the way for '40' to push boundaries, embracing a cinematic, often melancholic sound that redefined R&B.

Houstatlantavegas — Drake

"Houstatlantavegas" by Drake. This early Drake track, heavily featuring '40's production, exemplifies the "sparse, ambient, slow-jam-like tracks dominated by brooding synths" that characterize his work. '40's dedication to creating "wet, slapping drums" and "delicate, enveloping chords" truly gave Drake's music a "gravitas," making it feel important. This sound was a direct result of '40's clear-cut ideas for Drake's sonic identity, moving away from conventional hip-hop.

Wicked Games — The Weeknd

"Wicked Games" by The Weeknd. The profound impact of '40's aesthetic quickly resonated beyond Drake. The Weeknd emerged from Toronto with a sound deeply rooted in the moody, atmospheric R&B that '40' pioneered. The "hazy synth tones" and "downtempo" feel that '40' championed can be clearly heard here, solidifying a distinctive "Toronto sound" that was both vulnerable and darkly seductive, influencing a new wave of artists globally.

Marvins Room — Drake

"Marvins Room" by Drake. This track is a masterclass in '40's engineering. He notoriously mixed it to be "dark and quiet and muddy," with "vocals cutting through like a razor" and a heavy low end. This exemplifies his risk-taking approach, creating a distinct "underwater-like drums" effect, proving his belief that it's okay to break the rules. It's a prime example of his "cinematic atmospheric treatments" shaping Drake's emotional narratives.

Break from Toronto — PARTYNEXTDOOR

"Break from Toronto" by PARTYNEXTDOOR. As a key artist on Drake and '40's OVO Sound label, PARTYNEXTDOOR further propagated the Toronto R&B sound that '40' had meticulously crafted. The track showcases the brooding synths, sparse arrangements, and emotive vocal delivery that became the signature of OVO. This demonstrated '40's vision to create a "very creative atmosphere" within OVO, fostering artists who embraced his innovative sound.

Un-thinkable (I'm Ready) — Alicia Keys

"Un-thinkable (I'm Ready)" by Alicia Keys. While '40' is best known for his work with Drake, his talent extended to major artists like Alicia Keys. On this track, his signature touch is evident in the soulful, spacious production. The "delicate, enveloping chords" and patient arrangement allow Alicia Keys' vocals to soar, showcasing how '40's R&B sensibilities and engineering prowess transcended his primary collaborations, impacting mainstream R&B with his distinctive sound.

Too Deep — dvsn

"Too Deep" by dvsn. Another integral act on OVO Sound, dvsn embodies the continued evolution of the Toronto R&B sound that '40' helped define. The track features the atmospheric depth, wet drums, and smooth, understated production that are hallmarks of '40's influence. It illustrates his commitment to creating a consistent sonic identity for the label, nurturing artists who resonate with the "sparse, ambient" and emotionally rich sound he mastered.

Take Care — Drake featuring Rihanna

"Take Care" by Drake featuring Rihanna. The album "Take Care" is where '40's impact truly solidified the Toronto R&B sound. As an engineer and sounding board, his "fingerprints are everywhere—the expansive palette, the patience, and the dramatic flourishes." This title track encapsulates the melancholic, ambient R&B that he and Drake pioneered, a culmination of his early influences and his desire to make music that feels "important" through its sonic depth.

Thank you for listening to OffStereo. It's remarkable how a mosaic of sounds can quietly shape the distinct rhythm and soul of an entire generation.

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