Zaytoven: Trap's Church Organist

Zaytoven's raw, church-influenced piano and heavy 808s, honed with Gucci Mane in early 2000s Atlanta, forged the sound that defined trap for Migos and Future.

Tracklist

  1. Bricks — Gucci Mane
  2. Versace — Migos
  3. Pillz — Gucci Mane
  4. Rotation — Future
  5. Used To This — Zaytoven feat. Future
  6. Guwop — Young Thug feat. Quavo, Offset & Young Scooter

Transcript

Welcome to OffStereo. Hope your afternoon's going well. Let's dig in.

Bricks — Gucci Mane

For a listener like you, who dives deep into Atlanta's sound and keeps Gucci Mane in your top artists, Zaytoven is essential. He moved to Atlanta around 2002-2003, meeting Radric Davis, aka Gucci Mane, while working as a barber. Gucci's impatience in the studio shaped Zaytoven's raw, impactful style, as the producer once said: "once you got something that's you know that sounds good that's enough i'm ready to record." Here’s where it started, with "Bricks."

Versace — Migos

That raw energy Zaytoven brought to Gucci Mane quickly evolved into a signature sound that became undeniable. His distinct fusion of heavy 808s and melodic, church-influenced piano parts became instantly recognizable. It wasn't long before that sound would ignite a new wave of Atlanta artists, like Migos, with their breakthrough 2013 hit, "Versace."

Pillz — Gucci Mane

Coming back to the source, the chemistry between Zaytoven and Gucci Mane was truly special. Gucci famously stated he would 'rather rap a Zay track than a Dre track,' a testament to how deeply Zaytoven's unique sound resonated with him. You can hear that undeniable connection in tracks like "Pillz."

Rotation — Future

Zaytoven's influence didn't stop with Gucci; he was pivotal in shaping the next generation. He produced Future's acclaimed 'Beast Mode' mixtape in 2015, even after admitting he used to remove Future's verses from earlier collaborations, not appreciating his style at first. Now, he calls Future his favorite. This is Future's "Rotation."

Used To This — Zaytoven feat. Future

Zaytoven's talent wasn't just recognized in the trap scene; he won a Grammy Award in 2011 for his production work on Usher's 'Raymond v. Raymond' album, showcasing his versatility. He continues to create art with Future, stating to Grammy.com, "When I work with Future, it's almost like a work of art." Here they are, on "Used To This."

Guwop — Young Thug feat. Quavo, Offset & Young Scooter

From Gucci Mane to Future, and reaching artists like 21 Savage with tracks on 'Issa Album,' Zaytoven's church organ and classical piano roots continue to provide the emotional depth that defines trap music. He's always prioritizing artists, stating, "I never chase placements. I always chase the artist." Listen to the lineage on this one, "Guwop."

Thanks for joining us on OffStereo. It's truly fascinating how the sacred harmonies of the church could lay the groundwork for trap's distinctive sound, proving music's power to constantly redefine itself.

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