Zaytoven: Trap's Piano Godfather

Zaytoven's Atlanta sound, with melodic pianos and heavy 808s, forges trap's foundation, from Gucci Mane's 2005 "Icy" to Migos's "Versace" and Young Thug's unique flows.

Tracklist

  1. Icy — Gucci Mane ft. Young Jeezy
  2. Pillz — Gucci Mane
  3. Gucci Bandana — Soulja Boy ft. Gucci Mane & Shawty Lo
  4. Versace — Migos
  5. Wyclef Jean — Young Thug
  6. Handsome and Wealthy — Migos
  7. Used to This — Future ft. Drake
  8. Too Much Sauce — DJ Esco ft. Future & Lil Uzi Vert

Transcript

Welcome to OffStereo. Good morning — let's get into it.

Icy — Gucci Mane ft. Young Jeezy

Xavier Lamar Dotson, known as Zaytoven, moved to Atlanta in 2000, initially working as a barber. He saved enough money to buy recording equipment, setting up a home studio where a barber school classmate introduced him to Gucci Mane. Their daily collaborations birthed a foundational sound for trap music, as heard on their 2005 breakthrough single, "Icy."

Pillz — Gucci Mane

Zaytoven's early beats for Gucci Mane, including tracks like "Pillz," infused his melodic, West Coast-influenced style with Atlanta's heavy 808s. He described his approach: "Being around a guy like Gucci Mane, he is the guy that he raps about. So if I feel like this guy is going to rob you, then that's the type of music I'm going to make."

Gucci Bandana — Soulja Boy ft. Gucci Mane & Shawty Lo

This hybrid sound, built on aggressive percussion and melodic piano lines, quickly became addictive. Zaytoven credits his church background for his ability to improvise and create mood with pianos and organs, a skill he brought to early collaborations like Soulja Boy's "Gucci Bandana" from 2008.

Versace — Migos

By 2013, Zaytoven's production for Migos, notably on "Versace," was instrumental in popularizing the triplet flow in trap music. The Drake-assisted remix further amplified this distinctive delivery, with Zaytoven stating that the song "changed rap forever."

Wyclef Jean — Young Thug

Zaytoven's distinctive blend of sparse, kick-heavy arrangements with atmospheric piano parts became a signature. His melodic beats provided a unique canvas for artists like Young Thug, whose unique vocal deliveries on tracks such as "Wyclef Jean" have become highly influential in modern hip-hop.

Handsome and Wealthy — Migos

His consistency and prolific output, often using his Korg Kronos keyboard and a specific set of drum sounds, maintained his relevance. Zaytoven has said, "I've kept my core sound," which allowed Migos to continue their ascent with hits like "Handsome and Wealthy."

Used to This — Future ft. Drake

Zaytoven has been a frequent collaborator with Future, producing the entirety of the *Beast Mode* mixtape in 2015 and its follow-up. He also produced "Used to This," featuring Drake, further cementing his influence on mainstream trap. "Man, it always bring a Kool-Aid smile to my face to work with Future and Drake."

Too Much Sauce — DJ Esco ft. Future & Lil Uzi Vert

Referred to as the "Godfather of Trap" by peers like Metro Boomin and Sonny Digital, Zaytoven’s impact extends across the genre. His ability to craft beats that leave space for vocalists, combined with his consistent sound, made tracks like DJ Esco's "Too Much Sauce" an undeniable hit.

Thank you for listening to OffStereo. Consider how a single instrument can sculpt an entire genre, leaving an indelible mark on music's future.

Related