Advertise on podcast: BackTrak by TmrO

On this episode of Backtrack, Don Cannon sits down with legendary Atlanta producer Nitti Beatz to break down the science of a hit record and share untold stories behind some of the South's biggest anthems. Nitti explains how testing tempos in local strip clubs helped him craft the perfect bounce, leading to massive hits like Yung Joc's "It's Goin' Down" and Rich Homie Quan's "Flex". He also shares vital financial lessons, his unfiltered thoughts on modern "depression rap," and an exclusive technical deep dive into his essential gear and classic MPC setup.-- TIME STAMPS --00:00:00 - Episode Intro00:01:35 - Introducing Nitti Beatz00:03:14 - Decatur Roots & Influences00:06:07 - Church Drumming Background00:10:10 - Strip Club Culture & Testing Beats00:12:47 - The Science of BPMs00:17:13 - So So Def & Jermaine Dupri00:22:14 - The 8Ball Breakout Story00:25:07 - Meeting Puff Daddy00:30:15 - "It's Goin' Down" & Finances00:40:06 - Breaking New Artists00:43:45 - Early Rich Homie Quan00:47:10 - Clock Management Segment00:48:22 - Favorite Gear & Studio Tech00:59:18 - "Flex" Beat Breakdown01:01:11 - The Greenbriar Parking Lot01:05:28 - State of Atlanta Music01:12:26 - Final Advice for YouthFollow Nitti Beatz📸   / nittibeatz  Follow us for more insights into hip hop history and music production:📸   / tmronetwork  📸   / doncannon  🎽 Merch: https://shoptmro.com/#NittiBeatz #DonCannon #AtlantaHipHop

Tricky Stewart has spent decades quietly shaping the sound of popular music. On this episode of BackTrak, Don Cannon sits down with the legendary producer, songwriter and music executive to unpack the career, philosophy and business strategy behind some of the most influential records and artists of the modern era. Tricky opens up about discovering and developing The-Dream, building a creative ecosystem in Atlanta, the influence of Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis and L.A. Reid & Babyface, and why Love Hate remains one of the projects he's most proud of. He also gets deep on what actually makes a hit record, how he identifies talent before the rest of the world sees it, why chemistry matters, how creatives should build their personal brands, and the business of masters, publishing and catalog ownership. Then the conversation takes a turn toward the future. Tricky gives his unfiltered thoughts on AI in music, the ability to replicate an artist's sound, AI-generated music flooding streaming platforms, and why he believes the industry is already in "deep trouble." This is a conversation about hitmaking, creativity, ownership, artist development and the future of music. 00:00:00 - Intro 00:01:41 - Don Cannon Introduces Tricky Stewart 00:03:03 - The Project Tricky Is Most Proud Of 00:04:27 - The Producers Who Changed Tricky's Career 00:06:34 - Finding Your Own Sound Without Being Predictable 00:16:36 - Growing Up Around Gospel, Funk & Rock 00:19:15 - The $1 Million It Used to Take to Enter Music 00:20:15 - Why Tricky Quit Football at 16 00:24:25 - Moving to LA With $15,000 00:26:46 - Tricky Stewart Explains Where the Money Is 00:29:12 - What Actually Makes a Hit Record? 00:31:34 - How Tricky Stewart Discovered The-Dream 00:34:52 - Making “Umbrella” & “Me Against the Music” 00:36:20 - How Tricky Spots Superstar Talent 00:42:11 - The Hidden Writers & Creatives Behind the Hits 00:43:42 - Why Tricky Stewart Came to Atlanta 00:47:30 - The Secret to Surviving the Music Business 00:50:28 - Why Atlanta Has Been So Good to Tricky 00:54:02 - Why Creatives Need to Build Their Personal Brand 00:57:03 - The Importance of Consistency & Chemistry 00:58:20 - Should You Sell Your Masters? 01:00:48 - How to Actually Own Your Music 01:01:49 - The Business of Music Catalogs 01:04:22 - “I Think We're in Deep Trouble”: Tricky on AI 01:05:36 - AI Can Replicate Your Sound 01:08:02 - AI Is Changing the Music Industry Forever 01:09:37 - Tricky Stewart's Next Chapter #musicindustry #artistdevelopment #aimusic #rihanna #beyoncé

West Coast legend Daz Dillinger sits down to share the untold stories behind the legendary run of Death Row Records. From sneaking into studios to help craft The Chronic, to swiping MPCs and learning production secrets directly from Dr. Dre, Daz breaks down the true origins of G-Funk. Hear firsthand how he came up with Snoop Dogg and exactly how he and Kurupt forged the iconic Dogg Pound.Whether you're a producer, engineer, artist, or simply obsessed with great music, this episode is packed with decades of knowledge from one of hip-hop's greatest sonic architects.00:00 - Intro: The legacy of Death Row Records11:53 - Learning from Dr. Dre & stealing the rented MPC drum machines13:46 - Growing up and trading hats with Snoop Dogg22:25 - Meeting Kurupt and the East Coast connection23:59 - The true origin story of The Dogg Pound name24:40 - Living together and making Dr. Dre's 'The Chronic'28:07 - The fun and wild sessions behind Snoop's 'Doggy Style'38:09 - Dr. Dre's secret production and drum mixing techniques43:21 - Sneaking into the studio with tin foil to use the mixing boards46:13 - Tupac joining Death Row & recording "Ambitionz Az a Ridah"52:17 - Creating "Big Pimpin" for the Above the Rim soundtrack01:05:12 - Breaking down the beat and production for "Big Pimpin"Follow Daz Dillinger📸 https://instagram.com/dazdillingerFollow us for more insights into hip hop history and music production:📸 https://instagram.com/tmronetwork📸 https://instagram.com/Doncannon🎽 Merch: https://shoptmro.com/#snoopdogg #drdre #doggpound

Grammy-winning mix engineer DURO joins BackTrak for one of the deepest conversations ever recorded about the art of engineering, producing, and building timeless records.Known for shaping the sound of classics from Jay-Z, The Roots, DMX, Erykah Badu, Kanye West, Pharrell, Mariah Carey, Fabolous, Frank Ocean, and countless others, DURO takes viewers inside the mindset that has made him one of the most respected engineers in music history.From growing up in a musical Trinidadian household to becoming one of New York's youngest elite engineers, DURO reflects on the evolution of hip-hop recording, the importance of trusting your ears over plugins, building Desert Storm, discovering Fabolous, working with DJ Clue, and why great mixes are meant to serve the artist, not the engineer.Whether you're a producer, engineer, artist, or simply obsessed with great music, this episode is packed with decades of knowledge from one of hip-hop's greatest sonic architects.00:00:00 - Intro00:01:29 - DURO's Legendary Career & The East Coast Sound00:09:56 - Building Desert Storm & Discovering Fabolous00:11:03 - Growing Up in a Musical Trinidadian Household00:18:17 - Becoming an Engineer Whose Name Artists Shouted Out00:23:33 - Breaking Into New York's Elite Studios00:46:36 - Working with Erykah Badu & Producing Early Records01:10:35 - Breaking Down Jay-Z & Frank Ocean's "Oceans"01:25:00 - Mixing Philosophy: EQ, Space & Dynamic Control01:36:40 - Plugins vs. Analog Gear: Trusting Your Ears01:43:59 - Vocal Processing, Delays & Creative Limitations01:47:42 - Retirement, Purpose & Choosing Meaningful Work01:48:22 - Why Dr. Dre Is Hip-Hop's Greatest PhilanthropistFollow Duro📸 https://instagram.com/duroceoFollow us for more insights into hip hop history and music production:📸 https://instagram.com/tmronetwork📸 https://instagram.com/Doncannon🎽 Merch: https://shoptmro.com/#jayz #fabolous #mixingengineer #producer

Don Cannon sits down with legendary producer and Songwriters Hall of Fame inductee Dallas Austin for an exclusive episode of BackTrak. Dallas shares the raw, behind-the-scenes stories of crafting timeless hits, his legendary studio sessions with Michael Jackson, Biggie, and Janet Jackson, and how he helped pioneer the iconic Atlanta sound. He also breaks down his transition from classic hardware to modern digital production. This episode is Collaborated with PLUG-IN BOUTIQUEhttps://www.pluginboutique.com/TIME STAMPS0:00 - Intro2:00 Welcome To The Studio06:00 Inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame12:15 The Strategy Behind TLC's "No Scrubs"19:10 Why Modern "Top Line" Songwriting is Destroying Music21:50 The Real Inspiration Behind "Creep"28:18 Tantric Books and Janet Jackson Studio Sessions37:20 The Secret to Audio Frequencies & Crafting Massive Hits54:00 Why Dallas Austin Keeps His Platinum Plaques in Storage01:04:46 Creating "This Time Around" with Michael Jackson & Biggie01:31:08 Why Atlanta Remains the Ultimate Creative Hub01:35:16 Dallas Austin’s Go-To Vintage Gear & PluginsFollow Dallas Austin📸 https://instagram.com/dallasaustinsFollow us for more insights into hip hop history and music production:📸 https://instagram.com/tmronetwork📸 https://instagram.com/Doncannon🎽 Merch: https://shoptmro.com/#dallasaustin #michaeljackson #producer

On this episode of Backtrak, hip-hop legend Warren G shares the untold history of the West Coast's golden era. The "Regulator" breaks down his uncredited hustle on The Chronic, forming 213 with Snoop and Nate Dogg , and architecting the G-Funk Era . He also drops legendary studio stories about 2Pac and Michael Jackson , reveals how Def Jam funded his early solo career on credit cards , and details his current legal fight to reclaim his masters .Follow Warren G📸 https://instagram.com/warrengFollow us for more insights into hip hop history and music production:📸 https://instagram.com/tmronetwork📸 https://instagram.com/Doncannon🎽 Merch: https://shoptmro.com/#warreng #drdre #gfunk

On this episode of BackTrak, legendary production duo/group Justice League sit down for a deep conversation about their rise from Florida to becoming one of the most influential forces in hip-hop production as well as going into how they made 'Maybach Music 2' & "Aston Martin Music'From crafting the cinematic sound behind Rick Ross’ Maybach Music series to working with Jeezy, Drake, Mary J. Blige, Lil Wayne, and more, Justice League breaks down the creative process, sacrifices, and brotherhood that built their legacy.The conversation dives into the early Tampa and Tallahassee music scenes, moving to Atlanta, building Hot Beats Studios, transitioning from hardware to Logic, creating orchestral hip-hop before it became mainstream, and surviving the changing music business through streaming and AI.They also reflect on health sacrifices, creative dedication, catalog ownership, investment strategies, and why real artistry will always rise above trends. If you care about music production, hip-hop history, creativity, technology, or the future of music itself — this episode is essential viewing.

In this episode of BackTrak, Don Cannon sits down with the architect of New Jack Swing to break down the sound that changed R&B and hip-hop forever.From working with Michael Jackson on Dangerous to creating timeless records like “No Diggity,” Teddy Riley shares the real stories behind the music, the mindset behind hit records, and the technical secrets that gave his sound staying power.This episode goes beyond nostalgia—it’s about how great music is actually made.Inside this episode:The creation of New Jack SwingWorking with Michael Jackson in the studioThe making of “No Diggity”Why frequency matters in hit recordsArtist development vs today’s industryThe blueprint for timeless music

On this episode of Backtrak, we dive deep into the luxurious soundscapes of the legendary production team, J.U.S.T.I.C.E. League.Discover how they crafted the cinematic, orchestral beats behind two of Rick Ross's most iconic anthems: "Maybach Music 2" and "Aston Martin Music." From lush live instrumentation to legendary studio sessions, we deconstruct the magic and technical brilliance that defined an entire era of luxury rap.Follow J.U.S.T.I.C.E League 📸 https://instagram.com/justice_league📸 https://instagram.com/rookflair📸 https://instagram.com/the_o_gawdFollow us for more insights into hip hop history and music production:📸 https://instagram.com/tmronetwork📸 https://instagram.com/Doncannon🎽 Merch: https://shoptmro.com/#astonmartinmusic #maybachmusic #rickross

In this episode of BackTrak, Don Cannon sits down with five-time Grammy winner Focus… to discuss his journey from "borrowing" gear from his father, Bernard Edwards of Chic, to becoming a key architect for Dr. Dre’s Aftermath. Focus… shares rare insights into his evolution as a producer and mixer for icons like Beyoncé, Busta Rhymes, and Anderson .Paak.Later, Focus… enters the lab to deconstruct the "coloring" of his sound using Logic Pro. He provides a behind-the-scenes look at the space-driven bounce of Mac Dre’s "Get Stupid" and recreates his soulful production for 112, demonstrating his philosophy of playing samples like instruments.Follow Focus...📸 https://instagram.com/focus3dotsFollow us for more insights into hip hop history and music production:📸 https://instagram.com/tmronetwork📸 https://instagram.com/doncannon🎽 Merch: https://shoptmro.com/

Mr. DJ was never just behind the boards—he was part of the foundation. In this episode of BackTrak, the legendary Atlanta producer sits down with Don Cannon to break down the sound that helped define an era, from his early days with Organized Noize to shaping records alongside Outkast.More than just a collaborator, Mr. DJ was in the room for the moments that shifted culture—touring, creating, and building with André 3000 and Big Boi as Atlanta carved out its own identity. From live instrumentation to soulful influences rooted in the South, he shares how the city’s sound was developed, not borrowed.This episode is a deep dive into legacy—how consistency, originality, and feel turned Atlanta into a global force, and why the story behind the music is just as important as the records themselves.00:00 - Intro02:25 - Atlanta Roots & Building a New Sound05:32 - Musical Influences: Soul, Funk & Family08:14 - From DJ to Producer: Learning the Craft10:54 - The Dungeon Era & Getting Noticed12:38 - First Breakthrough & Finding Confidence14:01 - Meeting OutKast & Becoming the DJ15:23 - The “Third Member” of OutKast Conversation17:17 - Breaking Through Industry Resistance20:09 - Influences: Dr. Dre, Jazzy Jeff & Creative Direction22:27 - Sampling vs Live Instrumentation25:36 - LA Move, Going Broke & Finding Perspective31:43 - Music Business: Publishing, Catalogs & Ownership34:24 - Almost Died On Tour50:42 - Recreating “Black Ice” (Full Studio Breakdown)01:05:06 - Final Remarks,Giving Flowers to Musicians Follow Mr. DJ 📸 https://instagram.com/iammrdiFollow us for more insights into hip hop history and music production:📸 https://instagram.com/tmronetwork📸 https://instagram.com/Doncannon🎽 Merch: https://shoptmro.com/

Before Young Thug became a global force, there was “Stoner.”In this episode of BackTrak, Atlanta hitmaker Dun Deal steps into the lab to rebuild the record that introduced the world to Thug’s unpredictable melodies and unconventional flow. He breaks down the drums, the bounce, and the space that allowed Thug to bend the rules — and Atlanta — in real time.More than a remake, this is a deep dive into a cultural pivot point. “Stoner” wasn’t just a single — it was the beginning of a new melodic trap language that still echoes today.Follow Dun Deal📸 https://instagram.com/dundealonthetrackFollow us for more insights into hip hop history and music production:📸 https://instagram.com/tmronetwork📸 https://instagram.com/Doncannon🎽 Merch: https://shoptmro.com/#youngthugt #youngthugtypebeat #atlantahiphop

Before “Low” went diamond and “Walk It Out” became a movement, it all started in Atlanta. In this iconic episode of BackTrak, legendary producer DJ Montay steps into the studio to recreate the records that made the South dance—and the world follow. From Flo Rida & T-Pain’s chart-destroying “Low” to the snap-era classics “Walk It Out” and Shawty Lo’s “Foolish,” Montay breaks down the sounds that helped define a generation of club music. It’s more than nostalgia—it’s a blueprint for how ATL shaped the culture. 0:00 Intro 3:05 Origins: Born and Raised in Atlanta 4:26 The 90s Mixtape Scene & The Identity of Atlanta 11:31 Street Respect: Oomp Camp 17:15 First Equipment: From the Boss 990 to the MPC 2000 22:51 Balancing Radio, Production, and Touring with T-Pain 26:52 Behind Andre 3000 on "Walk It Out" Remix 30:34 Sacrifice: Balancing Music with Fatherhood 32:16 The Success of "Low": T-Pain and Flo Rida 34:06 Spending the Royalty Checks: Buying 15 Cars 37:47 Realigning for Success: Day Trading and Investments 41:58 Technology in Music: AI and Modern Production 44:29 The Business of Selling Catalogs 45:55 Beat Breakdown: "Foolish" (Shawty Lo) 1:00:41 Beat Breakdown:"Walk It Out" (DJ Unk) 1:10:56 Beat Breakdown: "Low" Sound (Flo Rida & T-Pain) Follow DJ Montay 📸 https://instagram.com/djmontay Follow us for more insights into hip hop history and music production: 📸 https://instagram.com/tmronetwork 📸 https://instagram.com/Doncannon 🎽 Merch: https://shoptmro.com/ #tpain #walkitout #florida

No I.D. isn’t just a producer—he’s the quiet architect behind some of the most important careers and sounds in hip-hop. In this special episode of BackTrak, we sit down with the legendary Chicago native to talk legacy, growth, silence, structure, and why true creativity takes time. Known for shaping artists like Common, Kanye West, J. Cole, and executive producing for Jay-Z, No I.D. reveals the philosophies that have guided his multi-decade career. He reflects on building from intention, not clout—on letting the music age well—and on the lessons he's still learning every day.He also gives us a rare look into the DNA of “I Used to Love H.E.R.”, remaking it live in the studio—but that’s just one page of a much deeper book. 0:00 Intro4:52 The Rise of House Music & DJ Dion Wilson  9:46 1988: The Apex of Influence (Criminal Minded & Paid in Full)  11:24 Learning to Dig for Jazz Samples with The Beat Nuts  13:14 The Pursuit of Dopeness vs. Commercial Success  15:47 The South: Getting Pennies Thrown at FAMU  17:23 Character Building: Opening for KRS-One in Jersey  19:17 Moving to Atlanta: Seeking Jermaine Dupri’s Infrastructure  21:19 Songwriting Lessons: Learning the Artist Side of Producing  23:35 Mentoring Kanye West: Watching Him Break the Rules  26:11 The Jesus Piece vs. Buying Equipment  30:16 The "Diamond Era": Street Rap & The Shift to Big Money  36:44 Long-term Career Strategy: The Rick Rubin & Quincy Jones Model  37:54 What do you need all that money for?41:30 The 5-to-7 Year Artist-Producer Relationship Cycle  45:47 Staying Sharp: Why Value Trumps Loyalty  48:37 Debunking the Jay-Z "Rock the World" Production Myth  54:15 Dealing with Industry Calamity & Storytelling  57:04 List Culture: Being Offended by "Top 50" Producers  1:04:13 Legacy Beyond Music: Photography & Writing  1:07:21 The "Vintage Chair" Philosophy  1:10:00 Reconnecting with Kanye after the Loss of His Mother  1:12:15 The Hawaii Sessions: Treating the Studio Like a Band  1:14:33 Technical Breakdown: Producing "I Used to Love H.E.R."  1:21:56 Recreating the Sample & Bassline in Ableton  1:31:27 Realizing the Legacy: When Resurrection Became a Classic  1:34:51 Final Reflections: Doing it for the Love   Follow No I.D.📸 https://instagram.com/cubansozeFollow us for more insights into hip hop history and music production:📸 https://instagram.com/tmronetwork📸 https://instagram.com/Doncannon 🎽 Merch: https://shoptmro.com/ #common #jayz #kanye

In this episode of BackTrak, Zaytoven retraces the creation of “Make the Trap Say Aye” by Gucci Mane and OJ Da Juiceman—a record that helped define the Atlanta trap sound in its rawest form. From the churchy melodies to the unfiltered bounce, Zay walks us through how the beat came together in a flash, why Gucci and Juice were the perfect match, and how this song lit up the streets like a firework. This is trap history from the man who scored it. Timestamps: 0:00 Intro 3:21 Early Upbringing and Moving All The Time 10:40 Church Lifestyle 15:10 First Placements 19:15 Moving To Atlanta 24:28 So Icy 29:28 Gucci Locked Up | Working With OJ 31:26 Instruments & Still Playing In Church 36:01 The Zaytoven Sound 40:32 Musical Influences & Family 44:14 Make The Trap Say Aye Backstory 48:58 Collaborations & Engineering 53:04 Prepping The Process 55:59 Beat Recreation 01:07:57 The Legacy Follow Zaytoven 📸 https://instagram.com/zaytovenbeatz Follow us for more insights into hip hop history and music production: 📸 https://instagram.com/tmronetwork 📸 https://instagram.com/Doncannon 🎽 Merch: https://shoptmro.com/ #zaytoven #guccimane #zaytoventypebeat