[junkie-dropcap]T[/junkie-dropcap]o deliver a message and potently, one needs to be free from any distractions. Some of the best records ever released feature incredibly simplistic production. Giving the artist the freedom to say whatever they’d like to say, however they’d like to say it. There are artists who do this well, a few names come to mind such as JAY-Z, Drake, Nipsey Hussle, and one that many wouldn’t at first consider, Smoke DZA. The New York Native is lyrically head and shoulders over his competition. Acting as a liaison between rap and true New York street culture.
This stands true on a handful of records from Smoke DZA, but none as present as “Morse Code”. The JohnG Beats produced record features no heavy drums, there are no crazy synths and baselines to digest. You get a few lightly tucked kicks and a masterfully chopped sample of “You’re A Woman” by Uptown Syndicate. We spoke to the producer of the record to get some insight on the creative process behind one of Smoke DZA’s most salient record in recent memory.
WP -The sample makes up a preponderance of the record, Where’s it from? And what made you go the route you did when creating this record?
JGB – “I got the sample from digging up records. It’s called “You’re A Woman” by Uptown Syndicate and at that time I was just listening to a lot of Griselda and Smoke DZA. It was cold in January, I remember. And I was sending beats to DZA, and he was loving them, but then he had told me specifically that he needed a beat that’s just griddy but no hard drums just on some shit where he can just rap with something soulful.”
JGB – “So ya that’s pretty much where my inspirations stemmed from. Being in the cold in Ottawa and listening to gritty New York music and, I believe God told DZA to tell me to make that type of beat because i was already on that vibe so it made sense”.
There’s a skill in knowing when to take a step back, refinement is key and John understood that straightaway. We’re easily pre-occupied with dynamic production while missing the initial message altogether. Which fundamentally defeats the purpose, especially if there’s a pivotal message contained within. There’s nothing wrong with having all the bells and whistles in a record. In fact, I prefer a vast array of instrumentation in my production. But when it’s time to deliver, nothing does the job more effectively than taking a step back. Letting the lyrics take the spotlight, allowing the production to elevate the artist instead.
If you’re unaware, John G Beats is well versed in creating records that help put the artist center stage. The Haitian born producer has worked with the likes of Rick Ross, DOM KENNEDY, Doja Cat and many more. His catalog is bountiful and his work ethic speaks for itself. There are plenty of producers who are making waves. But in creating a sound that grants a vast creative palette for the artist to paint a portrait in time. That’s what sets JohnG Beats apart. You can check out “Morse Code” by Smoke DZA below. Lastly, check out another record produced by JohnG Beats, Niko G4 Enlists DOM KENNEDY For Official “Strip Club” Video.
