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Introduction
Many aspiring music creators are captivated by the lavish, grandiose quality of certain beats. Tracks like Kanye West's "Devil in a New Dress" or many of Westside Gunn's productions embody this rich, opulent sound. But what exactly makes these beats sound so luxurious, even without lyrics? Is it the soulful samples, the complex chords, or perhaps the layering of instruments? In this article, we’ll break down the elements that contribute to this "luxurious" sound and how you can replicate it in your music, taking inspiration from famous creators who have mastered this art.
The "luxurious" or "rich" sound often found in beats like Kanye West's "Devil in a New Dress" and Westside Gunn's tracks can be characterized by several elements:
Kanye West's production on "Devil in a New Dress" is a masterclass in creating a luxurious sound. He achieved this by:
Madlib
Madlib, another legend in creating rich, luxurious beats, often samples obscure jazz and soul records. Here’s how he does it:
RZA from the Wu-Tang Clan is another example of a producer who has mastered the luxurious, gritty sound, especially on the “Cuban Linx” album by Raekwon:
Conclusion
Creating a "luxurious" or "rich" sound in music production is an art that combines thoughtful sampling, harmonic complexity, and creative production techniques. By studying the work of renowned music creators and experimenting with the elements they use, you can develop your own unique approach to achieving this sound. Dive deep, be selective, and always push the boundaries of your creativity.