May 20, 2024
The New Kids on the Block are back, proving they’re still in the game with the release of their first album in 11 years. Their eighth studio album, aptly titled "Still Kids,"...
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Billie Eilish has finally released her highly anticipated third album, Hit Me Hard and Soft, with the lyrics of the final track, "Blue," capturing significant attention from fans...
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In a significant move within the music industry, Kevin Parker, the creative force behind Tame Impala, has sold his entire music catalog to Sony Music Publishing...
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In a landmark move that underscores the growing tensions between technology and the music industry, Sony Music has taken a bold stand against tech giants like Google, Microsoft, and OpenAI...
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In an empowering move for independent music, Lil Durk has announced the relaunch of his Only The Family (OTF) label, now in partnership with AWAL...
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“This album has me very excited because all the songs on the album are names of cities, that’s why it’s called El Viaje,” Fonsi revealed. “They are rhythmic songs, romantic songs...
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Kehlani is making a powerful return with her upcoming album, Crash, set to drop on June 21. This release marks her first full-length project since the 2022 hit album Blue Water Road....
Read moreMay 18, 2024
Ghostface Killah, the legendary member of the Wu-Tang Clan, is gearing up to drop his highly anticipated solo album, "Set the Tone," and the lineup looks nothing short of...
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The Chainsmokers emerge with a new EP, "No Hard Feelings," consisting of a mix of their past and future sounds. The hit-making duo's latest project is a revisitation of their roots...
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Sony Music, the world's largest music publisher, has taken a significant stance in the ongoing debate over artificial intelligence (AI) and copyright. Recently, Sony has sent letters to major tech...
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In a significant move for the music industry, Pete Ganbarg, renowned for his A&R expertise, has announced the launch of Pure Tone Records in a joint venture with Atlantic Records...
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Released in 2003 and re-released in 2004, The Killers' "Mr. Brightside" quickly became a defining anthem of the early 2000s, propelling the band to global superstardom...
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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.