June 19, 2024
Allah Rakha Rahman, known globally as A.R. Rahman, is synonymous with musical genius and innovation. Born on January 6, 1967, in Chennai, India, Rahman's journey from a child prodigy to an...
Read moreJune 19, 2024
A recent study by Eventbrite has uncovered a notable shift in the behaviour of music fans, who are now purchasing concert tickets later than ever before. This trend was a key topic of discussion at...
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A new University of Ottawa study has revealed a stark disparity in the airplay of music by women, particularly racialized and trans artists, on commercial Canadian radio over the past decade...
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Taylor Swift’s billion-dollar Eras Tour recently graced Edinburgh, bringing a flood of enthusiastic Swifties to the city and creating an exceptional boom for local businesses. Tens of thousands of...
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Amazon Music is set to enhance its live streaming offerings with an exciting event: "The Pop Out — Ken & Friends," featuring the acclaimed rapper Kendrick Lamar. Scheduled for Juneteenth in...
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The Black Keys, the renowned rock duo, have recently made headlines with their decision to part ways with their long-time managers, Irving Azoff and Steve Moir. This significant change comes in the...
Read moreJune 18, 2024
Jhené Aiko Efuru Chilombo, known professionally as Jhené Aiko, has become a defining voice in contemporary R&B with her ethereal vocals, deeply personal lyrics, and genre-blending sound. Born on...
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Billie Eilish has opened up about the emotional experience of performing her new song “The Greatest” for the first time. Her latest album, Hit Me Hard And Soft, was released on May 17, and Eilish...
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Billie Eilish has responded to Lana Del Rey’s recent declaration that she is the “voice of our generation.” Eilish made a special surprise appearance during Del Rey’s headlining set at Coachella’s...
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Lana Del Rey has spoken out following her “fight” with “stalkers” in Paris. The singer was recently spotted having a heated exchange in the French capital, where she claimed someone was “following”...
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Howard University announced on Friday that it would revoke Sean “Diddy” Combs’ honorary degree, originally conferred in 2014, in light of recent revelations concerning the disgraced rapper and...
Read moreJune 18, 2024
As summer draws near, the race for the season's signature song heats up. Just when it seemed like Kendrick Lamar’s “Not Like Us” was poised to dominate, Billie Eilish has thrown her hat into the...
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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.