Certain producers have the ability to change hip-hop’s sound. Dr. Dre, DJ Premier, Organized Noize, The Neptunes, DJ Toomp and Timbaland are all innovative beat makers who moved rap forward with their unique production.
Xavier “Zaytoven” Dotson could be the next producer to modify hip-hop music. The go-to producer for Gucci Mane during his rise as one of the hottest rappers in hip-hop, Zaytoven has orchestrated tracks for R. Kelly, Usher, the Black Eyed Peas and Mariah Carey. Rolling out recently caught up with Zaytoven to discuss his rise as a sought after producer in hip-hop and R&B. –a.r.
How did you get involved with production?
I got involved by going to church. I started with the organ and drums and I later got into drum machines as a teenager. I play the piano, but I’m not classically trained.
How did you come to adopt the ‘Zaytoven’ moniker?
I use a lot of piano riffs in my production and someone who I was working with said that I played so good that it sound like Beethoven.
Did moving from California to Atlanta cause you to change your approach to music?
The West Coast sound is totally different from the South. I started producing in California and they called it mob music. When I moved to Atlanta, the sound was different. People in Atlanta didn’t like to rap over West Coast beats. So I had to make adjustments to what was going on in the South.
How did you meet Gucci Mane?
I met Gucci Mane through a mutual friend. I was going to barber college and a friend brought Gucci to the studio one day. Gucci was one of the first rappers in Atlanta that I really liked. The way he put his words together [was] perfect. We … started doing songs together. Gucci is a superstar. He had it since the first day I met him. I wouldn’t be where I’m at if it wasn’t for Gucci.
What’s your latest big project?
… Usher’s new single, ‘Papers.’ Sean Garret reached out to me and we met at the studio where I gave him a CD with tracks. He told me that he wrote a couple of songs for Usher. When I heard him sing it, I new the song would be a hit. That was my first time working with a songwriter. This was a great opportunity for me to show what I can do.
How do you balance your busy schedule with your family obligations?
Being a family man is number one. The music comes second and starts when the kids are taken care of. Music is what I love to do, so it’s easy to balance them out. I have a boy and girl. My son can already play the drums at 3 years old.
