Episodes

Tuesday Apr 22, 2025
Tuesday Apr 22, 2025
Join legendary mixing engineer Marcella Araica as she breaks down the creative process behind mixing the hit single "Knock You Down" by Keri Hilson, featuring Kanye West and Ne-Yo. 🔥 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more beat deconstructions! Follow Marcella Araica 📸 https://instagram.com/incrediblelago Follow us for more insights into hip hop history and music production: 📸 https://instagram.com/tmronetwork 📸 https://instagram.com/Doncannon 🎽 Merch: https://shoptmro.com/ #MarcellaAraica #KnockYouDown #Mixing #KeriHilson # Kanye #Neyo #MusicProduction #AudioEngineering #BehindTheMix

Saturday Apr 05, 2025
Saturday Apr 05, 2025
 We dive deep into the infectious beat of Promiscuous by Nelly Furtado, produced by the legendary Danja. Discover how this 2006 hit blends bouncy synths, punchy drums, and Timbaland’s signature groove to create a timeless club anthem. We break down the rhythm, melody, and production techniques that made this track a staple of the 2000s. From the hypnotic bassline to the call-and-response structure, learn what makes this beat so addictive. Whether you're a music producer, a fan of early 2000s hits, or just curious about how great songs are made, this breakdown is for you!Â
 #Promiscuous #NellyFurtado #BeatBreakdown #Danja #Timbaland #MusicProduction

Thursday Mar 13, 2025
Thursday Mar 13, 2025
For this episode of BackTrak, Cannon sat down with the legendary Cardo Got Wings to revisit Seen It All—his iconic production for Jeezy and JAY-Z. Cardo takes us through the process of crafting the cinematic, hard-hitting beat that set the stage for two rap heavyweights to go bar for bar.
From the sample selection to the crisp drums and deep 808s, Cardo shares how he built one of the most memorable beats in his catalog. Whether you’re a fan of timeless production or just love seeing how classic records come together, this is one you don’t want to miss!
0:00 Intro3:12 Early Days9:43 Rapper Origin, Beatmaking & Sampling13:50 First Placements, Mac Miller, Wiz Khalifa22:24 Meek Mill & Levels30:45 'Seen It All Backstory'37:45 BEAT BREAKDOWN49:21 Final Remarks
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Follow Cardo📸 https://instagram.com/cardogotwings
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#jeezy  #jayz  #cardogotwings

Tuesday Mar 04, 2025
Tuesday Mar 04, 2025
For this episode of BackTrak, Don Cannon is visiting a west coast LEGEND DJ Dahi! "My Type of Party" is a track by West Coast rapper Dom Kennedy, released in 2012 as part of his mixtape The Yellow Album. The song was produced by DJ Dahi, a versatile producer known for his work across hip hop, R&B, and pop genres. DJ Dahi's production portfolio includes collaborations with artists such as Kendrick Lamar, Drake, SZA, and Travis Scott. His ability to adapt to various styles has earned him recognition as one of the most important producers in recent years. "My Type of Party" exemplifies DJ Dahi's skill in crafting engaging beats that complement Dom Kennedy's laid-back flow, contributing to the track's enduring popularity.

Thursday Feb 13, 2025
Thursday Feb 13, 2025
For this episode of BackTrak, we got in the studio with the one and only DJ Camper to revisit the making of Boom Bap—his hard-hitting collab with none other than 2024 Grammy winner Doechii. Camper takes us inside the creative process, breaking down the raw energy, knocking drums, and infectious groove that make this track a standout.
From the first spark of inspiration to the final mix, he shares the moments that brought Boom Bap to life, giving us an inside look at the chemistry that made this record hit different. If you love dope production, crazy rhythms, and behind-the-scenes gems, this one’s a must-watch!
0:00 Intro2:03 Early Years11:18 H.E.R., Brandy, & R&B V Rap12:19 Moving to LA16:36 Doja Cat & Doechii22:40 *Jam Session*29:25 Dream Collabs & Publishing Deals33:17 The Future38:28 *Full Breakdown*
Follow DJ Camper📸  / theycallmecamper Â
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#doechii #grammys #doechiitypebeat

Friday Jan 24, 2025
Friday Jan 24, 2025
Don Cannon is back in Los Angeles and we linked up with the iconic DJ Khalil as he dives into the creation of 50 Cent’s hard-hitting track "I’ll Still Kill," featuring Akon. Khalil goes into his story of being raised in LA and finding his sound, breaking down the process behind crafting the synths with his tailor made sound design, and the layered production that perfectly matches 50’s intensity and Akon’s unforgettable hook
From the gritty drums to the catchy chord progressions, Khalil shares insights on how the track came together and the creative decisions that shaped its iconic sound. Don’t miss this deep dive into a true classic.
0:00 INTRO1:51 Starting Out5:47 Meeting Dr.Dre11:45 Going To Atlanta21:44 Learning From Dre25:02 Digital VS Analog31:34 Kinda Like a Big Deal36:12 Home Studio VS Pro Studio41:23 Beat Breakdown50:25 Final Remarks
Follow DJ Khalil📸  / djkhalil Â
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#50cent #akon  #50centtypebeat #djkhalil

Sunday Jan 05, 2025
Sunday Jan 05, 2025
Don Cannon is making his trip around Los Angeles well worth it! Today he sat down with legendary jazz musician Terrace Martin.Â
Terrace Martin is a Grammy-winning musician, producer, and multi-instrumentalist known for blending jazz, hip-hop, R&B, and funk. Raised in Los Angeles, his musical roots were shaped by his jazz musician father and the rich culture of South Central LA. A talented saxophonist, Martin’s early collaborations with Snoop Dogg launched his career, leading to groundbreaking work with Kendrick Lamar on To Pimp a Butterfly and DAMN., where he merged jazz and hip-hop.
In addition to working with icons like Stevie Wonder, Herbie Hancock, and James Fauntleroy, Martin’s solo albums, such as Velvet Portraits and Dinner Party, showcase his artistry. Known for his electrifying live performances and mentorship of emerging artists, Martin continues to innovate, leaving a lasting impact on contemporary music.
0:00 Intro3:14 Musical Origins16:37 Equipment & 808s24:40 Road to Dr. Dre38:25 Working with West Coast MCs45:00 Jazz & Hiphop collabs 47:48 Drones Breakdown 01:13:03 Alright Breakdown 1:20:41 Closing remarks / outroÂ
Follow Terrace Martin!📸  / terracemartin Â
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#kendricklamar #snoopdogg #westcoasthiphop

Friday Dec 13, 2024
Friday Dec 13, 2024
Dive into the backstory of A$AP Ferg’s anthem, “New Level,” a track that took the rap world by storm with its hard-hitting beat and motivating lyrics. Released as the lead single from his 2016 album Always Strive and Prosper, the song features fellow rapper Future, who adds his unique flair to this banger. The production magic comes from Honorable C.N.O.T.E., a powerhouse in the hip-hop industry known for creating gritty, high-energy instrumentals that elevate the artist’s performance.
Honorable C.N.O.T.E. perfectly captured the intensity and drive of A$AP Ferg’s vision for “New Level,” making it an anthem for anyone hustling to reach new heights. Known for his work with artists like Gucci Mane, Migos, and 2 Chainz, C.N.O.T.E. brought his signature style to the table, fusing booming bass with haunting melodies to craft a beat that’s instantly recognizable and unforgettable.
Join us as we break down how this iconic track came to be, the inspiration behind it, and the impact it’s had on Ferg’s career and hip-hop culture. 🌍💪
Follow Honorable C.N.O.T.E!📸  / honorablecnote Â
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#ASAPFerg #NewLevel #HonorableCNOTE #Future #HipHopHistory

Friday Nov 29, 2024
Friday Nov 29, 2024
Don Cannon is BACK with another one! This time hes sitting with well anticipated legendary south producer Drumma Boy! Todays' episode were discussing the creation of "Put On" and the long lasted impact this song has done.
"Put On" by Young Jeezy, featuring Kanye West, is an anthem of pride and resilience from Jeezy's 2008 album The Recession. Produced by Drumma Boy, its booming bass and synth-heavy beat underscore Jeezy’s declaration of loyalty to his Atlanta roots and the struggles of representing his community. Kanye West’s auto-tuned verse adds a reflective contrast, exploring themes of personal loss and isolation amidst success.
The track achieved commercial and critical success, peaking at #12 on the Billboard Hot 100 and earning a Grammy nomination. A symbol of perseverance during the 2008 economic downturn, "Put On" solidified Jeezy's role as a voice for the streets while connecting with listeners navigating hardship, making it a hip-hop classic.
Timestamps:0:00 Intro1:16 Family & Musical Beginnings9:23 First Hardware12:03 Memphis Music Scene & Indy Artists14:51 Coming To Atlanta18:44 First Big Break24:20 The Recession Of 08'27:23 How "Put On" Came To Be30:18 The Success35:14 Beat Recreation50:47 Post Production53:43 Pro Tools Session
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#YoungJeezyPutOnBackstory #KanyeWestFeatures2008 #HistoryOfIconicRapSongs

Tuesday Oct 29, 2024
Tuesday Oct 29, 2024
Exploring the impact of Dipset Anthem, a timeless classic that shaped hip-hop culture with its hard-hitting beats, iconic lyrics, and bold Harlem energy. Released by The Diplomats in 2003, the track became a defining moment for East Coast rap, blending gritty street narratives with unmatched swagger. The anthem’s production, handled by Heatmakerz, delivered a signature sound that would influence hip-hop for years to come. Its unapologetic style and lyrical prowess, especially from Cam'ron and Juelz Santana, made it an instant street anthem. To this day, Dipset Anthem remains a cultural touchstone, representing the resilience and influence of Harlem in the rap game.
TIME STAMPS:
00:00 Intro01:13 Studio Tour02:50 Back Story08:00 Career kicking off11:50 Musical Influences16:10 Almost Trashing Dipset Anthem22:03 Sample24:10 Equipment26:50 Breakdown sample34:10 Full REMAKE of Dipset Anthem45:15 Final Remarks
Follow The Heatmakerz (Rsonist)!📸  / officialheatmakerz Â
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#DipsetAnthem #HarlemRap #HipHopClassic