In this episode of People’s Party, Talib Kweli and co-host Jasmin Leigh sit down with Grammy Award-winning record producer and pioneer of the “Trap Music” sound — Zaytoven. This in-depth interview gives us great insight on how Zay became one of the biggest names in the industry, starting with his beginnings living in the Bay during the 90’s perfecting his craft under legends like JT The Bigga Figga and E-40, then moving to Atlanta to produce and help shape the careers of so many Trap Music icons, including Lecrae, Gucci Mane, Migos, and countless others. As the interview progresses, Zaytoven opens up about the church’s influence on his music, and how he balances his deep-rooted faith, while operating in the Trap world.
Kweli, Jasmin, and Zaytoven go on to discuss his talent as a barber, and how that skill helped contribute to his level of success. (Along with why he kept a steady gig, even when he had hits.) Talib and Zaytoven trade stories of their first interactions with Gucci Mane, and the lead up to their collaboration on the record “Poltergeist.” Zay also shares how he met Migos and Usher, and details the awe he experienced watching Future at work in the studio.
As the interview comes to a close the trio discusses contrasting strategies on staying relevant with today’s fickle fan-bases, producers not getting their due props in the Spotify era, and what Zaytoven has in store for us down the line
Speak On It!