BackTrak by TmrO

No I.D. isn’t just a producer—he’s the quiet architect behind some of the most important careers and sounds in hip-hop.In this special episode of BackTrak, we sit down with the legendary Chicago native to talk legacy, growth, silence, structure, and why true creativity takes time. Known for shaping artists like Common, Kanye West, J. Cole, and executive producing for Jay-Z, No I.D. reveals the philosophies that have guided his multi-decade career. He reflects on building from intention, not clout—on letting the music age well—and on the lessons he's still learning every day.He also gives us a rare look into the DNA of “I Used to Love H.E.R.”, remaking it live in the studio—but that’s just one page of a much deeper book.0:00 Intro4:52 The Rise of House Music & DJ Dion Wilson  9:46 1988: The Apex of Influence (Criminal Minded & Paid in Full)  11:24 Learning to Dig for Jazz Samples with The Beat Nuts  13:14 The Pursuit of Dopeness vs. Commercial Success  15:47 The South: Getting Pennies Thrown at FAMU  17:23 Character Building: Opening for KRS-One in Jersey  19:17 Moving to Atlanta: Seeking Jermaine Dupri’s Infrastructure  21:19 Songwriting Lessons: Learning the Artist Side of Producing  23:35 Mentoring Kanye West: Watching Him Break the Rules  26:11 The Jesus Piece vs. Buying Equipment  30:16 The "Diamond Era": Street Rap & The Shift to Big Money  36:44 Long-term Career Strategy: The Rick Rubin & Quincy Jones Model  37:54 What do you need all that money for?41:30 The 5-to-7 Year Artist-Producer Relationship Cycle  45:47 Staying Sharp: Why Value Trumps Loyalty  48:37 Debunking the Jay-Z "Rock the World" Production Myth  54:15 Dealing with Industry Calamity & Storytelling  57:04 List Culture: Being Offended by "Top 50" Producers  1:04:13 Legacy Beyond Music: Photography & Writing  1:07:21 The "Vintage Chair" Philosophy  1:10:00 Reconnecting with Kanye after the Loss of His Mother  1:12:15 The Hawaii Sessions: Treating the Studio Like a Band  1:14:33 Technical Breakdown: Producing "I Used to Love H.E.R."  1:21:56 Recreating the Sample & Bassline in Ableton  1:31:27 Realizing the Legacy: When Resurrection Became a Classic  1:34:51 Final Reflections: Doing it for the Love Follow No I.D.📸 https://instagram.com/cubansozeFollow us for more insights into hip hop history and music production:📸 https://instagram.com/tmronetwork📸 https://instagram.com/Doncannon🎽 Merch: https://shoptmro.com/#common #jayz #kanye

In this episode of BackTrak, Zaytoven retraces the creation of “Make the Trap Say Aye” by Gucci Mane and OJ Da Juiceman—a record that helped define the Atlanta trap sound in its rawest form. From the churchy melodies to the unfiltered bounce, Zay walks us through how the beat came together in a flash, why Gucci and Juice were the perfect match, and how this song lit up the streets like a firework. This is trap history from the man who scored it.Timestamps:0:00 Intro3:21 Early Upbringing and Moving All The Time10:40 Church Lifestyle15:10 First Placements19:15 Moving To Atlanta24:28 So Icy29:28 Gucci Locked Up | Working With OJ31:26 Instruments & Still Playing In Church36:01 The Zaytoven Sound40:32 Musical Influences & Family44:14 Make The Trap Say Aye Backstory48:58 Collaborations & Engineering53:04 Prepping The Process55:59 Beat Recreation01:07:57 The LegacyFollow Zaytoven📸 https://instagram.com/zaytovenbeatzFollow us for more insights into hip hop history and music production:📸 https://instagram.com/tmronetwork📸 https://instagram.com/Doncannon🎽 Merch: https://shoptmro.com/#zaytoven #guccimane #zaytoventypebeat

Jay-Z and Kanye West’s “Murder to Excellence” wasn’t just a standout track on Watch the Throne—it was a dual narrative of trauma and triumph, a sonic requiem for Black America and a proclamation of generational power. In this episode of BackTrak, Grammy-winning producer S1 (Symbolyc One) takes us into the architecture of one of his most emotionally layered productions. From sourcing the chilling choral sample that opens the track, to constructing the sharp transition into a victorious, synth-driven second half, S1 reveals how this beat was designed to feel like two different worlds colliding—because that’s exactly what it was.He reflects on the call from Kanye that changed everything, the spiritual weight he carried while producing the song, and how Jay and Ye each approached the duality of the record with different emotional perspectives. This isn’t just a beat remake—it’s a walk through the DNA of a modern protest anthem. A creative act of reverence, resistance, and resilience.This is Murder to Excellence—rebuilt from the ground up.0:00 Intro 1:39 Show Introduction: Backtrack with Don Cannon & S-1 3:00 Family Foundation in Waco, Texas 5:27 The Power of Music in the Church 7:13 Hip Hop Awakening: Discovering Underground Music 11:07 Symbolic Elements: From Rapper to Producer 14:44 First Production Gear: The Alesis SR-16 Drum Machine 16:17 Strange Fruit Project & Early Co-signs (Erykah Badu, Questlove, Dilla) 18:31 Producer Influences: Dilla, Premier, Hi-Tek, Pete Rock 21:56 Discipline and Focus: How Early Parenthood Fueled Success 23:39 The "Power" Story Begins25:17 Kanye's Text: "He's About to Change Your Life" 26:33 Hearing the First Version of "Power" in Hawaii 33:36 Post-"Power" Production Growth36:27 Drum Kits & Non-Selfish Approach41:15 Landing the Beyoncé Placement45:13 S-1's Formula: Breakbeat, Chant, and Dope Progression 1:02:03 From Reason 6 to Ableton1:05:57 Merging "Black on Black Murder" & "Black Excellence" 1:07:52 MTE Breakdown: Laying the Breakbeat and Modern Drums1:14:10 MTE Breakdown: Sampling The Color Purple 1:19:23 MTE Breakdown: Piano, Organ, and Bassline Progression 1:28:23 Closing RemarksFollow S1📸 https://instagram.com/symbolyconeFollow us for more insights into hip hop history and music production:📸 https://instagram.com/tmronetwork📸 https://instagram.com/Doncannon🎽 Merch: https://shoptmro.com/#jayz #kanye #jayztypebeat

On this episode of Backtrak, we spotlight platinum producer Needlz as he breaks down the creation of Drake’s early classic “I’m Goin In” featuring Lil Wayne and Jeezy. Known for his precise drum programming and cinematic layering, Needlz walks us through how the track came together. From dialing in the hard-hitting 808s to building the moody backdrop that set the tone for Drake’s So Far Gone era, this episode offers a rare look into how a timeless record was crafted. It’s a behind-the-scenes deep dive into the sound that helped shape a generation and cement Drake, Wayne, and Jeezy as a legendary trio on wax.

In this episode of BackTrak, producer The Runners pull back the curtain on one of Rihanna’s most celebratory anthems: “Cheers (Drink to That).” Built around a bold Avril Lavigne sample and driven by stadium-sized drums, this record captures the carefree chaos of Rihanna’s Loud era. The Runners take us inside the creative process—how they fused rock textures with island swagger, how Rihanna’s energy in the booth elevated every layer, and why this track became the ultimate toast to resilience and release. From genre-blending production to global party anthem, this is the story of how “Cheers” turned life’s chaos into a celebration.🔥 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more beat deconstructions!Follow Mayne📸 https://instagram.com/blvckjvckFollow us for more insights into hip hop history and music production:📸 https://instagram.com/tmronetwork📸 https://instagram.com/Doncannon🎽 Merch: https://shoptmro.com/#rihanna #cheers #producer

In this episode of BackTrak, Hit-Boy breaks down the creation of the explosive posse-cut “1 Train.” A gritty blend of boom-bap drums, ominous sample textures, and cinematic energy, the record highlights Hit-Boy’s ability to modernize classic East Coast aesthetics while keeping the raw underground feel. From structuring the beat’s relentless drum patterns to shaping the dark, rolling atmosphere that every rapper attacked, he shares insight into how the track came together—and how it marked another milestone in his evolution as a dynamic, genre-bending producer. Hit-BoyFollow Hit-Boy📸 https://instagram.com/hitboyFollow us for more insights into hip hop history and music production:📸 https://instagram.com/tmronetwork📸 https://instagram.com/Doncannon🎽 Merch: https://shoptmro.com/#asaprocky #hitboy #producing

In this episode of BackTrak, Blxst breaks down the creation of his standout record “Aye Girl.” A blend of melodic West Coast production and modern R&B flair, the track showcases Blxst’s signature self-produced sound. From drum programming to harmonic layering, he gives insight into how the song came together—and what it represents in his evolution as both an artist and producer.0:00 Intro2:32 Early Life & West Coast Musical Roots 6:08 First Equipment: The FL Studio Trial 9:13 The "Bug": Inspired by Kanye West's Graduation 12:30 High School Jerk Crew & Learning the Business 16:35 Securing the Kendrick Lamar Feature 18:01 Betting On Himself: The Non-Traditional Deal 26:00 Patience, Generational Wealth, and Attorneys 30:28 Choosing Love Stories Over Gang Culture 34:33 Raphael Saadiq’s High Praise 41:31 How Blxst Made "Aye Girl"47:55 Upcoming Album & The Roxy Residency Follow Blxst📸 https://instagram.com/blxstFollow us for more insights into hip hop history and music production:📸 https://instagram.com/tmronetwork📸 https://instagram.com/Doncannon🎽 Merch: https://shoptmro.com/#blxst #blxsttypebeat

In this episode of BackTrak, Turbo the Great revisits the melodic chemistry that defined a new Atlanta sound with Gunna’s “Won’t Stop” and “GP.” He takes us inside the sessions that shaped The Last Wun—the late-night experiments, the minimalist melodies that left room for emotion, and the unspoken rhythm between producer and artist. Trap luxury, emotional texture, and effortless cool. This is the story of the sound that made the drip eternal.00:00 Intro01:55 From Atlanta With Greatness03:40 Early Inspiration06:05 The Trap or Die Era10:15 First Beats & FL Studio Beginnings13:20 Learning from the Legends15:00 Atlanta’s Futuristic Sound Wave18:05 Sleeping in Studios & Sacrifice23:10 Family & Motivation25:00 Producer Talk: FL Studio vs. Everything Else33:00 Loops, Credit & Respect44:50 Playmakers & Legacy57:18 How He Made Gunna's SongsFollow Turbo The Great📸 https://instagram.com/turbothegreatFollow us for more insights into hip hop history and music production:📸 https://instagram.com/tmronetwork📸 https://instagram.com/Doncannon🎽 Merch: https://shoptmro.com/#gunna #turbothegreat #gunna

In this special BackTrak episode, Atlanta-based producers OG Parker and Romano reconstruct the making of Cardi B’s “Enough (Miami)”—a standout single from her 2024 run. The duo shares how the beat came together in a focused session in Atlanta, how Cardi connected with the energy, and why the record became a viral favorite. They break down each layer live—from percussion to melody—and share lessons from the process that continues to influence the next wave of hip-hop production.00:00:00 Intro00:01:11 How OG Parker and Mono Got Their Names00:03:43 Collaborative Atlanta Music Culture00:04:45 Their Biggest/Most Notable Records00:05:32 Mentorship from Coach K and P00:08:18 Joining QC and Improving Work Ethic00:11:00 Catching the Production Bug (FL Studio)00:12:40 Hardware vs. Software & DAW Preferences00:15:00 Logic vs. FL Studio vs. Ableton00:18:02 Mixtape Era and Inspiring Actionable Records00:22:02 Alternative Careers (Cybersecurity & Graphic Design)00:26:07 Setting the Standard: The Timbaland Approach to Sessions00:31:45 Top 3 Favorite Artists & Producers00:38:43 Remaking the Cardi B "Enough" Beat01:03:23 Business Strategy: Selling Your CatalogFollow OG Parker📸 https://instagram.com/ogxparkerFollow Romano📸 https://instagram.com/realxromanoFollow us for more insights into hip hop history and music production:📸 https://instagram.com/tmronetwork📸 https://instagram.com/Doncannon🎽 Merch: https://shoptmro.com/

In this interview, legendary producer Cardiak takes us through his journey from Jersey to creating some of hip-hop and R&B’s most iconic records. From discovering FL Studio to producing classics like “Dice Pineapples” and “Damage,” Cardiak shares his story of hard work, setbacks, and career-changing collaborations with Dr. Dre, Nipsey Hussle, Don Cannon, and more. If you’ve ever wondered how to become a music producer or wanted to learn the story behind the beats, this Cardiak producer interview gives you the blueprint.

First Day Out wasn’t supposed to be a hit—but that’s what made it one. Helluva joins BackTrak to reconstruct the moment Tee Grizzley stepped into the booth and laid down a historic, no-hook performance that would ignite Detroit’s rap resurgence. Helluva shares his process, how the beat evolved, and why that beat switch was a game-changer. It’s a story about instincts, timing, and the sound of a city that refuses to stay quiet.By the time “First Day Out” hit the streets, Detroit was already bubbling—but this was different. The track tore through timelines, dominated aux cords, and signaled the arrival of a new voice with something urgent to say. For Helluva, it wasn’t just another beat—it was the culmination of years spent shaping the underground sound of Michigan. With a catalog that laid the foundation for artists like Sada Baby, Icewear Vezzo, and Payroll Giovanni, Helluva helped define the modern Detroit bounce. First Day Out wasn’t just Tee’s breakout—it was a city’s exhale. Follow Helluva📸 https://instagram.com/helluva313Follow us for more insights into hip hop history and music production:📸 https://instagram.com/tmronetwork📸 https://instagram.com/Doncannon🎽 Merch: https://shoptmro.com/#teegrizzley  #teegrizzleytypebeat  #helluva

In this episode of BackTrak, we explore the history of DJ Spinz, a pivotal figure in Atlanta’s trap movement and the creator of the legendary SPINZ 808. Rising from Atlanta’s vibrant DJ culture, Spinz became known for his ear for hard-hitting records, producing and breaking songs that defined a generation. Beyond crafting beats, he helped pioneer the sound of modern trap with a style that combined club energy, sharp drum programming, and undeniable knock. From spinning in clubs to shaping Billboard-charting hits, DJ Spinz’s journey reflects both the grind of a DJ-turned-producer and the influence of a tastemaker whose work continues to echo through hip-hop today

What happens when two of the most outrageous beats of the 2010s are made by the same duo—and nobody sees it coming?In this episode of BackTrak, Don Cannon sits down with the production architects of energy and bounce: Da Internz. From Big Sean’s “A$$” to Rihanna’s “Birthday Cake”, these records didn’t just top charts—they redefined what pop and hip-hop could sound like. Da Internz walk us through how they turned minimalist ideas into maximal moments, using unorthodox textures, off-kilter drum patterns, and a sense of humor that translated to millions of spins. But this episode goes deeper than just sonics—we talk about timing, risk, culture, and how two kids from Chicago made the world dance by simply trusting their instincts. _0:00 Intro2:53 Cannon and Da Internz 00:03:25 Chicago Origins and Musical Identity 00:09:17 The Band "Affordable Healthcare" 00:12:29 Juke Music and Chaotic Eskimos 00:15:28 Early Influences and Chicago's Music Scene 00:17:17 The Culture of Juke Mixtapes 00:26:41 The Philosophy of "Feel" in Music 00:33:11 Learning Arrangement: Formal Education and Experience 00:41:41 From "Single Whores" to Executive Producers 00:48:59 Family, Raising Kids, and Chasing Dreams 00:57:10 NO I.D.: The "Wizard of Oz" 01:03:21 Timbaland as the Go-To Hitmaker 01:08:27 Weapons of Choice: Logic and MPC 01:09:00 DOWNLOAD THE APP FOR THE FULL EPISODEFollow Don Cannon📸 https://instagram.com/doncannonFollow Da Internz📸 https://instagram.com/internz📸 https://instagram.com/kosineFollow us for more insights into hip hop history and music production:📸 https://instagram.com/tmronetwork📸 https://instagram.com/Doncannon❗️CANNONS REVENGE (Drum Kit) OUT NOW❗️ https://shoptmro.com/#rihanna anna #bigsean #bigseantypebeat

In this episode of BackTrak, Don Cannon makes the highly anticipated beat rapped on by Jeezy and Jay- Z. “Go Crazy” is a standout track by Young Jeezy featuring Jay-Z, produced by the acclaimed Don Cannon. Built around the soulful Impressions sample, the beat blends vintage soul with gritty Southern flair, setting the tone for Jeezy’s raw delivery and Jay-Z’s slick lyricism. The song became a defining moment in Jeezy’s rise and helped solidify Don Cannon as a top-tier producer known for his cinematic, hard-hitting sound.

Jermaine Dupri is a legendary producer, songwriter, and music executive whose influence has shaped the sound of hip-hop and R&B for over three decades. Rising to fame in the early '90s, he founded So So Def Recordings, where he launched the careers of major artists like Kris Kross, Da Brat, Bow Wow, and Jagged Edge. Dupri's signature production style helped define the Atlanta music scene and contributed to the rise of Southern hip-hop as a dominant cultural force. Throughout his career, Dupri has worked with industry icons including Mariah Carey, Usher, Janet Jackson, and Jay-Z. He co-wrote and produced chart-topping hits like "We Belong Together," "Confessions Part II," and "Money Ain’t a Thang." His accolades include Grammy Awards, induction into the Songwriters Hall of Fame, and numerous Billboard chart achievements. With a legacy built on innovation, longevity, and hit-making genius, Jermaine Dupri remains one of the most influential figures in modern music history.

Go behind the boards with legendary hip-hop producer Hi-Tek in this exclusive interview. Hailing from Cincinnati, Hi-Tek rose to fame in the late '90s as one half of *Reflection Eternal* alongside Talib Kweli, producing the critically acclaimed album *Train of Thought*. Known for his soulful, sample-heavy beats and gritty yet melodic production style, Hi-Tek has played a pivotal role in shaping the underground and mainstream sounds of hip-hop.

What does it take to build a beat that feels both cinematic and personal? In this episode of Backtrak, legendary producer Jake One breaks down the creation of “My Life” — J. Cole and 21 Savage’s anthemic collaboration from The Off-Season. From gritty soul samples to clean drum programming, Jake revisits the creative choices that gave this track its emotional weight. Watch as he remakes the instrumental from scratch and unpacks the sonic storytelling behind one of Cole’s standout records.Timestamps0:00 Intro01:26 Welcoming Jake One: The GOAT Producer04:07 Seattle's Influence on Music and Career08:10 Versatility, Pivoting, and Finding Your Sound15:34 The Magic of the ASR-10 Sequencer19:36 Early Career: Traveling to New York and Quitting Work22:11 The Dr. Dre Call: A Career Defining Moment28:04 The Unexpected Journey with Tuxedo30:40 Evolution of Music Finances and Royalty Deals33:32 The Enduring Impact of the John Cena Theme37:09 Record Digging: From Utility to Collecting41:57 Beat Battles and Celebrating Hip Hop Generations50:28 Deconstructing J. Cole's "M Y . L I F E"01:01:40 Beat Re-Creation01:19:36 The Future: Hanging Up the Industry, Not CreativityFollow Jake One📸   / jakeuno  Follow us for more insights into hip hop history and music production:📸   / tmronetwork  📸   / doncannon  🎽 Merch: https://shoptmro.com/#jcole #21savage  #jcoletypebeat

Go behind the scenes of the chart-topping anthem "Lifestyle" by Rich Gang, featuring Young Thug and Rich Homie Quan. In this video, we uncover how London on Da Track created the unforgettable beat that defined a moment in hip hop.From the layered melodies to the studio process and artist chemistry, discover the production secrets and legacy of one of the most iconic tracks of the 2010s.Timestamps00:00 Intro 00:01:57 Don Cannon x London on da Track 00:02:30 Church roots & early music journey 00:04:00 From rapping to producing 00:05:00 Learning on Cakewalk and early DAWs 00:08:00 Full Sail, engineering & genre blending 00:10:00 Early collabs, Rich Kids & finding his sound 00:15:00 First hits: Hookah & Lifestyle 00:18:00 Publishing deals & real industry talk 00:21:00 Favorite collaborators & dream artists 00:32:37 Breaking down the 'Lifestyle' beat 00:33:00 The moment Young Thug started freestyling 00:35:00 Building the full song from one loop 00:36:00 Choosing Gladiator plugin & key elements 00:37:00 Playboi Carti studio story & Mac vs PC sound 00:39:00 Recording workflow & capturing Thug’s hook Follow London on Da Track📸 https://instagram.com/londonondatrackFollow us for more insights into hip hop history and music production:📸 https://instagram.com/tmronetwork📸 https://instagram.com/Doncannon🎽 Merch: https://shoptmro.com/#LondonOnDaTrack #RichHomieQuan #YoungThug

In this episode of BackTrak, Mayne of The Runners cracks open the vault and rebuilds the beat that lit a fire under Rick Ross’ career: Hustlin’. From the cinematic horn stabs to the heavyweight drums, he takes us inside the moment this anthem was born—and how it turned a local Miami record into a national street sermon. Industry bidding wars, studio myths, and one of the coldest hooks in rap history. This is the story of a beat that wouldn’t wait.0:00 Intro1:52 Running The Game4:35 The Next Neptunes/Starting in Orlando, Florida5:34 Attending Full Sail and Meeting Key Connections7:33 First Equipment Used: Korg N364 10:39 Discovering Production As a Career12:48 Developing Roles in The Runners14:41 First placements16:09 The Origin of The Runners name17:46 Monumental impact: Bringing Florida/Miami Back on the Map 24:09 Favorite Produced Record: Rihanna's "Cheers" 27:58 Inspired by Avril Lavigne Sample Bridge For "Cheers"32:17 The mindset for "Hustlin" After Father's Passing34:02 Recreating "Hustling" 49:18 Drums55:18 Did Mayne Start This 808 Trend?1:01:18 The Vocal Sample🔥 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more beat deconstructions!Follow Mayne📸   / blvckjvck  Follow us for more insights into hip hop history and music production:📸   / tmronetwork  📸   / doncannon  🎽 Merch: https://shoptmro.com/#rickross #rickrosstypebeat #hustlin #hustle

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