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Welcome To BACKTRAK! Hosted by the renowned producer and music executive Don Cannon, BackTrak recreates Hip-Hop’s greatest hits from the same location where each song was originally made. BackTrak is not just a show, it’s a journey through the heart of hip-hop, chronicling how a track is born and evolves into a classic.
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On this episode of BackTrak, legendary production duo/group Justice League sit down for a deep conversation about their rise from Florida to becoming one of the most influential forces in hip-hop production as well as going into how they made 'Maybach Music 2' & "Aston Martin Music'From crafting the cinematic sound behind Rick Ross’ Maybach Music series to working with Jeezy, Drake, Mary J. Blige, Lil Wayne, and more, Justice League breaks down the creative process, sacrifices, and brotherhood that built their legacy.The conversation dives into the early Tampa and Tallahassee music scenes, moving to Atlanta, building Hot Beats Studios, transitioning from hardware to Logic, creating orchestral hip-hop before it became mainstream, and surviving the changing music business through streaming and AI.They also reflect on health sacrifices, creative dedication, catalog ownership, investment strategies, and why real artistry will always rise above trends. If you care about music production, hip-hop history, creativity, technology, or the future of music itself — this episode is essential viewing.
In this episode of BackTrak, Don Cannon sits down with the architect of New Jack Swing to break down the sound that changed R&B and hip-hop forever.From working with Michael Jackson on Dangerous to creating timeless records like “No Diggity,” Teddy Riley shares the real stories behind the music, the mindset behind hit records, and the technical secrets that gave his sound staying power.This episode goes beyond nostalgia—it’s about how great music is actually made.Inside this episode:The creation of New Jack SwingWorking with Michael Jackson in the studioThe making of “No Diggity”Why frequency matters in hit recordsArtist development vs today’s industryThe blueprint for timeless music
In this episode of BackTrak, Don Cannon sits down with five-time Grammy winner Focus… to discuss his journey from "borrowing" gear from his father, Bernard Edwards of Chic, to becoming a key architect for Dr. Dre’s Aftermath. Focus… shares rare insights into his evolution as a producer and mixer for icons like Beyoncé, Busta Rhymes, and Anderson .Paak.Later, Focus… enters the lab to deconstruct the "coloring" of his sound using Logic Pro. He provides a behind-the-scenes look at the space-driven bounce of Mac Dre’s "Get Stupid" and recreates his soulful production for 112, demonstrating his philosophy of playing samples like instruments.Follow Focus...📸 https://instagram.com/focus3dotsFollow us for more insights into hip hop history and music production:📸 https://instagram.com/tmronetwork📸 https://instagram.com/doncannon🎽 Merch: https://shoptmro.com/
Mr. DJ was never just behind the boards—he was part of the foundation. In this episode of BackTrak, the legendary Atlanta producer sits down with Don Cannon to break down the sound that helped define an era, from his early days with Organized Noize to shaping records alongside Outkast.More than just a collaborator, Mr. DJ was in the room for the moments that shifted culture—touring, creating, and building with André 3000 and Big Boi as Atlanta carved out its own identity. From live instrumentation to soulful influences rooted in the South, he shares how the city’s sound was developed, not borrowed.This episode is a deep dive into legacy—how consistency, originality, and feel turned Atlanta into a global force, and why the story behind the music is just as important as the records themselves.00:00 - Intro02:25 - Atlanta Roots & Building a New Sound05:32 - Musical Influences: Soul, Funk & Family08:14 - From DJ to Producer: Learning the Craft10:54 - The Dungeon Era & Getting Noticed12:38 - First Breakthrough & Finding Confidence14:01 - Meeting OutKast & Becoming the DJ15:23 - The “Third Member” of OutKast Conversation17:17 - Breaking Through Industry Resistance20:09 - Influences: Dr. Dre, Jazzy Jeff & Creative Direction22:27 - Sampling vs Live Instrumentation25:36 - LA Move, Going Broke & Finding Perspective31:43 - Music Business: Publishing, Catalogs & Ownership34:24 - Almost Died On Tour50:42 - Recreating “Black Ice” (Full Studio Breakdown)01:05:06 - Final Remarks,Giving Flowers to Musicians Follow Mr. DJ 📸 https://instagram.com/iammrdiFollow 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 episode of BackTrak, we sit down with acclaimed producer ATL Jacob. Known for his signature bounce and unmistakable Atlanta sound, ATL Jacob has quickly become one of the most influential producers shaping modern hip-hop.From building his reputation in the Atlanta scene to crafting records for some of the biggest artists in the world, ATL Jacob’s rise is a story of persistence, creativity, and undeniable musical instinct.In this video, Don Cannon interviews ATL Jacob, diving into his journey as a producer—from his early beginnings to the moments that helped define his career. Later in the episode, ATL Jacob steps back into the lab and recreates two of his standout records: “FTCU” by Nicki Minaj and “Right On” by Lil Baby, giving viewers a rare behind-the-scenes look at the sounds, techniques, and creative decisions that brought these records to life.Follow Dun Deal📸 https://instagram.com/atljacobFollow us for more insights into hip hop history and music production:📸 https://instagram.com/tmronetwork📸 https://instagram.com/doncannon🎽 Merch: https://shoptmro.com/
Before Young Thug became a global force, there was “Stoner.”In this episode of BackTrak, Atlanta hitmaker Dun Deal steps into the lab to rebuild the record that introduced the world to Thug’s unpredictable melodies and unconventional flow. He breaks down the drums, the bounce, and the space that allowed Thug to bend the rules — and Atlanta — in real time.More than a remake, this is a deep dive into a cultural pivot point. “Stoner” wasn’t just a single — it was the beginning of a new melodic trap language that still echoes today.Follow Dun Deal📸 https://instagram.com/dundealonthetrackFollow us for more insights into hip hop history and music production:📸 https://instagram.com/tmronetwork📸 https://instagram.com/Doncannon🎽 Merch: https://shoptmro.com/#youngthugt #youngthugtypebeat #atlantahiphop
Before “Low” went diamond and “Walk It Out” became a movement, it all started in Atlanta.In this iconic episode of BackTrak, legendary producer DJ Montay steps into the studio to recreate the records that made the South dance—and the world follow. From Flo Rida & T-Pain’s chart-destroying “Low” to the snap-era classics “Walk It Out” and Shawty Lo’s “Foolish,” Montay breaks down the sounds that helped define a generation of club music.It’s more than nostalgia—it’s a blueprint for how ATL shaped the culture.0:00 Intro3:05 Origins: Born and Raised in Atlanta 4:26 The 90s Mixtape Scene & The Identity of Atlanta 11:31 Street Respect: Oomp Camp 17:15 First Equipment: From the Boss 990 to the MPC 2000 22:51 Balancing Radio, Production, and Touring with T-Pain 26:52 Behind Andre 3000 on "Walk It Out" Remix 30:34 Sacrifice: Balancing Music with Fatherhood 32:16 The Success of "Low": T-Pain and Flo Rida 34:06 Spending the Royalty Checks: Buying 15 Cars 37:47 Realigning for Success: Day Trading and Investments 41:58 Technology in Music: AI and Modern Production 44:29 The Business of Selling Catalogs 45:55 Beat Breakdown: "Foolish" (Shawty Lo) 1:00:41 Beat Breakdown:"Walk It Out" (DJ Unk)1:10:56 Beat Breakdown: "Low" Sound (Flo Rida & T-Pain)Follow DJ Montay📸 https://instagram.com/djmontayFollow us for more insights into hip hop history and music production:📸 https://instagram.com/tmronetwork📸 https://instagram.com/Doncannon🎽 Merch: https://shoptmro.com/#tpain #walkitout #florida
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
Welcome To BACKTRAK! Hosted by the renowned producer and music executive Don Cannon, BackTrak recreates Hip-Hop’s greatest hits from the same location where each song was originally made. BackTrak is not just a show, it’s a journey through the heart of hip-hop, chronicling how a track is born and evolves into a classic.
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