Steve Cropper - It's Levels To This - 008

BIRTH of TRAP MUSIC

Chapters 00:00 ESP and the Power of Thought 03:24 The Birth of Trap Music 06:14 The Struggles Behind Trap Music 09:00 Cultural Impact of the Crack Epidemic 11:36 The Legacy of Trap Music 01:02:42 Levels 2 This Full OUTRO.mp4

Can AI Sing the Blues? (And Does the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Still Matter?)

Is the soul of music being averaged out? In this episode of It’s Levels To This, Dan Marshall and Fatboi stage an AI intervention. We dive into the Suno rabbit hole to ask a hard question: Can a computer ever truly recreate the "dirt" and character that makes the Blues the foundation of everything we love? We also tackle the Gene Simmons vs. Hip Hop debate. If Run-DMC are the Kings of Rock, how can you separate the family? From Prince’s "Purple Rain" miracle to the art of mimicry used by legends like MJ and John Lennon, we trace the DNA that connects the "Big Three"—Rock, Country, and Hip Hop. Chapters 00:00 The Creative Process: Mimicry and Originality 08:49 The Distinction Between Singers and Artists 14:23 Influences and the Creation of Unique Sound 18:06 Divine Intervention in Performance 20:03 The Impact of Iconic Performances 21:08 The Debate on Music Hall of Fame 24:51 The Interconnection of Genres 29:10 Hip Hop: Rock's Little Brother 31:33 The Power of Music Genres 37:14 Recognition in the Music Industry 38:54 The Nature of Awards and Recognition 46:12 Levels 2 This Full OUTRO.mp4

Why Modern Music Feels Empty

Sensei says: "I recently caught my 12-year-old son obsessing over my 40-year-old Walkman. Watching him discover that tactile, imperfect sound made me realize something: modern records are often "perfect," but they feel completely empty. They have the polish, but they’ve lost the pulse." In this episode, we’re bridging the gap between analog nostalgia and modern digital chaos. We’re breaking down why "imperfection" is actually a production tool and how legends like George Clinton and Thundercat use creative friction to keep their music alive. If you’ve ever felt like your tracks are missing that "soul," or you’re struggling to manage big personalities in the studio, this breakdown is for you. What we cover in this episode: Analog vs. Digital:  Why my son's Walkman has something modern Spotify tracks are missing. The "No Man" Secret:  Why George Clinton avoided "Yes Men" to find true genius. Creative Flow:  How to use mimicry to find your original voice. The Artist Whisperer:  Navigating personalities and ego behind the console. Chapters 00:00 The Nostalgia of Analog Music 02:34 The Evolution of Music Production Techniques 05:41 The Influence of Thundercat and Eclecticism in Music 08:39 The Art of Songwriting and Creative Flow 11:38 Breaking Musical Norms and Expectations 14:34 The Legacy of George Clinton and Creative Collaboration 20:29 The Art of Production and Control 23:50 Navigating Artist Personalities 26:31 Behind the Scenes: The Unsung Heroes 30:31 The Role of Yes Men and No Men 33:48 The Creative Process: Mimicry and Originality 36:00 Levels 2 This Full OUTRO.mp4 Fatboi is a Multi-platinum, Grammy nominated, award winning producer whose credits include: Camoflauge, YoungBoy Never Broke Again, Gucci Mane, Young Jeezy, Rocko, Shawty Redd, Flo Rida, Bow Wow, Bone Thugs-n-Harmony, Juvenile, Yung Joc, Gorilla Zoe, OJ Da Juiceman, 8Ball & MJG, Jeremih, 2 Chainz, Nicki Minaj, Bobby V, Ludacris and Yo Gotti, Monica, Zay Smith, TK Kravitz, Future. https://twitter.com/thefatboi https://www.instagram.com/thefatboi_/ ______________________________________________ Sensei Hollywood*  (a.k.a. Dan Marshall) is an accomplished musician, producer, engineer, and audio educator who's performed on and engineered multi--platinum records with Big Boi, Outkast, Killer Mike, Chamillionaire, Carlos Santana, Mary J. Blige, Snoop Dogg, Ron Isley, Lil Wayne, Trillville, Monica, and more... As an instructor and chair of the Audio Production program at the Art Institute of Atlanta, he he taught a new generation of audio engineers and producers to go on to great things in their own right.

Is Modern Music Trash?

Keywords music, Grammy, 1984, 2026, sampling, technology, concept albums, media influence, music production, music trends, music production, songwriting, industry dynamics, ownership, creativity, performance, cultural shifts, K-Pop, timelessness, competition Takeaways Rick Beato's comparison of Grammy nominees highlights a perceived decline in music quality. The conversation reflects on the nostalgia for music from past decades. Gatekeeping in the music industry has changed with the rise of social media. The ease of music production today has led to a saturation of similar sounds. Sampling has evolved, with many artists relying on existing tracks without adding originality. The concept album has become rare in modern music, with many artists focusing on singles. The influence of media, especially MTV, shaped music consumption in the past. Today's music often lacks the distinctiveness of past eras due to homogenization. The role of producers and songwriters has expanded, leading to more collaborative efforts. The discussion touches on the cultural impact of artists like Michael Jackson and their legacy. The modern music industry often involves multiple writers and producers for a single track. Budgets for music production have significantly decreased over the years. Ownership and independence in music are becoming increasingly important. The quality of modern music is often perceived as lacking energy and originality. Producers play a crucial role in shaping an artist's performance and sound. Cultural shifts have changed the way music is consumed and appreciated. K-Pop represents a new trend in music that combines energy and youthfulness. Timelessness in music is a key factor for lasting success. Competition among artists can drive creativity and innovation in music. Authenticity and self-belief are essential for artists to thrive in today's industry. Summary In this conversation, the speakers discuss the evolution of music from the 1980s to the present day, focusing on the perceived decline in quality and originality. They explore the impact of technology, the role of gatekeeping, and the significance of concept albums. The discussion also touches on the influence of media on music trends and the changing landscape of music culture, highlighting the challenges and opportunities faced by modern artists. In this conversation, Fatboi and Sensei explore the evolution of music production, the changing dynamics of the industry, and the importance of authenticity and performance in modern music. They discuss the impact of technology on songwriting, the significance of ownership, and the need for competition and collaboration among artists. The dialogue also touches on cultural shifts in music consumption and the quest for timelessness in contemporary songs. Titles Is Modern Music Losing Its Touch? Comparing Grammy Nominees: Then vs. Now  sound bites "Does today's music suck?" "Hip hop got away from us." "It's levels to this." Chapters 00:00 Does Modern Music Suck? Rick Beato Says:Yes! We React 00:53 INTRO 01:32 Reacting to Music Trends and Grammy Nominations 05:18 The Evolution of Songwriting 09:26 The Impact of Music on Culture 14:20 MTV's Role in Music Popularity 19:22 The Concept of Albums vs. Singles 24:22 The Changing Landscape of Music Production 29:25 The Influence of Soundtracks on Music 32:17 Sampling and Its Artistic Value 35:48 The Evolution of Music and Sampling 39:34 The Changing Landscape of Songwriting and Production 43:48 Ownership and the Music Industry 46:20 The State of Modern Music and Performance 51:53 The Impact of Technology on Music Consumption 57:04 Cultural Shifts in Music and Society 01:02:36 The Evolution of Song of the Year 01:04:33 The Competitive Landscape of Music 01:07:15 The Importance of Rivalry in Music 01:08:25 The Role of Originality and Authenticity 01:29:40 Finding the Balance in Music Creation 01:34:53 Levels 2 This Full OUTRO.mp4

Steve Cropper - It's Levels To This - 008

Summary In this conversation, Fatboi and Sensei reflect on the legacy of Stax Records and the contributions of Steve Cropper, highlighting the art of collaboration and the unpredictable nature of creating hits. We explore the journey of musicians, emphasizing the importance of paying dues and gaining experience in the music industry.The discussion also touches on the timelessness of music and its ability to resonate across generations. Chapters 00:00 Cold Open 00:29 Intro 01:02 Steve Cropper & The Greatness of Stax 03:05 Green Onions playthru/reaction 06:12 Music Biz 101: Paying Your Dues 13:37 Why Does Stax Get Overlooked? 15:15 Steve Cropper's Style/Approach 18:02 Green Onions Musical Breakdown 21:04 Green Onions & The Cultural Zeitgeist 25:53 Is Green Onions...PERFECT? 27:39 Knowing When You Have A Hit On Your Hands 35:05 Soul Man Breakdown 37:20 Sam & Dave & Sloppy Business At Stax 38:38 Other Stax Groups: The BarKays 39:43 BarKays & Spies Like Us 42:00 Jazze Pha's Connection To The BarKays 46:59 Levels 2 This Full OUTRO.mp4 Takeaways * Many successful artists start by working for free to gain experience. * Paying dues is essential in the music industry. * Leadership qualities are often developed through following great leaders. * The balance between working for free and making a sustainable living is crucial. * Success requires putting in the necessary hours and effort. * Music is a collaborative art form that thrives on diverse influences. * Hits are often unexpected and cannot be forced. * The legacy of Stax Records is significant in shaping modern music. * Steve Cropper's contributions exemplify the importance of supporting roles in music. * Great music transcends time and continues to impact future generations.