A new generation of song producers is poised to reignite the city’s musical legacy — not in a studio booth, but at the YouthVille Detroit community center. About 30 youngsters in a weekly music production class learned firsthand tricks Wednesday from nationally recognized Seattle-based producers Vitamin D and Jake One.

The two producers, who have worked with hip-hop group De La Soul, rapper 50 Cent and singer Mary J. Blige, played some of their beats and answered questions about breaking into the beat-making side of the music industry. The sponsor, Red Bull Big Tune, has taken the program several cities across the country, from Las Vegas to Philadelphia.  

“Our main goal is, really, to inspire,” said Vitamin D, who shared with the young producers his 15 years of expertise. “If half of them are pumped up to make a beat when they get home, or cop some equipment, we did our job.”

Jawaun Peterson, 17, said he gained valuable experience from the duo. “I definitely enjoyed the music production,” said Peterson, who is fresh to music-making. “I needed to learn how to make a sweet beat, so I can lay something down on it.”

The workshop is a precursor to a competition tonight at the Majestic Theatre, in which 12 local producers will “beat battle” for the chance to produce for a yet-to-be-revealed star recording artist. Last year’s winner produced a song for rapper Young Buck.

“The other (beat battles) are usually 21 and over, so kids can’t usually come out,” Jake One said. “This is something to reach out to the next generation … we’re going to be seeing some of these kids in another five years.”

The producer, who has hammered out tracks for rappers Freeway and E-40, said Detroit’s musical history brought the Big Tune project here. “It’s just a legacy of producers, from Motown, on down,” he said. “It made a lot of sense to come here.”

Ashley Dubois, 14, an aspiring rapper and singer, said she wanted to learn how to make her own tracks. “I want to know how to be the “lady P. Diddy,’ ” said the Bradford Academy student.

Rita Clark, YouthVille’s program developer, said the session was great exposure for the aspiring producers. “Most inner-city kids do not have access to these kinds of opportunities,” she said. “They have a chance to share some of the music they’ve built here at YouthVille.”

Source:
The Detroit News