Over the past decade, producer Zaytoven has had an impact on the Atlanta rap scene that rivals the brightest stars the city has to offer. His unique brand of layered synths and trap drum patterns has been staple of underground Atlanta rap, while also helping some artists reach mainstream success. Here is a look back some of Zaytoven’s best work.
1. Migos - "Versace"
In 2013, Zaytoven provided Atlanta-based rap trio Migos with a simple synth melody that set the stage for them to take hip hop by storm with their infectious triplet flows. The Drake assisted remix had rappers from all over the country copying the flow of the young Atlanta upstarts.
2. Gucci Mane - "So Icy"
“So Icy” served as a Gucci Mane’s first breakout hit. Since dropping the single in 2005, Gucci Mane has been arguably been the most prolific and impactful force in Atlanta rap. The record also raised the celebrity of fellow Atlanta legend Young Jeezy, although it also sparked a violent fued between the two.
3. Gucci Mane - "Bricks"
Zaytoven used an ominus mix of xylophones and organs to form the backdrop of Gucci Mane’s 2009 hood anthem. “Bricks” is a standout in the slew of great collabs the two have done together.
4. Usher - "Papers"
Although Zaytoven’s production is usually used to score booming tales of drug distribution and lavish lifestyles, Usher tapped the producer for this single from his Raymond v. Raymond album. “Papers” showed that Zaytoven had no problem taking a break from street anthems to produce R&B hits.
5. Future - "Real Sisters"
Future has reached new heights by dropping five projects in the last 11 months. He kicked off the year with Beast Mode, a nine-track mixtape entirely produced by Zaytoven. “Real Sisters” serves as the highlight of the mixtape as Future floats over a hypnotizing layer of synths.