Steely Dan Production Techniques – Deja Vu Uptown Baby – KNS, Lord Tariq, Peter Gunz

Sometimes we have to step out of the bounds of Hip-Hop to gain production knowledge and techniques from other genres. Donald Fagan and Walter Becker of Steely Dan were arguably the greatest perfectionists whose studio genius is undeniable. They were perhaps best known for their intense layering of sounds, perfect transitions, and endless studio takes with alternate musicians. These two guys always remind me that in order to be the best you have to work 10 times as hard as your competition.

Take a quick look at how producer KNS flipped Steely Dan’s Black Cow Sample on Lord Tariq and Peter Gunz’ Deja Vu (Uptown Baby). The great thing about these videos is that they break down the tracks so we can hear exactly how the instrumentals were constructed.

2,030 thoughts on “Steely Dan Production Techniques – Deja Vu Uptown Baby – KNS, Lord Tariq, Peter Gunz”

  1. that’s odd. About six months ago I stricly listened to the entire Steely Dan catalog for a few weeks. Messed up my head and had me dropping obscure lyrical references to everyone I ran into. Of course I was the only one who understood them.

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