Zaytoven: One of Atlanta’s Hottest Music Producers

Zaytoven, born Xavier Dotson, is an award-winning, renowned American music producer with a profound influence on hip-hop and trap music. He is widely recognized as a “Goat” and “Trapfather” in the music industry for his distinctive production style that blends melodic elements with hard-hitting beats, setting trends within the genre. His rise to fame came through his innovative collaborations with major artists such as Gucci Mane, Migos, and Future, producing a string of chart-topping hits and earning critical acclaim.

Beyond his contributions to secular music, Zaytoven has also made significant strides in the Christian music space. Embracing his faith, he has worked on gospel projects that reflect his spiritual journey and dedication to Christian values. This crossover into Christian music demonstrates his versatility and commitment to using his talents to inspire and uplift across different genres.

In addition to his production and songwriting achievements, Zaytoven’s work displays his multifaceted career. His ability to blend various musical elements and anticipate industry trends has solidified his reputation as a pioneering force in modern rap and trap music. Zaytoven continues to be a dynamic presence in the music world, influencing both Secular and Christian music with his innovative approach and deep-rooted passion for his craft.

Q. Your music has a distinct emotional undercurrent, often evoking a specific mood. Can you walk us through your process of channeling personal emotions into your beats? Were there any life experiences that particularly shaped the emotional tone of your sound?

A. The best emotion that can be used to describe my music is very soulful; it makes you feel something in your heart and soul. That all comes from the church and my background playing the drums, organ, or keyboard at everything from weddings to funerals; both of those are very emotional experiences for people. Plus, being that both of my parents are deeply rooted in church with my dad being a preacher and my mom being the choir director, I got that gospel influence early. Gospel is at the root of most music genres because it has a heartbeat to it; you feel it. Also, being self-taught, I learned to play based on emotions – all that translates into my sound as a producer.

Q. How do your Bay Area roots influence your production style in Atlanta, a city with its own distinct musical identity? Are there any specific Bay Area sounds or philosophies that you’ve woven into your work that listeners might not recognize?

A. The Bay area is very funk-based and soulful, and Atlanta had a similar energy when I first moved. I was molded musically from the Bay, and I was able to add more of a melodic sound to the gutterness of the beats the artists liked, which is why it sounded so special. It was like a gumbo of all of these different things and my life experiences living in different places as a military brat and being a church musician.

Q. You’ve worked with some of the biggest names in hip-hop. How do you tailor your production approach when working with different artists, and is there a time when you had to step out of your comfort zone to meet an artist’s creative vision?

A. One of the things about me is that when artists come to me for beats, they want that Zaytoven sound. They’re trying to touch the heart of the streets and their fan base, and they trust me to give that to them. I’ve always prided myself on staying true to myself and what I do best and not switching up the blueprint of what’s working. And I think that’s what people respect most about me. They are always going to get that Zaytoven sound.

Q. Given the rapid technological advancements in music production, where do you see the future of trap music going? How do you think AI and other emerging technologies will impact the genre and your work specifically?

A. To be honest, I’m a fan of instruments, real instrumentation. I hope people will learn to pick up instruments and bring real musicianship back. I hope that becomes a trend.  I’m all for technological advancements, but I want music to keep its heart and soul, and I don’t know if any technology can duplicate that.

Q. You have influenced an entire generation of producers. What do you hope your lasting impact on the music industry will be, and how do you think future generations of producers will interpret and build upon your work?

A. That’s a good question. I hope that people will feel the passion that I put into my work and the dedication I have had toward bettering my craft over the years. I hope people acknowledge my character as a man. Someone who put God and family before anything and was able to build a solid career by being a good person and not wavering just to get a check. I hope that producers will learn how to play instruments and respect the art of music and be real students of the game. It’s kind of hard to say how future generations of producers will interpret and build on my work, but I hope more than anything that I inspire them to not only be greater and do better things but also be true to themselves. It’s flattering for people to duplicate my exact sound, but I encourage the next generation to allow what I’ve done to inspire them but then make a sound that’s all their own, and they put their own stamp to it.

Q. How important is visual art, like album covers and music videos, in complementing and enhancing your musical productions? Have you ever been involved in the visual direction of your projects?

A. I think those things are important because they help tell the story of the artist and the music. It’s all storytelling in both the music and the visuals, which gives the audience something to connect with. I’ve done a lot of videos. Whether that’s being in a video of one of the artists I’ve produced for or making my own. I’ve always appreciated when the mood of the video matches the lyrics. I have been involved in the visual direction of my videos, and I like them to be straightforward and tell a story.

Q. You grew up playing the organ in church, which is evident in the soulful undertones of your beats. How does your background in gospel music continue to influence your work in hip-hop and trap music today?

A. My church background influences everything I do. All my beats are influenced by gospel music and church because it’s in my DNA; it’s ingrained in me. The piano melodies in my beats all stem from that. I also think that’s why people feel strong emotions when they hear my music. It’s infused with that spiritual element.

Q. How do you balance the worlds of secular and gospel music in your career? Do you ever find these two sides of your musical identity in conflict, or do they complement each other?

A. I’m just myself in whatever space I’m in, and people rock with that. Because I know who I am and what my purpose is, I’m not in conflict about anything I do. I stay true to myself and stand on that.

Q. Have you ever considered or worked on a project that blends gospel music with trap beats in a way that hasn’t been done before? What would that sound like, and who would be your dream collaborators for such a project?

A. I’ve worked with a lot of my favorite gospel artists already, and it’s been a great experience because it was something that I have always wanted to do. Now, I’m working with gospel rappers, which is similar to secular artists in that the beats are hard, and the lyrics are aggressive, but it’s straight gospel. I heard a preacher say that you have to be creative in getting young people to the church and to God, and this reminds me of that.

Q. Do you see any parallels between the storytelling in gospel music and the narratives found in hip-hop? How do you think these genres can learn from and influence each other?

A. This new wave of gospel rap sounds so hard, but the messages are about glorifying God or how they came to know God, which, a lot of times, is through some kind of pain or struggle. These artists, both secular and gospel, have been through the blender, whether that’s emotional, financial, physical, mental, etc., and they use music as an outlet to express themselves and tell their stories. Music can be a great form of healing for both the artist and the listener and also the producer.

Q. Do you see your work in music as a form of ministry? How do you hope to inspire others through the music you create, whether it’s in the church or on the streets?

A. Gucci has credited me for being an example to him when he got married and started a family. By being around me for all those years and seeing me and my family as an example of what could be, he knew that it was possible. That’s what I think my ministry is. I’m this church guy around all these guys who live a completely different life from me, and just by me doing me, a lot of my character traits rub off. When they would come to my mama’s basement back in the day, we had rules in place and they respected that. So, I hope to inspire others just by living the message and being an example of a family man who also works in the music industry.

Q. As someone who’s mentored younger producers, what’s a lesson or piece of advice you received early in your career that you still pass on today? How has mentoring influenced your own growth as an artist?

A. I’ve always looked to my dad as my mentor. One thing he taught me was to be consistent. If you are consistent at doing something, eventually, you’ll get whatever it is you want. I owe consistency for lasting as long as I’ve lasted in this business. I watched both of my parents get up every morning and go to work whether they felt like it or not, and they instilled that same work ethic in me. I get up at the same time every morning and do the same things every day. People would be surprised at what they could accomplish if they had a routine that they stuck to every day because it cuts out wasting time. I also don’t procrastinate. If there’s something that I need to do, I will do it ASAP.

 Q. You have held several retreats and workshops for people interested in getting into the music industry. Who is your target audience for the retreats? Are you focusing on attracting specific types of attendees, or is this an ongoing effort to reach a broader range of participants?

A. My retreats and workshops are for anyone interested in music. Whether you are an artist, producer, engineer, or manager, you will walk away with some kind of practical knowledge to help move you forward in your career. It’s also good networking. You never know who you’ll meet and how they might be able to help you. I like to do them as often as I can because they are how I give back to the next generation.

Q. How do you balance your family and work life while still being one of the hottest producers this generation has seen?

A. In my house, it’s God and family over everything and then my work. I have always taken my kids to school and picked them up, and I use that time to talk with them. When I get home, I’m focused on making beats. My wife will usually come with me to events, photo shoots, or studio sessions, and we make date nights a priority. My pops and I go to the movies almost every week. I basically incorporate my family into my work when I can, but I also have very strict boundaries with my schedule. For example, I play in the church every Sunday morning. I try to be at home as much as I can. If my family can’t travel with me, I’m usually in and out of whatever city I’m in so I can get home. I was raised to prioritize God and family first, and I do the same thing. I couldn’t do what I do without them. They also respect and understand my work, but I put so much time into it that when I have to be away or have to really focus, they don’t mind because they know where they stand in my life.

Zaytoven will soon be unleashing a series of highly anticipated projects that are set to redefine the musical landscape. He’s joining forces with Money Man and Young Dro, promising a dynamic blend of their unique styles and Zaytoven’s signature production genius. Additionally, fans can look forward to an exceptional collaboration with his son, ZAYSKII. This father-son duo is poised to bring a new level of innovation and emotional depth to their music. With these exciting ventures on the horizon, Zaytoven is ready to captivate audiences and inspire listeners with fresh sounds and groundbreaking creativity. Stay tuned for what promises to be an unforgettable journey through the world of music.

Follow him on Instagram @Zaytovenbeatz. Visit his website at zaytovenbeatz.com.