Producer Signatures

Occasionally you might have noticed that several songs on your iPod start off with the same kind of shout or sound, and many times the songs sound sort of similar as well. Since producers often don't have a verse on all of their tracks they sell to artists, many of them leave some sort of signature sound on almost all of their beats - just to let everyone know whose work it is.

I think it's cool to be aware of these unique stamps. If you like a certain beat, you can research that producer and hear more of that kind of track. Many of them have their blogs or sites where they will gladly release a lot of what they create but doesn't make to the big name albums. If you are an aspiring producer, this allows you to be aware of what sounds you dig - and go find producer sound kits that are similar to your taste.

So here's a list of a few signature sounds by many big name producers that I've compiled. Each of them links to a song where you can hear the effect as well. Of course, there are a lot of producers who don't have one that aren't on this list.

Akon - Jail cell slamming shut Gwen Stefani - Sweet Escape (0:07)

Bangladesh - "Bangladesh" Lil' Wayne - A Milli (First 2 Seconds)

David Banner - "David David David Banner" Lil' Wayne - La La

DJ Khaled - "We The Best" or "DJ Khaled" Lots of Artists - All I Do Is Win (Start)

Don Cannon - "Cannon!" Lil' Wayne - Cannon (0:19)

Drumma Boy - "Listen to dis track, b****" Waka Flocka Flame ft. Roscoe Dash & Wale - No Hands (Start)

Jazze Pha - "Ladies and Gentlemen" Ciara ft. Missy Elliott - 1, 2, Step (0:06)

J.R. Rotem - "J.J.J.J.J.R!" or "J.R." Sean Kingston ft. Lil' Wayne - I'm at War (0:07)

Kane Beatz - "Kane is in the building" or short laugh Lupe Fiasco - The Show Goes On (0:12)

Lex Luger - Rising Synth Kanye West & Jay-Z - H.A.M. (0:11)

Maestro - Woman whispers "Maestro" Lil' Wayne - 3 Peat (0:17)

Nitti - "It's a Nitti Beat!" Young Joc - It's Goin' Down (Start)

Polow Da Don - "Wait a minute, Mutha*****" Rich Boy - Throw Some D's (2:28)

Tha Bizness - "Tha Bizness" Young Money - Every Girl (0:03)

Dr. Dre

Drake is always mentioning some guy named 40 in his songs - well that's his longtime friend and producer. Producers are also sometimes mentioned on the track by the recording artist if their signature sound isn't inserted.  Just Blaze works a lot with Jay-Z and almost always gets a shout out. Other big producers like Swizz Beatz and Timbaland often also do a verse or hook, and many producers also make an appearance in music videos as well.