Upcoming Masterclass with DaeDae PIVOT
Just one week ago, I set out to explore the discography of hip-hop producer DaeDae. I queued up about twenty tracks, starting with “RPG” by Kehlani featuring 6lack. The song opens with a simple arrangement: relaxed keys anchored by a smooth, minimal drum pattern. The beat’s spaciousness gives Kehlani room to weave her vocals seamlessly into the production. As I worked through more of DaeDae’s catalog, I noticed a consistent approach in his music — a focus on clarity and balance, where every sound is intentional and serves a distinct purpose. This tendency sets him apart from producers who tend to clutter their tracks with unnecessary elements.
Take “Excited” featuring Saba as an example. The track opens with a distinctive drum click pattern, creating an immediate rhythmic foundation. By withholding the main melody until later, DaeDae gives the percussive elements a moment to shine. When the melody finally arrives, it feels deliberate, injecting color and atmosphere into the production. The spacey lead instrument establishes a playful, open soundscape that Saba can flow over with versatility. Behind Saba’s vocals, a subtle vocal sample adds texture without distracting from the performance, showcasing DaeDae’s precise layering technique. As the track progresses, he introduces bass and a soft guitar riff, bringing the song to a full, well-rounded state. It’s a careful balance — add too much, and the mix would feel too busy; strip away any element, and the track would feel incomplete.
Beyond his arrangement skills, DaeDae’s mixing stands out. On “Excited,” each sound occupies a distinct frequency range, and the vocal mix ensures Saba’s delivery cuts through cleanly. The overall sonics are warm but maintain a polished clarity, demonstrating DaeDae’s expertise in audio engineering.
His work with Saba’s Pivot Gang label, particularly on Few Good Things, highlights his ability to craft cohesive albums. The production across this record is mellow, yet intricate enough to stay interesting. A notable track is “Circus,” an interlude that showcases DaeDae’s knack for subtle innovation. Pitched-up vocals can often sound artificial, but here, they stay authentic to Saba’s voice, sitting perfectly in the mix. The song builds carefully, starting with gentle melodies before the drums hit, adding a necessary rhythmic drive. The album’s careful curation is evident in the thoughtful song transitions, which create a smooth and cohesive listening experience.
Throughout DaeDae’s career he has worked with artists like Wiz Khalifa, IDK, and Tobi Lou. In all of these collaborations he has maintained his particular approach to making music. Whether it’s the warm, cohesive production on Few Good Things or the detailed layering in tracks like “Excited,” his work demonstrates how thoughtful, intentional choices can elevate a song.
For anyone interested in diving deeper into his creative process, DaeDae will be sharing his methods and insights during a masterclass with Q-Wave on November 20th. It’s a rare chance to learn directly from a producer who understands sound design and uses that skill to make some amazing music.
-Adam Satov