Beats, breaks, and brilliance: Hip-Hop & R&B masters inspire the next wave at Loyola New Orleans University

We teamed up with Loyola University New Orleans, along with our fellow brands from the Focusrite Group, to host an event to provide an in-depth look at Hip-Hop and R&B production styles from some of these genres’ most acclaimed creators.

The final weekend of September wasn’t just another date on the calendar for students at Loyola University—it was a transformative moment for aspiring producers and the future of hip-hop and R&B. Presented by the Focusrite Group, the event turned the university’s state-of-the-art production spaces into hubs of creativity, education, and inspiration.

Designed in partnership with Loyola’s renowned Hip-Hop and R&B program, which is part of Billboard’s annual Top Music Business Schools list, the event brought together GRAMMY® winners and iconic names in production, including DJ Spin, KC da Producer, Josh Gannet, Rockwilder, and Deezle. These veterans, whose work spans legends like Wu-Tang Clan, Jay-Z, and Lil Wayne, didn’t just share insights; they deconstructed their creative processes, spoke about their journey from starting to being at the top of their game, and echoed the importance of collaboration.

Keynote speaker and program architect Lovell “U-P” Cooper underscored the program’s mission to democratise access to high-quality tools and expertise. “When you get people like Rockwilder or Deezle here, the first thing they say is, ‘If I had this in the ’90s…’ That’s exactly why we’re doing this. We’re giving young producers the tools, the studios, and the mentorship we only dreamed of back then.”

The event wasn’t just about theory; it was about action. Students explored hands-on workshops led by the guest producers, dissecting track creation, perfecting mixes, and learning how to approach their work with both precision and vision. The day culminated in students showcasing their own productions—receiving direct, constructive feedback from the panelists themselves.

Raney Antoine Jr., another of Loyola’s Hip-Hop & R&B professors, reflected on the impact of this transparent approach. “The pros didn’t just highlight their successes—they talked about the mistakes, the missed opportunities, and the lessons they’ve learned. That’s the stuff our students need because we’re here to prepare them for the real world, not sell them a fantasy.”

Behind the scenes, the Focusrite Group has been integral to shaping Loyola’s cutting-edge studio ecosystem, which features our renowned RedNet and Red audio interfaces. These Dante®-enabled systems allow seamless collaboration across the university’s five studios, creating a dynamic, interconnected learning environment. This innovative setup has not only revolutionised the way students learn music production but also proved its adaptability during the pandemic by enabling remote ensemble recordings.

To cap the event, Focusrite donated funds to Save the Music, specifically for J Dilla Music Technology Grants in New Orleans schools — an ongoing commitment we take for nurturing the next wave of musical talent, from high school classrooms to university studios.

For students, hobbyists alike, and aspiring creators and engineers, the event was a reminder: the tools, knowledge, and connections you need to create the next big hit aren’t just for industry insiders anymore. They’re accessible—and they’re waiting for you to dive in.