The Kanye West "Stop Sign" Theory For Producing

[@ghostmouse4978]

0:09 When Kanye was talking about the stop signs design, he meant that he wanted to design something so universally useful and effective, like the stop sign, that no one remembers who designed it and it becomes apart of everyone’s day to day life

[@arvk22]

THISSSSSS

[@c_healy]

That’s how I took it too

[@millachipmunk]

True, absolutely. The NEED is the missing factor, but the key parts here of why the STOP sign is a good design are valid

[@ghostmouse4978]

@@millachipmunk Kanye would say that everyone NEEDS clothes and therefore he’s fitting a need, but I def did not NEED socks w soles

[@bolan6622]

that was probably how he meant it but it can definitely be interpreted in a lot of ways, this video is amazing

[@neborb]

This reminds me of what a producer told me on reddit once. "Don't make music for other producers, make music for others, random people don't know the challenges of producing, they just care about liking the song." There was a lot of wisdom in that reddit post..

[@SyoDraws]

Great ideas.

[@JACKYGOOBER]

808s too low in this post your "challenges" word was too high in 7k khz hurts my ears remove all and try again :))))

[@schqrr]

well said I agree

[@arsipantsu]

just make the music YOU wanna listen to. if you're music taste is any good, chances are the music you make for yourself will resonate with other people too

[@HelloKurse]

​@@arsipantsu This.

[@blabbilizer]

This reminded me of the fact when they were making Yeezus, every time there was an instrument you could barely hear in the mix they'd just flat out remove it

[@NavieD]

I remember reading/hearing that. I think Rick Rubin said that, right?

[@blabbilizer]

@@NavieD Yep!

[@teigeo]

‘If you can’t turn it up, take it out’ is something Mike Dean said referring to Ye’s transition to a more minimal approach. Great quote and an insight into the mindset.

[@ChrsGotFourEyes]

​@@teigeoglad someone mentioned Mike he's quintessential to Ye's team

[@MorbidManoeuvres]

But if it’s got something to it I.e you resonate with it. maybe have it come in at another section of the song to bring dynamic where it shines.

[@Dog-999i]

A little tip for producers who crate dig: If there are weird sounds or talking in your loop, don’t cut them out. They will make the beats more interesting

[@jacobmendoza9104]

also knowing when to stop adding things is a great skill that has to be learned, always think of how it will sound to a listener not a producer

[@Joshfortian15]

Unless u make music for other producers to enjoy over the average listener

[@jaymac8421]

Yeah, Alchemist actually adds talking to his beats and it does make them stand out.

[@SKLZWL]

🎯🎯

[@kenzoblytheproducertv4934]

Thats why im not over hyped about stem removal tools,when you can carve a sample out of what it is and make it work its going to sound more unique than just having the luxury to remove the voice or remove everything and have the clean drum loop.But what do i know?lol

[@mikelavish]

A great production trick is to add or take away something every 4 bars. It keeps the listener engaged and makes it feel like the song is constantly evolving. Works great on simple production.

[@generalwillwelsh7926]

Fr i got that from pharrell williams. That 4 bar switch up always works.

[@milkimadethebeat7858]

I didn't know this was a trick I've just always done this without thinking but that makes a lotta sense.

[@roman_nfkrz]

I can't believe you didn't use the paparazzi video of Kanye smashing his head into a STOP sign on the street in LA while walking with Kim lmao

[@howir0n1c2]

damn its nfkrz

[@cheddar8213]

Can you make MLG kanye next

[@kevinkempt]

hi nfkrz

[@rebeccaspratling2865]

That's exactly why I clicked on this video. 😭 Sad to see it wasn't used.

[@AndrewJames91]

Lmao yeah I thought this video was gonna be a theory how he lost his mind after he hit the stop sign 🛑 💥

[@CaldoHits]

Overtime, my beats have gotten simpler. I studied Metro Boomin, Dilla, Madlib and The Alchemist. The truth is you can have great beats without "overcooking" them. My area of experimentation these days is the mixing and sound design on the sounds while making sure it still feels accessible.

[@basedmod2139]

Overcooking is dope though if all components stand on their own

[@AlexxCloud]

I been doing this a long time. And this is one of the best videos for a beginner artist to watch. SIMPLICITY is king. Simplicity sells. Simplicity resonates with the brain.

[@duniandoto]

I love that you always show examples, my beats have vastly improved from your videos....Can I request a video on how to make Devin the Dude type beats, all his music immediately puts me in a good mood.

[@NavieD]

Glad I can help! Oooh Devin the Dude is a name I haven't seen in a while!

[@Thievishaura]

Somebody had the nerve to take the herb up out my Doobie ashtray how could you do me that way..

[@BasstardChildMusick]

u help me 2 son i allready sold like fifteen beats because of your plugin sellectioon@@NavieD

[@steezystony]

@@Thievishaurathat is in fact a preemo beat🔥

[@euphoricmonk]

No lie that beat was fire dude, nice work! Sounds like classic underground hiphop.

[@notoriousLEMONs]

This is something I've had to learn over the past few years of just making something until it sounds good and just stopping. Often get too involved in making it sound "big" by adding more, but the mix can fix it just that easily.

[@Weastmusic]

Agreed, it's so easy to fall into that trap!

[@quietbeest]

Another example is good automation. Adding nothing but learning when to cut out certain sounds letting the beat do different things. It makes it come alive.

[@Weastmusic]

So true, I've really started to find that as I play more with high & low pass filters

[@1POFFS]

Loved the stop sign from Portugal, big up and thanks for one more amazing video

[@joao3547]

portugal caralho

[@1POFFS]

@@joao3547 boooora boooora

[@cojo_swamp_gaming388]

I just want to thank you for keeping me going on this music production path. These past few months I've been in a state where i would sit down to make a beat where i would just open up FL and start doing some random stuff and in the end i would feel frustrated because "this isn't what i was going for i don't like this..." when i didn't know what I was going for in the 1st place. My beats felt random and all over the place. I now realize that before i go and make a beat i need to know where i'm going with it what kind of feeling or emotion i want to make with this beat.

[@NavieD]

I am glad I can help you, young man

[@gHoZt7414]

You'll never be a music producer

[@snokky1611]

broski a real hater@@gHoZt7414

[@Rubi1007]

@@gHoZt7414 if he’s making beats, he’s a producer

[@bofa4608]

@@gHoZt7414 lol your dad doesnt love you.

[@cwega2463]

it’s shit like this which makes people think Kanye fans are just blind meatriders and glazers. how can you misunderstand the meanings of someone’s words so much and still make an almost 7 minute argument supporting a misunderstanding and still make it positive towards Ye. crazy.

[@bravooooooooooooooooooooo]

This is legitimately and unironically the best beat I’ve heard from you. Respectfully of course. Thanks for the tips… I struggle with that myself.

[@HASHANT]

Even his T shirt is Red in this video Hats off

[@NavieD]

I planned this moment years in advance

[@wolfdrayvus101]

THERE ARE NO RULES. THERE IS NO RIGHT OR WRONG WAY TO MAKE YOUR ART. CREATE WHATEVER YOU FEEL. BE FREE WITHIN YOUR CREATIVITY.

[@bp2000k]

Listening to Kanye is like finding diamonds & stones. The stones are massive but they’re diamonds that are worthy.

[@silloweet]

He didn’t say the stop sign was the pinnacle of design He was asked what he wanted his legacy to be and he replied, “to be forgotten” because nobody remembers who created ubiquitous things such as the stop sign

[@dremmz]

Who knew something as simple as a stop sign could be some of the most insightful advice for any artist

[@girsami]

Fruitful dissection of this response by kanye. Reminds me how something small can be an inspiration for your next track or in this case a video.

[@FoxGrayMusic]

What is overthinking, anxiety. You don't need anxiety to create.

[@JudeTheDudeBeats]

One of the best tips videos I've seen! It's not the same recycling everyone says every year. It's a unique takeaway that is very helpful to me because I tend to overdo my beats, too many instruments, too much chaos.

[@Weastmusic]

This video speaks to something i've really been struggling with in my own productions lately. I was calling it "overcooking the beat". Your video did a great job of breaking it down into 3 ways i can combat this 1.Go into making a beat knowing what kind of sound you want & choose interesting sounds to accomplish this 2. Simplify where possible & don't always try to improve a song by "adding more" sometimes a sound needs more layers or a section needs a little something, but a lot of time I end up liking my simpler ideas a lot more & letting what i've made speak for itself. 3. Be confident in the sound you sculpt & make intentional choices to build with the loops, patterns & arrangements you have, vs. just adding a new shiny thing. Really excited to apply this knowledge as I make beats this week. Thanks for a great video!

[@archonicmakes]

that's a great name and i'm gonna steal it lmao

[@Weastmusic]

@@archonicmakes haha sharing is caring, I'm happy to help put a name to it. 2024 is the year of no overcooked beats!

[@LiquidDreamz93]

I agree for the most part but Travis Scott's Basement Freestyle from Days Before Rodeo is one of the best beats I ever heard and it's super complex. 3 years down the line and I would catch new things in the beat I didn't notice before

[@luciagil97]

Fire track

[@jeanpaulrouve6101]

yea his video is a bit oriented tbh, it's just music, good music design will always be subjective because as artists who aim to make people feel something we don't focus a clear and definite purpose like the stop sign does. Some very simple piano tracks may tell different stories to different people, it's also the beauty of it. In the end, just make something you like and don't lose yourself in the process

[@LiquidDreamz93]

@@jeanpaulrouve6101 I agree

[@trizverze]

cook with no expectations

[@combolarge]

This was so insightful and well-explained! Great job!

[@Aryeh487]

Great video but regarding the third tip, Kanye's Bound 2 which is arguably one of his best beats takes the completely opposite approach and is effective because of that, rather than in spite of it.

[@EdgieAlias]

formats are tools to be altered.

[@NavieD]

Yeah, as you said, it is purposeful and done for a reason. Most often when producers do something like that, it's because they are not confident in their beat's main idea and use switchups as a way to keep your attention. It seems as though the Bound 2 example feels a bit different in that he seems to want to create a juxtaposition and build "meaning" in the beat through his switch up. Good comment though! What are your thoughts?

[@krs-fltutorials4487]

Did you just day bound 2 is one of Ye's best beats. 😅

[@Dog-999i]

@@krs-fltutorials4487The Loop is catchy but Large Professor flipped the same sample better.

[@blvrrimg]

@@krs-fltutorials4487 "uhmmm... did you just have a different opinion?? 😅😅"

[@pinbol5701]

i liked this point of view, for real. one thing I would emphasyze is that not always the aproach of music is like to 'communicate' in order to "summaryze" an idea. there are lots of music that doesn't come up in that way. for LOOPS in pop music, that's a really good approach in my opinion, because that's kinda what looping is about. again, i think is a great advice, it really inspired me! but it is also important to remind that music isn't always built like an Ad for example. i mean it's useful to think this way, i would just say that it is something like a creative industry point of view important to consider with some context but not to the whole point of music making.

[@Algorithm840]

I wanna know more of these little tricks that aren’t as much technical but more so philosophical

[@mattsanchez2044]

He’s back! Missed u navie

[@victorcobane6644]

Great vid! The last point is always so hard for me, and change ups in a composition are hard for me in general, but I think you're right that they should try to preserve the original emotion and vibe.

[@isaacmeredith9421]

This reminds me of a short about the song Yonkers. Tyler the creator made the beat in like 8 minutes I think and then just went with the feeling it gave when freestyling. Insane to me

[@docmcfly3933]

The 2 main points of this video: 1. Stop overthinking 2. Stop being pretentious.

[@noahlampe2208]

Youre the only music tutorial guy i watch in my whole free time 😂 Love this stuff

[@CantTellYou]

I was expecting the Kanye / STOP-sign metaphor to be a reach (and it kind of is lol) but it led you to easily explaining a lot of good ideas!

[@IhsanSantoso]

Not a music guy but watch this video till the end. as fellow creator your writing skill amazing, using one statement from ye and you came up with this, wow

[@quietbeest]

3:50 Let me rap over that beat!!! 😤 Srrssly 🔥

[@jeremylawrence1987]

That beat nasty

[@Justachamp772]

I thought you would talk about what he actually said, that become so common in society that they forget you but use your ideas centuries later

[@NavieD]

I wanted to dig a level deeper and think about why they have lasted for so long

[@Justachamp772]

@@NavieD It's a super cool idea, just surprised me when you didn't talk about it at all.

[@idesel]

You could simply add that on the comments as an interesting point yourself rather than expect someone else to mention it. The point of the video is to extract practical lessons for someone trying to produce music, the point you're making is neutral to that fact, it doesn't add or remove anything so Navie mentioning it or not has no actual effect to the video's purpose.

[@yesno4065]

Amazingly well structured video!

[@isabtdlr]

one of my favorite examples of this is the beat for mixed personalities by ynw melly, when u analize it its a simple beat with not much going on but the melody makes it feel like a complete track whatsoever

[@allboutbusiness]

These early morning drops make me want to cook up every time.

[@NavieD]

Hahah hopefully that doesn't get you in trouble with your job

[@lukane_sa]

Bro brought Traffic engineering into beatmaking

[@Mista808]

Without even watching this video I already have an idea as to what Kanye would mean when he says that he thinks about a stop signs design. I would assume it's because despite being simple, the stop sign gets it's job done by easily getting it's point across. And despite being a simple design, it's also complex enough to where it easily stands out from any of the other thousand signs that we use on our road ways. And the stop sign is also pretty simple and straight forward. Like a stop sign, you can't go wrong with music that follows this same logic. Make your music complex and unique enough to stand out from the rest, but at the same time.. KEEP IT SIMPLE STUPID and make your music stand out among all the other music we have out there in this world. STAND OUT, BE UNIQUE, BUT KEEP IT SIMPLE STUPID! Now I'll play the video and see if I'm even close to accurate.

[@NavieD]

2/3. Good job!

[@freshfeel]

First Navie D of the year? Smash that mf like button

[@vanbievevo1027]

BRO this beat is nuts wow

[@N8R_Quizzie]

The stop sign idea makes sense for why he sampled "21st Century Schizoid Man" in his song. That song back in its time was a stop sign, basically invented a new genre of music.

[@JaySin801]

"I was GONNA stop, but it took me too long to read the sign."

[@enesy22]

the stop sign is even a global thing which is used in almost every country this tuff

[@segajcharrua]

Love so much the fact of using Portuguese road signs for this video!

[@genericnickname1]

1:55 808s can be designed like a stop sign though, look at the spinz

[@Vi-Vi_bubble_tea]

I lost my shit when you put that paragraph on the stop sign. I imagined people trying to read all that while they crash into each other at the middle of the intersection.

[@chaosevolution]

It depends on the genre; but I feel like many layers is dope for a beat; even automation lanes and evolved sounds. There is a cross over with edm/hiphop & rap beats these days. Look how complex Sicko Mode is.

[@yeahyeahyea7593]

for real. I think it’s more about knowing when to be complex and when not

[@sideshow4463]

@@yeahyeahyea7593 Yes, It's about knowing when to do and when to not do something. Also deciding if the project is an instrumental track or if someone is going to lay vocals on it later. Because you really don't want too much going on and then also have vocals on it. It can become to much for the ear to handle.

[@Skrenja]

Sicko mode isn't that complex though? There's litterally a default instrument in logic that sounds just like the chords in it.

[@nouveauheightstv2133]

Maybe think about making another video on how Kanye uses the stop sign theory for marketing because its bigger than the music. Everything that he does is about positioning and marketing.

[@freebbyrenewing]

but, but... being concise and not asking too much sounds almost the same to me! great video and analysis by the way

[@epictoast]

Here's my stop sign theory for producing: Stop producing.

[@poprickartword2294]

screw the stop sign, who made the netflix thunk sound or the hulu swoosh sound. or the marima iphone sound

[@rubinprince100]

i sampled the first chords u showed and made a sick beat, i think simplicity can be the very thing that helps something stand out, look at passionfruit

[@Mahmddd9311]

I WILL DO ONE PUSH UP FOR EVERY LIKE THIS COMMENT GETS

[@NavieD]

ollolo I'm gonna need proof

[@cmthekilla]

I ain't liking shii but my bish cuh😂

[@phonymex3340]

​@@cmthekillaCringe.

[@ChrsGotFourEyes]

Post that mf

[@who_cares848]

​@@cmthekilla.......what?

[@alexishappy69]

that helped me not to get a creative block and to think differently thanks !!! :3

[@badm.d]

It depends what you are making, simple can be amazing and more often than not works. On the other hand there is so much amazing and complex music that would not have happened with this mentality. I often overcomplicate, but sometimes it produces great, interesting and unique music. Progressive music is great, what your stating is literally why music has become so formulaic. Your talking about a genre of music where the complexity comes from the lyrics. You wouldnt tell a rapper to repead the same 4 bars over and over changing one word at a time.

[@TheMattmatic]

The Stop sign is nearly perfect. I would add another sign under it that said ”HAMMERTIME”. Then it would be perfect- nothing left to take away.

[@JayFlowersMusic]

Your videos are beautiful man, really good job

[@NBNJAYYY]

Been doing this I'm on the right track just gotta be more consistent

[@dkproducer]

The example beat is crazy!

[@thaddeousroper3320]

The question is...can we rap on it?

[@marsyanotreal]

Navie, will you ever make a vid on Nujabes?

[@yesno4065]

Amazing beat!

[@poelogan]

I call this sonic minimalism but having another term for it is always good

[@MfnStarboy]

bro where is this beat? i need it real quick lol

[@ccdream2158]

Sick video, great points and great explanation. Appreciate it!

[@hdslave]

I wish creativity or originality was as marketable as you make it out to be

[@libra-pk7ce]

Another great video by Benzema

[@xPeerless]

Such a creative teacher. If you were in a high school students would probably love your class

[@starchildproductions5955]

The stop sign theory can also apply to knowing when to STOP essential 👌🏾

[@yahiaruh]

I’m new to beat making and production, this was so helpful thank u

[@88francio]

that hell of a life bass🔥🔥🔥

[@yunglordkami]

aint that just part of the sample?

[@MYHOODMONOPOLY]

I dare yall to upload the beat YOU made using this "THEORY".

[@superkamigurualucardmckee6181]

I'm a rapper singer sax player and producer! I have always had my own style but I can't lie some of your videos have helped me come up with some new good ideas! I wish I was better at recording myself that's probably my biggest weakness. I'm good making the beats but not so good with mixing my vocals onto it! Any advice for that by chance?

[@svers_personal]

Didn't know what to expect. Great video. I'd body that beat too.

[@LordOfAurum]

You’re the greatest teacher of all time I think. I just wanted to let you know that. I didn’t understand compressors until I found your video about them. Since then i’ve learned so much about producing in modern times from you. You have a way of simplifying things and getting to the point. Thanks 🙏🏼

[@tcarrillo1060]

The best relation to this theory in music is the 4 on the floor rhythm imo lol

[@sideshow4463]

Great video and idea. I will think of this more from now on.

[@frowningato]

u always got interesting videos bro

[@Aligator_maid_waifu]

Hold up let him cook. Nah cause that beat sounds devious as ffuucckk let him cook.

[@eosmediiia]

Yeah man I love your stop sign so detailed

[@JeovanyCalero]

The beat at 4min is FIRE!

[@eastsidelight]

kanye really is a genius

[@bp2000k]

Listening to Kanye is like finding diamonds & stones. The stones are massive but they’re diamonds that are worthy.

[@zzzzzz69]

I think the last point kind of depends, sometimes drastically different elements add up rather than dilute, again depending on the musical context

[@afcommunity11]

Drakes the kind of person to have a traffic light in his room so that he knows when he can or cant leave

[@luigidellebicocche4498]

this is genius

[@richtrapattonibeats]

great ideas and great examples, love the video, will try it myself

[@PeejRosentraeger]

Quoting Keisha instead of the Olivet Discouese and not having any witnesses is one stone left of radio.

[@johnherbert9171]

I love the fart base❤❤❤

[@NavieD]

huh

[@deepfriedbrowny4609]

Let’s go, early on a naive d vid!

[@scoophampton5604]

Remember when he hit his head on that stop sign? 😂

[@krispysox]

Ye is rather fond the swastika too, angled on the diagonal in back on white, circled in red.

[@keejay12]

That 2nd stop sign will cause accidents and hurt the purpose of it lol

[@NavieD]

Precisely!

[@CXBN11]

That beat is fire

[@MrShourie]

3rd Rule doesn't apply to Indian Music. That's what makes it so beautiful.. It feels like its evolving!