LA hip-hop Jedi training camp mentors the producers of tomorrow

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Last Saturday in Inglewood, approximately a dozen esteemed music producers such as Dahi (known for his work with artists like Kendrick Lamar, J. Cole, and Drake) and DJ Khalil (who has collaborated with Dr. Dre, Kanye West, and Eminem) came together with 80 students to discuss and explore the craft of beat production.

A three-day workshop titled “Audio Affect Series,” jointly organized by TEC Leimert, a South L.A. nonprofit connecting tech and entertainment, Serato (a software company specializing in DJ and music production), and Undefeated, a popular street wear brand, was held from July 25-27. The aim of this event was to gather Black and brown creators across various skill levels for practical lessons aimed at enhancing their abilities in the field.

The concept for the workshop originated several years back, following an event by TEC Leimert during their annual conference at Leimert Park Plaza, which featured a music production activation. Even after the conference had ended, people could still be found gathered in a small tent, where producers were demonstrating live beat making and offering advice, long into the night.

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A beatmaking workshop in Inglewood helps anyone learn how to make music

8 p.m. had rolled around and yet they continued, recounts TEC Leimert Executive Director Paris McCoy. The atmosphere was palpable that this was the perfect setting for artists, making it abundantly clear to her that action needed to be taken. By the time her nonprofit reached out to the Serato team about joining forces on a beat-making program, they were already keenly interested as they had been discussing something similar, McCoy explains.

According to OP Miller, who is a DJ and heads artist relations for Serato, it became apparent that some individuals aspiring to enter the music production field were lacking in necessary tools or mentorship opportunities to guide them through the process.

2023 saw the inaugural Audio Affect Series unfold at Serato’s studio in Los Angeles’ Arts District. Over an extended period, four individual workshops took place, each attracting approximately 35 participants to their intimate settings. These sessions were designed for beginners and were skillfully guided by L.A.-based artists such as Lyric Jones, Georgia Ann Muldrow, and Dahi.

This year’s event, held at the bustling Volume Studios in Inglewood, was nothing short of impressive. Out of the whopping 200 applicants, an impressive 40% were chosen for the program. Undefeated generously supplied merchandise for the workshop, with a trendy hoodie being a favorite among attendees, who proudly donned it throughout the weekend.

In a large multifaceted studio, individuals spanning from teenagers to Generation X members, were spread out among different studios. Wearing headphones, they swayed rhythmically to the music they were creating, while keeping a focused gaze on the soundwaves that played on their computer screens like an intriguing dance.

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In this workshop, catering to intermediate to expert producers, we delved into various aspects including finding your unique production voice, mastering sample and track clearance, and building a robust online presence. Over the course of two days, attendees observed live demonstrations from industry experts and had opportunities to create their own beats. The culmination came on the last day when each student took turns showcasing their beat to the entire group.

Among the speakers were funk artist pioneer Dām-Funk, who is also a member of TEC Leimert’s board, as well as rapper and producer Dibiase from Watts, musician and event organizer Thurz hailing from Inglewood, and Amber Navran, a talented multi-instrumentalist and singer.

At the inaugural Audio Affect Series in 2023, Erika Jasper – a seasoned DJ with a self-admitted beginner’s touch at production – chose to return due to her desire to boost her self-assurance as a woman in the music production field.

In his own words, q.sol, otherwise known as Jasper, shares that he’s excited to learn from some top-tier music producers in the industry. Moreover, he emphasizes that Serato consistently delivers exceptional teaching methods, making each learning process meticulous and straightforward.

With approximately 25 years of experience in beatmaking under his belt, Thomas Phillips expresses his desire to join the program as he’s now focusing on taking his music career more professionally. “I’m primarily a software engineer,” says Phillips, “but I aspire to transition into audio engineering.” Accompanied by his 7-year-old son who is also into beatmaking, Phillips explains, “I’m devoting more care and purpose to my artistry instead of treating it as a pastime.

As a passionate film enthusiast hailing from Leimert Park, I can’t help but reflect on the value of events like the Audio Affect Series. If such a platform had existed back when I was just starting to craft beats post-high school, it would have been an incredibly helpful resource for me in honing my skills and expanding my network within the industry.

Linafornia, who discussed the evolution of Los Angeles’ music scene, mentions that this program is crucial for individuals passionate about music. It offers insights from peers and role models similar in age and appearance. Growing up, she didn’t have such opportunities; she wishes programs like this had existed during her teenage years.

Born in Inglewood, a producer named Dahi, renowned for winning a Grammy for his work on the song “A Lot” by J. Cole and 21 Savage, participated in the inaugural Audio Affect Series and expressed enthusiasm about future appearances.

As a passionate moviegoer, let me share my thoughts: “I’m constantly advocating for teaching people how to create better music, and I believe this is something we should do more often,” says Dahi, as he guided students through his creative approach to making beats. “I often hear complaints about what’s not good now, but I just think, ‘Let’s empower the youth, let’s help those who are eager to improve.’

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Several participants expressed that they found common ground with Navran’s talk on discovering her unique musical voice after decades of singing and playing wind instruments, followed by a later immersion in music production.

Navran, a member of the L.A.-based band Moonchild, admits that he hadn’t created anything for a while because he believed he wasn’t capable. However, after receiving motivation from friends, witnessing others produce work, and obtaining a starting kit detailing various approaches, he felt it was an inviting way to dive back into creating.

Similar to Linafornia, Navran expresses a wish that a platform such as the Audio Affect Series had been available to her at the onset of her journey. “Being immersed in the company of producers, individuals you can connect with, work alongside, and draw inspiration from is incredibly empowering,” she notes.

At the end of the workshop, everyone is allowed approximately two months to create and send in a beat for possible inclusion in the Audio Affect Series’ upcoming compilation album. Renowned producer and DJ Battlecat will oversee the selection process, with the final product set to be released on vinyl records next year.

Following some encouraging responses about the program, McCoy expresses that she and her group aim to turn it into a yearly occasion, allowing even more individuals to participate in it.

She says, “There is a real hunger and need for this kind of space.”

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2025-07-30 13:32