DROMAG: the underground EP that you’ve never heard of
Editor’s Note: The Views expressed in this article are those of the author.
A month after its release, the collaborative EP, “DROMAG” continues to ripple through the D.C. area, finding its way into local headsets and playlists and proving to be timeless with its dreary production and aggressive lyricism.
With almost 3,000 followers on Instagram and 725 Spotify monthly listeners, the producer Magnus Andretti, 34, finds his niche in his jazz-esque, lo-fi hip-hop production, encapsulating listeners in a moment of nostalgic euphoria.
From the Donut Lounge in Brooklyn to the Genius Party in Raleigh, N.C., Andretti is no stranger to rocking a crowd and bringing the groove no matter where he’s at.
“Just to start seeing the reception, I didn’t really understand how many people were actually anticipating this shit,” Andretti said. ”I was genuinely shocked— like y’all were really waitin’ for this?”
Originally from Silver Spring, M.D., Andretti was born Michael McClain. Surrounded by music at an early age, he would find an appreciation for hip-hop that was instilled by his cousins and uncles, who were producers and DJs who shared their love for music with him.
“DROMAG” was released Sept. 9, alongside local rapper Paydroo–a match made in heaven.
The producer’s chemistry with Paydroo was evident as the beat selections complemented the artist’s gritty underdog narrative of turning rags to riches. Andretti said he enjoyed playing a part in Paydroo’s creative process as he watched the rapper venture out of his comfort zone.
“I like a lot of the beats because the beats that he chose — I love how it sonically challenged [Paydroo] and it pushed him in a different direction,” Andretti said. “I always felt like as a producer, especially for me, that should be my goal; I don’t want to make shit that sounds like what you’ve already been doing.
“And the one that really got me the most was when he did ‘Lately,’ because when I made that beat, I wasn’t even making it on no rap shit. It was more of an experimental beat, so when he chose that, I was just like ‘fuck yeah, bruh,’” he said.
Andretti’s production in “DROMAG” would highlight his creative process and role as a curator with dreary R&B samples, choppy beat percussions and angelic choir singing. The first track, ‘Pearhead’s Intro,’ greets listeners with a heavenly vocal loop beneath Paydroo’s hungry delivery as he reflects on the come up, creating a contrast between the ethereal and the rugged.
For Andretti, the nature of the EP bringing two fanbases together heavily influenced his creative philosophy.
“I have my own name, I have my own fanbase as well as he does, y’know what I mean? So whenever we collaborate or do anything, it feels like we’re meeting on equal terms, y’know what I mean? And we’re combining the forces together.”
Andretti continues to hone his craft and produce a sound that stimulates listeners physically, mentally and emotionally. Andretti expressed wanting to accomplish a trademark sound, one that listeners could put a face to.
“It’s that equal producer and rapper collaboration that I’ve always felt brought so much more power to the music when both of those entities meeting are of equal power,” he explained. “Because now it’s like the fans are already going to match a sound to an idea and that builds anticipation.”
The producer would recall listening to beat tapes as an adolescent, noting J Dilla, 9th Wonder and Knxwledge as some of his favorites. The legendary influences are clear when listening to “DROMAG” and will evolve as Andretti continues to develop his trademark sound.