Drake is no stranger to dominating the music conversation, and his track “Draft Day” swiftly ignited discussions across the internet. Released unexpectedly, the song became an instant talking point, not just for Drake’s signature blend of introspection and boasts, but for its undeniably infectious beat. Social media platforms buzzed with opinions on everything from lyrical jabs to name-drops, but one sentiment echoed consistently: “That beat is absolutely fire.” This wasn’t just another Drake song; it was a sonic experience that demanded attention, instantly drawing listeners back for repeated plays.
My first encounter with “Draft Day” was an immediate immersion. Before the track even reached its midpoint, the irresistible Lauryn Hill “Doo Wop” sample had me hitting replay. A quest began instantly: who were the sonic architects behind this masterpiece? While I’m often critical of new Drake releases, this time felt different, compelling. In the digital age, information travels at lightning speed, and it took mere seconds to uncover the production team: the collaborative genius of Ducko McFli, SykSense, and the renowned Boi-1da.
Knowing Ducko McFli personally adds another layer to this story. Our friendship, forged two years prior through mutual acquaintance Jordan Kelley of Cherub, always hinted at Ducko’s immense talent. Jordan’s emphatic endorsement, calling Ducko “the best producer I know. Period,” carried weight, especially coming from someone embedded in Nashville’s burgeoning music scene. However, Nashville, primarily known for country music, presents a unique landscape for hip-hop aspirations. In a city where Taylor Swift sightings at local cafes are part of the folklore, carving a niche outside the dominant narrative is a significant undertaking.
Ducko’s journey in music has been far from effortless. Just three months prior to the “Draft Day” release, during a conversation amidst the NFL playoffs, he confided in me about the harsh realities of his struggle. To make ends meet, he had been forced to sell his studio equipment, a heartbreaking sacrifice for any artist. He recounted countless drives to Atlanta, fueled by hope and dwindling resources, all in pursuit of connecting his music with the right ears. The stark contrast between that moment of despair and his sudden involvement in a Drake track is nothing short of astonishing. Hearing the news, a surge of emotion overwhelmed me.
Reaching out to Ducko to delve into the creation of the beat led me straight to SykSense, his roommate and production partner. Their collaboration, operating under the moniker “The Fam,” was a revelation. Their shared living space, an attic apartment above an East Nashville barbershop, chosen for its tolerance of late-night studio sessions, became the birthplace of this hit. Visiting their DIY studio, you’re met with the friendly presence of their pit bull, the subtle scent of marijuana, and the ever-present pulse of bass resonating through the walls – a testament to their dedicated creative environment.
“It was a moment when everything was just perfect,” SykSense reflected on their decision to sample Lauryn Hill. “The late 90s vibe, you know? That era. I vividly remember my mom driving me to school with that song playing constantly on the radio. It resonated deeply with me. The specific breakdown part we sampled always spoke to me.”
Ducko chimed in, “When he played it for me, I was blown away. I couldn’t believe no one had sampled it before. It’s the quintessential ‘perfect age sample’.” The connection to Drake, they explained, was facilitated by Boi-1da, whom SykSense described as “a major catalyst in all of this.” Their relationship with Boi-1da dates back to 2010, and the Toronto-based super-producer has become a mentor, guiding and refining their production skills.
“Boi-1da elevates our work,” Ducko emphasized. “He takes our raw ideas and pushes them to the next level.”
SykSense detailed the beat’s timeline: “We created the beat on March 18th. It was a huge surprise when Boi-1da genuinely loved it and praised it. He sent it back to us after enhancing the drums. Then, unbelievably, around 4 or 5 AM, we heard a snippet with Drake rapping over it.”
Ducko was asleep when the track initially surfaced, and SykSense took on the role of herald. Recounting the moment, SykSense said, “Waking up to Drake rapping on our beat felt surreal. He literally shoved his phone in my face. I thought I was in a double dream, like some Inception level stuff. It was beyond comprehension. Shane, you know my son. The only feeling comparable to that joy, that sense of accomplishment, that pride, is the feeling of becoming a father.”
SykSense added, “When I first heard it, I was in disbelief. I was microwaving burgers in the kitchen and literally dropped my food on the floor. It felt like an immense weight lifted. We had done it. Collaborating with someone like Drake has been our long-term aspiration, which is why we connected with Boi-1da in the first place.”
Looking ahead, Ducko shared their grounded perspective: “We aren’t trying to replicate this exact moment. Our focus is on consistently creating quality music and showcasing our collaborative synergy. We have several projects in the pipeline with various artists. It’s crucial to remember our reality. We are two guys who were driving between Nashville and Atlanta on a shoestring budget. Seriously, my car has bullet holes.” (Later that evening, I witnessed the bullet holes firsthand).
“We sold everything we could to sustain ourselves,” he continued. “For two months, we were scraping by with practically nothing, all for this pursuit. This is what we’ve been striving for. Now, we can finally operate on our own terms. Just days ago, we were just two regular guys, well, broke guys in Nashville. Now, we’re part of one of the biggest songs in the country.”
Having followed Ducko’s production journey for years, I’ve observed a distinct evolution in recent months. He and SykSense attribute this growth to their collaboration, highlighting their mental connection and developing chemistry. They also emphasized the importance of honest self-assessment.
“As young producers, there’s a tendency towards bravado,” Ducko explained. “You often believe every beat you create is groundbreaking. You start believing your own hype, and your judgment becomes clouded. When Syk and I became brutally honest about our standing, we recognized the need for humility. It was challenging to confront our flaws as producers and actively address them.” Boi-1da’s mentorship proved invaluable in this process, SykSense added. While his critiques could be tough to hear, they were instrumental in their development and refinement.
“That’s why the ‘Draft Day’ metaphor resonates so strongly,” SykSense concluded. “This is our draft day… our transition from amateurs to professionals. We’ve invested the hard work. We are the underdogs who might not have had the fastest times or conventional backgrounds.”
“Nashville is stereotyped as solely a country music hub,” Ducko noted. “To the outside world, it’s ‘Country Music City.’ But to us, it’s simply ‘Music City.’”
SykSense added, “The external perception is often limited to a certain image – white musicians with specific looks playing acoustic instruments. It’s like being overlooked because you come from a less conventional system. But we found the right ‘coach’ in Boi-1da, who saw our raw potential and nurtured it. Then, Drake recognized our talent and ‘drafted’ us, metaphorically speaking.”
Sometimes, being a late-round draft pick is advantageous. Being underestimated, overlooked due to geographical location or perceived limitations, can lead to slipping under the radar. But ultimately, the right team, recognizing true potential, provides the platform to shine. Ducko McFli and SykSense, welcome to the professional league.
