His ability to find a diamond in the rough and develop artists into superstars has set certified platinum producer Zaytoven apart from the competition. Super-producer Xavier “Zaytoven” Dotson gained his name from the German composer and pianist Ludwig van Beethoven because of the many similarities the two musicians share. Both were born in Germany, both mastered the organ and piano at a young age, both boast a genuine interest in music and most notably possessed the same good foresight to align themselves with key people who could help further their careers. For Beethoven it was the dignitaries of Vienna, for Zaytoven it was Gucci Mane, king of the streets of east Atlanta. Zaytoven is the epitome of a multi-layered musical genius.Not only has he mastered playing the guitar, drums, organ and piano by ear, but he is also a gifted producer, songwriter and performer. The man behind the magic can even be considered an instrument himself, expressing his passion and poetry through keys, strings and drumheads. While he wears many hats, he wears them all well, constantly re-inventing himself and his sound to become a crucial force in the entertainment industry. With the success of Usher’s controversial hit single “Papers”, that climbed to the #1 spot on Billboard’s R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart, the release of Plies classic “Awesome” and Def Jam’s Big Bank Black’s “Try It Out” featuring Kandi skyrocketing up the Rap/Hip-Hop charts, Zaytoven proves that he can effortlessly move from one genre to another.
“I had a great time working with Zaytoven on this ‘Papers’ record,” says celebrated songwriter/producer Sean “The Pen” Garrett. “He has the potential to be one of the greats.”
It was during Zaytoven’s time on the west coast that he met rap legend JT the Bigga Figga and began to create his authentic sound. By the dawn of the new millennium, the aspiring entrepreneur moved to Atlanta and had amassed enough experience to establish himself as a viable producer on the music scene, While having a studio built in the basement of his parents home, Zaytoven decided to put his hands to another use- cutting hair. Like most great legacies are, by design, the barber school he enrolled in was laced with destiny. It was there that a fellow student introduced Zaytoven to Gucci Mane, who at that time was more interested in launching his nephew’s rap career than his own. However Zaytoven took a special interest in the “diamond in the rough” lyricist and the two had an immediate connection and undeniable work chemistry. The duo scored big in 2005 with Gucci Mane’s hit single “So Icy” featuring Young Jeezy, which peaked at #23 on Billboards Hot Rap Tracks chart. Much like the clay in the hands of a skilled sculptor, Zaytoven has crafted and shaped the careers of many popular southern artists, such as OJ Da Juiceman (“Make the Trap Say Aye”), Yung LA (“Do It”), Yung Ralph (“About A Chick”), The Shop Boyz (“Imma Ball”), Scrappy (“She Bad”) and Gorilla Zoe (“What It Is”) while providing anthems like the street smash “Trap or Die 2” for Young Jeezy’s forthcoming Thug Motivation 103.He has a flair for cultivating raw talent, a skill that speaks volumes on his ability to recognize and support new artists and develop them to reach a broader audience. Zaytoven is on a quest to expand his boundaries while simultaneously taking the traditional elements of his church heritage to create a distinct sound that continuously provides him with inspiration. With placements on Brandon and Brian Casey of the R&B Grammy winning quartet Jagged Edge’s debut album, as well as features on Trey Songz, Rihanna & R. Kelly’s upcoming projects, Zaytoven counterbalances his marriage to Hip-Hop with his love for R&B and Soul music. Unlike the many trends in music that are ushered in just as quickly as they leave, Zaytoven’s artistry and creativity is timeless and signifies that he is one of the best.
