Perfect example! Was watching more of his recent stuff lately and he definitely took a turn from sampling an took a step into more Neo soul direction. He's always had those funk bass lines but there's definitely something more creative and musically Inspiring about him now. I Agree you don't need to read sheet music or have a PHD in music theory but understanding basic chord progressions and playing an instrument won't hurt you. Especially when tracking musicians. Being able to talk and explain your self with knowledge and in a language they'll understand can only help for the better.

His beats were much better when he sampled. His beats have lost the rawness they used to have. I've seen a lot of producers music change for the worse when the learn keys and decide to play everything. You should never think about music theory when being creative, at least in hiphop since that is what I do.

I don't think his music took a turn for the worse....just different. It definitely deviated from Hip Hop. But it isn't worse. Just not really rugged ****.

aint this the tool that made drakes music ? It very much sounds like it lol