In The Rap Game episode “Catch Fire,” mentor Jermaine Dupri gives his five young rappers (Jordan, Lil Bri, RapUnzel, Ricci Bitti, Street Bud) another challenge/opportunity. The kids get to create a song from scratch with Grammy Award-winning producer Zaytoven. Yes, he copped his name from Ludwig van Beethoven. Like Beethoven, Zaytoven (who was born Xavier Dotson) was born Germany. (Zaytoven in Hamburg, Beethoven in Bonn.) And like the German composer and pianist, according to Zaytoven, “they both mastered the organ and piano at a young age.”
Now in the States and living in Atlanta, Zaytoven is known for working with Southern rap artists Gucci Mane, Migos, Future, and Waka Flocka Flame. Zaytoven won a Grammy for co-producing Usher’s 2011 Raymond v. Raymond album. He also wrote the single “Papers” (with Sean Garrett) on the album. The Rap Game airs Fridays at 10pm on Lifetime.
