Producer Decap's Drum Samples Power Hits Across Genres
Nicholas Piantedosi, known as Decap, created the Drums That Knock sample packs, which have been used by artists including Kendrick Lamar, Olivia Rodrigo, and Bad Bunny. The series began in 2016 and is now on its 11th installment. In an interview, Decap discusses using Ableton Live, a soft clipper, and a 1998 Boss SP-202 sampler, and criticizes phone speakers for failing to reproduce deep bass.
Decap, whose real name is Nicholas Piantedosi, is a record producer behind the Drums That Knock sample series, launched in 2016 and now in its 11th installment. His sounds have appeared on tracks by Kendrick Lamar, Olivia Rodrigo, Bad Bunny, Freddie Gibbs, Mac Miller, BTS, and Charli XCX, plus Ludwig Göransson’s Oppenheimer score.
In his workflow, Decap relies on Ableton Live and a soft clipper, while retaining a 1998 Boss SP-202 sampler from junior high. He argues phone speakers cannot reproduce raw 808 bass, so making drums translate there is a mark of success.
Decap’s approach may influence how producers and listeners think about sound design and playback. Aspiring beatmakers could feel encouraged that a computer and inexpensive tools suffice, while artists and audiences may become more aware of how phone speakers flatten bass. The story may also highlight sample packs as behind-the-scenes contributors to pop, hip-hop, and film music, affecting producers, gear makers, and listeners who value low-end translation.