Loyola University will host the Bayou Beats & Soul summit this Saturday, bringing together renowned hip-hop and R&B producers for a day of discussion, collaboration and mentorship. The event will take place at 1 p.m. in Nunemaker Hall on Loyola’s campus.

Headlining the summit are Grammy Award-winning producers Rockwilder and Deezle. Rockwilder, known for his work with Jay-Z, Janet Jackson, SZA and Mary J. Blige, will join Deezle, a New Orleans native recognized for his contributions to Lil Wayne’s Grammy-winning album Tha Carter III. Deezle has also worked with prominent artists such as Nicki Minaj, Drake and Chris Brown.

Additional industry veterans participating include producers KLC, KC da Producer, DJ Spin and recording engineer Josh Gannet. KLC, also a Grammy nominee, was a key figure in the production team Beats by the Pound, which was responsible for much of the output from Master P’s No Limit Records, including artists like Snoop Dogg, Mystikal and Mia X. KC da Producer has earned multiple Grammy nominations for his work with artists such as Justin Bieber, Lil Wayne and T.I.

DJ Spin, a New Orleans-born DJ and producer, has worked with Mystikal, Juvenile, and Britney Spears. Mixing and recording engineer Josh Gannet’s credits include work with Redman, Wu-Tang Clan, and Keith Richards.

The event will feature a keynote address followed by a panel discussion with the producers. Students will also have the opportunity to participate in workshops where they will collaborate with these professionals to create original music tracks. The producers will provide feedback and guidance on the students’ work, offering a hands-on learning experience.

Focusrite, a leading company in professional audio, is sponsoring the summit in partnership with Loyola’s Hip-Hop and R&B program. Representatives from Focusrite’s subsidiaries ADAM Audio and Novation will also be in attendance, highlighting the partnership between Loyola and the audio company, which has enhanced the university’s studio facilities.

“This collaboration introduces our students to the latest technology used in the music industry,” said Lovell “U-P” Cooper, Professor of Practice in Loyola’s Hip-Hop and R&B program. “Our students will gain access to cutting-edge tools before they’re widely available.”

The event is a highlight for Loyola’s College of Music and Media, which prepares students for careers in music, theatre, film and media through its School of Music and Theatre Professions and School of Communication and Design.

Bayou Beats & Soul Summit