7 Essential Secrets Inside The Cardo Got Wings SUPER MADNESS 2K24 Drum Kit

Contents

The Cardo Got Wings drum kit is arguably one of the most sought-after sound packs in modern hip-hop production, serving as the blueprint for the laid-back, yet hard-hitting 'lifestyle' trap sound championed by artists like Larry June and the foundation for viral hits. As of late 2024, the latest and most talked-about release is the SUPER MADNESS 2K24 kit, a collection that promises to deliver the exact clean, sharp, and bouncy drum samples that define the GRAMMY-nominated producer’s signature style, giving aspiring beatmakers a direct line to the sounds behind tracks for Drake, Kendrick Lamar, and Wiz Khalifa.

This deep-dive article will break down the essential components of Cardo's sound, analyze what makes the 2K24 kit a must-have, and provide actionable tips to integrate his unique drum programming into your own music, ensuring your beats hit with the same distinctive bounce and weight that has made Ronald LaTour Jr. an industry legend.

The Producer: Cardo Got Wings Biography and Major Credits

To truly understand the value of the Cardo Got Wings drum kit, you must first appreciate the producer's unparalleled influence on modern hip-hop. Known professionally as Cardo Got Wings, or simply Cardo, the man behind the moniker is Ronald Nathan LaTour Jr.

Here is a quick profile of the influential producer:

  • Real Name: Ronald Nathan LaTour Jr.
  • Born: September 24, 1984
  • Origin: Saint Paul, Minnesota (with significant ties to Denver, Colorado)
  • Profession: Record Producer, Rapper
  • Signature Sound: Clean, sharp, and bouncy drums layered over soulful, often vintage-sounding samples and atmospheric synths. He is a pioneer of the 'New Wave' of trap and the 'lifestyle' rap sound.

A Legacy of Chart-Topping Production

Cardo's career took flight in the early 2010s, quickly becoming a key architect of the sound that defined a generation of artists. His production credits are a testament to his versatility and enduring relevance:

  • Drake: Co-producer on the viral, GRAMMY-nominated smash hit "God's Plan" (2018).
  • Kendrick Lamar: Produced "Big Shot" for the Black Panther: The Album soundtrack (2018).
  • Wiz Khalifa: A long-time collaborator, Cardo is a core member of the Taylor Gang collective and produced numerous tracks that defined Wiz's sound.
  • Migos: Contributed to the GRAMMY-nominated album Culture II.
  • Larry June: The primary producer for the Bay Area rapper, crafting the signature smooth, laid-back, and aspirational 'lifestyle' beats that have become a sub-genre unto themselves.
  • Other Major Artists: Travis Scott, Mac Miller, French Montana, Curren$y, and J. Cole.

His ability to adapt while maintaining a distinct sonic fingerprint is precisely why producers worldwide are desperate to get their hands on his sound kits.

Unpacking the SUPER MADNESS 2K24 Drum Kit: The Cardo Sound Blueprint

The SUPER MADNESS 2K24 kit is the latest official offering from Cardo Got Wings, specifically designed to capture the essence of his recent, highly-praised work, including the sounds used on his latest project, SIGAN VIENDO. This kit is a direct response to the demand for the clean, punchy drums heard in the beats for artists like Larry June and the newer, more menacing trap sound he’s been exploring.

The 7 Essential Components You’ll Find

Unlike bloated sample libraries, Cardo’s kits are known for quality over quantity, focusing on sounds that are expertly mixed and ready to use. The 2K24 kit generally breaks down into several key categories, each vital for recreating his signature bounce:

  1. The Kicks (The Foundation): Cardo’s kicks are clean, sharp, and punchy. They often lack excessive sub-bass rumble, instead focusing on a mid-range thump that cuts through the mix without muddying the low end. They are the backbone of his high-tempo, bouncy rhythm.
  2. The Snares (The Snap): His snares are perhaps his most recognizable element. They are usually short, crisp, and have a distinctive, almost metallic 'snap' or 'pop.' They are heavily processed to sit right on top of the mix, giving the beat its characteristic forward momentum.
  3. The 808s (The Weight): While the kicks are clean, the 808s provide the necessary weight. Cardo often uses tuned 808s that are rich in harmonic content, giving them a noticeable texture. They are typically short and precise, allowing the beat to breathe and maintain its 'bounce.'
  4. The Hi-Hats (The Groove): Hi-hats are programmed with a lot of swing and velocity variation. The samples themselves are sharp and bright, but the programming is what makes them unique—often utilizing fast, tight rolls (stutters) that are integral to the groove, a classic element of modern trap production.
  5. The Percussion (The Flavor): This is where the 'madness' often comes in. The kit is packed with unique percussion elements, including the famous Cardo Cowbell (often a high-pitched, heavily-filtered clang), various rimshots, and quirky, short-decay percussion loops that add a layer of complexity and rhythm.
  6. The SFX (The Atmosphere): Essential for creating transitions and atmosphere. Expect filtered risers, down-shifters, and short vocal chops that are used sparingly to add tension and release, a key element in his cinematic production style.
  7. Bonus MIDI Files: Many modern Cardo kits, including the 2K24 edition, come with MIDI files for drum patterns and melodies. This is the ultimate cheat code, allowing producers to instantly load the rhythmic framework for his signature bounce into their Digital Audio Workstation (DAW) like FL Studio or Ableton.

Mastering the Bounce: Production Tips Using Cardo’s Kit

Owning the SUPER MADNESS 2K24 sound kit is only the first step. The true secret to replicating the Cardo Got Wings sound lies in how you program the drums. His style is a masterclass in clean mixing and rhythmic precision.

Three Key Production Techniques

1. The High-Pass Filtered Drum Loop

Cardo frequently uses a technique that involves layering a clean, programmed drum pattern with a second, often subtle, high-pass filtered drum loop. This secondary loop is usually a classic breakbeat or a heavily processed sample that only contains the high-frequency 'air' and 'snap.' The result is a drum track that feels both modern and vintage, giving it a unique texture and bounce without adding unnecessary low-end mud.

2. The Swing and Velocity Control

The 'bounce' is not just in the samples; it's in the timing. Cardo's beats often hover around a mid-to-high tempo (130-150 BPM for trap, or a slower, half-time feel for his 'lifestyle' beats). To achieve the organic groove:

  • Apply Swing: Use a subtle swing setting (around 55-65%) in your DAW’s sequencer to push certain notes slightly off the grid.
  • Vary Hi-Hat Velocity: Don't make all the hi-hats the same volume. Vary the velocity of every second or third hi-hat note to create a natural, galloping rhythm.

3. Clean Mixing and Headroom

The defining characteristic of Cardo's sound is its clarity. His drums are always loud and clear, sitting perfectly on top of the mix. This is achieved through aggressive, yet precise, equalization (EQ) and compression:

  • EQ: Aggressively high-pass filter all elements (except the 808 and kick) to remove unwanted low-frequency rumble. Boost the high-mids (2kHz-5kHz) on the snare and hi-hats to bring out the 'snap' and 'crispness.'
  • Compression: Use short attack and release times on the snare and kick to make them hit harder and cut through, giving the beat its signature punch.

The Cardo Got Wings SUPER MADNESS 2K24 drum kit is more than just a collection of sounds; it is a meticulously crafted toolkit that provides the sonic foundation for one of hip-hop's most influential producers. By combining these high-quality, ready-to-mix samples with the rhythmic programming tips outlined above, any producer can inject the clean, bouncy, and undeniably professional weight of the Cardo sound into their own tracks, moving beyond simple imitation to true sonic mastery.

7 Essential Secrets Inside the Cardo Got Wings SUPER MADNESS 2K24 Drum Kit
cardo got wings drum kit
cardo got wings drum kit

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