If you are looking to tweak or replicate this sound in a DAW like Ableton or FL Studio:
Listen for the "Neptunes 4-count" start (a quick four-beat intro) and the use of the "Korg M1" or "Roland JV-1080" style synth patches that defined the early 2000s. 2. Vocal Approach & Songwriting
When writing to a beat like "Wasted Times," the goal is to mirror the production’s duality—emotional vulnerability paired with a confident rhythmic flow. wasted_times_drake_the_neptunes_type_beat
Avoid "trap" Lex Luger-style 808s. Instead, use shorter, punchier kicks and layered claps/snaps.
This is achieved through heavily filtered pads and ambient synths. Producers often use a low-pass filter to cut out high-end frequencies, creating a "submerged" sound that leaves plenty of room for vocal melodies. If you are looking to tweak or replicate
Use heavy reverb and delay on background vocals to fill the "empty" spaces created by the minimalist Neptunes-style percussion. 3. Production & Mixing Tips
Focus on "wasted time" in the context of modern relationships, late-night reflections, or the cost of success. The "type beat" title suggests a mood of regret or nostalgia. Avoid "trap" Lex Luger-style 808s
Borrowing from Drake’s playbook, switch between a conversational rap delivery and a melodic, "half-sung" flow. Use the syncopated Neptunes drums to dictate where you place your internal rhymes.