Meaning: This quote by Kenneth Edmonds, also known as Babyface, provides insight into his approach to music production and collaboration with artists. As a highly respected musician, songwriter, and producer, Babyface's words shed light on the process of creating music and working with vocalists to bring a track to life.

In the first part of the quote, Babyface mentions that he typically prepares a track before collaborating with an artist on the vocals. This highlights the importance of the instrumental arrangement and production in the music-making process. For Babyface, crafting the musical foundation of a song is a crucial step that sets the stage for the vocal performance to come. This approach allows him to fully develop the sonic landscape and mood of the track before introducing the vocals, demonstrating his meticulous attention to detail and dedication to creating a compelling musical backdrop.

By focusing on the track before involving the artist, Babyface showcases his commitment to the art of music production and his ability to craft a well-crafted musical canvas that complements and enhances the vocal performance. This approach also speaks to his understanding of the importance of the instrumental elements in conveying emotion, setting the tone, and creating a cohesive musical experience for the listener.

The second part of the quote emphasizes the collaborative aspect of working with artists on their vocal performances. Babyface's acknowledgment of the importance of collaboration and his willingness to work closely with the artist during the vocal recording process highlights his respect for the unique talents and contributions of each vocalist. This collaborative approach allows for the artist's individual style, interpretation, and emotional connection to the music to shine through, resulting in a more authentic and impactful vocal performance.

By working with the artist on the vocals, Babyface demonstrates his ability to nurture and guide the vocal delivery, drawing out the artist's strengths and capturing the essence of their performance. This collaborative process not only allows for the artist's creative input and expression but also showcases Babyface's expertise in bringing out the best in the vocalists he works with, ultimately elevating the overall quality of the music.

In summary, Babyface's quote encapsulates his approach to music production and collaboration with artists, highlighting his dedication to crafting the musical foundation of a track before working closely with vocalists to bring it to life. His emphasis on the track preparation and collaborative approach to vocal recording underscores his commitment to creating impactful and emotionally resonant music, as well as his ability to foster a supportive and creative environment for the artists he collaborates with.

Overall, Babyface's words offer valuable insights into the artistry and collaborative nature of music production, showcasing his expertise as a musician, songwriter, and producer, and his enduring commitment to creating exceptional music.