Spotlight With Baby Dave

© 2025 Jay Wright Cognizance Magazine

In an interview with Cognizance Magazine, platinum-selling music producer "Baby Dave" discussed his path through the music industry, the work of his production company 7MusicGroup, and his focus on creating R&B music. Here is what he had to say

Tell us about yourself and your company?

I was born and raised in Baltimore, Maryland. Growing up watching my father, the late David L Evans Jr., a musician, and singer, inspired me to get involved in music. Music is in my blood, going back to my great grandparents, uncles. etc. I grew up in a musical family, so it has always been a part of my life. It is the language I understand the most. So, I started a company with my father, called Dacam Productions. And later on, 7MusicGroup, helping artists in their musical endeavors.

How long have you been producing music?

Since 1991

What is the role of a Music Producer?

You are like the captain of a ship. Part of my role would be to steer the direction of the track’s production and, more importantly, guiding the artist toward the desired outcome for the final product.

What genre(s) of music do you produce?

Gospel, R&B, Pop, Hip-Hop. as a music producer, there really is no limit to the genre of music that I can produce. However, those are the genres I have produced the most.

What are some of your favorite songs to produce and why?

Songs that evoke strong emotions in the listener; songs that touch their core.

How do you feel about working with artists to create a specific sound or vision for their music?

I love collaborating with artists, especially when we are trying to produce a certain sound or idea. Depending on the artist and the track, each one is unique. Working with a determined, inspired artist makes things so much easier and more fun.

What is your approach to collaborating with other team members in the studio?

Let’s get it done! Anybody who knows me, knows the first thing to come out of my mouth is “what do we have to do…let’s get it done.”

What is the most important thing for a music producer to know? 

First, your ability. The second is to know yourself. I say this because being aware of who you are gives you the freedom to take the risks that music in general requires. 

You have produced or been involved with several platinum projects, in your opinion, what makes a hit record.

When I encounter an artist or a track that evokes a physical reaction and leaves me with goosebumps, it is truly remarkable. The experience is inexplicable, as if the music speaks directly to my soul without needing any explanation. These are the types of records that have lasting impact and will continue to be appreciated for decades to come.

With hip/hop at the forefront of the music industry, what would you do to make R&B the focal point as it was in the 80’s and 90’s?

If given the opportunity, I would transport us back to the 80's and 90's, where music was rich in emotions and captured the essence of love, pain, and joy. It was a time when artists like Sam Cooke, The Funkadelic’s, James Brown, The Manhattans, and Jodeci provided us with soulful R&B experiences. Their legacy is still evident today as we witness the continued success of artists such as Keith Sweat, Charlie Wilson, and Babyface in sold-out concerts. This clearly indicates that a return to the musical roots of these eras is necessary in reviving the true spirit of R&B music.

Name an artist that you enjoyed working with and why?

I enjoy working with Keith Sweat. He is an artist who has stood the test of time. He continues to tour, and his music is still popular on the radio. Artists like him remain loyal to their genre and are dedicated to creating excellent music.

Dave, on behalf of Cognizance Magazine, thank you for your time and insight into the music industry.