"The roots of more than 75% of the music that is made in this country is directly traceable to the innovations of the “urban” cats of the day. A producer now more than ever is in the position to take the lead in the race to the next level."

Overall, I'd have to agree with this. I believe that growth is a constant process and in order for music to evolve we (specifically hip-hop producers) should evolve with our production methods. This doesn't mean to ABANDON traditional methods, but to build upon them...and with the state of music today, innovation is much needed. The problem with being too innovative is that it's not appreciated (monetarily wise) right off the bat...lets' face it, something totally different, or different sounding (specifically in the hip-hop market) is more likely to not get the mainstream $'s than something off the cookie cutter assembly line.....and there are a few exceptions but..you know what I'm sayin...

anyhew....yes there is a difference in beat-making opposed to producing and hip-hop production should expand in both areas..

Mepho,
All of those points are true but it is possible to keep it moving without being herky-jerky with trying to re-invent the wheel. Of course certain things will most likely never blow-up
in the U.S. regardless of how good most of the records are. For example look at trip-hop. It's influence has been huge on creative heads here. I do think we can find a balance and in within that balance could be innovation. I think a lot of us are sitting on hot tracks/ songs that won't see the light of day because we know they are too ahead of the curve which is shame because people just want real music that takes them somewhere.