Discover “Closing In” by The Corporatethief Beats: dark trap energy, evolving structure, and a growing community for independent artists.
A Migos-Inspired Sonic Journey
With Closing In, Irish producer Daniel Hartnett, better known as The Corporatethief Beats, delivers a 2024 trap instrumental that immediately stands out for its raw, cinematic atmosphere. Inspired by the sound of Migos, the beat combines minimalist, metronomic drum patterns with frenetic hi-hats and eerie piano and guitar textures. “It has that classic trap vibe, almost like a ghost story”, Hartnett told SongsMagazine.com. The track’s highlight is a descending piano motif that drops out for eight bars and then slams back in with relentless percussion. This dynamic shift is what defines Hartnett’s production style: “It’s the kind of structure I always aim for”.
From College Curiosity to Professional Producer
Hartnett’s musical journey began in college when a friend introduced him to FL Studio. Although he didn’t grow up listening to much hip-hop, he was immediately drawn to artists like Kid Cudi and Kanye West, especially 808s & Heartbreak. That spark led him deeper into late 2000s hip-hop with artists like Drake, Rick Ross, and early Eminem. “I wouldn’t call myself a huge Eminem fan”, he admits, “but I had The Marshall Mathers LP like everyone else”. These influences shaped his fascination with beat structure and drove him to create tracks that evolve and tell a story, rather than loop endlessly.
A Name with a Message
The name “The Corporatethief Beats” has a unique origin. Hartnett was inspired by a Michael Moore documentary that used the term “corporate thief”. It stuck with him and became the name of his YouTube channel and, eventually, his entire brand. “My dad used to joke that it wasn’t a great idea to sell music with the word ‘thief’ in the name”, Hartnett said, “but I thought it made it stand out”. Today, that name represents a catalog of original trap beats and a hub for independent artists looking for both music and mentorship.
Dynamic Structure, Dirty Sound
What sets Hartnett apart is his focus on musical structure. He takes inspiration from pop producer Nate “Danja” Hills, known for his work with Timbaland. “Danja structured pop songs in interesting ways, intro, verse, pre-chorus, hook, outro, and that stuck with me”, Hartnett explains. He brings the same approach to trap, designing tracks with clear transitions and progression. “I hate when a beat is just a three-minute loop. It bores me to death. I always want my beats to evolve”.
Closing In showcases this approach perfectly. Hartnett uses a surprisingly minimalist setup, mostly Logic Pro, a few synths like Salient, and a collection of samples. Some samples come from old, discarded projects that he reassembled into something darker and rougher. “One person’s trash is another’s treasure”, he says. That recycling process helped give Closing In its haunting, gritty feel.
Building a Community Beyond Beats
Like many creatives, Hartnett occasionally faces beat block. His solution? Listen widely. “Sometimes you wake up and can’t make anything you like. When that happens, I listen to a lot of music. Something will spark an idea, even if it’s unrelated”. He notes that while Closing In doesn’t sound exactly like a Migos track, it captures their same kind of energy,something he always tries to achieve without imitation.
Beyond producing, Hartnett has built a full platform around The Corporatethief Beats. His website isn’t just for selling instrumentals, it also features articles, tips, and guides on music marketing, beat leasing, and promotion. His mission is to share everything he’s learned with aspiring producers and artists, helping them grow their careers.
He also offers a complete guide to leasing rap beats, available on his site, which is ideal for those navigating the digital music market. Collaboration plays a big role in his work as well: Hartnett continues to work with producers like Lazy Writer Beats to expand his catalog and bring fresh ideas to the table. “It’s not just about selling”, he says. “It’s about building connections and helping others find their pat”. With Closing In, The Corporatethief Beats proves that a beat can be more than just rhythm, it can be a narrative, a mood, and a launchpad for storytelling.
For rappers looking for new instrumentals, you can buy trap beats at The Corporatethief Beats website. In addition, for artists navigating the world of leasing beats, Daniel has a helpful guide: Check out this guide to leasing rap beats.
