Regarding drum programming, analysing the producer's programming is as simple as listening to the different methodologies inherent in his beat pattern. For example. Take several songs of his that you believe are indicative of his programming and:
1. Mark down the timing and sequence of his:
A. Kick drum
B. Snare
C. Hi-hat
D. Crash
E. Other percussion.
This is a long and arduous task if you are not familiar with mapping such information in a sequence, but if you know what your machines, it should be easy.
Also, focus on his fills and transitions between verses and choruses. Note his style and way of achieving a transition. Mark down what instruments and percussion is used when he does this.
I tend to also lock in bass as a cogent part of "drums" since they are synergistic. Note not only the sound he gets from a particular bass, but his application of the bass to the beat, the type of bassline he has, and also, when he doesn't use bass.
It is effective to use bass in a "light and shadow" way, and perhaps he does it, by leaving bass in a verse out, and letting a powerful kick provide the low end punch, until he throws in a bassline. It depends.
This strategy should help you out in mapping up his style. And NO a Triton is not a necessity. That's like saying "if you want to drive good, buy a Ferrari." You must train first. Even Michael Schumacher started out on a cart, now he's in F1.
Sincerely,
God
