For me, being a producer is all about the "ear" and vision. You don't need to play instruments imo.
Just look at the work of co-producers from legendary producers. Let's use Timbaland (Danjahandz), Dr. Dre (Storch) & Kanye (Jeff Basker).
None of the best solo beats by the co-producers match the top work they've done with the other names. Why? Because they have less talent as PRODUCERS. Yes, they're more SKILLED MUSICIANS but better producers? nope. Are they more creative? Nope.
Peep this video? Who is the key producer here? Kanye's telling Bhasker what to do here, would you give Bhasker more props?
CREATING BIG SCREEN WITH GLC & KANYE WEST - YouTube
Personally, I love a mix of live instruments and samples/interpolations. I like the sound of live bass more for example.
I give Storch the props for having the musical chops to come up with the Still DRE riff. But has he cooked a better BEAT himself? Has he even created a better melody from his own beats? Not really. Dre knew where the magic was, got Elizondo to play the bass, another dude to add some keyboards, added an A SAMPLE & put drums on the beat. THAT'S PRODUCTION. He was the genius behind that record.
It's not about what is done. It's about what is done best. Now I agree, taking an Isley's hit from the 70's and creating a good beat is easy work but that doesn't really happen anymore.
Pretty much every single legendary hip-hop producer who has had big budgets has been able to produce excellent records sample-free when with studio musicians. It's no biggie. Look at Timb, One In a Million has no sample.