What are some modern shortcuts for audio production?

About 8-9 years ago i was regularly producing/mixing music. I've taken a break in that time to focus on career but really want to get back into making music again. Back then, I would regularly have tricks up my sleeve to help with production - programming drums rather than playing them, using melodyne for auto tune, using pre-recorded samples for parts I couldn't play, using digital signal chains rather than outboard gear so I could constantly tweak, etc. These are all things I consider shortcuts to avoid using an expensive studio, hiring musicians, etc. What do people use these days? For example, are people these days really using AI generated instrument parts? Are people using/buying pre-sampled parts to create music? I essentially want to have most of the focus on song production and less energy needed for mixing and production