Making a great hip-hop beat isn’t easy, but it doesn't need to be frustrating. Becoming an effective producer requires a lot of time and practice, but there are some tips that can help you get there faster. This article covers everything you need to know about making hip-hop beats.
Decide what mood you want to create
Before you even start to create your beat, you need to decide what type of mood you want to create.
From trap to drill to lofi hip hop and soul - understanding genre and style is important.
Find great music production tutorials
One way to help decide which direction you want to go in is to listen to and analyze other music in the same genre as your music.
This will give you a good idea of the types of sounds that are commonly used in hip-hop music and the emotions they’re intended to evoke.
The video above is a popular lo-fi hip hop tutorial designed to give you insight into the creative world of sound design and drum samples in the style of lo-fi hip hop.
Keep Perfecting Your Skills
Once you know what you want to make and how you want the listener to feel, it’s time to start learning how to make it. Before you even touch your DAW, you should make sure that you have a solid foundation in general music production skills.
Some of the most important skills to master before you even think about making your own beat include: Mixing and Mastering - You need to have a firm understanding of how to mix and master songs before you attempt to make your own song.
Dynamics - You need to understand how dynamics work in music and know how to apply them to your own songs.
Harmony - You need to understand the basics of harmony so that you can properly incorporate it into your songs.
These are just a few of the most important skills to master before you even attempt to make your own music. If you don’t have a solid grasp on these aspects of production, then you probably won’t be able to make the type of beat you want.
Use the best free sample library
There are a ton of different places you can find samples to use in your songs, but most of them will cost you some cash. If you’re just getting started with production and don’t have a lot of money to spend, finding a good free sample library can be incredibly helpful.
There are a few different places you can look for free samples, with the most popular option being Beach Roads. The samples are a wide variety of sounds, including music loops, drum samples, and even MIDI libraries so you can plug music into your own virtual instruments without having to play a single note!
Beach Roads is also one of the BIGGEST free sample libraries you will find on the internet. No exaggeration!
Don’t be afraid to experiment with other styles
As you spend more time perfecting your craft, you might start to develop a sound of your own. This is normal, and it’s something that all artists go through during their creative process. If you’re finding that you’ve hit a creative wall with your sound, don’t be afraid to experiment with other styles.
While it’s important to stay true to your own artistic integrity, you can still incorporate elements from other styles into your own music. If you’re having trouble with your sound, try incorporating some of the techniques from other genres into your music to give yourself a fresh perspective. You never know what new techniques might help you break through your creative block.
Conclusion
Making a hip hop beat from scratch can be hard and time-consuming, especially for beginners who don’t know what they’re doing. If you want to save time, money, and stress, it’s best to start with a pre-made beat. If you want to make your own hip hop beats, the first thing you need to do is decide what mood you want to create.
Once you know what you need to create, finding the right samples can be tricky. Luckily, there are a lot of free sample libraries online where you can find samples to use in your songs. If you want to make the process of finding samples easier, you can use a sample pack like Spring Drive, which features a huge array of lush lo-fi hip hop sounds and loops to inspire you.
When it comes to making music, one of the most beneficial genres to get your hands dirty in is hip hop. Not only is it one of the most widespread genres, but it’s also relatively easy to create on a basic level. With the right tips and tricks, you can make a great-sounding beat in no time.
