How to Make My Own Rap Beats

Most would-be Hip Hop producers dream of the day when they will hear their beats accompany some up-and-coming rapper. In order to make that dream a reality, you need the right equipment and the right knowledge. Often, having the correct equipment is less than half the battle. It takes producers years to gain an intimate knowledge of their equipment. Both MPC equipment and computer software are quite complicated and provide the producer with thousands of different options regarding samples, pitch, BPM (or beats per minute), and instrumental selection.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• MPC
• Production software

How To Make Your Own Beats

1. Locate a mentor. Whether you choose to utilize an MPC or PC-based production software, you will need a skilled producer to show you the ropes. Not only will the utilization of a mentor speed up the learning curve, but it will also make you a better producer in the long run.
2. Choose your equipment wisely. Many younger producers have cut their teeth on PC-based production software such as Fruity Loops or Acid Pro. Both offer a wide range of options and serve as an excellent start-ground for Hip Hop production beginners. The MPC (or Music Production Center) is used by many production veterans. The list includes Dr. Dre, Pete Rock, and DJ Premier. The MPC is a stand-alone unit that allows for a complete beat production experience. The latest is the MPC5000, which allows a producer to create beats, sample, and save information via CompactFlash/CD-Rom/DVD-Rom/Hard Drive.
3. Learn the art of the sample. Many Hip Hop beats rely heavily upon sampled music in order to give the new beat a more three-dimensional sound. If you really want to blow your listeners away, you will develop an ear for sampling at the beginning of your career.
4. Learn your equipment backwards and forwards. Maybe you think you understand every operation that your MPC or software is capable of, but think again. Unless you have studied your equipment for an excess of three years, it is quite possible that you aren't using the equipment's full potential. Maybe your beats sounds shallow and lacking because of your inexperience with your equipment.
5. Do not sell a beat until you have perfected your style. Remember, your early work will always come back to haunt you. Put your best foot forward at all times, even if that means that you struggle financially at the beginning of your career.

Tips & Warnings

• Locate a production guide for your equipment. Both the MPC and production software have spawned hundreds of production guides that will enable you to grow more familiar with your production equipment.
• Work with a local Hip Hop artist to get your foot in the door. Not only will that provide you with much needed experience, but you will also begin to understand how to shape a beat around a particular artist.