Things You'll Need:
- A creative imagination
- An interest in hip-hop
- A beat making program, instruments, and/or recording software.
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Step 1
Either get recording software for your computer, get your own recording studio, or find someone who has one of those things. GarageBand, Logic, and Pro Tools are examples of recording software. You will also need a program like FL Studio, formerly known as Fruity Loops, ($99-299), or Propellerhead Reason ($399). FL Studio is a little more popular than Reason in the amateur hip-hop world, for the simple reason that it is easier to use, and cheaper.
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Step 2
The AKAI MPC5000 SamplerGet either a sampler, like the AKAI MPC, a keyboard controller/synthesizer, or both. That way, you can play either the keyboard or use the pads on the sampler to trigger musical notes or drum sounds inside your computer.
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Step 3
Once you have your studio set-up, listen to hip-hop that is currently popular, and think about why you like it. Then, use those components that you like in your own music, and also bring something new to the table. However, don't copy things exactly, just use the techniques that popular producers use. Otherwise, it's considered plagiarism, and you will likely have a lawsuit on your hands.
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Step 4
Once you have an idea of what's popular, it's time to start creating your song. Usually, I start with the drum pattern, but there are many different ways to make a song. Typically, a kick (AKA bass drum sound) is used on beats one and three, and a clap, snare, or other similar song is used on beats 2 and 4. Hi hats are then added, and other drum sounds can be added as you see fit. An example of a popular hi hat pattern is where the hi hat is used every half-beat (ex. on 1 & 2 & 3 & 4 &).
Otherwise, you can use a program like Propellerhead ReCycle to make, edit, and use drum loops in your song. -
Step 5
After your drum beat is finished, add the musical instruments. Using a keyboard controller with your computer studio, you can get virtually any instrument sound you desire in your song! Make sure that the notes you use are in the same key, so they sound good together, but beyond that, it's a creative process that's really up to you. Play around with your controller or sampler, and find some notes that sound good together and good with the beat. Add many different instruments to make your beat more complex, or you could just choose to keep it simple. It's all up to you, as long as it's catchy!
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Step 6
Another way to get instrument parts into your song is through sampling, or using a clip of music that was recorded by another artist in your song. However, if you do this, you need to get permission from the original artist, or else they can (and probably will!) sue you.
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Step 7
Yet another way to get music into your songs is through music loops. They are pre-recorded loops of music especially for use in hip-hop songs. However, if you want to show the world how impressive and creative you are, don't use hip-hop loops. It doesn't take much talent to put a loop into a software program.
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Step 8
Once you have your drum pattern and musical instrument parts, make different sections for the verses, chorus, and bridge. Introduce variation into your beat so it doesn't get too repetitive. Otherwise, people probably won't want to listen to your beat, and rappers probably won't want to use it for their songs. After there is enough variation and your beat sounds good, your beat is finally complete!!!!
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Step 9
You may want to put your beat online for other people to listen to, or you may want to rap over it and make it into a rap song. For help with writing a rap song, I have an eHow article on that subject, too.
