How to Make a Rap Song Beat
With advances in music editing software, digitally creating music has become easier than ever. Advances in cutting and looping technologies have especially affected the hip hop and rap genres. Now anyone with the right software and access to the Internet can create quality rap song beats.
Instructions
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1
Search for and download music editing software with looping and beat-mapping capabilities. Good options include Acid Pro, Pro Tools, Garage Band and Logic Studio.
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Browse the Internet for pre-cut drum loops. Many websites host large archives of free pre-cut drum loops for download or sell CDs of loops by mail order.
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Download bass guitar loops, horn loops, string loops, etc. as desired to layer over your drum beats.
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Open a new, blank file in your editing software (usually File: "new song," or "new project"). Open the downloaded loops in the new file (usually File: "add track" or "add loop").
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Set the beats-per-minute to how fast you want your loops to play. 100 beats per minute is fairly standard for a rap song.
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Play the loop to sample it. Make adjustments to the volume of the various loops as you see fit to balance the overall sound. Your beat is now ready to have vocals recorded over it.
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Tips & Warnings
Make sure all of your various loops have the proper key signature identification saved with their file, so that you can alter their pitch to match that of your current song.
Some pre-cut loops may be from copyrighted material. Before you publish any song for sale, always make sure you are not infringing on copyright law.