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With the right equipment and your own creativity, you can produce great hip-hop music on your home computer. Hip-hop music production is an art in itself that utilizes samplers, synthesizers, sequencers, and production software.
Producing hip-hop music basically consists of recording the instrumental (called the beat), adding background vocals and, if it’s a rap song, recording the MC (emcee) or rapper. A hip-hop producer is often called a beat maker.
Hip-hop instruments and sounds
A hip-hop instrumental (beat) is typically characterized by a distinctive drumbeat enhanced rhythmically with bass, high hats, electronic handclaps, and other rhythm instruments. To this is added extra orchestration, including synthesizer pads, orchestral instruments piano, guitar and/or sound effects.
Hip-hop relies heavily on sampled sounds, some included in sound libraries, others sampled from existing songs from many genres of music. Hip-hop producers often sample their own unique sounds. Samples can also be downloaded from the internet.
Of course, real instruments are also utilized. In essence, the sky’s the limit with the sounds used in hip-hop music. Great beat makers recognize what will work and are very creative in their approach.
The equipment
There are many music software programs that support hip-hop, and you should research the internet to find what’s right for you. For a starting place, you can check out FL Studio, Sonic Producer, Cakewalk, Logic, and Digital Performer. Some programs are equipped with large sampled sound libraries.
The equipment you need depends on how you plan to record. At the very least, you’ll need a computer, one music software program, microphone, headphones, and a good sound system. You may also need a MIDI keyboard, sampler, mixer, turntable, and/or a combination of other software and hardware. I suggest you speak to pros who can advise you.
The hip-hop recording process
- Hip-hop music is usually done at a relatively slow tempo, about 80-90 beats per minute. This can be altered as you proceed but it’s a good place to start.
- A key of creating great hip-hop music is finding the right groove. You may have a groove in mind before recording, but the best ones are usually arrived at through experimentation.
- In most cases you begin by recording the drums. You can create your own drum patterns or use pre-programmed drum loops, which are included on most sequencers and can be downloaded online.
- Consider layering the drums. Two or more kick drum sounds played simultaneously can help you achieve the sound you’re looking for. Layering snare sounds with other sampled instruments can give your drums a unique flair, and EQ and/or compression is effective on individual drum tracks.
- If it fits, add some other percussive sounds like congas and timbales.
- After the drums, add a bass line. Much hip-hop music is characterized by a deep bass (and deep kick drum) that bring sub-woofers alive. Experiment to find the sound that works for you.
- Add sampled, synthesized, or real orchestration and sound effects. The only limit is your imagination.
- If the song calls for it, add background vocals. If it’s a full chorus, “stacking” or layering the vocals two or more times can be effective.
- Record the lead vocalist(s) or rapper(s).
- Mix and master the song.
A couple of extra tips
- If you’re not familiar with recording software and hardware gear, a learning curve will be required. Learn on your own or utilize online courses and tutorials. Hip-hop producing courses are also offered at universities and other music teaching venues.
- Listen to a variety of genres of music. It will inspire your creativity and you’ll probably get ideas for sampled sounds you can use in making your own original beats.
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