Hip-hop today has many different production methods used to craft the beats we hear. Today, we'll discuss some of these different methods in order to give you some ideas of how you can change up your production style. Feel free to experiment with some these popular production methods used in hip-hop:
Sampling: The origin of hip-hop, sampling involves taking bits of music from existing recordings to make something new. The range of sampling can be from simply taking a segment of an existing hit and looping it; or chopping up many different musical segments from different songs and putting them together.
Layered Sampling: This style is very similar to sampling, except original layers of music are added on top of the sample. The resulting song sounds more original and less sampled as a result. A lot of Trackmaster's records follow this style.
Synth-Based: The origins of this date back to Afrika Bambaata, but this is simply using synthesizers and drum machines to create original music. The majority of Dirty South music is descended from this vein of hip-hop.
Interpolation: This has a close relationship to sampling except actual musicians are used to play the sample instead of taking a segment from an existing record. This gives the producer more flexibility with the sample ,and it gives the song a live feel. The pioneer of this production style is Dr. Dre.
Live Instruments: Using live instruments and musicians to make beats is another method of hip-hop production. Synths are still used and featured prominently, but usually the recording process involves the band playing together with a live drummer instead of relying on midi production. The focus of this style is on live performance versus studio records. The Roots are the most prominent artists of this style.
Hip-hop has a variety of production styles and a good producer will experiment with many different styles in order to make him/herself more versatile.
Sampling: The origin of hip-hop, sampling involves taking bits of music from existing recordings to make something new. The range of sampling can be from simply taking a segment of an existing hit and looping it; or chopping up many different musical segments from different songs and putting them together.
Layered Sampling: This style is very similar to sampling, except original layers of music are added on top of the sample. The resulting song sounds more original and less sampled as a result. A lot of Trackmaster's records follow this style.
Synth-Based: The origins of this date back to Afrika Bambaata, but this is simply using synthesizers and drum machines to create original music. The majority of Dirty South music is descended from this vein of hip-hop.
Interpolation: This has a close relationship to sampling except actual musicians are used to play the sample instead of taking a segment from an existing record. This gives the producer more flexibility with the sample ,and it gives the song a live feel. The pioneer of this production style is Dr. Dre.
Live Instruments: Using live instruments and musicians to make beats is another method of hip-hop production. Synths are still used and featured prominently, but usually the recording process involves the band playing together with a live drummer instead of relying on midi production. The focus of this style is on live performance versus studio records. The Roots are the most prominent artists of this style.
Hip-hop has a variety of production styles and a good producer will experiment with many different styles in order to make him/herself more versatile.
About the Author:
Frank Lubsey is a composer, jingle writer, and beat maker that is a part of the Jam Sonic production team. Visit his website for hip-hop beats for sale and to purchase beats.