How to Make Hip Hop Beats - Introduction

Welcome to my introduction on how to make Hip Hop Beats. As you may already know there are a few different approaches on how to make a beat. Some people will start by finding a sample or loop from an already existing record production. This is called sampling where you take a short section, record it and loop it over and over. This will quite often be the basic element for the new Hip Hop Beat. Of course you will have to add additional elements to the hip hop beat in order to make it unique. This can be done by adding another sample from an existing production. By putting samples on top of each other, you can create a new beat quite easily. The trick is to make it sound great of course.
Another common approach is to use just one sample from an existing production and then record original new music to the old loop. The advantage of this approach, is that you got more options and more control with regards to adding musical elements to the old material. It is easier to simply play new elements in the right key and tempo of the old sample than trying to find other existing samples that matches the first sample in key and tempo. The disadvantage is that you need to be able to play an instrument somewhat or know someone who can play an instrument. Also you would need some type of recording software and audio interfaces.
The last option is NOT to use an existing sample, and simply record everything from scratch. If you play keyboards and can program a sequencer this is in many ways the best option. First of all you got the most options on how the Hip Hop Beat is turning out because there is nothing you need to match. Second of all, and very importantly, you do not have to "clear" the use of an existing sample. By that I mean, if you are using existing samples to make your beats, you will have to ask permission from the copyright owners of the original piece if you want to release the new song in public. Typically it will involve some form of cost to clear the sample. If you ignore that process, you might end up in a major and very expensive lawsuit if your new song is a success. Please understand that this is not legal advice. I am not a lawyer and you should consult a music attorney if you plan to release a Hip Hop Beat that contains an existing production/sample. One downside by not using a sample is that for certain types of Hip Hop it can be hard to make it sound right. Using old samples gives some grit or toughness that can be hard to emulate with modern recording equipment..
Have fun making beats.

Johnny Pedersen is a multi-platinum producer. Come visit his latest website about the Music Business which also gives some of the best information available on Music Production for up and coming music producers.