To be far if I make and use a simple drum loop then I tend to reuse it on multiple project's but each time add a little something ontop. I put a tapping hi hat to pan slowly left to to right, or might add som nice reverbs on the claps every to the beat stops, just thing like that keep things interesting.
I love this community, man. We got Marlow Digs, Malo Beats, Ave Mcree, Jonwayne, Son Wu and many more giving us life lessons about beat making. The crazy thing is, they are doing it for free! They take time and effort to put out videos like this. A big shout out to the whole community. 👊🏾
Great tips, especially the ones about volume and keeping the drums simple. I remember my friends calling me out on my simple drum patterns, but I’ve just never been a fan of “busy” drums. I’m still old school, I’m ‘90s boom bap! 😆 Again, great video. Thanks, Marlow. ✊🏾
Im sort of in the middle, I think drums should stay simple where the rapper is supposed to sit but I would bring in more elements during the chorus. Also if Im doimg a 3 minute beats then I dont want the drums to stay exactly the same the entire time, its boring and to easy for Me.
i appreciate your no effects tip. People didnt understand why i would do my own echo and panning by copying the same sound to multiple pads and panning one left and one right.. then i hit each pad and adjust volume. This way i controlled the number of repeats i wanted and i controlled where i wanted each hit panned.
I always low cut everything but the kick and bass, and always use distortion on drums, and nearly always use reverb and or delay on melodies and sometimes use reverb as a transition effect on drums. Try puting a long reverb right on a clap as the beat stops and melodys or samples continue, if get the timing just right sounds really good.
Note, if you're getting your tracks professionally mastered, don't put any compression or limiting on the whole mix and keep your whole mix level below -8db to leave enough room for the mastering engineer
I'd have to disagree with you on the "start with the drums" tip. The drums would set the tempo for me, fast or slow, but... not all drums fit together with a certain mix. Sometimes, if the samples have more energy or are a bit more passive, I'd have to adjust the drum beat to match the energy of my stems, if you know what I mean. To me, I let the feel of the music take me where I need to go, and adjust accordingly. Peace brother ✌️
I usually start with a melodinc loop, usually a basic sample chop that repeats all the way through and I build off of that, and use the metrodome to make sure the chops are in time but they usually are because there chop to the grid. Then I make a nice melody ontop and if it gets Me feeling something Ill replace the metronome with a beat loop I made or some elses. I add the bass and modulations, fade ins fade outs then I do the drums properly making sure to get nice natural swing, no quontise and very rarely do I need to edit the midi on drums. Now the most important thing is to make a really long loop at every stage some at least a minute long so you can play keys then bass and drums for the whole minute. Doing this gives you a nice long segment to cut the best bits from and arange those. Also dont delete what You remove just move it to the right out of the way or export the midi. I have often gone back and found something dope from the left overs of what I didn't use in the original project.
That’s a really dope tip about the stashing a couple of simple drum patterns! Get into the flow quicker and more frequently. I’m realizing sometimes that’s been unnecessary bottleneck slowing everything down…because of the complicated pattern i’m trying to finesse is not quite coming together.
I have this same problem with trying to be "creative" with a super cool drum pattern, only to find out I've spent soo much time on it, it's not quite working right, and I then lose momentum on building the rest of the track. Boom bap drum patterns are simple by nature, and that's okay. It's a good tip to remember this as to not hinder your own productivity.
I appreciate you man, I have been grinding hard every single day trying my best to learn. I always tend to overthink things and it makes it hard for me to build cohesive beats that hit you right in the soul! Sample selection is king and less is more as you get more creative flexibility, your videos always keep pushing me in the right direction 👍 I will keep learning until I can play the noise I feel in my heart and mind and share it with the world, you rock brother 💪👍
Thank you Sir for this big “Gold Nugget” advice! I’m getting into the MPC Studio and have been overwhelmed with everything I’ve been viewing on UA-cam. All have been great but sometimes complicated when others go through tutorials and assume you already know curtains basics. Goods job and keep up the great video. 👍🏾
Well I only agree with half of what He said, and the level of beats where I was nore like that was way back in 2007, the beats where dope but definitely notice the very simple drums and simple sample chops. I do still make beats with simple drums but I usually ad extra stuff during chorus so there is some contrast.
This is amazing, thanks for this. You've brought it right back to basics which is invaluable. One of the best most helpful beatmaking vids I've seen. Fundamentals.
Yo, this is dope. I’m an older dude (41) just starting my hip hop journey and this is great advice. I don’t use a lot in the way of eq effects and try and let my samples speak for themselves. I only use a bit of distortion for saturation if that’s the sound I’m going for. My first works were much more complex and now that I’m settling into my own groove I’m finding that shorter, simpler tracks are where it’s at for me
Fat Jon is one of my favorite producers and it mesemerizes me how his music oozes such simplicty yet sounds so profound. I genuinley think I got a good lead to understanding that aspect fo simplicity with the pointers you just mentioned. Thank you so much.
Super useful tips right here. I always lay out the drums first and then looking for something to sample. After I lay down the sample, I try to rough mix it by using ear and finally, add a bassline with a low pass filter, that’s it. Not so complex and fx based, only drums, samples and bass. 😊
My top 5 things I wished I told myself when I "FIRST" started making beats are in no particular order. Because they where dirt cheap then, buy as many as you can possible get your hands on🤗🤑🤗 1- Roland TR808 2-Roland TR909 3-Emu SP1200 4-Akai MPC 3000 5-Bitcoins
Na Reason always had everything to make dope Hiphop from nothing but its factory library and some imported samples off of CDs, then was all I did for over a decade from 2006 to 2016 still some of My best ever music from Reason 4.
Great tips especially the ones making simple drum patterns and starting with the drums. It is much easier starting with the drums first like you said. I discovered through trial and error that if the drums are too busy then the sample needs to be simple or a simple loop and vice versa. Thanks for the info.
the second tip is something ive put into practice right away. not even just choosing the right drums but sounds that fit thise drums and complement eachother. i save my effects for manipulating sounds, minor eqs (frequency cutting) and general compression for dynamic help on certain intruments. only other thing i use is eq, comp, and limiting on the master. ive found that the better sounds sound together raw the better and more efficient the mixing process will be
A tip that has helped me smooth out some rough edges in my beats is apply to the output. For example: Using a three-band EQ (SP's Isolator in my case) and cutting certain frequencies or intensifying others until I find the tone that I like most and then applying a compressor or warm type effect 4 adding a little saturation.
if you just strating out try to emulate beats you like(i started by emulating Dj Premier and Pete Rock beats) you will instantly know what you're lacking "i need more bass here", "i made my snare/kick too loud/too quiet" etc, i would also suggest to learn some music theory and playing instruments (you don't need to be virtuoso but know what chords are, counter melodies etc),
I took insportion from US Hiphop like Dr Dre, K West, Timbaland and mixed that with inspiration from UK Grime, From Dizzee Raskle, Dot Rotten, Whily, sounded pretty dope mixing the to together.
@@HOLLASOUNDS yep, mixing different styles/types of sound is cool, i like rock/metal(i can't stand some growling vocals though) so i sometimes add distorted guitars to the beat
I’m not doing 4 out 5 of these things. I won’t be that surprised if mixing these tips in seems like adding magic dust to my beats. 🎧 Excellent guidance. Thank you 🙏🏼 🙇🏻♂️
I agree with your tips for sure.... something I wish I had learned early on was to not limit myself to a certain "sound".....I was stuck for quite a while to this certain label as a producer that made only certain sounding beats and it really killed my creativity.... also in regards to simple drum patterns is huge, playing around with subtle placement adjustments has made a massive improvement in my beats..... oh yeah.... quantize can be ones worst enemy!.... salute! 👍💪🤙
Well that can be a bit of problem by doing to many different styles, I was doing loads of stuff aside from Hiphop, DnB, Trance, House, Cinematic music to this day. The problem comes with your public brand because people dont know you for any particular thing and You can market 20 different styles thinking that people will resonate with you. On My old Facebook I listed all the styles of music I made, and posted all of these different styles thinking it would be more appealing to artist but it wasn't, It actually puts alot of artists off You. To this day I find it very difficult to have to ignore all the music I have made and just focus on building a brand off of Hiphop only, its difficult and restrictive.
@@HOLLASOUNDS agree... balance is key... I was more referring to like the style of boombap... like should I only make dark Daringer type of beats.... or like more soulful 9th type of beats ... now I just do what I'm feeling ya know, agree with you 💯 percent tho homie.
@@snaggletooth1881 Well I made and make many different styles of rap music Lofi, Boombap, Grime, Raggaton, Westcoast, Eastcost, and even doing that is to wide a spectrum. You definitely would be more successful choosing only one style to put out publicly. I cant even choose what one My self.
@@HOLLASOUNDS Jesus I hate replying thru text... things can be interpreted incorrectly ....I've never done a "type" beat in my life.... using a producers name to describe the sound of the beat....
Really like the "keep your drums simple" tip. I often spend too much time trying to come up with the craziest/coolest/new drum patterns but I often realize that my favorite boom bap tracks are often VERY basic kick/snare/hit hat patterns with very little complexity to them. When you're making the beat, it's sometimes hard to remember that in 90s boom bap, you want to leave room for the artists vocals to drive the track, and the beat rides along with the vocals.... whereas in "modern" hip hop, I feel that the beats drive too much of the song, and the lack of importance on vocals is starting to create this new wave of hip hop that 90s' boom bap heads like myself are starting to dislike greatly. Keeping the drums simple is such a good way to keep the progress moving on the track, and often gives that classic boom bap feel that we are going for as a "boom bap producer". Thanks for the reminder on this one.
Great tips Marlow. I've been experimenting with compression a lot more lately and it's definitely helped my beats sound better and more like I want them to sound.
Simple drum beat.. so the tip for a beginner who already began but doesn't seem to progress is to clear my drum beats?.. Tried and it's a good tip!! Not there yet, but I see now where I didn't focus enough!
I have been making beats on the MP since 2012. Funnily enough, I always used to find a sample to flip first (melody/harmonics), then find drums that sounded good to the sample, and finally program a drum loop around those sample chops. OR I would just put down some superbasic drum loop to get the samples going. Will def try to go about it the other way. Peace
Great TIPS!!! Just to add some, if you don't mind... The way I see it, the drums may or may not give a different perception of the groove with the melodic and stabs samples. Sometimes it's better to emphasize the sample groove, sometimes it's better to sound "loose" and put some kick or snare here and there to "break" the numbness that "everybody agreeing" may be provoking... That's when the "humanizing" is always welcome. When I started to produce some rappers like Racionais MCs, Pavilhão 9, and others, I was coming from radio "supermix" programs that I used to keep all those songs hitting as one, the tape cuts should be precise as a digital clock, and stuff like that. So, my production was a constant state of paranoic feelings about "Oh, this hihat is not 100% at the tempo! So, let's fix it." I was suffering all the time, not happy, and struggling to convince myself that those tracks were ok. But they sounded "weak", "muddy", "confused"... ...and that's all a huge problem. First, start to sketch. I recommend you that read me and start trying to mimic some producer you like. Try to make your own beat with the same feeling, maybe with the same sounds. So, you'll probably better understand how that sample was sliced and played. How does that kick change the volume inside that bar and why. Do it at least 50 times from scratch. Then try to build something with YOUR OWN "face". Avoid mimicking others at all moves you do. At this level, "don't imitate" is the name of the game. It's a challenge. Try it 'till you get to the point where you find your mind free enough to make your own first beat. That was the path to make me start to produce not inclined to imitate this from those guys, and that from those other ones, and at the end, resulting in a blob of indefinable mass... Like everything else, between the "balance" limits, the contrast is fundamental, just as Marlow said. The relation between samples and drums, where they get your attention, where they help to fill the gaps, how they appear (constantly, repeatedly, aggressively, softly, loudly, percussively, loosely...)... Each sound has a part like sounds in nature. Birds are not running water, and the wind on trees is not dogs barking. Thank you very much, Marlow!!! This video may help many...
These are those videos I love! Trying to get a clean finished product that still has character has been my struggle forever. Doing too much with these onboard plugins. Less is more is what I’m hearing today though 👍🏾
I love this, so many youtubers bang on about mastering/mixing and using 101 different effects, this takes it back to basics, it's a bit like cooking, if you have quality ingredients you don't need all the fancy sauces and additions, great video, much love ✌️
very nice. I agree. My tip is also to find a work flow and stick with it. If you like a program to have all your sounds do that. If you like a program for each element ( a kik program and snare program etc) then do that. I wasted time with too many work flows. I've re-invested in my MPC 4000 after realising I lost too much time re learning the newer MPC LIve and just gone back to my simple set up but adding the 8 outs so I can export into the DAW more easily and quickly. Marlow - I still use your free samples you sent me 4 or 5 years ago - Deadly drums and francis lay and a bunch of other stuff when I was on Patreon. I may consider jumping back in later in the year. God bless
My 5, 1 Be consistent with kick and bass, I used to be all over the place often kick could not be heard. 2 Name files and organise by date, 3 Finish more projects instead building up hundreds of unfinished projects, 4 collaborate with other producers and rapper, 5 Set up the proccess to sell beats.
I've come to all these conclusions over the years and the one I've tried but can't stick to is the drums before sample. I think coming from my DJ background and making blends and remixes I'm accustomed to matching drum beat to melody and not vice versa. I have done it though but I'm more comfortable sample first. Thanks for the Tips!!
I realized, that I was (or am) doing the same thing. Super excited to play around in ableton and try different weird patterns. A couple of weeks later, when Im listening to it, its absolute garbage xD. Music experimentation is fun, but I think you can`t and shouldn`t try to reinvent the wheel all the time. Funny thing is: I don`t know if that was a coincidence, but after watching this video, I think I made my best beat ever so far :D. Chops super simple, drum-loop super simple. At the end of the day it comes down to sound/ sample choice and get a feeling/vibe going. Great video, btw, cheers!
Tip number 1 and 3 are part of my learning experience, too. Then I create some drum variations by sample chopping (usually without hi-hats, because that would be too chaotic for my DNB). Thx bro!
I truly don't focus on EQ'ing so much for sure. I definitely start with simple drum patterns then build on top of it. The formula is simple for sure. My basic formula is "just go" then focus on volume and other stuff afterwards. Also, it's easier to build the samples around the drums vs. the other way around. Thx for sharing the experiences!!
Whether or not you need effects depends on if the samples (be it drums or other samples) have been pre effected or prepared. If you sample drums off old vinyl with no modifications, you’re probably going to need something (EQ or comp) to make them pop. If you’re using drums from sample packs, chances are they have been pre processed and what you’re saying makes sense. You’re right, leveling before eq or anything else is the most important thing in a mix. Cool thing about mixing, there are no rules. Those who challenge traditional mixing techniques are likely to achieve interesting results, and create a sonic imprint, example: sidechain compression. Complexity of drum patterns that you need to create is subjective. You’re right, as a beginner, it’s best to keep the grooves simple, so that you can get some stuff done, but then you have someone like J Dilla who could create these complex tapestries of always evolving, off kilter rhythms that groove that have heavily impacted hip hop. Love your beats and thanks for the video.
Yeah you're definitely right when it gets to lifting drums from a record, you'll need to eq the drums a bit. I am definitely a more sample pack guy with kicks ive prepared previously. Even then I only apply a little boost on the kicks I prepare, I don't go crazy with sound design. As far as j dilla goes I don't see it as a complex pattern at all, the patterns have very dope grooves with swing techniques but the patterns are not complex in my eyes.
Your application of thought-to-practice is so informative. I’m sure for some, these concepts are not a big deal but, for someone like me who is trying to understand how to achieve the sound that attracts me to beat making in the first place, this information is a blessing. As always, thanks so much for sharing 🙏🏽🫡
I do samples first then the drums 2nd reason is I want them to match...not saying drums 1st doesn't work but I like the other way better!! Your process is very on point bruhhhhh I like the videos.. very insightful and inspiring!!!
I've never understood videos with people talking about how to EQ a kick or a snare and the video is 15 minutes long! If you have to work that hard to make your drums sound right then you've chosen the wrong drums for the track.
Yes, specially nowadays with so many sample packs and millions of different kicks, just choose the ones you like and work with them, no need to spend hours tweaking sounds.
Agreed. All I do, no matter if it's with the MPC or a DAW, is layer 2 or 3 different snares together, 2 or 3 different kicks together, etc, and my drums have punch to them easily; and that's without having to EQ a thing. Doesn't take me long to use that method either.
Good point however I find that the right distortion on drums can actually turn what sounded dull and lost on the mix to sounding nice. I still always make sure the Kick and bass dont sit at the exact same EQ frequency.
@@mpchead True, its best to over time save everything that worked and the best way to do that is stemming out or making sure every project can be opened again.
Do you all work with kick, snare and hat presets, then create different standard drum loops and fish from that pool of loops you created? Or do you recreate every drum loop pattern every session?
Are the Fender Rhodes [raw cuts] in wave Format? I ask because I’m a new beginner with a MacBook Pro 💻 a Roland JV-1080 midi sound module using the MPC One Plus in standalone
The beauty of music is sometimes there’s no rules. Your tip # 4 is definitely something I would tell a young producer; and that’s not to start with in hip hop and that’s drums! If you’re a sample based producer IMO you should always start with your samples….or melody first! It allows you to be versatile with your drum patterns and swing! Again in my opinion drums are the most important part of a hip hop beat; you can have the most crazy sample but if the drums don’t match the song is ruined! The reason a lot of your favorite producers are legendary is because they make sure to search for the right drum sounds and drum patterns…to match their samples! Good video much respect!!
I've gone through the "sample first" vs "drums first" debate in my head many times as I began teaching myself music production... personally, I just feel that doing the drums first, getting down a simple groove, and then allowing myself to play with sample chops while the drums play in the background, as been a more effective/creative way for me to come up with unique sample patterns, whereas the other way around doesn't spark the same level of creativity. I think this is one of those "which ever works best for you" approaches, but personally I've always liked a Drums first approach.
@@SeanMadden thanks for your input…it’s definitely whatever works for you type of situation! However if we could ask your favorite producers from Pete Rock, Madlib, Q-Tip, DJ premier I’d bet the range they all would say it’s the sample first! Not saying their way is better or what anyone should do; not at all!!!
@@knowEgo yep, I totally agree... maybe now that I'm a bit more skilled, I should try the sample first approach, perhaps it can spark a new type of creativity for me. I appreciate the dialogue!
I literally just started properly using volume as a primary way of mixing with some slight filtering and my lastest beats sound the best out of all of them lol so simple but so effective
you the man, i might dedicate the next month to making drums first, i always start with the sample and even if i go back, that's prob good for my brain to do it different
@MarlowDigs I Greatly appreciate your videos as they are refreshing and inspirational. Your content also is a great point of reference whens it comes to brushing up on techniques and fundamentals of beat construction. Id love to know how your high hats in this beat are programmed? Are they 1/8th note with swing? they have that double time jazz swing feel I love! Cheers brother!
It's crazy how simple it is , i know it , but it was hard for me to realize that volumes alone are doing the job mixwize.... sometimes you just need to hear it from the one guy that is relyablle, in this ocean of over complex and often unecessary complications, simplicity is key, the creed today is do more of this and that...depends where you want to reach i guess, but truth is what you describe is all you need , those extra work might eventually come along the line if opportunities come around your way or you really want to make bigger stages..... anyway just sharing my thoughts thanks for yours vids Marlow you're the man
Funny I keep telling myself to just go back to creating drum patterns at least for awhile… I would back in the day just focus on the stereo field panning and the volume. Like you already stated not using effects at all. My brother all of your videos bring heat whether you are knocking out a groove are simply giving advice. Big thumb 👍🏽 ups and thanks 🙏🏽 One Love
I share drums and samples here www.patreon.com/mpchead
My sample packs mpchead.bandcamp.com
To be far if I make and use a simple drum loop then I tend to reuse it on multiple project's but each time add a little something ontop. I put a tapping hi hat to pan slowly left to to right, or might add som nice reverbs on the claps every to the beat stops, just thing like that keep things interesting.
I love this community, man. We got Marlow Digs, Malo Beats, Ave Mcree, Jonwayne, Son Wu and many more giving us life lessons about beat making. The crazy thing is, they are doing it for free! They take time and effort to put out videos like this. A big shout out to the whole community. 👊🏾
I appreciate that🙏🏼
Not Sure about Ave my Boy.
✌🏾
Your list is almost correct. lol But for sure Marlow is the truth and a gem to this community
@@chiwalker7325Ave is aight, he an old-school MPC guy in a new school mpc world so personally I think he is an interesting watch.
I would like to mention Accurate. His channel is also real, kind, and fun.
Great tips, especially the ones about volume and keeping the drums simple. I remember my friends calling me out on my simple drum patterns, but I’ve just never been a fan of “busy” drums. I’m still old school, I’m ‘90s boom bap! 😆 Again, great video. Thanks, Marlow. ✊🏾
Im sort of in the middle, I think drums should stay simple where the rapper is supposed to sit but I would bring in more elements during the chorus. Also if Im doimg a 3 minute beats then I dont want the drums to stay exactly the same the entire time, its boring and to easy for Me.
starting with drums was a life changer for me 👌
💯🔥🔥
i appreciate your no effects tip. People didnt understand why i would do my own echo and panning by copying the same sound to multiple pads and panning one left and one right.. then i hit each pad and adjust volume. This way i controlled the number of repeats i wanted and i controlled where i wanted each hit panned.
I always low cut everything but the kick and bass, and always use distortion on drums, and nearly always use reverb and or delay on melodies and sometimes use reverb as a transition effect on drums. Try puting a long reverb right on a clap as the beat stops and melodys or samples continue, if get the timing just right sounds really good.
Note, if you're getting your tracks professionally mastered, don't put any compression or limiting on the whole mix and keep your whole mix level below -8db to leave enough room for the mastering engineer
This is the playbook right here…the best tips by far
I'd have to disagree with you on the "start with the drums" tip. The drums would set the tempo for me, fast or slow, but... not all drums fit together with a certain mix. Sometimes, if the samples have more energy or are a bit more passive, I'd have to adjust the drum beat to match the energy of my stems, if you know what I mean. To me, I let the feel of the music take me where I need to go, and adjust accordingly. Peace brother ✌️
I usually start with a melodinc loop, usually a basic sample chop that repeats all the way through and I build off of that, and use the metrodome to make sure the chops are in time but they usually are because there chop to the grid. Then I make a nice melody ontop and if it gets Me feeling something Ill replace the metronome with a beat loop I made or some elses. I add the bass and modulations, fade ins fade outs then I do the drums properly making sure to get nice natural swing, no quontise and very rarely do I need to edit the midi on drums. Now the most important thing is to make a really long loop at every stage some at least a minute long so you can play keys then bass and drums for the whole minute. Doing this gives you a nice long segment to cut the best bits from and arange those. Also dont delete what You remove just move it to the right out of the way or export the midi. I have often gone back and found something dope from the left overs of what I didn't use in the original project.
What is so cool is that these are not only tips. This is wisdom. I could listen to you all day.
🙏🏼
These are solid tips for sure. Focusing on fundamentals is the best way to achieve everything you want.
That’s a really dope tip about the stashing a couple of simple drum patterns! Get into the flow quicker and more frequently. I’m realizing sometimes that’s been unnecessary bottleneck slowing everything down…because of the complicated pattern i’m trying to finesse is not quite coming together.
I have this same problem with trying to be "creative" with a super cool drum pattern, only to find out I've spent soo much time on it, it's not quite working right, and I then lose momentum on building the rest of the track. Boom bap drum patterns are simple by nature, and that's okay. It's a good tip to remember this as to not hinder your own productivity.
I agree with you about just making a simple drum pattern. That’s what I’m on now
After I watched this video I applied everything and that was the fastest I’ve ever made an okay sounding drum pattern+sample groove
It works
Man, you must have seen me struggling. Great advice… finally a plan to follow…
I appreciate you man, I have been grinding hard every single day trying my best to learn. I always tend to overthink things and it makes it hard for me to build cohesive beats that hit you right in the soul!
Sample selection is king and less is more as you get more creative flexibility, your videos always keep pushing me in the right direction 👍
I will keep learning until I can play the noise I feel in my heart and mind and share it with the world, you rock brother 💪👍
Thanks for sharing 🙏🏼
@@mpcheadseriously Marlow, we appreciate you so much. Thank you.
Thank you Sir for this big “Gold Nugget” advice! I’m getting into the MPC Studio and have been overwhelmed with everything I’ve been viewing on UA-cam. All have been great but sometimes complicated when others go through tutorials and assume you already know curtains basics. Goods job and keep up the great video. 👍🏾
Well I only agree with half of what He said, and the level of beats where I was nore like that was way back in 2007, the beats where dope but definitely notice the very simple drums and simple sample chops. I do still make beats with simple drums but I usually ad extra stuff during chorus so there is some contrast.
This is amazing, thanks for this. You've brought it right back to basics which is invaluable. One of the best most helpful beatmaking vids I've seen. Fundamentals.
🙏🏼
Yo, this is dope. I’m an older dude (41) just starting my hip hop journey and this is great advice. I don’t use a lot in the way of eq effects and try and let my samples speak for themselves. I only use a bit of distortion for saturation if that’s the sound I’m going for. My first works were much more complex and now that I’m settling into my own groove I’m finding that shorter, simpler tracks are where it’s at for me
I REALLY needed to see and hear this. Thank you so much, man.
🙏🏼
Fat Jon is one of my favorite producers and it mesemerizes me how his music oozes such simplicty yet sounds so profound. I genuinley think I got a good lead to understanding that aspect fo simplicity with the pointers you just mentioned. Thank you so much.
Super useful tips right here. I always lay out the drums first and then looking for something to sample. After I lay down the sample, I try to rough mix it by using ear and finally, add a bassline with a low pass filter, that’s it. Not so complex and fx based, only drums, samples and bass. 😊
My top 5 things I wished I told myself when I "FIRST" started making beats are in no particular order. Because they where dirt cheap then, buy as many as you can possible get your hands on🤗🤑🤗
1- Roland TR808
2-Roland TR909
3-Emu SP1200
4-Akai MPC 3000
5-Bitcoins
Na Reason always had everything to make dope Hiphop from nothing but its factory library and some imported samples off of CDs, then was all I did for over a decade from 2006 to 2016 still some of My best ever music from Reason 4.
Everything you stated is on point.
🙏🏼
Great tips especially the ones making simple drum patterns and starting with the drums. It is much easier starting with the drums first like you said. I discovered through trial and error that if the drums are too busy then the sample needs to be simple or a simple loop and vice versa. Thanks for the info.
This really makes sense, I will take this too heart!
the second tip is something ive put into practice right away.
not even just choosing the right drums but sounds that fit thise drums and complement eachother.
i save my effects for manipulating sounds, minor eqs (frequency cutting) and general compression for dynamic help on certain intruments. only other thing i use is eq, comp, and limiting on the master.
ive found that the better sounds sound together raw the better and more efficient the mixing process will be
Agree, just get the right sounds and everything works out better.
Thanks for the continued inspiration for both beat making and making videos man! 🔥
🙏🏼you too bro
A tip that has helped me smooth out some rough edges in my beats is apply to the output. For example: Using a three-band EQ (SP's Isolator in my case) and cutting certain frequencies or intensifying others until I find the tone that I like most and then applying a compressor or warm type effect 4 adding a little saturation.
if you just strating out try to emulate beats you like(i started by emulating Dj Premier and Pete Rock beats) you will instantly know what you're lacking "i need more bass here", "i made my snare/kick too loud/too quiet" etc, i would also suggest to learn some music theory and playing instruments (you don't need to be virtuoso but know what chords are, counter melodies etc),
I took insportion from US Hiphop like Dr Dre, K West, Timbaland and mixed that with inspiration from UK Grime, From Dizzee Raskle, Dot Rotten, Whily, sounded pretty dope mixing the to together.
@@HOLLASOUNDS yep, mixing different styles/types of sound is cool, i like rock/metal(i can't stand some growling vocals though) so i sometimes add distorted guitars to the beat
@@tprnbs Sounds fire.
Thanks! I will try your advices.
Good luck with it ✌🏼
I’m not doing 4 out 5 of these things. I won’t be that surprised if mixing these tips in seems like adding magic dust to my beats. 🎧 Excellent guidance. Thank you 🙏🏼 🙇🏻♂️
I agree with your tips for sure.... something I wish I had learned early on was to not limit myself to a certain "sound".....I was stuck for quite a while to this certain label as a producer that made only certain sounding beats and it really killed my creativity.... also in regards to simple drum patterns is huge, playing around with subtle placement adjustments has made a massive improvement in my beats..... oh yeah.... quantize can be ones worst enemy!.... salute! 👍💪🤙
Well that can be a bit of problem by doing to many different styles, I was doing loads of stuff aside from Hiphop, DnB, Trance, House, Cinematic music to this day. The problem comes with your public brand because people dont know you for any particular thing and You can market 20 different styles thinking that people will resonate with you. On My old Facebook I listed all the styles of music I made, and posted all of these different styles thinking it would be more appealing to artist but it wasn't, It actually puts alot of artists off You. To this day I find it very difficult to have to ignore all the music I have made and just focus on building a brand off of Hiphop only, its difficult and restrictive.
@@HOLLASOUNDS agree... balance is key... I was more referring to like the style of boombap... like should I only make dark Daringer type of beats.... or like more soulful 9th type of beats ... now I just do what I'm feeling ya know, agree with you 💯 percent tho homie.
@@snaggletooth1881 Well I made and make many different styles of rap music Lofi, Boombap, Grime, Raggaton, Westcoast, Eastcost, and even doing that is to wide a spectrum. You definitely would be more successful choosing only one style to put out publicly. I cant even choose what one My self.
@@snaggletooth1881 Ohhh I dont do Type beats mainly because I dont ever try to sound like someone eles.
@@HOLLASOUNDS Jesus I hate replying thru text... things can be interpreted incorrectly ....I've never done a "type" beat in my life.... using a producers name to describe the sound of the beat....
Really like the "keep your drums simple" tip. I often spend too much time trying to come up with the craziest/coolest/new drum patterns but I often realize that my favorite boom bap tracks are often VERY basic kick/snare/hit hat patterns with very little complexity to them. When you're making the beat, it's sometimes hard to remember that in 90s boom bap, you want to leave room for the artists vocals to drive the track, and the beat rides along with the vocals.... whereas in "modern" hip hop, I feel that the beats drive too much of the song, and the lack of importance on vocals is starting to create this new wave of hip hop that 90s' boom bap heads like myself are starting to dislike greatly.
Keeping the drums simple is such a good way to keep the progress moving on the track, and often gives that classic boom bap feel that we are going for as a "boom bap producer". Thanks for the reminder on this one.
Some solid advice as always...thanks for sharing bro.
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So useful indeed! Thanks for the tips AND for the awesome content!!!
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I would add with the 2.10 update and above tune your drums within the sane scale too.
I love your tips, thank you, can't wait to try them out.
That's what I learned in your Patreon, great contents!
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You don't need little or no effects if you are sampling from records. The loops and samples are already eqed and mixed
That's right
Great tips Marlow. I've been experimenting with compression a lot more lately and it's definitely helped my beats sound better and more like I want them to sound.
Simple drum beat.. so the tip for a beginner who already began but doesn't seem to progress is to clear my drum beats?..
Tried and it's a good tip!! Not there yet, but I see now where I didn't focus enough!
I have been making beats on the MP since 2012. Funnily enough, I always used to find a sample to flip first (melody/harmonics), then find drums that sounded good to the sample, and finally program a drum loop around those sample chops. OR I would just put down some superbasic drum loop to get the samples going. Will def try to go about it the other way. Peace
Great TIPS!!!
Just to add some, if you don't mind...
The way I see it, the drums may or may not give a different perception of the groove with the melodic and stabs samples.
Sometimes it's better to emphasize the sample groove, sometimes it's better to sound "loose" and put some kick or snare here and there to "break" the numbness that "everybody agreeing" may be provoking...
That's when the "humanizing" is always welcome.
When I started to produce some rappers like Racionais MCs, Pavilhão 9, and others, I was coming from radio "supermix" programs that I used to keep all those songs hitting as one, the tape cuts should be precise as a digital clock, and stuff like that.
So, my production was a constant state of paranoic feelings about "Oh, this hihat is not 100% at the tempo! So, let's fix it."
I was suffering all the time, not happy, and struggling to convince myself that those tracks were ok.
But they sounded "weak", "muddy", "confused"...
...and that's all a huge problem.
First, start to sketch.
I recommend you that read me and start trying to mimic some producer you like.
Try to make your own beat with the same feeling, maybe with the same sounds. So, you'll probably better understand how that sample was sliced and played. How does that kick change the volume inside that bar and why.
Do it at least 50 times from scratch.
Then try to build something with YOUR OWN "face".
Avoid mimicking others at all moves you do.
At this level, "don't imitate" is the name of the game. It's a challenge.
Try it 'till you get to the point where you find your mind free enough to make your own first beat.
That was the path to make me start to produce not inclined to imitate this from those guys, and that from those other ones, and at the end, resulting in a blob of indefinable mass...
Like everything else, between the "balance" limits, the contrast is fundamental, just as Marlow said.
The relation between samples and drums, where they get your attention, where they help to fill the gaps, how they appear (constantly, repeatedly, aggressively, softly, loudly, percussively, loosely...)...
Each sound has a part like sounds in nature. Birds are not running water, and the wind on trees is not dogs barking.
Thank you very much, Marlow!!!
This video may help many...
Thanks for sharing ✌🏼
These are those videos I love! Trying to get a clean finished product that still has character has been my struggle forever. Doing too much with these onboard plugins. Less is more is what I’m hearing today though 👍🏾
Absolutely!!
very insightful tips
This was a brilliant lecture family thank you
🙏🏼thank you for tuning in
I like to hipass Drum loop (or perc loop) then lay harder drums on top thats my favorite.
🙏 Thanks! Your beats are so nice and elegant.
🙏🏼thanks
Thanks again for the knowledge!
Music for life!
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I love this, so many youtubers bang on about mastering/mixing and using 101 different effects, this takes it back to basics, it's a bit like cooking, if you have quality ingredients you don't need all the fancy sauces and additions, great video, much love ✌️
amazing metaphor
very nice. I agree. My tip is also to find a work flow and stick with it. If you like a program to have all your sounds do that. If you like a program for each element ( a kik program and snare program etc) then do that. I wasted time with too many work flows. I've re-invested in my MPC 4000 after realising I lost too much time re learning the newer MPC LIve and just gone back to my simple set up but adding the 8 outs so I can export into the DAW more easily and quickly.
Marlow - I still use your free samples you sent me 4 or 5 years ago - Deadly drums and francis lay and a bunch of other stuff when I was on Patreon. I may consider jumping back in later in the year. God bless
Appreciate the Knowledge, Marlow. Peace!
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Dang marlow you taught me something today man 🙏🏾 i gotta go back over all my latest beats now 😂
Great tips. Obrigado
My 5, 1 Be consistent with kick and bass, I used to be all over the place often kick could not be heard. 2 Name files and organise by date, 3 Finish more projects instead building up hundreds of unfinished projects, 4 collaborate with other producers and rapper, 5 Set up the proccess to sell beats.
4 and 5 really grabbed my attention! I can't wait to put them to use later today.
Question: Did you ever struggle at knowing when a beat was finished?
It never is, I just get tired of working on it.
Lol. Understood I can appreciate that answer.
Class is in session! Gracias, Marlo!
I've come to all these conclusions over the years and the one I've tried but can't stick to is the drums before sample. I think coming from my DJ background and making blends and remixes I'm accustomed to matching drum beat to melody and not vice versa. I have done it though but I'm more comfortable sample first.
Thanks for the Tips!!
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Such a great video, thanks man.🦁
I realized, that I was (or am) doing the same thing. Super excited to play around in ableton and try different weird patterns. A couple of weeks later, when Im listening to it, its absolute garbage xD. Music experimentation is fun, but I think you can`t and shouldn`t try to reinvent the wheel all the time. Funny thing is: I don`t know if that was a coincidence, but after watching this video, I think I made my best beat ever so far :D. Chops super simple, drum-loop super simple. At the end of the day it comes down to sound/ sample choice and get a feeling/vibe going. Great video, btw, cheers!
Sample selection is the key
Thank you for tips !!!!! Nice to think about it ;)
thanks for the tips man, agree with u.
Thanks 🙏🏼
Tip number 1 and 3 are part of my learning experience, too. Then I create some drum variations by sample chopping (usually without hi-hats, because that would be too chaotic for my DNB). Thx bro!
That Ginga track is wonderful, love that flute (is it?) sample.
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The more things I take out of the picture, is when I get my best results. Less is more for a lot of aspects of making beats/music
Yes, I suppose when we start we are discovering and is easy to get lost but after weeks understand the tools is up to us to separate the need to use.
Thanks for sharing, really helpful 🙏
✌🏼thanks for tuning in
I truly don't focus on EQ'ing so much for sure. I definitely start with simple drum patterns then build on top of it. The formula is simple for sure. My basic formula is "just go" then focus on volume and other stuff afterwards. Also, it's easier to build the samples around the drums vs. the other way around. Thx for sharing the experiences!!
I am just starting with my mpc live 2 helpful tips thanks bro
Whether or not you need effects depends on if the samples (be it drums or other samples) have been pre effected or prepared. If you sample drums off old vinyl with no modifications, you’re probably going to need something (EQ or comp) to make them pop. If you’re using drums from sample packs, chances are they have been pre processed and what you’re saying makes sense. You’re right, leveling before eq or anything else is the most important thing in a mix. Cool thing about mixing, there are no rules. Those who challenge traditional mixing techniques are likely to achieve interesting results, and create a sonic imprint, example: sidechain compression. Complexity of drum patterns that you need to create is subjective. You’re right, as a beginner, it’s best to keep the grooves simple, so that you can get some stuff done, but then you have someone like J Dilla who could create these complex tapestries of always evolving, off kilter rhythms that groove that have heavily impacted hip hop. Love your beats and thanks for the video.
Yeah you're definitely right when it gets to lifting drums from a record, you'll need to eq the drums a bit. I am definitely a more sample pack guy with kicks ive prepared previously. Even then I only apply a little boost on the kicks I prepare, I don't go crazy with sound design. As far as j dilla goes I don't see it as a complex pattern at all, the patterns have very dope grooves with swing techniques but the patterns are not complex in my eyes.
Merci beaucoup !
Thanks for these! Makes so much sense. Easy to focus on the wrong things when this is all new to us😅
With me amount of things our samplers offer is easy to get distracted.
Pure gold
Your application of thought-to-practice is so informative. I’m sure for some, these concepts are not a big deal but, for someone like me who is trying to understand how to achieve the sound that attracts me to beat making in the first place, this information is a blessing. As always, thanks so much for sharing 🙏🏽🫡
Great tips!!!
Gold tips!
I love your content! Keep it up!
I do samples first then the drums 2nd reason is I want them to match...not saying drums 1st doesn't work but I like the other way better!! Your process is very on point bruhhhhh I like the videos.. very insightful and inspiring!!!
I've never understood videos with people talking about how to EQ a kick or a snare and the video is 15 minutes long! If you have to work that hard to make your drums sound right then you've chosen the wrong drums for the track.
Yes, specially nowadays with so many sample packs and millions of different kicks, just choose the ones you like and work with them, no need to spend hours tweaking sounds.
Agreed. All I do, no matter if it's with the MPC or a DAW, is layer 2 or 3 different snares together, 2 or 3 different kicks together, etc, and my drums have punch to them easily; and that's without having to EQ a thing. Doesn't take me long to use that method either.
Good point however I find that the right distortion on drums can actually turn what sounded dull and lost on the mix to sounding nice. I still always make sure the Kick and bass dont sit at the exact same EQ frequency.
@@mpchead True, its best to over time save everything that worked and the best way to do that is stemming out or making sure every project can be opened again.
Do you all work with kick, snare and hat presets, then create different standard drum loops and fish from that pool of loops you created?
Or do you recreate every drum loop pattern every session?
Are the Fender Rhodes [raw cuts] in wave Format? I ask because I’m a new beginner with a MacBook Pro 💻 a Roland JV-1080 midi sound module using the MPC One Plus in standalone
Yes they are, all the packs are in wav
The beauty of music is sometimes there’s no rules. Your tip # 4 is definitely something I would tell a young producer; and that’s not to start with in hip hop and that’s drums!
If you’re a sample based producer IMO you should always start with your samples….or melody first! It allows you to be versatile with your drum patterns and swing!
Again in my opinion drums are the most important part of a hip hop beat; you can have the most crazy sample but if the drums don’t match the song is ruined!
The reason a lot of your favorite producers are legendary is because they make sure to search for the right drum sounds and drum patterns…to match their samples!
Good video much respect!!
I've gone through the "sample first" vs "drums first" debate in my head many times as I began teaching myself music production... personally, I just feel that doing the drums first, getting down a simple groove, and then allowing myself to play with sample chops while the drums play in the background, as been a more effective/creative way for me to come up with unique sample patterns, whereas the other way around doesn't spark the same level of creativity.
I think this is one of those "which ever works best for you" approaches, but personally I've always liked a Drums first approach.
@@SeanMadden thanks for your input…it’s definitely whatever works for you type of situation!
However if we could ask your favorite producers from Pete Rock, Madlib, Q-Tip, DJ premier I’d bet the range they all would say it’s the sample first! Not saying their way is better or what anyone should do; not at all!!!
@@knowEgo yep, I totally agree... maybe now that I'm a bit more skilled, I should try the sample first approach, perhaps it can spark a new type of creativity for me. I appreciate the dialogue!
Good stuff bro
I literally just started properly using volume as a primary way of mixing with some slight filtering and my lastest beats sound the best out of all of them lol so simple but so effective
you the man, i might dedicate the next month to making drums first, i always start with the sample and even if i go back, that's prob good for my brain to do it different
yeah even if just for exercise it can be a good thing.
Thanks again 😊
Thank you Marlow 👍🏼
thanks for your advice dude !!!
Thank you!
beautiful thank you
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Gr8 video brother ✌🏿
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@MarlowDigs I Greatly appreciate your videos as they are refreshing and inspirational. Your content also is a great point of reference whens it comes to brushing up on techniques and fundamentals of beat construction. Id love to know how your high hats in this beat are programmed? Are they 1/8th note with swing? they have that double time jazz swing feel I love! Cheers brother!
8 notes with a bit of drag on the second hit. Very simple
Always remember, KISS… Keep It Simple Ssssssssss.. yeah.
Cheers from a Yank in the UK! 🇺🇸🇬🇧
Given your thoughts on drums being so prominent in the mix, I'm curious what your take is on sidechaining to achieve this?
I actually almost never use side chain, but it is a cool effect, I like it.
It's crazy how simple it is , i know it , but it was hard for me to realize that volumes alone are doing the job mixwize.... sometimes you just need to hear it from the one guy that is relyablle, in this ocean of over complex and often unecessary complications, simplicity is key, the creed today is do more of this and that...depends where you want to reach i guess, but truth is what you describe is all you need , those extra work might eventually come along the line if opportunities come around your way or you really want to make bigger stages..... anyway just sharing my thoughts thanks for yours vids Marlow you're the man
Funny I keep telling myself to just go back to creating drum patterns at least for awhile… I would back in the day just focus on the stereo field panning and the volume. Like you already stated not using effects at all. My brother all of your videos bring heat whether you are knocking out a groove are simply giving advice. Big thumb 👍🏽 ups and thanks 🙏🏽 One Love
Thanks for tuning in once again ✌🏼
thanks
Thanks for the vid 👍🏾
do you think its wise to tell people what they should be doing? or just sharing your experience and your journey?
Thanks
Bro
Good tips/ thanks
You are the BEST
🙌🏼🔥🔥🔥