Rap Tips

Behind every successful rapper is a skilled producer. If you happen to write and perform your own vocals, even better. It’s easier to get started if you have some rap recording tips.

First off figure out what type of rap you want to do you want to record. What do you really feel when you listen to it? (West Coast, East Coast, Dirty South, or new rap hybrids that meld rap with jazz, electro or salsa? It’s important to really cultivate a taste for the kind of music you like and could see yourself making. Let’s talk real here, recording rap if you don’t really like it is asking for disaster.

The best way to get started on making your own Instrumental Rap Beats would be to check out some of the online beat makers’ websites that are available for some different hip hop loops, techno music maker sites, loops software, etc., so you can get a feel for what styles would best suit you. Once you figure all of that out, you can purchase some beat software, or continue to make beats online, whatever suits you. If you get a good beat making software like Sonic Producer, make sure and take the time to watch the tutorials online and get a feel for it.

Your trying to achieve originality,  Create a rhythm that people can really get into, but throw things in there that make it stand out from any other beat. Figuring out what makes a catchy song, and how to mix a good hook with the right snare drum, guitar lick or hi hat accent is an absolute advantage. You should also have a good feel for bankable lyrics, as oftentimes the words in rap songs need to be tweaked slightly to better match the music. Like all of Lil’ Waynes’ new albums.

Brush up on Hertz. 20hz is the low low end – 20Khz is the upper end of human hearing. So we refer to low end as 20hz (low end 808) – 80hz (low end on low-fi audio system) – 80-160hz (bass guitar) etc….up to 1khz – 5-6khz (human voice clarity) to 10-12khz (hi hats, cymbals sizzle). For rap beats or hip hop you especially want that low end bass and sizzling hi hat. Try a little boost around 20hz for the sub to rock in a good car system (also check out around 80-120hz, which is the low end of a semi-funky audio system – mix for the homies’ with the not so good systems too).

Find other artists in your area that are starting out can be easy, then you can record their vocals or instrumentals and use them in your tracks. Go downtown and hang out at hip hop clubs or post ads at colleges and on craigslist. Most artists would be stoked to find someone who wants to record them, whether they are great or not because they all need the practice as well. Female vocalists are great when you are producing rap, try finding one that will sing hooks for you and it will add alot to your tracks.

Submit your beats to local and worldwide record producing agencies. If you have some fresh prospective on music they are bound to put you on their label. Search out local rap label companies as well as the top record labels to send demos of your music to.  If you have finished songs have artists and friends sell your cds, offer them a percentage of the sales as profit or pay them hourly. Either way if your going to be recording rap, you have to get it out there.

Maybe you are considering starting your own record label, in which case it’s hightly recommended that you read How to start your own record label. That will tell you exactly what the record labels dont what people to know so they can stay at the top of the game, it really helps throw you on the right track.

Becoming a producer is challenging, and pits you against no small supply of competition, but a dedication to the music and highly focused game plan can at least improve your odds of making it in the business.