Ever wonder where those killer drum loops and chopped-up samples came from? Buckle up, because we’re about to take a time-traveling trip through the wild world of beatmakers, from its dusty origins to the digital madness we live in today. But hold up – this is not only about the history of beatmaking. It’s a call to arms (yes, fingers on pads) to forget the “type beats” and forge your own path. It’s about the importance of being an authentic, therefore original beatmaker: my most important value!
THE OLD SCHOOL GROOVE
Let’s rewind to the golden age of hip-hop. Think crates of vinyl, dusty turntables, and the magic of sampling. Pioneers like DJ Kool Herc, Grandmaster Flash and Afrika Bambaataa weren’t just playing records; they were chopping, looping, and creating entirely new sounds. They literally invented the art of the breakbeat. That raw, gritty sound? That was innovation! They weren’t reaching for “classic 808” presets; they were making the classics.
THE SAMPLING REVOLUTION
Then came the samplers – the SP-1200, the MPC series, the ASR-10. These machines turned beatmaking into an art form. Producers like Pete Rock, DJ Premier, J Dilla, RZA and others transformed samples into soulful, head-nodding masterpieces. They weren’t not copying; they were reinterpreting, finding hidden gems in old records and flipping them into something entirely new. They dug deep, as you should too.
THE DIGITAL AGE: A BLESSING AND A CURSE
Now we are in the digital era, where everyone and their grandma has a laptop and a DAW. It’s awesome – the possibilities are endless! But here’s the catch: with endless digital possibilities comes the temptation (and the risk) to use pre-made sound libraries and “type beats”. I know, it’s super fast and easy. But easy does not mean good, or original, or interesting. Creating something classic takes time and effort…but here is the good news: once you start, it is more fun! It’s a lifetime trip that makes you grow up as an artist (and a person, too).
FORGET “TYPE BEATS”
“Type Beats” are a trap! “Drake type beat,” “Travis Scott type beat”…they are everywhere. And while they might get you clicks, they won’t get you respect. You are copying a sound and you are copying someone else’s creativity. Where’s the fun in that? Where are your history, your experiences, your vision? Even you will get bored soon of that.
ORIGINALITY
So, how do you break free from the sound-alike, type-beat trap?
- Become a crate digger: Forget the internet for a minute. Hit up your local record store, flea markets, thrift shops. Find those obscure records, those weird samples, those sounds no one else is using.
- Experiment with sound design: Don’t just rely on presets. Tweak those knobs, mangle those samples, create your own unique sounds.
- Explore different genres: Don’t just stick to hip-hop. Listen to jazz, funk, soul, electronic, classical… and any other music without prejudice. The more diverse your musical palette, the more original your beats will be.
- Find your own inspiration: Don’t just copy your favorite producers. Find inspiration in movies, books, nature, your own life experiences.
- Search for original, non-imitative sound libraries, and even create your own. Elaborate, create, save your own sounds, samples, and drum kits. Play, have fun, be creative. That way you will have a truly unique sound.
THE KEY IS… YOU!
Beatmaking isn’t just about making beats; it’s about expressing yourself. It’s about taking risks, pushing boundaries, and creating something that is uniquely yours. So, ditch the presets, dig deep, and let your creativity run wild. The world needs your sound, not a clone. Keep those heads noddin’, and keep it original! Peace.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]