[For DTM Beginners] Easily Create a Hip Hop Track Using Loop Materials

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[For DTM Beginners] Easily Create a Hip Hop Track Using Loop Materials

• createTrack maker / DTM producerSnowdrop
  A young trackmaker based in the Kansai region. After providing songs for indie artists and idol groups, their work now focuses mostly on R&B and Hip Hop. They cover a wide range from West Coast Hip Hop to the latest Trap, and have supplied tracks to over 15 artists to date. Open for track production inquiries. SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/snowdrop_jpn

Theme: “1990s East Coast Hip Hop”

I’d like to try making a hip-hop track from scratch.

The theme is “’90s East Coast hip-hop.”

Reference: Nas 'Halftime'

1.

Choosing a bass

Well, it seems that in producing dance music—not just hip-hop—people often start by creating the beat.

You could program all the MIDI yourself, but to better capture the vibe, this time we’ll mainly use a commercial library.

Simon Goulding: Live Funky Bass Guitar (Samplephonics)

I chose a phrase with character, like “Halftime.”

Original material (bpm110)

As it is, the tempo is too fast, so I'll slow it down using time-stretching.

If you simply stretch it, the sound quality will degrade, so we use an algorithm called “elastique Pro – Formant Tape” (the pitch will also drop).

After time-stretching (bpm 96)

2.

Choosing Drums

The Crate (Big Fish Audio)

I think something with a rich, full tone would be good.

This time, I used two nested loops.

In MediaBay’s preview section, there are buttons labeled “Match Beats to Project” and “Play Along with Project.” Pressing these lets you audition drum loops with the BPM and other settings aligned to your project, which is very convenient.

Raw Material A

Base Material B

When you listen to the drums and bass together, it sounds like this.

It feels good, but the bass is a bit weak.

3.

Make the bass thicker

I’ll thicken the bass with EQ.

Let's boldly boost around 60 Hz by about 9 dB (it will overlap with the kick's range, but don't worry—go for it!)

Next, use Waves Doubler to widen the sound left and right.

You've gotten much better!

4.

Choosing the toppings

Classic Hip Hop Cuts (Samplephonics)

Now that we've got the basics of drums and bass down, let's move on to the lead parts.

First, brass.

Since we have the chance, let's include the scratching noise as well.

Scratch BPM – DJ Scratch Tools and FX (Soundtrack Loops)

Listening to the whole thing, it goes like this.

The main loop is complete!

5.

Developing the storyline

We’ll build the arrangement by plugging tracks in and out.

I think adding record noise will create a nice atmosphere.

Add a shaker and create a break section, and it’s done!

6.

In conclusion

Making tracks with loops is easy to get started with and has the advantage of creating a strong vibe.

If there’s an opportunity, I’d also like to talk about rearranging loops (chop and flip).

Thank you for reading until the end.