Tuesday, May 20, 2008

3 Things You Need To Create Rap Beats

With today's technology, creating rap beats is not nearly as difficult as it used to be but the top 3 steps remain the same. These are the things you absolutely must have to even create your first beat:

  • The Will
  • The Way
  • The Movement
Let's start with The Will. It all starts here. You've got to do more than just want to be a producer. You have to have the willpower to figure out what it takes then do what it takes to be successful. And let's stop and define success real quick: Success is the progression of a worthy goal. This means success is not obtaining the goal but the journey you go through to obtain it.

This is where your will comes into play. Without the willpower to learn what it takes to become a producer and complete all the steps involve guess what? You won't be very successful. You must have the drive to see it through to the end. You can't be easily deterred by every little bump in the road that comes along...and surely they will come.

You must have The Will to keep going.

The second the you must have is The Way. The Way is your vehicle to create rap beats. It is your equipment. I once had alot of will but I didn't have the way to produce anything! But using your will correctly will lead to you doing the research to getting equipment so that you can make beats.

A good way to find out about the different equipment that you will need is to do research in music stores, read magazines like Scratch where producers list the equipment they use, read forums or online blogs. Or if you know any producers, just ask them what kind of equipment to use.

There are many different items to choose from. Some of the most popular tools include the MPC series of stand alone production tools, and computer software such as Reasons & Fruity Loops. Then there are other pieces of equipment like keyboards, microphones, mixer, track machines, etc. You have to decide what's right for you and your budget. For me, I use Reasons 3.0 software and an EMU X-board midi controller because they fit my budget and they make great industry quality sounds.

This is The Way to create rap beats.

Last and certainly by any means not the least is The Movement. This may be more important than the other 2 steps. Nothing happens without action. Nothing! You can have all the willpower in the world but if you're just sitting on the fence waiting for the perfect time then its not going to happen. You've got to get moving. You've got to do your homework by pricing the equipment, setting a date to get it, doing what it takes to get it, and actually using it to become better at your craft.

Talk is cheap! Its the people that act on their desires that achieve their goals...not the people who simply talk about them. Again, nothing replaces action. Nothing.

We see all the top producers in the rap industry and guess what? They are busy working on more and more beats. What's the difference between you and them? I mean we all get the same 24 hours in a day and breathe the same air. The difference is how we spend that 24 hours that we are each given. Why not spend that time making beats?

And as you're making beats you are steadily building up your catalog of songs. YOUR catalog could be worth lots of money one day. Don't sleep...

You gotta have Movement.

Let's Make It Happen!!!
Mello Melanin, The Hot Instrumentalist

P.S. Go check out The Rap Beat Manual by clicking here. It covers these 3 essential things and much more!!!

The History of Rap and Hip Hop Music


Let me know if you agree with this article. Only so much Hiphop history can be put in an article and this is an attempt at a miracle!!!

Holla back...


Let's Make It Happen!!!

Mello Melanin, The Hot Instrumentalist

Become a top producer by learning how to make rap beats. Click here for more info!



Monday, May 19, 2008

5 Ways To Make Money Fast With Your Rap Instrumental Beats

Here is something that near and dear to my heart. :-)

This is an article I found on creating rap beats and instrumentals for money.


Check it out and let me know what you think...


Let's Make It Happen!!!

Mello Melanin, The Hot Instrumentalist

Learn to create rap beats FAST!!! Click here!

How To Make Rap Beats - Tips For Newbies

Here is another good article that I found :
How To Make Rap Beats - Tips For Newbies

Check it out and let me know what you think!


Let's Make It Happen!!!

Mello Melanin, The Hot Instrumentalist

For more on how to make rap beats, click here!

Sunday, May 18, 2008

Jon Jeff.: Top 5 Producers

Wow! I came across this blog like I always do...by looking for new info for you. Jon Jeff does a great job at analyzing the producers however I beg to differ when he places Kayne West as his #1 producer before Quincy Jones!

Jon stated that his Top 3 were interchangable but in MY opinion Kanye ain't even halfway close to Quincy Jones. Period! Point Blank!

He listed Timbaland as #5 based on his last 2 works with Justin Timberlake and his own solo project but I seriously disagree with Jon. Timbaland has been makin' hits since Jodeci and he is very consistent. Jon didn't like some of Tim's sounds but that's what makes him dope to me.

Just Blaze is listed as #4 and he's is truly underrated. Jon again mention's Just Blazes most recent projects and alot of those involved Jay-Z but one of my fav's by Blaze is "Breathe" by Fabolous. The track is SICK!!!

?uestlove took the #3 spot and I can see that. ?uestlove is dope with live instruments and he packs the house with The Roots. He's also very cool down to earth brother. I met him in Portland and he was very humble then after he got on stage he transformed to a deity fa sho.

#2: Quincy Jones??? As I posted on Jon's blog, he ain't even in the same category with the rest of the producers. He's in a class by himself. And anybody who can conduct an orchestra makes anybody that's sampling seem like a kid.

And the #1 spot goes to....Kanye West. My only surprise to this is that he's placed above Quincy Jones. We all have different taste.... Kanye is dope. He has a love/hate relationship with most people as an artist but even those folks that hate his mic skills can't front on his beats at all!!!

To read Jon's full critique click the link below.
Jon Jeff.: Top 5 Producers

Let's Make It Happen!!!

Mello Melanin, The Hot Instrumentalist

P.S. To step your production game up you check out this site: Create Rap Beats.

Wednesday, May 14, 2008

Here's an interesting review on software to create rap beats



I was checking my Google Alerts for any information concerning producing rap beats and I came across this review of FL Studio. It was from a beginner's perspective and I thought it would be good information to share with you. It's a really simple program to use and as a matter of fact it was used to make Soulja Boy's Grammy nominated smash hit "Superman". Of course you can do more advance things that what you heard on that song. :-)

Here's a screen shot of the software:





Here is the product review:


Later...

Mello Melanin

P.S. As always, don't forget to check out The Rap Beat Manual so you can get started making beats today!!!

Sunday, May 11, 2008

To Create Rap Beats You Need Plenty of This...

As a new producer, creating rap beats require a great deal of creativity. Alot of people get into the game thinking that just because some other well-known producer made a crappy beat that lacked creativity, they can compete. Well, that's only a half-truth. Remember, sometimes its the lyrics that drive the song...not just the beat.

For example, the 'whisper' song the Yin-Yang Twins did a few years ago called "Wait" was creative in the lyrics but the beat was ummm... just basic to say the least. And no discredit to Mr. Collipark aka DJ Smurf either. He's been dope for a long time...on the mic, the turntables, the production boards, and in the boardroom. Sometimes basic works best though...especially for that particular song.

But sometimes platinum-selling producers don't get creative. They're at a level where they just get money...but that's another story for a different day...

So how do you get creativity? How do you get inspired? And on top of that, how do you capture that inspiration the moment you get it so you don't lose it?

Well, sometimes I get inspired by listening to other Rap and R&B songs. There is nothing like checking out your favorite producer and attempting to duplicate his/her drum patterns, piano riffs, etc. Other times I'm inspired by just being quiet for a while. I mean no radio, no TV, no talking...to anybody! You won't believe what can come through to your mind if you just shut up and be quiet.

Other times creativity will come to me just experimenting with different sounds. I use Reasons 3.0 and it comes standard with plenty of sounds. It's been more than enough for my production needs...and no, I don't receive a penny from the makers of Reasons for making that statement. I can find a sound that I like and build a beat around it.

Now, I know I mentioned being quiet earlier but sometimes you can get inspired by a radio commercial, a TV program, something somebody said on the bus, or even a comedian's joke.

There is no limit to where you can get creativity from. Sometimes just being different from everybody else is considered creative. It's really up to you....

Let's Make It Happen!!!

Mello Melanin, The Hot Instrumentalist

P.S. You can get a ton of creative ideas and examples by clicking here!

Wednesday, May 7, 2008

Talk about creating rap beats on the Rap Beat Creator


Whassup folks,

Welcome to the Rap Beat Creator! My name is Carlton Lewis also known as Mello Melanin and I create rap beats and Hiphop lyircs.

Please take a look aroung my blog...hang out..click on a few links...bookmark it...and check back regularly for all your rap beat tips.

And don't forget to leave a comment and contribute to some great "how to" produce chats.

Mello Melanin, The Hot Instrumentalist

PS. To learn how to create rap beats, click here!

Friday, May 2, 2008

Why Create Rap Beats?

There are many reasons to create rap beats. Some people create beats for money. Others simply love to create music. For me, I started making rap beats because I loved making music and when I couldn't get the amount of music I needed from other producers, I decided to learn it myself. Your reasons may be different. I kinda evolved into a producer.

Anyway...

What's your story? Why do you want to learn how to create rap beats?

I look forward to your thoughts.

Let's Make It Happen!!!

Mello Melanin, The Hot Instrumentalist

PS. To unlock your hidden gift to create rap beats, click here!