Hip Hop Drum Samples - Three Questions | Lifestyle

by JohnGellei

Right now, we're going to be addressing a few of the questions regarding drum samples that are often posted in forums and other places online. Even blogs (semi professional and amateur) often see contributors discuss these topics a lot. The reason we are revisiting some of these concerns the online reputation of some prevalent forum members and blog owners. Their position and vested interests can skew the musical value of their answers. This is why it's important to check on the topics again and maybe shed some new light on old land, so to speak!

First Question: Do I need to buy drum samples? The answer to this question is a plain no. In some cases, you may wish to opt for paid-for drum samples, but many producers have started out great with just stock sounds and instruments, and some even continue to do so to this day. So while samples can be purchases both online and offline, you probably have some good sounds right in front of you!

If you have a lot of knowledge and have used compressors, equalizers and other, similar equipment and software in the past, you're well-equipped to start developing your own drum samples. You can end up developing your own personal collection of favorite drum sounds that you can go through a lot of times. With every project you will undertake, you will probably check here first to see if there are any suitable sounds you could use immediately or manipulate to your liking.

Question 2: Can I Use Dance Sounds for Gangster Rap? Yes, you most certainly can. There are no differences in the samples that can be used for hip-hop with those used for dance music. There are, however, rules about the arrangements. Everything else being the same, a pattern with the kick on every beat will immediately spell dance music, while hip hop is a little bit more flexible when it comes to using drum samples in different arrangements.

Now that we've spoken on the pattern difference, you should do your best to learn how the patterns get to be where they're at. Do some research on the way that patterns are used by your favorite artists. Try to do what they do in their tracks. If you can achieve the same sonic and rhythmic characteristics, you'll have a head start in determining your own unique sound and style.

Third Question: Why are some drum samples louder than others? The reason for this is as varied as the number of samples we could analyze for the answer. There are a few causes, though, and I will try to explain a few. First of all, understand that there is a constant loudness war happening in music. In fact, it's not just happening in music, but also on TV. Have you ever been watching something on the Discovery Channel to be interrupted by ads that are a few decibels louder than the show they break up? Yes, me too. This happens all the time, and it's because loudness impresses. Science has shown us that things that are loud are more impressive, and the same goes for size; if something is huge, it's going to impress you, regardless of actual quality or skill needed to produce the item or thing. So take little notice of loudness when choosing drum samples.

DISCLAIMER: This article is provided as information only and is not to be taken as financial advice.

There's more to a beat than rap drum samples. If you want to make hip hop beats, there is music theory and arrangement to be learned. Do you have what it takes to be a music producer?