If you're reading this article, then I know you. Not personally or anything, but I know what type of person you are and what you're looking for.
I mean, my first clue would be in the title, but otherwise your desire to make rap beats sort of oozes out of your pores to slap me in the face.
You're doing so much oozing, in fact, that I've decided to take pity on myself and give you what you want, which are tips on how to make rap beats.
1. Keep in mind that before you make rap beats, you have to listen. You can't perform without first learning about what you're supposed to be doing. It may seem like you should be able to pull up a program like Dub Turbo and just make rap beats with no problem whatsoever. Well, you could, but having good software doesn't cancel out the need for practical knowledge.
Even the best instrument can sound like crap if played by someone who doesn't know what good music is. Don't just listen to the music. Break it apart. Look at each individual level of a song and do the American Idol thing. But don't be Paula. Be Simon. You'll get better results.
2. Learn the piano. I'm sure you thought that you'd gotten out of piano lessons when your mother stopped demanding that you learn how to perform Christmas carols after your golden retriever died (thus destroying the image of a happy American family). But, unfortunately for you, learning the piano will do wonders for you when you decide to make rap beats. You may wonder what one has to do with the other, but I assure you that they are closely related. To make a rap beat, or any kind of beat for that matter, you have to have an understanding of melodies, rhythms, the progression of chords, and basically everything else that has to do with music. Learning to play the piano teaches you the basics, and even if you're a professional, the basics can take you to the next level when you make rap beats.
3. When you make rap beats, don't overdo it. Usually when someone just starts out, they make rap beats that are too complicated and don't sound good at all. It's not about how technical you get with a beat but what you can make the listener feel when they hear it. Even if you're not working with lyrics, you should be able to grab your audience with a beat and sometimes simpler is better. Well, actually, most of the time that's the case. Remember, your beat should be like the song that never ends. Catchy, so that it begins cropping up in the brain at the weirdest times.
4. Start the beat off with the hi-hats. These are the building blocks of your beat and will help you decide the speed of the rest of the beat. You can pretty much take things as they come from there.
5. Choose good software. Good software equals a good foundation and a good foundation assures that, even if you have no talent for making beats, the song won't suck completely, which should make you feel better... hopefully.
