Hip Hop Beats by Producers

Hip hop beats are made from four basic instruments: the drum line, bass line, and lead instrument. The bass line provides the basic beat's structure while the lead instrument sets the mood. The second instrument, known as the support, can come from any source, including other instruments. It's best to choose an instrument that fits with the beat's overall style.

Producers have the ability to make hip hop beats that are as powerful as the rappers who perform them. Examples of powerful hip hop beats include Notorious B.I.G.'s "Who Shot Ya" (produced by Diddy and Nashiem Myrick) and the saxophone sample from Gap Mangione's "Diana in the Autumn Wind." Producers have also been able to make beats that have lasted much longer than the original artist.

Jay Electronica's "Exhibit C" beat began with a track by Billy Stewart called "Cross My Heart." He and producer Just Blaze combed the song for its best parts and wove them over the bombastic production of the song. The track would become a groundbreaking moment in rap's history.

Producers have made their mark by blending pop and hip hop beats. Stargate is an example of this. Not only did he produce songs for the likes of Beyonce and Rihanna, but he also incorporated the sounds of orchestral instruments into hip hop beats. The results are astounding.

Fast-paced hip hop beats are a staple of modern hip hop music. In contrast to the slower beats, fast-paced beats are often slicker and more dynamic. In addition to being more energetic, these beats make for great music. In fact, one of the most memorable songs on Drake's "Nothing Was the Same" album is an instrumental sample of a jazz composition.

"Boom" by DJ Premier is a classic example of a modern hip hop beat. The producer sampled a famous 1969 song by Marc Hannibal and modernized it by jibbing the ticking clock sound from Kay-Gees' "Anthology." This beat is the ultimate freestyle beat.