My first batch of beats were practically all melody. But in my case, I like symphonic stuff and nicely composed structures that make your hairs raise on the back of your neck.
But those beats are weaker than a premature baby trying to pick up his own foot. I learned that although it's good to have a method or formula for ease of maneuverability in beatmaking, it's also good to switch it up in order to obtain some inspiration here and there. I've sat there and made "collections" with the same sounds and same setup, and while most beats are good, (one would be a banger) they would be just that: a collection. If you want to make collections, then start the same way all the time, but if not...
Try starting with just a hi-hat line, or shaker. Make it interesting. Don't even touch the rest of the drums. Then, add a bass line to make the shakers shake what they mama gave em. Then, add a snare, and offset it. Then add a basic melody. Then fill in the rest, changing what you added to make it work with the whole picture.
Try starting with a snare drum, just a simple pop right on the 3's and 7's like usual. Then add your melody, then go back to drum, then bass, then percussion again, then piano, then sample something in your house, then smoke, then get some ass, then add the rest.
This topic is okay if you want to just stake out what the rest of the bunch is doing. But you can quote me on this, and I'll probably say it again: If you can't make something revolutionary, then you might as well quit. So get high, enjoy life, work your nine to five, then go home and make love to the keys. And do it slow cuz she likesies. But then catch her off guard and start givin it to her raw when she doesn't expect it.
-Hypno
