Sounds'n samples: How to roughen things up..?

[jaevladaniel]

This might sound a bit dorky, but I'm trying to roughen my productions up a bit. Not to make them sound cooler or anything, it's just that I think that the harder they come the funkier they get. I know we're don't really fear the cheese at all times in hip hop, but I just don't FEEL the shit I churn out...

So, what kind of sounds and samples do you all look for when it comes to making true earthshaking bangers – and how do you treat them (the sounds, that is)? Or do you have any other tips for ol' desperate me?

Thanx.

 

[Fade]

For sampling, it can be anything really. You could look for certain samples that sound rough, but you could also just use certain effects to toughen them up, like saturation.

I always recommend starting with a drum break that is really good, like James Brown's "Funky Drummer", because that will motivate you to put something dope on top.

What are you using?

 

[jaevladaniel]

Hi,

Thanks! Yeah, I guess it all really comes down to finding the right sounds and samples – and that there is no shortcut going there. Although, I alsways find it kinda mind boggling when I listen to a beat and then hit WhoSampled to check out the samples, and the producer in question has managed to make something that sounds hardcore from a smooth sailin' jazz/soul sample!

Alright, kind of like the same process as one would be using in a typical studio tracking of a live band? I believe in you on this one 'Cause when I DON'T start with a drum beat, things get even less bangin' than if I do.

Do you mean what I'm using tech wise? If so, I'm on Logic with ESX24 and the basic setup of instrument plus a few ones I added to the standard setup. I also use an MPC Element with MPC Essentials, a turntable and a MIDI keyboard.

 

[Fade]

You have more than enough to get the job done. It really comes down to just sampling whatever and making it sound great. Some people will take an entire loop but others will hear just a small part and they flip it around. I guess it just takes time and practice.

 

[jaevladaniel]

Yeah, I suppose. Thanks for the support – I'm heading back out on the sea of samples again!

 

[Beautiful Noise]

Usually, I'll take the sample(s) I'm going to use and decide how to use them (looped or chopped). Once I decide that, I figure out the measure of the sample (if looping) and find the BPM, using the MPA (MPC, etc). Once I got the BPM of the sample loop, then I usually use a 4 bar sequence and get the sample patterns down first. Once I got that, I begin building the drum pattern around the sample, and last but not least, the baseline.

Nothing too complicated, but it works for me.