General production starting...

[T-Dash]

Ok, I've looked through search and stuff and nothins really helped me and this is prolly gonna gather me some dislike but it can't hurt to ask. Basically, I rap and obviously after a while you get to the point in which you can no longer use beats from MP3.com for legal reasons. So you decide to start out and make your own.

I found a thread at rapmusic.com a while back from JC (one of my fave producers on MP3.com) explaning one of the better set ups for a start set for production, which I copped. I got myself a copy of Fruityloops and through rapping I already have Cool Edit. I got myself a cheap DJX midi keyboard off ebay and got the midi wires and ish and more recently I got a new computer with a decent soundcard. I also have a set of turntables which i can always amp and set up if needed. But the question I have is really...am I on the right path? Do I need anything else like samples and loops and shit to get sorted? Do i need to buy some soundfonts? Is there other software you'd advise to use with a keyboard, etc....any little tidbits of information on where to get started would really be helpful.

I'm begging for some of the producers to break me off a lil bit of advice.....thanks...peace!

 

[Fade]

Well this question has been answered so many times, and basically you can't be told how to make beats, but I'm sure you know that.

First, check ALL over this site, not just the Forums, because there's tons of good articles and information offered here. Once you've checked that out, the only thing left to do is to get started. FL, CEP, and a keyboard is a great start. You can do so much damage with just those 3 things, don't let someone tell you that you NEED an MPC or a sound module, or a drum machine, that's bullshit.

The thing you must remember is that you're obviously not going to plug everything in and start making platinum selling hits! This stuff takes a lot of time and dedication, but if you're really serious about making beats then it shouldn't be a problem for you. Since you also have some turntables, then get some vinyl (if you're into sampling), and start there. But like I said, it's impossible for anyone to grab you by the hand and show you. It's like with rapping, you just have to practice.

Don't be afraid to ask some questions on here, IllMuzik is not about bashing people, we're all here to help one another.

 

[T-Dash]

Thanks Fade...much love man. It wont be easy, it's just daunting cause you come to a forum like this and everyone seems to have just acquired all this knowledge of how to produce and all of ya'll must have started at the same level I'm at, not really knowing what to do. Hey you never know....I might even appear in a Beat this competition soon. I got a few scratch plates/samples and drum loops for my turntables...but I'ma lil reluctant to use them as of yet and take apart the DJ set up and whatever....so I'll prolly just learn the basics of FL and a keyboard before I start with the decks...

 

[Copenhagen]

Remember that you can always get feedback on your beats in the showcase forum. Good luck with it...and remember the old saying "practice makes perfect"...

 

[Fade]

Yeah no doubt. That's the main thing to remember I guess - we ALL started from the bottom. We all had to start out like you, reading books, magazines, word of mouth, and of course from practicing. Just don't rush into things. I've heard so many people that start making beats and they're quick to say that their beat is "HOT" or something like that. Just because a person can put a drum loop and a sample together doesn't mean it sounds good. Trust me.

But yeah, once you're ready, come here and post in the Showcase and you'll get feedback.

 

[N.U.G.]

keep reading the posts at this forum and you'll start to learn what options are available to you. What you have is fine to start with but keep your eyes open to things that will compliment your production. One thing with Fruity Loops/FLStudio is you'd be best to get sounds from VSTs, Samples (from all sources - sample cds, vinyl, the net, anything). I'd also recommend buying the full version if you haven't already done so from www.flstudio.com

You may want to also consider an excellent program called Reason. The reason why I recommend Reason (no pun intended) is because it pretty much has everything you need to make dope beats. You can download a free demo from www.propellerheads.com

peace

 

[vabeach]

well like all have said it takes time .....and listen to all music other producers beats rock rap pop and just get ideas from all music ..good luck

 

[The Konductor]

But like I said, it's impossible for anyone to grab you by the hand and show you.

I disagree. I think that if I could sit in with Dre, Rza, Alchemist, etc..they could show me how they produce beats just by me watching. Yeah there is more than one way to make a hott track, but most techniques are used by all producers in different ways, at different stages in production. So yes, you can be taken by the hand and shown how make beats. Now will somebody be willing to show you, I doubt it? They don't want you makin hott beats. It could possibly saturate the market. Bottom line? Every aspiring producer can benefit from being in an environment where shit is getting done.

 

[Fade]

Sure, if you sat down with Dre for example, he'll show you how things are done. But YOU still have to eventually do stuff on your own. Dre's not always going to be there for you.

 

[T-Dash]

So what your telling me is...I need to somehow find a way to merge myself with Dre until we become a single person...then he has no choice and HAS to be with me at all times...hmmmm....hehehe...thanks for the good advice ya'll...I'mma deff take everything into consideration and make a real start once my exams are over (damn studying taking valuable production learning time away from me)