90s Old School Boom Bap Beat: Chill Freestyle Type
Hey guys! Let's dive into the world of 90s old school chill freestyle boom bap type beats. If you're looking to create that classic hip-hop vibe, you've come to the right place. We're going to break down what makes this style so unique and how you can capture that golden-era sound in your own productions. Get ready to explore the essential elements, production techniques, and the overall feel that defines this iconic era of hip-hop.
What is a 90s Old School Chill Freestyle Boom Bap Type Beat?
So, what exactly is a 90s old school chill freestyle boom bap type beat? Well, it's a mouthful, but each word is crucial. The "90s old school" part sets the stage – we're talking about the golden age of hip-hop, roughly from the late 80s to the late 90s. This era is characterized by its raw, unfiltered sound, focusing on samples, vinyl crackle, and a generally unpolished feel compared to today's super-produced tracks. Think of artists like A Tribe Called Quest, Nas, and Gang Starr – these are the sounds we're aiming for.
The "chill freestyle" aspect implies a relaxed, laid-back vibe. This isn't aggressive trap music; it's something you can nod your head to while chilling with friends. The tempo is generally slower, around 80-95 BPM, giving rappers plenty of space to breathe and showcase their lyrical skills. The beat should create a vibe that invites creativity and storytelling.
Now, let's talk about "boom bap." This term refers to the distinctive drum pattern that defines this style. It's characterized by a hard-hitting kick drum ("boom") and a crisp snare drum ("bap"). The drums are typically sampled from old vinyl records, giving them a warm, vintage sound. The boom bap sound is the backbone of these beats, providing the rhythmic foundation for everything else. The drums often have a raw, unpolished feel, with a slightly gritty texture that adds to the overall character.
Combining all these elements, a 90s old school chill freestyle boom bap type beat is a relaxed, sample-heavy instrumental with a hard-hitting drum pattern, perfect for emcees to spit their rhymes over. It’s all about capturing that nostalgic feel and creating a soundscape that transports listeners back to the golden age of hip-hop.
Key Elements of a 90s Boom Bap Beat
Creating an authentic 90s boom bap beat involves several key elements. Let's break these down one by one to ensure you've got all the ingredients for a classic sound.
Drums
The drums are the heart and soul of any boom bap beat. You want to start with a punchy kick and a crisp snare. The kick should have a deep, resonant tone without being overly boomy or distorted. The snare should have a sharp attack and a relatively short decay. Think of the classic E-mu SP-1200 or Akai MPC drum sounds – those are the benchmarks.
Sampling is key here. Dig through old vinyl records to find drum breaks with the right character. If you don't have access to vinyl, there are plenty of sample packs available online that capture the sound of vintage drum machines. When layering drums, less is often more. Focus on getting the right balance between the kick and snare, and add subtle hi-hats or percussion elements to fill out the rhythm.
Don't be afraid to add a bit of grit and dirt to your drums. Overdriving them slightly or adding a touch of distortion can give them that raw, vintage feel. Experiment with different EQ settings to find the sweet spot where the drums sound both punchy and warm. Remember, the goal is to create a drum pattern that hits hard and provides a solid foundation for the rest of the beat.
Samples
Sampling is another essential component of 90s boom bap. Producers in this era often flipped samples from jazz, funk, soul, and even classical records to create unique and interesting soundscapes. The art of sampling involves finding a short snippet of audio, manipulating it, and incorporating it into your beat in a creative way.
Finding the right samples can take time and patience. Dig through your record collection or explore online sample libraries to find sounds that resonate with you. Look for melodies, chord progressions, or even just interesting sounds that you can chop up and rearrange. Once you've found a sample, experiment with different techniques to transform it into something new.
Chopping samples involves cutting them into smaller pieces and rearranging them to create a new melody or rhythm. You can use your sampler or DAW to slice the sample into individual notes or phrases and then reassemble them in a different order. Pitching samples up or down can also create interesting effects, allowing you to create harmonies or change the overall feel of the sample. Adding effects like reverb, delay, or chorus can further enhance the sound of your samples and help them blend seamlessly into your beat.
Bassline
The bassline in a 90s boom bap beat is typically simple but effective. It often follows the root notes of the sample, providing a solid low-end foundation for the track. You can use a sampled bassline or create one using a synthesizer or bass guitar.
If you're using a sampled bassline, try to find one that has a warm, round tone. You can EQ the bass to remove any unwanted frequencies and boost the low-end to make it more prominent in the mix. If you're creating a bassline from scratch, use a simple saw wave or sine wave and add a touch of distortion to give it some character.
The key is to keep the bassline simple and groovy. Avoid overly complex patterns or melodies, as they can distract from the other elements of the beat. Focus on creating a bassline that complements the drums and samples and provides a solid foundation for the track.
Melodies and Harmonies
In addition to samples, melodies and harmonies can add depth and complexity to your 90s boom bap beats. You can create melodies using synthesizers, keyboards, or even sampled instruments. The key is to keep the melodies simple and catchy, avoiding overly complex or virtuosic passages.
Harmonies can be created by layering multiple melodies or samples together. Experiment with different combinations of sounds to find harmonies that complement each other and create a rich, full sound. You can also use chords to add harmonic interest to your beats. Simple chord progressions, such as I-IV-V or ii-V-I, are common in 90s hip-hop.
When creating melodies and harmonies, think about the overall mood and vibe of the beat. Are you going for a chill, laid-back feel or something more energetic and upbeat? Choose sounds and melodies that reflect the desired mood and create a cohesive sonic landscape.
Production Techniques for Authentic Sound
To truly capture that authentic 90s boom bap sound, there are several production techniques you should keep in mind. These techniques will help you create beats that sound like they were ripped straight from a vintage sampler.
Sampling Techniques
As mentioned earlier, sampling is a cornerstone of boom bap production. To get that authentic sound, you need to master the art of chopping and flipping samples. This involves finding interesting snippets of audio and transforming them into something new.
Chopping samples involves cutting them into smaller pieces and rearranging them to create a new melody or rhythm. You can use your sampler or DAW to slice the sample into individual notes or phrases and then reassemble them in a different order. Experiment with different chopping techniques to find new and creative ways to use your samples.
Flipping samples involves manipulating them in various ways to create a new sound. This can include pitching them up or down, reversing them, adding effects, or even combining them with other samples. The goal is to take a familiar sound and transform it into something completely unique.
EQ and Compression
EQ and compression are essential tools for shaping the sound of your beats. Use EQ to carve out space for different elements in the mix and to enhance the overall clarity and punch. Use compression to control the dynamics of your sounds and to glue them together into a cohesive whole.
When EQing your drums, focus on enhancing the punch of the kick and the snap of the snare. Use a high-pass filter to remove any unwanted low-end rumble and a low-pass filter to tame any harsh high frequencies. When EQing your samples, be careful not to overdo it. Subtle adjustments are often all that's needed to make them sit well in the mix.
When compressing your drums, use a fast attack and release to add punch and aggression. When compressing your samples, use a slower attack and release to smooth out the dynamics and add warmth. Experiment with different compression settings to find what works best for each individual sound.
Adding Grit and Texture
One of the things that sets 90s boom bap apart from modern hip-hop is its raw, unpolished sound. To capture this vibe, you need to add grit and texture to your beats. This can be done in a variety of ways, such as using vintage samplers, adding distortion, or even incorporating vinyl crackle and noise.
Vintage samplers, such as the E-mu SP-1200 and Akai MPC60, have a unique sound that is difficult to replicate with modern equipment. These samplers have a limited bit depth and sample rate, which gives them a gritty, lo-fi character. If you don't have access to a vintage sampler, you can use plugins that emulate their sound.
Distortion can be used to add warmth, aggression, and character to your sounds. Experiment with different types of distortion to find what works best for each individual element in your beat. Subtle amounts of distortion can add a touch of grit, while more extreme settings can create a raw, aggressive sound.
Incorporating vinyl crackle and noise can add a vintage feel to your beats. You can find samples of vinyl crackle online or record your own using a turntable and microphone. Layer these samples underneath your drums and samples to create a subtle background texture.
The Importance of "Feel" in Boom Bap
Beyond the technical aspects, the "feel" of a boom bap beat is crucial. It's about capturing the right groove, swing, and overall vibe that defines the genre. This is where the human element comes in – it's not just about perfectly quantized beats and pristine audio; it's about creating something that feels authentic and soulful.
Groove and Swing
Groove and swing refer to the rhythmic feel of a beat. In boom bap, the groove is typically laid-back and relaxed, with a slight emphasis on the off-beat. This gives the beat a sense of swing, making it feel more organic and less rigid.
To achieve the right groove and swing, experiment with different quantization settings in your DAW. Try nudging notes slightly off the grid to create a more human feel. You can also use swing or shuffle parameters to add a subtle rhythmic variation to your beats.
Capturing the Vibe
Capturing the vibe of a boom bap beat is about more than just the technical aspects. It's about creating a sonic landscape that evokes a certain mood or feeling. Think about the artists and albums that inspire you and try to emulate their sound in your own productions.
Experiment with different sounds, textures, and effects to create a unique sonic palette. Don't be afraid to break the rules and try new things. The key is to create something that feels authentic to you and that captures the essence of boom bap.
Collaboration and Feedback
Finally, don't be afraid to collaborate with other artists and get feedback on your beats. Working with other musicians can help you expand your creativity and improve your skills. Getting feedback from other producers can help you identify areas where your beats can be improved.
Share your beats online, attend beat battles, and connect with other producers in your local community. The more you network and collaborate, the more you'll learn and grow as a musician.
So there you have it, guys! Creating 90s old school chill freestyle boom bap type beats is all about understanding the essential elements, mastering the production techniques, and capturing the right feel. Keep experimenting, keep digging for those golden samples, and most importantly, keep the spirit of the golden era alive in your music!