December 23, 2024
Transitioning from Disney star to chart-topping artist is a path many have walked, but Dove Cameron is blazing her trail, determined to redefine herself as an artist on her terms. After captivating...
Read moreDecember 23, 2024
Ed Sheeran, one of the most successful singer-songwriters of the modern era, is preparing for a big return to the pop music scene in 2025. After a quieter few years focused on collaborations and...
Read moreDecember 23, 2024
Seamlessly transitioning between genres and effortlessly switching musical gears, beabadoobee stands as a masterful young artist whose unique sound bridges the best of indie rock’s nostalgic past...
Read moreDecember 23, 2024
Few artists embody the concept of reinvention as completely as Kim Wilde. From dominating the pop charts in the 1980s to cultivating a second career as a gardening expert, Wilde’s journey is...
Read moreDecember 23, 2024
Britney Spears, a pop icon who has captivated audiences for decades, is once again at the center of media attention. As the star recently celebrated her 43rd birthday in Mexico, questions about her...
Read moreDecember 23, 2024
Joe Jonas and Alex Warren have joined forces for their latest collaboration, Everything I Had, a track that highlights the creative synergy between the two artists. Combining Jonas’ polished vocals...
Read moreDecember 23, 2024
Zach Bryan, a name that resonates with authenticity, raw emotion, and heartfelt storytelling, has taken the music world by storm. With his distinct sound and poetic lyrics, he has become a voice...
Read moreDecember 23, 2024
Timothée Chalamet’s transformation into music legend Bob Dylan for the upcoming biopic Going Electric is already generating buzz, but what does it take for an acclaimed actor to embody one of the...
Read moreDecember 22, 2024
Phoebe Bridgers has become a defining voice in indie music, seamlessly blending raw vulnerability with hauntingly beautiful soundscapes. Whether she’s performing solo in her now-iconic skeleton...
Read moreDecember 22, 2024
A recent report commissioned by the International Confederation of Societies of Authors and Composers (CISAC) has raised alarms within the music industry, predicting that the rise of generative...
Read moreDecember 22, 2024
Hozier, the Irish singer-songwriter known for his poetic lyrics and soulful melodies, is making waves once again with his latest single, “Too Sweet”. Released on March 22, 2024, as part of his EP...
Read moreDecember 22, 2024
Spotify Wrapped 2024 has officially dropped, and it’s no surprise that Taylor Swift reigns supreme as the most-streamed artist of the year. Her chart-topping success is a testament to her enduring...
Read more
Hey there, fellow beatmakers! It’s awesome that you’ve started producing regularly—consistency is a crucial first step in mastering your craft. However, as you’ve noticed, simply making beats doesn’t always lead to unique or high-quality results. That’s totally normal. Developing your skills and becoming proficient as a beatmaker is a process that takes time, patience, and, most importantly, intentional practice.
In this article, we’ll explore the most efficient ways to master your creative process as a beatmaker, and how you can learn from one of the most respected producers in the game: J Dilla.
It’s easy to fall into the trap of making beats on autopilot. You’re producing regularly, but if you’re not actively trying to improve with each session, you might find yourself stuck in a loop of creating “mid” beats. The key here is intentional practice.
J Dilla's Approach
J Dilla, widely regarded as one of the greatest producers in hip-hop history, was known for his relentless work ethic and intentional practice. He didn't just create beats randomly; he meticulously worked on his craft every day, setting goals to refine his sound, whether it was through exploring new drum patterns, sample manipulation, or pushing the boundaries of rhythm and timing.
Crate digging is an essential part of beatmaking, especially if you’re sampling. But as you’ve pointed out, it can be easy to fall into the habit of grabbing random songs off YouTube without fully exploring the music. To improve your beats, try refining your digging process:
J Dilla's Approach
Dilla was a master of crate digging. He spent hours digging through records, searching for obscure samples that no one else had touched. His knowledge of music was extensive, and he understood the records he sampled inside and out. This allowed him to chop and manipulate samples in unique ways, creating beats that were far from disposable—they were timeless.
One thing that separates the greats from the rest is their deep understanding of music. If you feel like your beats are disposable, it might be because you’re relying on basic ideas without enough musical depth. Here are some ways to expand your musical knowledge:
J Dilla's Approach
J Dilla’s knowledge of music went beyond just sampling. He had a deep understanding of rhythm, melody, and harmony, which allowed him to create beats that were complex yet accessible. His unconventional use of rhythm, like the "drunken" swing in his drum patterns, came from his vast knowledge of jazz, funk, and soul. This gave his beats a unique feel that many producers still try to emulate today.
One of the most efficient ways to master your craft is to develop a consistent and methodical approach to beatmaking. This means creating a workflow that allows you to stay organized and focused. Here’s how:
J Dilla's Approach
Dilla was known for his methodical approach to beatmaking. He had a daily routine that involved hours in the studio, refining his craft. His process was highly disciplined, yet he remained fluid and creative within that structure. This methodical approach allowed him to produce an enormous body of work, much of which continues to influence modern music.
No matter how long you’ve been making beats, feedback is invaluable. Share your work with other producers, mentors, or even non-musicians to get fresh perspectives on your music. Don’t take criticism personally—use it as a tool to improve.
J Dilla's Approach
Dilla was never afraid of collaboration and often sought feedback from his peers. He worked with a range of artists, from A Tribe Called Quest to Erykah Badu, and these collaborations helped him grow as a producer. He was always open to refining and iterating on his beats until they met his high standards.
Mastering your craft takes time. It’s common to go through periods where you feel like you’re not improving or your work isn’t good enough. But don’t let this discourage you. Keep pushing through those moments, and trust that with consistent effort, you will see growth.
J Dilla's Approach
Dilla’s persistence and patience were key to his success. He didn’t achieve greatness overnight; it took years of consistent work and dedication. Even when faced with health challenges, he continued to produce groundbreaking music, showing that persistence pays off in the long run.
Mastering your craft as a beatmaker isn’t about producing a masterpiece every time you sit down at your DAW. It’s about developing a process, honing your skills, and growing your knowledge over time. By focusing on intentional practice, refining your crate-digging process, expanding your musical knowledge, and staying patient, you’ll start to see the quality of your beats improve.
So, what’s your process? How do you approach beatmaking, and what challenges have you faced along the way? Let’s chat in the comments and learn from each other!