May 20, 2024
In a significant move within the music industry, Kevin Parker, the creative force behind Tame Impala, has sold his entire music catalog to Sony Music Publishing...
Read moreMay 18, 2024
In a landmark move that underscores the growing tensions between technology and the music industry, Sony Music has taken a bold stand against tech giants like Google, Microsoft, and OpenAI...
Read moreMay 18, 2024
In an empowering move for independent music, Lil Durk has announced the relaunch of his Only The Family (OTF) label, now in partnership with AWAL...
Read moreMay 18, 2024
“This album has me very excited because all the songs on the album are names of cities, that’s why it’s called El Viaje,” Fonsi revealed. “They are rhythmic songs, romantic songs...
Read moreMay 18, 2024
Kehlani is making a powerful return with her upcoming album, Crash, set to drop on June 21. This release marks her first full-length project since the 2022 hit album Blue Water Road....
Read moreMay 18, 2024
Ghostface Killah, the legendary member of the Wu-Tang Clan, is gearing up to drop his highly anticipated solo album, "Set the Tone," and the lineup looks nothing short of...
Read moreMay 18, 2024
The Chainsmokers emerge with a new EP, "No Hard Feelings," consisting of a mix of their past and future sounds. The hit-making duo's latest project is a revisitation of their roots...
Read moreMay 16, 2024
Sony Music, the world's largest music publisher, has taken a significant stance in the ongoing debate over artificial intelligence (AI) and copyright. Recently, Sony has sent letters to major tech...
Read moreMay 16, 2024
In a significant move for the music industry, Pete Ganbarg, renowned for his A&R expertise, has announced the launch of Pure Tone Records in a joint venture with Atlantic Records...
Read moreMay 16, 2024
Released in 2003 and re-released in 2004, The Killers' "Mr. Brightside" quickly became a defining anthem of the early 2000s, propelling the band to global superstardom...
Read moreMay 16, 2024
In the ever-evolving landscape of pop music, few artists have undergone as remarkable a transformation as Ariana Grande. With her extraordinary vocal range, infectious charisma, and unwavering...
Read moreMay 16, 2024
In April 2024, the classical music world witnessed a momentous event as 28-year-old conductor Klaus Mäkelä took the podium to lead the Chicago Symphony Orchestra.This landmark...
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!