How I am (currently) approaching Hip Hop production aka HOW I GET DOWN!!!

 This is the first in (hopefully) a series of production based posts. How I get down

      I almost never use looped drum samples anymore. Well, I shouldn't say that because I do use them, I use them as a guide to create a certain human feel or swing. For example, in the Edit window, on track 1 I may have a loop "the amen" or whatever, and on track two, below it I am lining the individual hits (kicks, snares etc.) to the transients of the loop. Stealing the groove, and (I like to think) keeping the drums interesting. Some songs can have 10, 20, 30, 40 individual hits, not randomly placed on a grid, but specifically aligned with a certain groove/break I like. Logic Audio actually has a feature that will align your edit window grid to a specific loops groove (called groove template, I believe). I stopped using Logic after the Apple buy out. I would love to go back if I ever get a Mac. My only issue w/ Logic is not every major studio uses it, where every studio has Pro Tools making it easy to move your work around. Plus, I have gotten used to PT (shortcuts, etc.) that to re-learn Logic would slow a work flow that I am already not happy with the speed of.

     Kicks are usually doubled up, a low frequency (30-100 hz.) kick added to maybe a weaker kick that has a nice crash but not much punch. I love tribal drums and djembes are often dubbed live. The djembe can be a difficult instrument to mic, especially if you have a limited selection. Even with the cheapest of mics though, mic placement (even just an inch) can often mean a world of difference, sound wise.

     I really do love drums. Punchy drums, yes! through the SSL talkback compressor, yes! Pumping ride cymbal Ringo drums, oh hell fuckin yeah. UREI 1176  you say, Neve boards you say, Fairchild 660 or 670... I just came on my keyboard! Finding new breaks (on vinyl) you've never heard, seen on a list or a sample cd is an amazing feeling, for me at least. I have been experimenting with some tracks, using the drum editing techniques described above, where every single kick, snare, hat etc. comes from a different break (hundreds of different hits in one song). This is a long and tedious exercise in getting the right mix and flow. I will post tracks soon.

STD