The Story Behind Hip Hop Drum Beats
Hip hop is a genre that has influenced culture and music in unprecedented ways. Ever since its inception in the Bronx, New York during the 1970s, it has grown to become one of the most globally recognized genres around the world, with famous rappers such as Tupac, Biggie, Jay Z, and Eminem becoming household names. However, what truly sets hip hop apart from other genres is its unique style of drum beats that underpin the lyrics and bring the music to life.
Hip hop drum beats are a crucial component of the genre. They are the foundation on which the entire song is built, and they serve as the backbone that drives the lyrics and the melody. Unlike other music genres, hip hop beats are repetitive and often include a loop of a simple breakbeat. This repetitive nature of hip hop beats is intended to provide a simple and strong rhythmic base that allows the MC to flow over it smoothly.
The story behind the hip hop drum beat is one of improvisation and innovation. When hip hop first emerged in the Bronx, DJs would use two turntables to create a continuous loop of a drum break from a funk, soul, or rock song, and then use a mixer to switch between the two turntables. This technique, known as “cutting”, provided the DJs with a way to extend and improvise on the beat, creating new drum patterns and adding other sounds.
One of the most famous drum loops in hip hop history is the “Amen break”. This six-second drum break was sampled from a track by The Winstons called “Amen, Brother” and was used by countless hip hop producers to create iconic beats. The Amen break, which originated from a gospel song, became the backbone of some of the most seminal hip hop tracks, including NWA’s “Straight Outta Compton”, Wu-Tang Clan’s “Bring da Ruckus”, and The Prodigy’s “Firestarter”.
Another influential drum loop that came from a soul hit is the “Funky Drummer” loop by James Brown. This drum break was renowned for its distinctive kick drum, snare, and hi-hat beats and has been used in a broad range of hip hop tracks, including Public Enemy’s “Fight the Power” and LL Cool J’s “Mama Said Knock You Out”.
The art of sampling breaks and loops of classic tracks was a central component of early hip hop, and it was through this practice that hip hop drum beats evolved into a distinct genre. Producers would often spend hours poring over records and tapes to find the perfect break or loop to use for the beat of their tracks. Once they found the right sound, they would chop up the loop, rearrange it, and add other sounds to create a unique and innovative drum beat.
As hip hop moved into the 1990s, producers began to use drum machines and samplers to create their beats. This allowed them to program their own beats and add their own unique sound to the genre. The Roland TR-808 was one of the most influential drum machines in hip-hop history and was used to create the beats for countless legendary tracks. The TR-808 was notably used by Marvin Gaye on his iconic track “Sexual Healing” and became the foundation of many famous hip hop tracks such as Afrika Bambaataa’s “Planet Rock”, Beastie Boys’ “Paul Revere” and Kanye West’s “Love Lockdown.”
The introduction of the drum machine also allowed producers to experiment with different drum kits and create unique sounds that were not previously possible. Producers would often process and layer different drum sounds to create something entirely new and fresh. They would add effects such as distortion, chorus, and reverb to create a customized sound and add an extra depth to the beat.
Hip hop drum beats are not just rhythmic elements of a song. They also play a crucial role in the storytelling of the lyrics. A skilled producer can use the beat to create a sense of emotion and tension, highlighting each word and phrase of the rapper. The beat can also set the mood of the track, providing the listener with a sense of what the song is about. For instance, a dark, ominous beat can convey a sense of danger or foreboding in the lyrics, whereas a bright, uplifting beat can convey a sense of hope.
The use of hip hop beats is not limited to rap and hip hop music. Other genres, such as electronic dance music, have embraced hip hop beats and incorporated them into their own music. Producers of house, techno, and other dance music styles often sample classic hip hop drums loops and incorporate them into their tracks.
In conclusion, the history of hip hop drum beats is one of innovation and evolution. From the early days of cutting breaks to the use of drum machines and samplers, producers have pushed the boundaries of what is possible and created some of the most iconic beats in music history. The evolution of hip hop drum beats into a distinct genre shows how a small group of DJs and producers from the Bronx have had a tremendous impact on music culture and have changed the way we think about rhythm, sound, and melody.