Tag: Beatmaking Tips

Mixing the Beat: Key Tips

1. Genre-Specific Levels:
   • Hip-Hop: Kick/snare often louder than vocals.
   • Pop: Drums support vocals without dominating.
   • EDM: Kick is the loudest to drive energy.
   • Rock: Drums balance with guitars/vocals.
2. Balance & Dynamics:
   • Keep the beat prominent but not overpowering.
   • Align kick and bass; use compression to enhance punch.
3. Technical Tips:
   • Maintain headroom (-6 to -4 dB).
   • EQ for clarity and use references for guidance.

Summary: Loud enough to energize but balanced to fit the mix. Use ears and references to fine-tune.

There are several reasons why your own style tends to come through when arranging beats, even if you try to do it differently.

1. Preferred Sounds

You may be unconsciously influenced by the genres and sounds you usually listen to, naturally gravitating towards arrangements that resemble your preferences. It’s natural to choose sounds that you like.

2. Playing Style

Your playing style and habits on your instrument can easily be reflected in your arrangements. For example, the way you handle rhythm, dynamics, and phrasing in your usual performances can manifest in your arrangements.

3. Musical Background

The music theory you’ve learned and the styles of artists who have influenced you may naturally be reflected in your arrangements. The musical background you’ve cultivated over the years is not easily changed.

4. Source of Creativity

Expressing your own style is an important aspect of music production. By showcasing your originality and unique expression, you can create one-of-a-kind pieces. That’s why your own color naturally comes through.

Your distinctive arrangements can be seen as a manifestation of your musical identity. While leveraging that, you can broaden your musical horizons by incorporating new elements and collaborating with others. It’s important to cherish your individuality while maintaining an attitude of continuous growth.

When we think of hip-hop, sampling often comes to mind as one of its core creative elements. Taking snippets of old records and repurposing them into new tracks has been a hallmark of the genre, bridging past and present in innovative ways. However, with growing concerns over copyright issues and licensing costs, a new approach—creating hip-hop without sampling—has been gaining attention.

In this blog post, we’ll explore the benefits and possibilities of producing hip-hop music without relying on sampling.

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Benefits of Producing Without Sampling

1. Freedom from Copyright Concerns

Sampling is undoubtedly a creative process, but it comes with legal complexities. To use a sample legally, you need to obtain permission from the original rights holders, which can involve hefty licensing fees. For indie artists or those working with limited budgets, this can be a significant hurdle.
By creating your beats and melodies from scratch, you eliminate these concerns entirely. Original tracks give you complete ownership, allowing you to distribute, sell, or perform your music freely without worrying about copyright infringement.

2. Pursuit of Originality

While sampling pays homage to past music, it can sometimes lead to tracks that feel familiar or derivative. By composing your own beats and melodies, you have the opportunity to craft something entirely unique. This not only helps you stand out as an artist but also allows you to develop a signature style that’s unmistakably yours.

3. Skill Development

Building your own tracks from scratch—programming drum patterns, creating basslines, and composing melodies—can significantly enhance your understanding of music production and theory. For beginners especially, this process is an invaluable way to deepen their skills and broaden their creative horizons.

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Can You Capture the “Essence” of Hip-Hop Without Sampling?

Some might wonder if hip-hop without sampling loses its essence. However, the heart of hip-hop lies not solely in sampling but in rhythm, lyrics, and the artist’s ability to express themselves authentically.

Here are some ways to maintain the “hip-hop vibe” while creating original tracks:

• Utilize Drum Machines and Synthesizers
  Early hip-hop heavily relied on drum machines like the Akai MPC or Roland TR-808. Using these tools—or their modern digital equivalents—can help you create hard-hitting beats that stay true to hip-hop’s roots.
• Blend Genres for Unique Styles
  Drawing inspiration from jazz, funk, electro, or other genres can help you craft a fresh sound while still aligning with hip-hop’s experimental spirit.
• Incorporate Field Recordings
  Recording sounds from your surroundings (e.g., street noise or nature) can add a layer of authenticity and creativity to your tracks.

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Challenges of Producing Without Sampling

Of course, producing without sampling isn’t without its challenges:

1. Time and Effort
   Sampling allows producers to quickly build tracks using pre-existing material. Creating everything from scratch requires more time and effort.
2. Maintaining Quality
   Sampled material often comes from professionally recorded and mixed sources with high production value. Matching that level of quality in your original compositions can be challenging without experience.
3. Lack of “Character”
   Samples often carry a nostalgic or vintage quality that’s hard to replicate with newly created sounds. To address this, you might need to use plugins like tape simulators or vinyl emulators to add texture and warmth to your tracks.

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Conclusion: Embracing New Possibilities

Producing hip-hop without sampling isn’t just about avoiding copyright issues—it’s an opportunity to explore your creativity and develop a unique artistic identity. While it requires more effort and dedication, the process itself can be incredibly rewarding and contribute to your growth as an artist.

If you’re considering diving into hip-hop production, why not challenge yourself by creating a track entirely from scratch? The new ideas and possibilities you uncover might just redefine your approach to music—and open doors you never imagined!

When it comes to music production, samplers are an essential tool. After transitioning from hardware samplers to software samplers, I discovered that Koala Sampler is by far the best option for my workflow. Here’s why I made the switch and why Koala Sampler has become my go-to.

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Saying Goodbye to Hardware Samplers

Hardware samplers have undeniable charm—the tactile controls, dedicated functionality, and sometimes even their unique sound quality. However, they come with a downside: every time a new model is released, the temptation to upgrade is hard to resist. This constant cycle of wanting the latest gear can be expensive and impractical. Not to mention, physical space and maintenance become issues as your collection grows.

Eventually, I decided to let go of my hardware samplers and fully embrace software-based solutions.

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The Appeal of Software Samplers

Software samplers offer a level of convenience and flexibility that hardware simply can’t match. Among the many options available, Koala Sampler stands out for several reasons:

• Intuitive Interface: Its simple design makes it easy for beginners to dive right in.
• Powerful Features: Record up to 64 samples, apply 16 different effects, and even use AI-powered stem separation.
• Affordability: It’s a one-time purchase for just a few dollars, with reasonably priced in-app upgrades.
• Portability: All you need is your smartphone or tablet—no bulky gear required.

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My Experience with Koala Sampler

Since switching to Koala Sampler, I’ve been amazed by how much I can accomplish with such a compact tool. The app’s effects and resampling capabilities allow me to create exactly the sounds I’m envisioning. Plus, its seamless integration with MIDI controllers means I can maintain a consistent workflow whether I’m at home or on the go.

I’ve also purchased all the in-app upgrades, which have unlocked even more creative possibilities—definitely worth the investment.

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Comparing Hardware and Software Samplers

Aspect	Hardware Samplers	Software Samplers (Koala)
Cost	Expensive (hundreds to thousands of dollars)	Affordable (a few dollars)
Portability	Limited by size and weight	Extremely portable—just your phone
Ease of Use	Tactile controls but steeper learning curve	Simple touch-based interface
Expandability	Limited by hardware specs	Expandable via in-app purchases
Maintenance	Requires care and occasional repairs	Regular updates add new features

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Final Thoughts

While hardware samplers have their own unique appeal, software solutions like Koala Sampler are unbeatable in terms of cost-effectiveness and convenience. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced producer, Koala offers everything you need to create music effortlessly.

For me, switching to Koala Sampler has been a game-changer—I’ve unlocked its full potential by purchasing all the add-ons, and it’s now an integral part of my creative process. If you’re looking for a flexible, affordable sampler that fits in your pocket, Koala Sampler is definitely worth trying!

Beat-making is the backbone of music production. It’s not just about putting together sounds; it’s about crafting a foundation that defines the tempo, mood, and overall identity of your track. Being intentional in how you create beats is essential for shaping the direction of your music, expressing your unique style, and seamlessly integrating rhythm with melody. In this article, we’ll explore why intentionality in beat-making is so important and how it can elevate your music.

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1. Setting the Tempo and Mood of Your Track

The beat is the heartbeat of a song. It dictates the tempo and rhythm, which in turn shape the emotional atmosphere of your track. For example:

• Fast-paced beats create energy, excitement, and urgency.
• Slower beats evoke calmness, introspection, or emotional depth.

When you intentionally design your beat, you’re essentially deciding how you want your audience to feel when they listen to your music. Without this intentionality, your track risks feeling directionless or mismatched in tone. By thinking about the mood and context of your song early in the process, you can craft a beat that aligns perfectly with your vision.

Key Questions to Ask:

• What emotion do I want this track to convey?
• Where and when do I imagine people listening to this song?
• How should the tempo reflect the story or vibe of the track?

Answering these questions will guide you toward creating beats that are purposeful and impactful.

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2. Expressing Your Unique Style

In today’s music landscape, standing out is more important than ever. With so many artists producing similar sounds, having a distinct style can set you apart—and your beats are one of the most effective tools for showcasing that individuality.

Every element of a beat—drum patterns, sample choices, effects—can be tailored to reflect your personality as an artist. For instance:

• Loop-based beats create hypnotic grooves that draw listeners in.
• Unconventional rhythms surprise audiences with unexpected twists.
• Genre-blending (e.g., combining hip-hop with jazz or electronic with rock) showcases creativity and innovation.

Intentional beat-making allows you to move beyond randomness and fully embrace what makes your music unique. By focusing on what you want to express and how you want to sound, you can craft beats that are unmistakably yours.

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3. Harmonizing Rhythm and Melody

Music thrives when rhythm and melody work together in harmony. A well-crafted beat provides a solid foundation for melodies to shine while ensuring that every element feels cohesive.

Without intentional planning, rhythm and melody can clash—resulting in a disjointed listening experience. On the other hand, an intentional approach ensures balance and synergy between these two core elements.

Practical Examples:

• Creating space for vocals: Design simple drum patterns that leave room for lyrics or melodic lines to stand out.
• Enhancing groove: Sync basslines with kick drums for a tight, unified feel.
• Dynamic variation: Introduce changes in beat patterns or volume to add drama and maintain listener interest.

By deliberately thinking about how rhythm interacts with melody, you can create tracks that feel polished and professional.

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4. Connecting with Your Audience

Music is ultimately about communication—it’s a way to connect with listeners on an emotional level. To achieve this connection, you need to be clear about what you want to say through your music. Intentional beat-making plays a vital role in this process by providing a framework for delivering your message effectively.

For example:

• In dance music, beats should inspire movement and energy.
• In hip-hop, beats often provide space for lyrics while maintaining a strong groove.
• In cinematic music, beats might enhance tension or amplify emotional moments.

When you approach beat-making with intention, you ensure that every element serves a purpose in communicating with your audience. This clarity helps listeners resonate more deeply with your work.

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Conclusion

Intentional beat-making isn’t just a technical skill—it’s an artistic mindset. By focusing on what you want to achieve with each track, you can craft beats that define the tempo and mood of your music, express your personal style, harmonize rhythm with melody, and connect meaningfully with listeners.

Next time you sit down to create a beat, take a moment to reflect on your goals: What story are you telling? What emotions are you evoking? How do you want people to feel when they hear your music? Let these questions guide your process, and watch as your tracks transform into powerful expressions of who you are as an artist!

For every beatmaker out there, mixing is an essential skill that can make or break your music. No matter how amazing your beat is, poor mixing can bury its potential, leaving it unheard and resulting in missed opportunities. In this blog, we’ll dive into why mixing is the lifeblood of beatmaking and explore actionable steps to level up your mixing skills so your beats can shine.

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Why Is Mixing So Important?

1. It Defines the Quality of Your Beat

Mixing is the process of balancing and blending all the elements of a track—drums, bass, melodies, and more—into a cohesive and polished sound. Without proper mixing, your beat can sound cluttered or muddy, making it difficult for listeners to appreciate your creativity.

2. It Creates a Strong First Impression

In today’s fast-paced music world, listeners often decide within seconds whether they like a track or not. A clean, professional mix grabs their attention instantly, while a poorly mixed beat risks being dismissed as amateurish or unpleasant.

3. It Boosts Your Chances of Success

Whether you’re aiming for playlist placements, collaborations with artists, or selling beats to labels, a well-mixed track stands out. It shows professionalism and ensures your music holds up against other high-quality productions.

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Steps to Improve Your Mixing Skills

1. Master the Basics

Start by understanding the fundamental tools and techniques of mixing. Here are some key concepts to focus on:

• EQ (Equalization): Adjust frequency ranges to ensure each sound has its own space in the mix.
• Compression: Control dynamics to create a consistent and balanced sound.
• Panning: Place sounds across the stereo field for clarity and width.
• Reverb & Delay: Add depth and space to create a sense of dimension.

Familiarizing yourself with these tools will give you the foundation needed for effective mixing.

2. Use Reference Tracks

Select professionally mixed tracks in a similar style or genre as your beat and compare them side by side. Pay attention to:

• The balance between drums, bass, and melodies.
• Overall clarity and tonal balance.
• Stereo imaging (how wide or narrow the mix sounds).

Analyzing these differences will help you identify areas where your mix can improve.

3. Train Your Ears

A great mix starts with great listening skills. Here’s how you can sharpen your ears:

• Listen actively to different genres of music daily.
• Focus on specific frequency ranges (low-end, midrange, high-end) while listening.
• Use ear training tools like TrainYourEars EQ Edition to practice identifying frequencies.

The better you understand what you’re hearing, the more intentional you can be with your mixing decisions.

4. Get Comfortable with Your Tools

You don’t need expensive plugins to create a great mix—your DAW’s stock plugins are often enough to get started. Once you’ve mastered those, consider investing in third-party plugins for more advanced features.

Some recommended plugins include:

• FabFilter Pro-Q (EQ)
• Waves SSL G-Master Buss Compressor (Compression)
• Valhalla Room (Reverb)

The key is not just owning these tools but knowing when and how to use them effectively.

5. Seek Feedback

Mixing in isolation can make it hard to stay objective. Share your work with other producers or online communities to get constructive feedback. Platforms like Reddit’s r/WeAreTheMusicMakers or Facebook groups for producers are great places to connect with others who can offer insights.

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Mixing Is a Lifelong Journey

Mixing isn’t something you master overnight—it’s an ongoing learning process. Even top producers constantly refine their skills and adapt to new trends and technologies. Instead of striving for perfection right away, focus on making small improvements with every project. Over time, these incremental gains will add up to noticeable progress.

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Final Thoughts

Mixing truly is the heart of beatmaking. It’s what transforms your raw ideas into polished tracks that captivate listeners and open doors for new opportunities. By investing time in improving your mixing skills and implementing the tips shared here, you’ll not only elevate your beats but also set yourself apart as a serious producer.

And above all—don’t forget to enjoy the process! When you have fun creating music, that energy shines through in your work and resonates with others. Keep learning, keep experimenting, and let your beats speak for themselves!

Beat block is a common occurrence in beatmaking. For beatmakers, it is inevitable to get stuck in the creative process without any ideas coming to mind. However, when faced with such a situation, it is crucial to know how to overcome beat block. Below, we will explain the approaches to take when encountering beat block.

Exploring New Directions

First, when faced with beat block, it is important to explore new directions without being fixated on your intended direction. For example, you can listen to music in different genres than what you usually create or try new instruments and software. By doing so, you may discover a world you didn’t know and generate new ideas.

Furthermore, utilizing AI is another method. AI can provide new musical ideas based on vast amounts of data. For instance, by referring to rhythm patterns or melodies generated by AI, you can incorporate new elements into your beats. Using AI tools to try different musical approaches than usual can lead to new inspiration.

Change Your Environment

One of the most effective ways to stimulate creativity and break free from beat block is by altering your surroundings. The environment in which you work can have a significant impact on your mood, focus, and overall inspiration. If you have been working in the same space for an extended period, it might be time to switch things up.

This can be as simple as rearranging your workspace, adding some new decorations, or even moving to a different room. Alternatively, you could try working in a completely new environment, such as a coffee shop, park, or library. These changes in scenery can help refresh your perspective and inspire new ideas, ultimately helping you overcome your creative block.

Objectively Analyzing What Works and What Doesn’t

It is also important to objectively analyze what is working and what is not working in your creative process. For example, you can analyze the rhythm patterns, melodies, and chord progressions of the beats you usually create and see if there are any new discoveries. Additionally, there may be issues with your work environment or methods. If you notice such problems, improving them can help smoothly progress your creative process.

AI can also be helpful here. AI-based music production tools can generate new beats and melodies based on user-inputted parameters. This allows you to obtain innovative ideas that you may not have thought of yourself. AI can also analyze existing beats and suggest improvements or new arrangements. By utilizing AI, you can streamline the beatmaking process and try more creative approaches.

Approaching beatmaking in Different Ways

Furthermore, when faced with beat block, it is important to approach beatmaking in different ways than you usually do. For example, you can change the instruments or samples used in your usual beats or try different rhythms and basslines. Doing so may lead to new musical ideas.

Again, you can leverage the power of AI here. AI-based music production tools can generate new beats and melodies based on user-inputted parameters, allowing you to obtain innovative ideas that you may not have thought of yourself. AI can also analyze existing beats and suggest improvements or new arrangements. By utilizing AI, you can overcome beat block and gain new musical ideas.

Collaborating with Others

When faced with beat block, collaborating with others is also important. For example, co-creating beats with others can lead to new ideas. Additionally, getting feedback from other beatmakers or musicians can be helpful. Learning how others perceive your work and what needs improvement can generate new ideas for your beatmaking.

Being Kind to Yourself

Moreover, when faced with beat block, it is crucial to be kind to yourself. Failure and setbacks are inevitable in the creative process. However, you can learn and grow from such experiences. Even when faced with beat block, it is important to encourage yourself and approach it positively without losing passion for your work.

Conclusion

Lastly, when faced with beat block, it is essential to enjoy the creative process. The creative process may be full of pressure and stress, but it is important not to forget that the process itself is enjoyable. By being aware that you can move yourself and others through the music you create, you can overcome beat block.

In summary, when faced with beat block, it is important to approach it from different directions and methods than usual, change your environment, collaborate with others, be kind to yourself, and enjoy the creative process. By taking these approaches, you can overcome beat block and create even more amazing music.

Creating a cool beat involves various elements. Below are some points and techniques to consider.

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Stem splitters are AI-based tools that separate vocals, drums, bass, and other instruments from a song’s mix, resulting in individual stem tracks that can be used for remixing and sampling. However, the separation process is not perfect, and it’s common for the stems to have artifacts—unwanted noise or distortions.

Artifacts can include audio degradation, frequency loss, and unnatural digital noise. These can diminish the sound quality of the stems, making them difficult to use in production. Artifacts are particularly noticeable in vocal stems, distracting listeners and breaking immersion.

Adding Noise to Mask Artifacts

One effective way to mask artifacts is by adding noise to the stems. This not only conceals the artifacts but can also be a creative technique to give the stems a lo-fi or grungy sound. By adding the right type and level of noise, you can blend the stems seamlessly into your beat and introduce a more organic, analog texture.

Types of noise include white noise, pink noise, brown noise, vinyl crackle, and tape hiss. Each has different frequency characteristics, resulting in different masking effects and aesthetic qualities. For example, white noise covers all frequencies evenly, making it suitable for masking a wide range of artifacts. Pink noise, on the other hand, emphasizes lower frequencies, making it effective for masking vocal stems.

How to Add Noise

Noise can be generated using samplers, synthesizers, or noise generator plugins. Many DAWs have built-in tools for generating and adjusting noise. You can also load noise samples into an audio track and play them alongside your stems.

It’s important to adjust the amount and balance of the noise. Too little noise won’t sufficiently mask the artifacts, while too much noise will obscure the clarity of the stems and muddy the overall mix. A good starting point is to add noise at a level of -12dB to -18dB relative to the volume of the stem, then fine-tune by ear.

Equalization can also be used to match the frequency balance of the noise to the stem. For example, if a vocal stem has artifacts in the high frequencies, boosting the high frequencies of the noise can provide more effective masking. Conversely, cutting the low frequencies of the noise can help maintain the clarity of the vocals.

Other Considerations

While adding noise can help mask artifacts, it’s not a universal solution. If the quality of the stem is very poor, noise alone may not be sufficient. In these cases, it may need to be combined with other mixing techniques, such as EQ and dynamics processing. For example, cutting the frequency ranges that contain artifacts with an EQ before adding noise can yield a more natural result.

Also, the addition of noise should be appropriate for the genre and mood of the track. In lo-fi hip hop or experimental electronica, noise can be a welcome creative element. However, in cleaner, more polished genres like pop or R&B, noise may be less desirable. Always consider the context and evaluate whether the noise fits the overall sound and vision of the track.

Conclusion

Stem splitters are powerful tools for beatmakers and producers, but artifacts are a common occurrence. Adding noise is an effective way to mask these unwanted byproducts and integrate the stems seamlessly into your beat. Experiment with different types of noise, such as white noise, pink noise, or vinyl crackle, to find what works best for the mood and genre of your track. Carefully adjust the level and balance of the noise while listening to your stems, and combine with other mixing techniques for even better results. Beyond just concealing artifacts, noise can also be a creative tool to add depth and texture to your beats. Experiment and find your own unique sound.

I totally get it! Lofi hip hop is all about that warm, fuzzy, and nostalgic vibe. To give your beat a more lofi hip hop feel, try these techniques to add some dirt and character:

1. Add tape hiss: Use a tape hiss plugin or add a subtle noise floor to your track. This will give your beat a warm, analog feel.
2. Distort the drums: Use a distortion pedal or plugin to add grit and crunch to your drums. This will help them sound more like they’re coming from an old cassette tape.
3. Warm up the bass: Use a bass amp simulator or a warm EQ to give your bass a more vintage, rounded sound.
4. Add vinyl crackle: Use a vinyl crackle plugin or add a subtle crackling noise to your track. This will give your beat a nostalgic, sampled-from-vinyl feel.
5. Use nostalgic drum sounds: Replace your modern drum sounds with more retro-inspired ones. Think 808s, 909s, or sample-based drum kits.
6. Add some warmth with tube saturation: Use a tube saturation plugin to add a warm, analog character to your sound.
7. Experiment with bit-crushing: Use a bit-crusher plugin to reduce the bit depth and sample rate of your audio, giving it a more lofi, retro feel.
8. Use a lofi hip hop drum pattern: Change up your drum pattern to something more laid-back and jazzy, with a focus on snares on the 2nd and 4th beats.
9. Add some ambient pads: Use ambient pads or textures to add depth and atmosphere to your track. Think warm, fuzzy synth sounds.
10. Limit and compress: Use a limiter and compressor to squash your dynamics and give your track a more cohesive, relaxed feel.
11. Try a different drum processing chain: Experiment with different drum processing techniques, such as parallel compression, transient design, or using a drum buss compressor.
12. Add some imperfections: Intentionally add some subtle imperfections, like timing errors or slight pitch variations, to give your track a more human, lofi feel.
13. Use a different EQ approach: Focus on boosting the low end and high end, while cutting the midrange, to create a more warm and balanced sound.
14. Add some ambiance with reverb: Use a plate or room reverb to add ambiance and depth to your track.
15. Experiment with different sampling rates: Try rendering your track at different sampling rates, like 44.1 kHz or 48 kHz, to see if it gives you a more lofi sound.

Remember, the key to creating a lofi hip hop sound is to experiment and find the right balance of warmth, grit, and character. Don’t be afraid to try new things and make mistakes – it’s all part of the process!