beatmakers
Hip-hop sound architects
Beatmakers are producers who create the instrumental backing tracks—beats—for hip-hop, electronic, and pop music.
The term emphasizes rhythm and production over traditional composition.
Beatmakers typically work with drum machines, samplers, and digital audio software: Some of the best beatmakers started on cheap equipment in their bedrooms.
The line between beatmaker and producer blurs, though beatmaker often implies a focus on rhythm tracks rather than full production.
Extracting subset for study
- DAWAudio production software
- AbletonMusic production software
- sequencerOrders signals chronologically
- MIDIElectronic music data standard
mixing · mastering · tracks · arrangement · loops · chopping · stems · bounce
Device for catching animals
- lo-fiImperfect audio quality, informally
- mixtapeInformal song compilation
- instrumentalServing as means
- freestyleWithout prescribed technique
cypher · MC · emcee · Madlib · Timbaland · Kanye · Pharrell · vinyl
Struck membrane instruments
- kickFoot-delivered strike
- snareDevice for catching prey
- hi-hatPedal-controlled cymbal pair
- 808Legendary drum machine model
groove · tempo · swing · syncopation · pattern · breakbeat · polyrhythm · pocket
Electronic sound-generating instrument
- bassDeep pitch or fish
- melodyPleasing sequence of notes
- textureSurface tactile quality
- atmosphereGaseous layer around planets
filter · oscillator · waveform · modulation · compression · EQ · reverb · delay
Below ground or countercultural
- independentFree from external control
- collaborationJoint intellectual work
- placementsActs of positioning
- creditsUnits toward graduation
YouTube · SoundCloud · royalties · community · battles · cyphers · online · viral
sampling
Extracting subset for study
MIDI · mixing · mastering · tracks · arrangement · loops · chopping · stems · bounce · export
trap
Device for catching animals
- lo-fiImperfect audio quality, informally
- mixtapeInformal song compilation
- instrumentalServing as means
freestyle · cypher · MC · emcee · Madlib · Timbaland · Kanye · Pharrell · vinyl · dusty
drums
Struck membrane instruments
808 · groove · tempo · swing · syncopation · pattern · breakbeat · polyrhythm · pocket · bounce
synthesizer
Electronic sound-generating instrument
atmosphere · filter · oscillator · waveform · modulation · compression · EQ · reverb · delay · saturation
underground
Below ground or countercultural
- independentFree from external control
- collaborationJoint intellectual work
- placementsActs of positioning
credits · YouTube · SoundCloud · royalties · community · battles · cyphers · online · viral
- urban subculturesravers, breakdancers, graffiti artists, street artists, b-boys