Rappers and their beat choices have become synonymous with the sound and identity of modern hip-hop. Beats are the backbone of rap music, setting the tone, pace, and mood for a song. From the simplest boom-bap to the more experimental trap beats, producers and rappers continuously push the limits of sound. But what exactly are the different types of beats rappers use? And how do they affect the rap songs themselves?
The Essential Role of Beats in Rap Music
Before diving into the specific types of beats, it’s important to understand their significance. In rap, the beat provides the foundation over which the lyrics and flow come to life. Without the right beat, even the most well-crafted bars can feel off. A strong beat will complement the rapper’s rhythm, making the song feel fluid and natural. The interaction between the beat and the rapper is what creates that undeniable energy that drives hip-hop forward.
Types of Beats Commonly Used in Rap Music
1. Boom-Bap Beats
Boom-bap is a style of hip-hop music that originated in the 1990s. It takes its name from the distinctive sound of the bass drum (“boom”) and the snare drum (“bap”) that creates the rhythm. Often used in old-school rap, boom-bap beats feature a steady and consistent beat that’s relatively simple. These beats often rely heavily on percussion and are typically loop-based, incorporating samples from jazz, funk, or soul music.
The vibe of boom-bap beats is somewhat nostalgic. They have a gritty, raw sound that evokes the golden age of hip-hop. Rappers who gravitate towards boom-bap are usually known for their complex wordplay, intricate rhyme schemes, and focus on lyricism. Classic examples include artists like Nas, Wu-Tang Clan, and A Tribe Called Quest.
2. Trap Beats
Trap music has become one of the most influential subgenres of hip-hop in the 21st century. Named after the slang term for a house where drugs are sold, trap beats have a distinct and recognizable sound characterized by fast hi-hats, deep basslines, and syncopated rhythms. They are usually produced using digital software like FL Studio, with heavy use of 808 drum machines.
Trap beats are aggressive, intense, and often have a darker tone. The beats are typically slower than boom-bap, ranging from 60-75 beats per minute, but can also go much faster in certain cases. Trap beats allow for space in the rhythm, letting rappers showcase their flow in unique ways, particularly with fast-paced rapping. The genre has been championed by artists like Future, Migos, Travis Scott, and Lil Uzi Vert.
3. West Coast Beats
West Coast rap has a distinctive sound that’s built around funk-based beats with a laid-back yet hard-hitting groove. Originating from California, these beats often feature smooth basslines, electronic keyboards, and synths, creating a mellow atmosphere, which is a hallmark of the “G-Funk” sound.
One of the most important elements of West Coast beats is the use of the synthesizer. Beats from producers like Dr. Dre incorporate layered, wobbly synth lines that contribute to a smooth, yet bouncy feel. The rhythm is often mid-tempo, providing a groove that complements rapping in a way that feels organic and rhythmic. Artists like Snoop Dogg, Dr. Dre, and Kendrick Lamar have made West Coast beats a defining feature of their sound.
4. Southern Beats
Southern rap, or “Dirty South” rap, emerged in the early 2000s and incorporates a mixture of trap influences and regional flavors. Southern beats are often heavy on bass, using booming 808s and high-pitched melodies, creating an aggressive and energetic sound. These beats sometimes include elements of blues, gospel, and funk, reflecting the southern roots of the genre.
The energy in southern beats is relentless, making them ideal for crunk music, a subgenre known for its high-energy vibe. The structure of these beats is often repetitive, building an anthemic feel that is designed to hype the listener. Popular rappers who use southern beats include Lil Wayne, T.I., and Young Jeezy.
5. East Coast Beats
East Coast rap, which gave rise to iconic artists like The Notorious B.I.G. and Jay-Z, often features beats that have a darker, more complex tone compared to other regional styles. These beats use samples from soul, jazz, and funk records, along with hard-hitting drums and intricate melodies.
East Coast beats also tend to be more sample-driven, often featuring chopped-up or looped samples from old-school records. The rhythm section is usually a bit more subtle, allowing the rapper’s flow to be the focal point of the song. These beats create an atmosphere that feels dense and layered, which gives space for deep storytelling in the lyrics. Jay-Z, Nas, and Biggie Smalls are known for their use of East Coast beats.
6. Cloud Rap Beats
Cloud rap is a subgenre of hip-hop that blends dreamy, ambient soundscapes with laid-back beats. Often, these beats feature slow tempos, atmospheric synths, and ethereal vocal samples. The genre is more experimental, creating a surreal atmosphere that’s conducive to introspective and experimental rap.
Artists like A$AP Rocky, Yung Lean, and Lil Peep are prominent figures in cloud rap, using atmospheric and lo-fi beats to complement their melancholic, emotional, or dreamy lyrics. The slower pace of cloud rap beats allows for relaxed and free-flowing rapping, contributing to a vibe that’s both calming and reflective.
7. Drill Beats
Drill music, which originated in Chicago, has rapidly grown in popularity across the globe. Drill beats are characterized by their aggressive, hard-hitting nature, featuring rapid-fire hi-hats, booming bass, and dark, eerie melodies. These beats are typically faster-paced, often ranging from 130-140 beats per minute.
Drill music has a menacing tone, and its production often incorporates atmospheric elements, such as distorted vocal samples or ominous piano riffs. Drill beats are perfect for aggressive, confrontational rapping, which is often the focus of the genre. Chief Keef, Pop Smoke, and Lil Durk are some of the top drill artists who rely on these dark and fast-paced beats.
8. Jazz Rap Beats
Jazz rap beats blend the complexity and smoothness of jazz with the rhythmic elements of hip-hop. These beats often feature live instrumentation such as saxophones, trumpets, and upright bass, combined with looped samples. The pace is generally slow or mid-tempo, creating a laid-back vibe.
Jazz rap allows for a lot of improvisation, and its beats tend to have a more organic feel compared to electronic beats. Rappers who use jazz rap beats typically focus on lyricism and wordplay. The genre has been popularized by artists like Guru of Gang Starr, The Roots, and A Tribe Called Quest.
How Producers Craft These Beats
Creating a rap beat involves several key elements:
Drums – The backbone of any beat. Producers often use kick drums, snares, hi-hats, and cymbals to create the rhythm. The arrangement and timing of these elements define the tempo and energy of the beat.
Basslines – The bass provides the low-end frequencies, giving the track its depth and warmth. Basslines can be deep and slow, as in trap music, or bright and funky, as in West Coast rap.
Melodies and Samples – Producers often use samples from old records, or they create their own melodies using synthesizers and keyboards. These melodies help shape the mood of the track and can range from soulful to eerie.
Arrangement – The arrangement of the beat is crucial in keeping the song dynamic. Producers will add and remove layers throughout the track to maintain interest. The breakdowns and build-ups help create a sense of anticipation.
Effects – Producers use effects like reverb, delay, and distortion to create atmosphere and texture in the track. These effects help enhance the overall mood and feel of the song.
Conclusion
The type of beat used in rap music has a profound impact on the style and tone of the song. From the raw energy of trap to the laid-back grooves of West Coast rap, each style of beat brings its unique flavor to the table. Whether it’s the boom-bap rhythms that pay homage to hip-hop’s golden age or the experimental soundscapes of cloud rap, the right beat can elevate a rap song to another level.
Related topics:
