Creating a Kendrick Lamar type beat is an exciting endeavor for producers who want to capture the raw energy and creativity of one of hip hop’s most influential artists. Known for his ability to blend diverse styles, Kendrick Lamar’s beats often feature elements of trap, jazz, and classic hip hop, delivering a distinctive sound that is both soulful and gritty.
In this beatmaking tutorial, we’ll walk through the steps to create a Kendrick Lamar type beat, focusing on key aspects like sound selection, drum patterns, and arrangement to achieve that authentic vibe. Whether you’re aiming for a hard-hitting trap beat or something more melodic, this guide will help you get started.
Step 1: Analyze Kendrick Lamar’s Style
Before jumping into beatmaking, it’s crucial to understand what makes a Kendrick Lamar type beat unique. Kendrick often uses a mix of soulful melodies, hard-hitting drums, and creative sound design. His tracks feature dynamic changes, atmospheric sounds, and unconventional rhythms that bring depth and emotion. Study tracks like “HUMBLE.” and “King Kunta” to understand how he integrates trap and hip hop elements seamlessly.
Step 2: Set Up the BPM and Key
Kendrick Lamar’s type beats typically range between 85 and 140 BPM, depending on the vibe you’re aiming for. Slower tempos are ideal for storytelling tracks, while higher BPMs work well for energetic trap beats. Set your DAW’s BPM according to the mood you want to create.
For the key, Kendrick often uses minor scales for their emotional and darker tone. You can use A minor, C minor, or G minor, as these keys work well for hip hop and trap genres.
Step 3: Choose the Right Instruments
To create an authentic Kendrick Lamar type beat, you need the right instrumentation. Here are some typical sounds to consider:
- Pianos and Rhodes: Start with a simple piano or Rhodes chord progression to create a soulful base for your beat. Use soft, jazzy chords to set an emotional tone.
- Brass and Strings: Kendrick often incorporates orchestral elements like brass or strings to add drama. Use brass stabs or string swells to emphasize transitions.
- Synths and Pads: Layer atmospheric synth pads to create a haunting or spacey vibe. You can use plugins like Omnisphere or Serum to find rich pads and ambient textures.
- Bass: A deep, sub-bass is essential for trap beats. Use 808s to create heavy bass lines that drive the rhythm, adding impact to the beat.
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Step 4: Craft the Drum Pattern
The drum pattern is a key part of creating a type beat, and Kendrick’s beats are no exception. Here’s how to approach it:
- Kicks and 808s: Start with a punchy kick that matches the energy of the beat. The 808 bass should follow the kick pattern to create a cohesive low-end. Use pitch bends on the 808 to add variation and flair.
- Snares and Claps: Place snares or claps on the 2nd and 4th beats to create that classic hip hop feel. For extra texture, layer a rim shot or snare with reverb.
- Hi-Hats: Use hi-hats to add rhythm and groove. Experiment with fast rolls and varying velocities, creating syncopated patterns that add movement and complexity to the beat. Kendrick’s style often includes unexpected pauses or fills in the hi-hats, so don’t be afraid to break the mold.
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Step 5: Add Percussion and FX
To bring your beat to life, add percussion elements such as shakers, bongos, or tambourines. These sounds help add texture and keep the listener engaged. Use FX like vinyl crackle or subtle reverb to give the beat a vintage feel.
Kendrick Lamar type beats also use vocal chops and reversed effects to create unique moments in the track. Experiment with different sounds, reversing them or adding delay and filtering for a more atmospheric vibe.
Step 6: Create a Memorable Melody
Melodies are a crucial aspect of a Kendrick Lamar type beat. Keep the melody simple but powerful. Here are a few tips:
- Layering: Start with a main melody played on a synth or electric piano, then layer it with a higher octave to create a fuller sound.
- Call and Response: Create a secondary melody that complements the first. This can be a plucked string instrument or a synth lead that plays during the breaks.
Kendrick’s music often features melodies that are memorable yet minimal. Consider using a pentatonic scale for a distinct, haunting quality that fits well in both trap and hip hop contexts.
Step 7: Arrange the Beat
The arrangement is where you can make your Kendrick Lamar type beat stand out. Typically, Kendrick’s beats are dynamic, with unexpected changes that keep the listener engaged. Here’s how to arrange your beat:
- Intro: Start with a stripped-down version of the melody or a filtered effect to set the atmosphere.
- Verse: Build up the beat with the full drum pattern, bass, and a simple melody. Keep the verse minimal to allow space for vocals.
- Chorus: Add energy by introducing more elements, such as brass stabs, extra percussion, or layered melodies.
- Bridge: Include a breakdown with different instrumentation or remove the drums to create contrast.
- Outro: Gradually take elements away, ending on a reflective note, often with just the chords or the main melody.
Step 8: Mixing and Mastering
Mixing a Kendrick Lamar type beat requires balance and clarity:
- Drums and Bass: Make sure the drums and bass are punchy and present. Sidechain the 808 bass with the kick to make space in the low end.
- Melodic Elements: Use EQ to carve out space for each instrument. Pan elements like synths, percussion, and vocal chops to create width.
- Effects: Apply reverb and delay to create a sense of space. Use automation to bring elements in and out of focus, adding movement to the beat.
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Conclusion
Finally, master the track to make sure it sounds loud and polished, ready for playback on different devices.
Creating a Kendrick Lamar type beat involves a mix of soulful melodies, hard-hitting trap elements, and a creative approach to arrangement and sound design. By following these steps and incorporating your own unique flair, you can craft a beat that captures the essence of Kendrick while adding your personal touch. Whether you’re aiming for a classic hip hop feel or a modern trap beat, remember that the key is to keep the beat dynamic and emotionally resonant.
Use this beatmaking tutorial to experiment, and before long, you’ll have a Kendrick Lamar type beat that’s ready to impress. Don’t forget to share your work, as you never know who might be inspired by your creative process!