How to make a hip hop remix of an existing pop song, R&B song, or hip hop song

There are many different hardware / software options to use to put together quality Hip Hop remixes. The software known as Ableton Live (now in version 8) provides all the necessary tools to produce a quality Hip Hop remix by mixing elements of any tempo without degrading the sound quality. Sony Acid software is also another option to consider for mixing. Do your research online to find additional hardware and software options. The purpose of this article is to provide tips for putting together Hip Hop remixes after you have your recording and production equipment and / or software set up and ready to start remixing. The information presented should not be considered as “Remix Rules”; however, if you follow these tips, you will have a much better chance of producing Hot Hip Hop Remixes that will please all audiences.

To have the most flexibility and options when starting a Hip Hop remix, you will want to have the accapella & instrumental beat of the original song, as these will allow you the most options when doing your Hip Hop remixes. The first thing to consider when planning a Hip Hop remix is ​​deciding whether you will keep the overall focus of the song the same as the original while only adding Hip Hop elements to the track, such as rap verses and / or beat replacement. or if you are going to change the perspective of the song from, say, a female point of view to a male point of view or vice versa. The main thing to consider when deciding whether or not to change the rhythm / instrumental of the song to another is based on the popularity of the current rhythm / instrumental of the song. If the original rhythm / instrumental of the song is found to be a major factor in the overall success of the song and it may not be improved, do not change the rhythm, doing so could quickly alienate your listeners who have really stuck to the original. of the song. beat.

When remixing a song that will retain the original rhythm / instrumental, you should instead enhance the song by rearranging the vocal elements of the track and adding an 8, 12, or 16 bar Hip Hop verse as an intro to the song over the song. it is already a popular rhythm / instrumental. You want the Hip Hop / rap verse to deal directly with the current theme of the song while adding another perspective / point of view and emotion to the track. You may want to include the hook of the song in the mix right after the rap verse intro, or you can decide to go to the first verse or even the second and really change it. You don’t want to change the order of things for the fun of it, the changes you make should have the purpose of improving the level of emotion of the song so that the remix raises it even more, the remix should be able to be heard as an improvement of the original song and if not, then it shouldn’t be done at all.

When you come across a song where you would like to change the rhythm / instrumental to improve the remix, remember that you do not have to use an original rhythm that you have produced for the remix, in fact, a technique that works very well involves working with pieces. tracks from previous hits that may have treated a similar theme to the current song you are remixing. By mixing the rhythm elements of the previous popular song, you will enhance the remix while further engaging the listener’s ears with a sense of nostalgia. You can even use elements from multiple songs to complete your Hip Hop remix. This technique should not be confused with mixes known as mash-ups, which are essentially multiple songs that are mixed together more like a live deejay mix. The different elements of the song used in remixes should have a more planned, edited and polished sound using only the elements of the song that blend seamlessly with any adjustments made prior to recording in order for the track to sound like a professional production. On some Hip Hop remixes, you may decide to only use the hook / chorus from the original song while completely replacing the singing verse with rap verses, this can be done while using the original rhythm / instrumental, or switch to a different one if you think you can. improve it.

If you are a Hip Hop rapper / artist preparing a “mix CD / download for the purpose of promotion using instrumentals from songs that are already popular, I suggest that instead of putting your rap verses on the beat / instrumental of the popular song themselves, add your rap verse (one or two 8 or 16 bars) to the song while keeping the original artist in the song as well. If the song is popular, you run the risk of confusing the listener as you will expect listen to the artist you already like on the song. By adding something rather than replacing them, you will be able to showcase your raps on a song that already has fans, as well as show that you can fit in and show your skills alongside the already popular recording artist / settled down .

It’s a good idea to have at least one vocal tag near the beginning of the track that announces the track as a Remix. This tag will give the listener a sense of excitement and anticipation while letting them know that it is a remix.

** The Remixer should always remember that a remix that does not offer an enhancement to the original song is, in fact, a remix that should not be done.