Helpe making this sound like Hip Hop instead of Pop

[Paulie]

Got a return this week for a hick hop listing:

https://soundcloud.com/paulcroteau/hick ... s-and-beer

Comments: "While the instruments are on target and very close I didn't send this through because the drums are more pop than hip-hop."

I got the same comment last month with these tracks so I specifically sought out legit hip-hop grooves and replaced them this time. Any suggestions?

Thanks.

[pboss]

Maybe you can look at things like, how the percussive element that you used on the "2" beat alternates from what is happening on the "4", that may be contributing to a more poppy feeling. Maybe if you just stuck with what's on the "2" and use it in both spots (a clap, I think). Also, there could be more of a low end kick prominence happening, and maybe simplify things rhythmically; it's kind of jumpy, between the what I think is is a snare roll and the hi-hat parts.

It's a pretty cool track though. I did not check tempo, but it's possible that it may be a few BPM faster than some hip hop, not that you're going to go changing that now that you laid down guitars and all. I think simplifying the beat, and making more of a prominent kick and clear clap / snare pattern might help. This is only one little opinion. You have some decent trap stuff in htere... and the irony is that hip hop has been co-opted and infiltrated into pop music all over the place, so of course it sounds poppy, lol.

Good luck with it.