Trap Hip Hop Feedback Please

[becw75]

Hi

I've had a attempt at making a trap hip hop track.

This is the listing…
SOUTHERN-STYLE "TRAP" HIP-HOP INSTRUMENTAL CUES are needed by a NON-Exclusive Music Licensing Company with really strong direct access to several Music Supervisors working on popular Reality TV Shows. Please submit rhythmic, Mid-to-Up-Tempo Cues that are in the general stylistic ballpark of Lil' Wayne, T.I., Three 6 Mafia, Lil' Jon, etc., etc., etc. Give them Cues with infectious beats, full of syncopated hi-hat rhythms, killer bottom end, and a catchy melodic hook. Keep your Cues interesting and full of forward momentum by adding and subtracting instruments as the Cue progresses. Easy edit points and buttoned endings are recommended. Please do NOT submit any material with unauthorized samples of other artists' music, sounds, or any other form of media. They don't have a specific length requirement for this pitch, but we recommend at least 30 seconds. Broadcast quality is needed (great sounding home recordings are fine). This is a Non-Exclusive, 50/50 deal. You must own or control the Master and Copyright to pitch for this opportunity. Please submit one to three Instrumental Cues online or per CD. All submissions will be screened on a Yes/No basis - No full critiques. Submissions must be received no later than Tuesday, June 16, 2015. TAXI #Y150616TH

Is it too musical?? Too slow?? I'm struggling a bit with the 808 I think.

Look for the Trap Hip Hop track on my Taxi Homepage.

Rebecca

[VanderBoegh]

Hi Rebecca, thanks for posting. I think you're moving in the right direction, but I'm not hearing hip hop in this track, as much as I'm hearing more of a tension track. The hip hop elements are lacking right now. Could be because you're thinking too "musically" (for lack of a better word) for your approach. Focus on the attitude. You want the listener to feel like they're in danger from a pack full of hoodlums who are totally unhinged.

A lot of that comes from the bass sounds. And the drum sounds and patterns. You're getting close, but you'll want to study the genre a little more to fully understand how the current artists pull this off. Also, pay attention to the massive synths that are slathered in reverb.

Just to help, here's an example to point you in the direction you'll want to be going in: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lhArLwBO5VQ

~~Matt

[Paulie]

I echo Matt's comments. To me it's definitely a keeper track but for a different listing like a tension cue. You might consider replacing the strings with a fat chorused Rhodes. My understanding is that Trip Hop is mangily focused on downtempo low-fi drums, vinyl crackles and pops, Rhodes or Wurlitzer keyboards, tape delays, and synths that sound like they came from a 1950's sci-fi movie.

[becw75]

Thanks guys. Will review.

Rebecca

[JamesCarvalho]

Hey Rebecca,
ok so here's my thoughts. trap has elements that must be addressed..
cool track idea...(i secretly love trap) i was a former dubstep fan...lol
shhh, don't tell anyone .. i think its frowned apon... LOL!!!

even though matt gave you an urban hip hop example (which is in line with the listing)
he did give some decent advice..

listing aside .. trap needs right tempo, sub bass, a cool melody, witch you had, and you were very close..
the fact that you even tried means you have it in you..

rhythmically the your track could use more glitchy beats

my thoughts are the listing should be more of a trap backing track and the vocal concept should be more traditional old school hip hop rap style...its fair to say kids love rap over trap style beats..(cause DAT sub bass sounds better in there car) i might go out on a limb and say hip hop without trap elements is the new old school..


i here a real decent trap example..https://youtu.be/vCHivjWsSr0

everything is JUST my opinion.. IMHO this is a good start if you really wanna do trap work..
you might wanna get massive.. and a melbourn bounce sample pack for your lead sounds ..
trap lead sounds need to be grimmy, dont hold back..

from what i hear .. your talent is there.. this is all i think you need to know..

peace

[becw75]

Thanks Jim.

I was hoping a fan of the style might provide some feedback.
Sorry to take so long to write back, I was hoping to provide an updated track at the same time - but alas… no.

My brain is a bit busted learning how to make 808 drums sound how I'd like, plus all the other elements of trap.
I really do need to start the track again - even though the elements are similar…. no cigar.

I did do a Wiki search, and, thanks for you link - it sounds like EDM Trap - which they do refer to in the Wiki article.

I'll have to investigate Massive. I'm using Reason for my sounds.

I was thinking at the time of making...(its sounds musical.. and that could be a girly influence?? aside from not having this style in my own music library).
Think grimy.. like a boy…

Sorry to the boys out there… you know what I mean.

Thanks for your kind words and encouragement.

Bec

[chrismugs]

sorry for the late response (and i know that the deadline is quickly approaching), but you should consider setting you tempo around 70/140 BPMs (ideal for trap) to 78/156. use the 808s somewhat sparingly and keep your main sound (delayed piano, pizzicato strings, brass...) from sounding too melodic. i think the key for that main part is only play a few notes in 4 bars (and repeat). consider the following tracks


Ace Hood - Hustle Hard
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r_dh16HQkqQ

Rick Ross - BMF
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n2MVzP4MaJ0

[becw75]

Really good tracks.

Thanks Chris.

[ochaim]

re:808 bass

I think the sound you're trying to get from the 808 bass uses distortion on the long bass tone.

and I would separate the processing of the 808 bass and kick. use a kick that has or set the decay so there's no tail, just the bump. set the attack of the bass at around 30ms so it follows right after the kick. you may have to play around with this and the decay of the kick so they dont overlap and cause a wobbley sound.

i'm assuming you want to play the 808 bass tuned to the melody.

re:melody

stick to a few notes as mentioned, its a balance between melody and rhythm, leaning more towards rhythm. it can appear dumbed down because you can get away with playing a few notes but what keeps it interesting is the rhythm.

hope that helps, goodluck!

[becw75]

Thanks Owen. Very helpful.

Regards
Rebecca