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To kick things off, you’ll want to set up your digital audio workstation (DAW)—in this case, Ableton Live. Start by adjusting the beats per minute (BPM) to around 150, a tempo that's common in hip-hop tracks. From here, you will build your drum pattern, which forms the backbone of your beat. Select appropriate drum samples from Ableton's library to get started.
Step 2: Crafting the Drum Pattern
Drums are the heartbeat of hip-hop music. Begin by adding a kick drum, followed by a clap or snare, and then high hats. The production process can involve visually manipulating MIDI clips to get your desired rhythm. For those unsure of their drum patterns, incorporating reference tracks is a practical strategy; simply import a song into Ableton, sync the BPM, and use it as a template.