Track of the Day: Kimbra - Settle Down

This track is hot. The production, the execution, the lyrics the originality are all on point.

Check it out.

N*gga's, N*gger's and Kreayshawn

Gucci Gucci, Louis Louis, Fendi Fendi, Prada

That beat was hot. The hook was hot, but what isn't hot is the use of the n-word by Kreayshawn's and her fellow White Mob member, V nasty. 

Can someone please tell me when black people were co-signing that, because I definitely wasn't there that day. First don't even get me started on the n*gg-er vs. n*igg-a thing because that argument is so paper thin its ridiculous.

However, I think the most important question to ask is why was Kreayshawn given a one million dollar contract with Sony, even though they know she has said the word and is associated with V-nasty?

Is it ok because she says N*gga instead of N*gger? Do you agree with Mister Fab supporting V-nasty?

Leave your comments at the bottom.

Track of The Day: Goapele - Play

Ok this is the first time I've heard of this artist Goapele. Let me tell you, she is a fresh. of. bresh. air. She has definately inspired my production style. If your tired of the same ol' songs, listen to this.

Check it out below. 

   Goapele - Play by BamaLoveSoul

Track of the Day: DJ Fresh ft. Sian Evans 'Louder'

If you've read my post Production Tips: How to beat your beat-block, you will know I am trying to experiment with new music, e.g Dubstep.

This track was one of the reasons why. Enjoy

Production Tips: How to beat your beat-block

Every producer on this planet has suffered from a beat block at one time or another.

What is it?

A beat block is essentially the same as a writer’s block. You either struggle to produce new material, due to a lack of inspiration. Or you simply have too many ideas and do not know how to implement them effectively. Whatever the case may be, I have come up with five easy tips to help you deal with your beat block.

Tip 1: Record your ideas as soon as inspiration hits:

Technology is advancing everyday, therefore there is absolutely no reason why you shouldn't have access to a vocal recording device. A digital Dictaphone is you're best bet, especially if you are in the studio. Alternatively, most mobile/cellphones can record mp3 files which are of a decent quality. What I like to do is record the verse and the hook/chorus first. All the other things, such as the intro, outro and bridge can be added on later. It's OK not to have the best voice in the world, as long as your recording is something that you will recognise after some time has passed. If you don't have a phone that can record audio - get one! You will thank me later.

Tip 2: Focus on one project at a time:

If you are like me and have trouble on focusing on a project for more than 30 seconds, you will have a number of unfinished beats. I can't tell you the number of times I've started to produce a club track only to start an R'nB track moments later. By the time I realise, I've got about 5 screens of unfinished beats that range from pop to Dilla inspired beats.

Now, I try to concentrate on completing one track, (two at the very most), a day. I am not saying it will take you a day to make a beat, but it will take you at least that long to complete your track.

For example, if I aim to make a Dilla track on Wednesday. I will listen to some music that he produced, study it and get a feel for what he was going for. Next, I will search for sample, chop it up and lay the drums. Finally, I will work on the song structure, experiment with effects and add some more instruments (if neccesary). I usually mix as I go along, but I usually give myself an extra day to mix my tracks.

Tip 3: Learn an instrument or music theory:

As many of you will know I've never had music tuition or music production lessons. So I will admit I am not as knowledgable as "real musicians", when it comes to music theory. However that hasn't stopped me from trying to educate myself. If you haven't got the money for music lessons, then the internet is your best friend. Sites such as YouTube, Justin guitar, 8note.com all have great lessons and tutorials that make it easy to learn music theory or an instrument.

I recommend getting this book: Music Theory for Computer Musicians by Michael Hewitt. Why? Because, it's written by someone who knows what producers are all about and how we think. It's perfect for us because you learn all you need to know at you're own pace.

If you're not one for learning with books then check out this guy Lypur's channel. He has loads of videos on music theory and learning the piano.

Tip 4: Listen to new music and recreate the tracks:

Last.fm is a great website that allows you to discover new music. This is essential if you want your music to progress and to develop you're skills. If you're stuck in a rut, it's usually because you produce or listen to the same type of music.

I started sampling in order to make old school boom bap tracks. Three years later, and I am a bit tired of making boom bap. I still do it here and there, but I have started to experiment with other genres.

When I realised there was more to sampling than just hip hop I started to think outside the box. For instance, I'm learning how to produce Dubstep and Drum and Bass track by remaking some popular and underground tunes. When you re-create tracks you start thinking pro-actively. You ask yourself questions you wouldn't neccesarily ask if you were making your own stuff. I still produce hip hop but I'm moving away from Dilla to do more Flying Lotus type beats. The most important thing isto use you're ears and experiment until you get it right. When you get the basics down you can add you're own flair to it.

Tip 5: Have confidence in you're ability and accept that you need a break:

Ok this one is really for me. I am not ashamed to admit that after I made Pushin', I was a bit over-whelmed by the positive response and wasn't sure what my next step was going to be.

However, I remembered that I produce music because I love to do it. I don't have a strong desire to be famous, (although I'd like to be respected) and I am fully commited to being the best I can be. Take a break, re-discover why you started making tracks and approach producing from another angle. Sometimes a beat block, maybe a blessing in disguise.

By the way keep an eye out for my mixtape, which should be out by the end of the year.

Copyright - Beatnik8 2011

What did I tell you about Janelle Monae?!?

This girl KILLED it at Glastonbury last friday.

If you missed her performance check it out here:

Part 1



Part 2



She is definately the one to watch.

Track of the day "Tyler the Creator - Yonkers"

There is no doubt about it, Tyler the Creator and his group OFWGKTA are a breath of fresh air.
When Kanye labelled this video, video of the year, you KNOW I had to check it out.

The good points:
I was refreshed by the creativity and I have to agree with 'Ye, the video was tight.

The bad points:

I didn't like the song!

I'm not ashamed to admit that it took me a couple of listens to truly understand what he was trying to convey in Yonkers. I get it now... at least I think I do, but I still don't like it.

Don't get me wrong, lyrically, it's one of the best hip hop songs in a long time. Tyler is basically arguing with his alter-ego and this is cleverly illustrated throughout the song with his use of paradoxes.

Musically, it didn't do much for me.

One thing is for sure, hip hop just got interesting again.

I'll leave you to make up your own mind.

Enjoy!