Welcome to another episode of “Just The Tips” with DJ Swivel. In this week’s edition, we will be discussing the importance of kick drums in hip hop songs and how to achieve the perfect kick sound. While there are no specific rules, understanding the elements that make up a great kick drum can greatly enhance the overall quality of your hip hop track.
The kick drum is undeniably the most crucial element in a hip hop song. It sets the foundation and provides the driving force behind the beat. Many producers rely on popular kick samples that have been heavily shared and used by others in the industry. However, it is essential to ensure that the kick drum fits perfectly with the rest of the mix to maintain its uniqueness.
DJ Swivel shares a session from a new song called “Pretty Little Thing” by an incredible artist named Arya. He uses this song as an example to demonstrate how to handle a kick drum in hip hop. DJ Swivel emphasizes that there are no set rules, and each song may require different techniques.
To illustrate this, he deconstructs the kick drum in “Pretty Little Thing” and demonstrates the various plugins used to enhance its sound. The first plugin he introduces is the “bx boom,” which adds low-end distortion and boominess to the kick drum. It works by amplifying specific frequencies, resulting in a fuller, more powerful sound. DJ Swivel recommends using the low setting to emphasize sub frequencies for a hip hop kick.
Next, he incorporates a simple compressor to control the signal and tighten up the tail of the kick drum. The compressor’s settings, such as the mix and punch, are adjusted to achieve the desired effect. DJ Swivel advises finding a balance between compression and maintaining the natural feel of the kick drum.
The final step is to use EQ to shape the kick drum’s sound. DJ Swivel suggests removing a tiny amount of low-end to avoid muddiness. Additionally, he boosts frequencies around 178 Hz to add punchiness to the kick drum, making it more noticeable in the mix. Lastly, he adds a boost to the high frequencies to enhance the attack and cut through the mix. It is crucial to find the right balance and ensure a smooth curve without any excessive resonances.
DJ Swivel acknowledges that personal preferences play a significant role in kick drum choices. While some prefer “flubbier” kicks with heavy low-end rumble, he leans towards punchy and tight kicks to complement the 808 bass.
In cases where the kick drum lacks high-frequency information, he suggests layering another sample, such as a tight hi-hat or click sound, underneath the kick. This technique allows for the addition of high-frequency attack without compromising the low-end.
Overall, achieving the perfect kick sound in a hip hop song requires experimentation and an understanding of the song’s context. While there are common techniques and plugins that can be applied, it’s crucial to tailor the approach to each individual track. By using the right tools and carefully adjusting the parameters, you can create a kick drum that stands out and energizes your hip hop song.
In conclusion, the kick drum is a vital component of any hip hop song. Understanding how to enhance its sound and achieve the perfect balance is essential for creating impactful and professional tracks. By following DJ Swivel’s tips and using the right plugins, you can take your hip hop productions to the next level and captivate listeners with your infectious beats.
