MPC Tutorial: 90s Boom Bap Drum Techniques for “Deep End”

The 90s Boom Bap era was a golden age for hip-hop production, characterized by its gritty, soulful samples and hard-hitting, swung drums. In this MPC tutorial, we’ll explore the techniques to achieve that classic 90s Boom Bap sound, specifically focusing on how to build a drum foundation inspired by our hit beat, Deep End.

The Core of 90s Boom Bap Drums

Boom Bap drums are all about the “kick-snare” pattern, often featuring a heavy, driving rhythm with a distinct swing. The key is to make the drums feel organic and powerful, yet laid-back.

Step-by-Step: 90s Boom Bap on the MPC

1. Choosing Your Drum Sounds

Start with high-quality, authentic 90s Boom Bap drum sounds. Our Groove Alchemy Vol. 1 kit is a perfect source for these.

* Kick: Look for a deep, punchy kick with a bit of “thump.”

* Snare: A crisp, snapping snare with a nice “crack” is essential.

* Hi-Hats: Use natural-sounding hi-hats, often with a bit of grit or noise.

2. Building the Pattern

The classic Boom Bap pattern is a 1-2-3-4 rhythm.

* Kick: Focus on the 1 and 3 beats, with occasional variations to add groove.

* Snare: Place the snare on the 2 and 4 beats.

* Hi-Hats: Use 1/8 or 1/16 note hi-hats to drive the rhythm.

3. MPC Swing and Quantization

Just like G-Funk, the MPC’s swing is crucial for Boom Bap.

* Quantize: Use a 1/16 note quantization.

* Swing: Apply a subtle swing (typically between 52% and 56%) to give the drums that “human” feel.

4. Layering and Processing

Add layers to enhance the punch and character.

* Layering Snares: Layer a second snare or a clap for a more complex sound.

* Saturation/Distortion: Apply subtle saturation to the drum bus to add grit and warmth. Our RiffChain (Beta) can be used creatively for this.

5. Sampling and Chopping

Boom Bap often features sampled drum breaks.

* Find a Break: Look for classic drum breaks from 70s funk and soul records.

* Chop and Re-Arrange: Use the MPC’s chopping tools to create your own unique drum patterns from the break.

Final Mix and Integration

Always mix your Boom Bap drums with the goal of punch and clarity. The kick and snare should be the stars of the show, driving the energy of the track.

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