Hip-Hop - JamDojo

Hip-hop production is built on drums, bass, and samples. From the breakbeat origins of DJ Kool Herc in 1970s Bronx to modern trap and drill, hip-hop has always been about making something fresh from existing sounds. This guide covers the essential techniques for creating hip-hop beats in Strudel.

The Foundation: Drums First

Hip-hop beats center on the relationship between kick, snare, and hi-hat. Unlike EDM’s four-on-the-floor, hip-hop drums are syncopated—kicks land off the grid, snares crack on 2 and 4, and hi-hats weave between them.

The Basic Pattern:

stack(
sound("bd ~ ~ ~ bd ~ bd ~"),
sound("~ ~ ~ ~ sd ~ ~ ~"),
sound("hh hh hh hh hh hh hh hh")
).cpm(22.5)

The Roland TR-808: Hip-Hop’s Heartbeat

The Roland TR-808 drum machine, released in 1980, became the defining sound of hip-hop. Its booming kick, snappy snare, and crisp hi-hats appear on countless classics:

“Planet Rock” by Afrika Bambaataa (1982) — the 808 enters hip-hop
“808s & Heartbreak” by Kanye West (2008) — revived the 808 for modern hip-hop
“Mask Off” by Future (2017) — trap’s signature 808 sound
“Sicko Mode” by Travis Scott (2018) — 808 bass as the foundation

sound("bd").bank("RolandTR808").cpm(22.5)

Building a Hip-Hop Beat

Step 1: The Kick Pattern

Hip-hop kicks are punchy and syncopated. They don’t just land on 1—they bounce:

sound("bd ~ ~ ~ bd ~ bd ~").bank("RolandTR808").cpm(22.5)

Variation with more bounce:

sound("bd ~ bd ~ ~ bd ~ bd").bank("RolandTR808").cpm(22.5)

Step 2: Snare on 2 and 4

The snare is the backbone—always on beats 2 and 4:

stack(
sound("bd ~ ~ ~ bd ~ bd ~").bank("RolandTR808"),
sound("~ ~ ~ ~ sd ~ ~ ~").bank("RolandTR808")
).cpm(22.5)

With claps layered:

stack(
sound("bd ~ ~ ~ bd ~ bd ~").bank("RolandTR808"),
sound("~ ~ ~ ~ [sd,cp] ~ ~ ~").bank("RolandTR808")
).cpm(22.5)

Step 3: Hi-Hat Patterns

Closed hi-hats drive the groove. Start simple, then add variations:

Basic eighth notes:

stack(
sound("bd ~ ~ ~ bd ~ bd ~").bank("RolandTR808"),
sound("~ ~ ~ ~ sd ~ ~ ~").bank("RolandTR808"),
sound("hh hh hh hh hh hh hh hh").bank("RolandTR808").gain(0.6)
).cpm(22.5)

Sixteenth notes for energy:

stack(
sound("bd ~ ~ ~ bd ~ bd ~").bank("RolandTR808"),
sound("~ ~ ~ ~ sd ~ ~ ~").bank("RolandTR808"),
sound("hh*16").bank("RolandTR808").gain(0.5)
).cpm(22.5)

With open hi-hat accents:

stack(
sound("bd ~ ~ ~ bd ~ bd ~").bank("RolandTR808"),
sound("~ ~ ~ ~ sd ~ ~ ~").bank("RolandTR808"),
sound("hh hh oh hh hh hh oh hh").bank("RolandTR808").gain(0.6)
).cpm(22.5)

Step 4: The Complete Kit

Layer everything together:

stack(
sound("bd ~ ~ ~ bd ~ bd ~").bank("RolandTR808"),
sound("~ ~ ~ ~ [sd,cp] ~ ~ ~").bank("RolandTR808"),
sound("hh hh oh hh hh hh oh hh").bank("RolandTR808").gain(0.6)
).cpm(22.5)

808 Bass Design

The 808 bass is hip-hop’s signature sound—a deep, booming sub that you feel in your chest. It’s created with a sine wave and careful envelope shaping.

Basic 808 Bass

note("c1 ~ ~ ~ c1 ~ c1 ~")
.s("sine")
.decay(0.3)
.sustain(0.2)
.gain(0.8)
.cpm(22.5)

Long Sustain 808

For notes that ring out:

note("c1 ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~")
.s("sine")
.attack(0.01)
.decay(0.1)
.sustain(0.8)
.release(0.5)
.gain(0.7)
.cpm(22.5)

Short Punchy 808

For tight, punchy patterns:

note("c1 ~ c1 ~ c1 ~ c1 c1")
.s("sine")
.decay(0.15)
.sustain(0)
.gain(0.8)
.cpm(22.5)

808 with Pitch Slide

The signature “808 glide”—notes sliding into each other:

note("c1 ~ ~ ~ eb1 ~ c1 ~")
.s("sine")
.decay(0.4)
.sustain(0.3)
.slide(0.1)
.gain(0.7)
.cpm(22.5)

Distorted 808

Add warmth and presence with distortion:

note("c1 ~ ~ ~ c1 ~ c1 ~")
.s("sine")
.decay(0.3)
.sustain(0.2)
.distort(1.2)
.lpf(150)
.gain(0.7)
.cpm(22.5)

Layering 808 with Kick

For maximum impact, layer the 808 with the kick:

stack(
sound("bd ~ ~ ~ bd ~ bd ~").bank("RolandTR808"),
note("c1 ~ ~ ~ c1 ~ c1 ~")
  .s("sine")
  .decay(0.3)
  .sustain(0.2)
  .gain(0.7),
sound("~ ~ ~ ~ [sd,cp] ~ ~ ~").bank("RolandTR808"),
sound("hh hh oh hh hh hh oh hh").bank("RolandTR808").gain(0.5)
).cpm(22.5)

Sampling & Chopping

Sampling is at the heart of hip-hop—taking existing recordings and transforming them into something new. Strudel offers several ways to work with samples.

Loading Sample Libraries

To use breakbeats and other samples, first load a sample library:

samples('github:tidalcycles/dirt-samples')

sound("breaks165").cpm(22.5)

Slicing Loops

Use .slice() to chop a sample into pieces and rearrange them:

samples('github:tidalcycles/dirt-samples')

sound("breaks165")
.slice(8, "0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7")
.cpm(22.5)

Rearranged chops:

samples('github:tidalcycles/dirt-samples')

sound("breaks165")
.slice(8, "0 0 3 2 4 6 5 7")
.cpm(22.5)

With repeats and stutters:

samples('github:tidalcycles/dirt-samples')

sound("breaks165")
.slice(8, "0 0 0 0 4 4 6 7")
.cpm(22.5)

Pitch Shifting Samples

Change the pitch to create new textures:

samples('github:tidalcycles/dirt-samples')

sound("breaks165")
.note(-5)
.cpm(22.5)

Speed/Time Stretching

Slow down or speed up samples:

samples('github:tidalcycles/dirt-samples')

sound("breaks165")
.speed(0.8)
.cpm(22.5)

Lo-fi Vinyl Effect

Add warmth and texture with filtering and effects:

samples('github:tidalcycles/dirt-samples')

sound("breaks165")
.lpf(2000)
.hpf(200)
.room(0.2)
.gain(0.8)
.cpm(22.5)

Chops Over a Beat

Layer chopped samples over your drums:

samples('github:tidalcycles/dirt-samples')

stack(
sound("bd ~ ~ ~ bd ~ bd ~").bank("RolandTR808"),
sound("~ ~ ~ ~ sd ~ ~ ~").bank("RolandTR808"),
sound("hh*8").bank("RolandTR808").gain(0.4),
sound("breaks165")
  .slice(8, "0 2 4 6")
  .lpf(3000)
  .gain(0.5)
).cpm(22.5)

Genre Deep Dives

Boom Bap (85-95 BPM)

Boom bap is the classic East Coast sound—punchy kicks, cracking snares, and jazzy samples. The name comes from the sound: “boom” (kick) and “bap” (snare). Pioneered by producers like DJ Premier, Pete Rock, and J Dilla.

Classic Tracks:

“Mass Appeal” by Gang Starr (DJ Premier, 1994)
“T.R.O.Y.” by Pete Rock & CL Smooth (1992)
“The Light” by Common (J Dilla, 2000)
“Shook Ones Pt. II” by Mobb Deep (Havoc, 1995)

Characteristics: 85-95 BPM, sampled drums, jazzy chords, minimal layers

Basic Boom Bap Beat:

stack(
sound("bd ~ ~ ~ bd ~ ~ bd"),
sound("~ ~ ~ ~ sd ~ ~ ~"),
sound("hh hh hh hh hh hh hh hh").gain(0.5)
).cpm(22.5)

With 808 Bass:

stack(
sound("bd ~ ~ ~ bd ~ ~ bd").bank("RolandTR808"),
sound("~ ~ ~ ~ sd ~ ~ ~").bank("RolandTR808"),
sound("hh hh hh hh hh hh hh hh").bank("RolandTR808").gain(0.5),
note("c2 ~ ~ ~ f2 ~ ~ c2")
  .s("sine")
  .decay(0.25)
  .sustain(0.1)
  .gain(0.6)
).cpm(22.5)

Boom Bap with Rhodes Chords:

stack(
sound("bd ~ ~ ~ bd ~ ~ bd").bank("RolandTR808"),
sound("~ ~ ~ ~ sd ~ ~ ~").bank("RolandTR808"),
sound("hh hh hh hh hh hh hh hh").bank("RolandTR808").gain(0.4),
note("c2 ~ ~ ~ f2 ~ ~ c2")
  .s("sine")
  .decay(0.25)
  .sustain(0.1)
  .gain(0.5),
note("<c3,eb3,g3,bb3> ~ <f3,ab3,c4,eb4> ~")
  .s("sawtooth")
  .lpf(1200)
  .attack(0.02)
  .decay(0.3)
  .sustain(0.2)
  .room(0.2)
  .gain(0.3)
).cpm(22.5)

Trap (140 BPM, Half-Time)

Trap emerged from Atlanta in the early 2000s, characterized by rapid hi-hats, 808 bass, and dark atmospheres. Producers like Lex Luger, Metro Boomin, and Zaytoven defined the sound.

Classic Tracks:

“Hard in da Paint” by Waka Flocka Flame (Lex Luger, 2010)
“Mask Off” by Future (Metro Boomin, 2017)
“Bad and Boujee” by Migos (Metro Boomin, 2016)
“Black Beatles” by Rae Sremmurd (Mike WiLL Made-It, 2016)

Characteristics: 140 BPM (felt as 70 half-time), rolling hi-hats, 808 slides, snare on beat 3

Basic Trap:

stack(
sound("bd ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ bd ~").bank("RolandTR808"),
sound("~ ~ ~ ~ sd ~ ~ ~").bank("RolandTR808"),
sound("hh*16").bank("RolandTR808").gain(0.5)
).cpm(35)

With Hi-Hat Rolls:

The signature trap sound—hi-hats that speed up:

stack(
sound("bd ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ bd ~").bank("RolandTR808"),
sound("~ ~ ~ ~ sd ~ ~ ~").bank("RolandTR808"),
sound("hh").bank("RolandTR808").fast("<8 8 8 16>").gain(0.5)
).cpm(35)

With 808 Bass:

stack(
sound("bd ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ bd ~").bank("RolandTR808"),
sound("~ ~ ~ ~ sd ~ ~ ~").bank("RolandTR808"),
sound("hh").bank("RolandTR808").fast("<8 8 8 16>").gain(0.4),
note("c1 ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ c1 eb1")
  .s("sine")
  .decay(0.4)
  .sustain(0.3)
  .slide(0.08)
  .gain(0.7)
).cpm(35)

Full Trap Beat:

stack(
sound("bd ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ bd ~").bank("RolandTR808"),
sound("~ ~ ~ ~ sd ~ ~ ~").bank("RolandTR808"),
sound("~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ oh").bank("RolandTR808").gain(0.4),
sound("hh").bank("RolandTR808").fast("<8 8 8 16>").gain(0.4),
note("c1 ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ c1 eb1")
  .s("sine")
  .decay(0.4)
  .sustain(0.3)
  .slide(0.08)
  .distort(1.1)
  .gain(0.6)
).cpm(35)

Lo-fi Hip-Hop (75-90 BPM)

Lo-fi hip-hop emerged in the 2010s, influenced by J Dilla’s soulful production and the “beats to study to” aesthetic. It features dusty textures, jazz samples, and a relaxed swing.

Key Producers:

Nujabes — Japanese producer who pioneered the jazzy, melodic style (Feather)
J Dilla — “Donuts” (2006) influenced the entire genre
Madlib — intricate sampling on Madvillainy (2004)

Characteristics: 75-90 BPM, swing/shuffle feel, vinyl crackle, jazz samples, mellow

Basic Lo-fi Beat:

stack(
sound("bd ~ ~ bd ~ ~ bd ~"),
sound("~ ~ ~ ~ sd ~ ~ ~").gain(0.8),
sound("hh ~ hh ~ hh ~ hh ~").gain(0.4)
).cpm(20)

With Swing:

stack(
sound("bd ~ ~ bd ~ ~ bd ~"),
sound("~ ~ ~ ~ sd ~ ~ ~").gain(0.8),
sound("hh ~ hh ~ hh ~ hh ~").gain(0.4)
).cpm(20).swing(0.1)

Lo-fi with Rhodes:

stack(
sound("bd ~ ~ bd ~ ~ bd ~").gain(0.9),
sound("~ ~ ~ ~ sd ~ ~ ~").gain(0.7),
sound("hh ~ hh ~ hh ~ hh ~").gain(0.3),
note("<c3,eb3,g3> <bb2,d3,f3> <ab2,c3,eb3> <g2,bb2,d3>")
  .s("sawtooth")
  .lpf(800)
  .attack(0.02)
  .decay(0.3)
  .sustain(0.2)
  .room(0.3)
  .gain(0.25)
).cpm(20).swing(0.1)

Full Lo-fi Track:

stack(
sound("bd ~ ~ bd ~ ~ bd ~").gain(0.9),
sound("~ ~ ~ ~ sd ~ ~ ~").gain(0.7),
sound("hh ~ hh ~ hh ~ hh ~").gain(0.3),
note("c2 ~ ~ ~ g1 ~ ~ ~")
  .s("sine")
  .decay(0.3)
  .sustain(0.1)
  .gain(0.5),
note("<c3,eb3,g3> <bb2,d3,f3> <ab2,c3,eb3> <g2,bb2,d3>")
  .s("sawtooth")
  .lpf(800)
  .attack(0.02)
  .decay(0.3)
  .sustain(0.2)
  .room(0.3)
  .gain(0.2)
).cpm(20).swing(0.1)

Drill (140-145 BPM)

Drill originated in Chicago around 2010, later spreading to the UK and Brooklyn. It features dark, aggressive 808s, sliding bass, and sparse, menacing arrangements.

Classic Tracks:

“I Don’t Like” by Chief Keef (Young Chop, 2012)
“Computers” by Bobby Shmurda (Jahlil Beats, 2014)
“Big Drip” by Fivio Foreign (Yamaica, 2019) — Brooklyn drill

Characteristics: 140-145 BPM, sliding 808s, minimal melodies, dark atmosphere, sparse hats

Chicago Drill:

stack(
sound("bd ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ bd").bank("RolandTR808"),
sound("~ ~ ~ ~ sd ~ ~ ~").bank("RolandTR808"),
sound("hh ~ hh ~ hh ~ hh ~").bank("RolandTR808").gain(0.4)
).cpm(36)

With Sliding 808:

stack(
sound("bd ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ bd").bank("RolandTR808"),
sound("~ ~ ~ ~ sd ~ ~ ~").bank("RolandTR808"),
sound("hh ~ hh ~ hh ~ hh ~").bank("RolandTR808").gain(0.4),
note("c1 ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ eb1 c1")
  .s("sine")
  .decay(0.5)
  .sustain(0.3)
  .slide(0.15)
  .distort(1.3)
  .gain(0.6)
).cpm(36)

UK Drill Style:

UK drill has a bouncier, more rhythmic feel:

stack(
sound("bd ~ ~ bd ~ ~ ~ bd").bank("RolandTR808"),
sound("~ ~ ~ ~ sd ~ ~ ~").bank("RolandTR808"),
sound("hh ~ hh hh ~ hh hh ~").bank("RolandTR808").gain(0.4),
note("c1 ~ ~ c1 ~ ~ eb1 c1")
  .s("sine")
  .decay(0.4)
  .sustain(0.2)
  .slide(0.12)
  .distort(1.2)
  .gain(0.6)
).cpm(35.5)

Afrobeats / Afro-Swing (95-110 BPM)

Afrobeats blends West African rhythms with hip-hop and R&B production. It features bouncy, polyrhythmic drums and melodic hooks.

Key Artists:

Burna Boy, Wizkid, Davido — Nigerian afrobeats pioneers
J Hus, Not3s — UK afro-swing sound

Classic Tracks:

“Ojuelegba” by Wizkid (2014)
“Ye” by Burna Boy (2018)
“Did You See” by J Hus (2017)

Characteristics: 95-110 BPM, polyrhythmic percussion, log drums, bouncy feel

Basic Afrobeats:

stack(
sound("bd ~ bd ~ bd ~ bd ~"),
sound("~ ~ ~ ~ sd ~ ~ sd").gain(0.8),
sound("hh hh hh hh hh hh hh hh").gain(0.4)
).cpm(26)

With Percussion Layers:

stack(
sound("bd ~ bd ~ bd ~ bd ~"),
sound("~ ~ ~ ~ sd ~ ~ sd").gain(0.8),
sound("hh hh hh hh hh hh hh hh").gain(0.4),
sound("~ rim ~ rim ~ rim rim ~").gain(0.5)
).cpm(26)

With Melodic Elements:

stack(
sound("bd ~ bd ~ bd ~ bd ~"),
sound("~ ~ ~ ~ sd ~ ~ sd").gain(0.8),
sound("hh hh hh hh hh hh hh hh").gain(0.3),
sound("~ rim ~ rim ~ rim rim ~").gain(0.4),
note("c2 ~ g2 ~ c2 ~ g2 ~")
  .s("sine")
  .decay(0.2)
  .sustain(0.1)
  .gain(0.5),
note("c4 ~ eb4 ~ g4 ~ eb4 c4")
  .s("sawtooth")
  .lpf(2000)
  .decay(0.1)
  .sustain(0)
  .gain(0.3)
).cpm(26)

Phonk (130-145 BPM)

Phonk is a subgenre blending Memphis rap with modern trap. It features distorted samples, cowbells, and a dark, aggressive aesthetic.

Key Producers:

DJ Smokey, SpaceGhostPurrp — early pioneers
Kordhell, DVRST — modern drift phonk

Classic Tracks:

“Murder Rate” by DJ Smokey (2012)
“Close Eyes” by DVRST (2020)
“Murder in My Mind” by Kordhell (2021)

Characteristics: 130-145 BPM, cowbells, distorted 808s, vocal samples, dark atmosphere

Basic Phonk:

stack(
sound("bd ~ ~ ~ bd ~ ~ ~").bank("RolandTR808"),
sound("~ ~ ~ ~ sd ~ ~ ~").bank("RolandTR808"),
sound("hh*8").bank("RolandTR808").gain(0.4),
sound("~ cb ~ cb ~ cb cb ~").bank("RolandTR808").gain(0.6)
).cpm(34)

With Heavy 808:

stack(
sound("bd ~ ~ ~ bd ~ ~ ~").bank("RolandTR808"),
sound("~ ~ ~ ~ sd ~ ~ ~").bank("RolandTR808"),
sound("hh*8").bank("RolandTR808").gain(0.4),
sound("~ cb ~ cb ~ cb cb ~").bank("RolandTR808").gain(0.5),
note("c1 ~ ~ ~ c1 ~ eb1 ~")
  .s("sine")
  .decay(0.4)
  .sustain(0.2)
  .distort(2)
  .gain(0.6)
).cpm(34)

Drift Phonk Style:

stack(
sound("bd ~ ~ ~ bd ~ bd ~").bank("RolandTR808").distort(1.5),
sound("~ ~ ~ ~ sd ~ ~ ~").bank("RolandTR808").distort(1.3),
sound("hh*16").bank("RolandTR808").gain(0.35),
sound("~ cb ~ cb ~ cb cb cb").bank("RolandTR808").gain(0.5),
note("c1 ~ c1 ~ c1 ~ c1 eb1")
  .s("sine")
  .decay(0.3)
  .sustain(0.2)
  .distort(2.5)
  .lpf(120)
  .gain(0.6)
).cpm(35)

Effects & Processing

Sidechain Compression

Create the pumping effect where other elements duck when the kick hits:

stack(
sound("bd ~ ~ ~ bd ~ bd ~").bank("RolandTR808"),
note("c2")
  .s("sawtooth")
  .lpf(400)
  .gain(perlin.range(0.2, 0.7).fast(4))
).cpm(22.5)

Lo-fi Textures

Add warmth by filtering and adding room:

stack(
sound("bd ~ ~ ~ bd ~ bd ~"),
sound("~ ~ ~ ~ sd ~ ~ ~"),
sound("hh*8").gain(0.4),
note("<c3,eb3,g3>")
  .s("sawtooth")
  .lpf(1500)
  .hpf(200)
  .room(0.3)
  .gain(0.3)
).cpm(22.5)

Reverb for Atmosphere

Add space and depth:

stack(
sound("bd ~ ~ ~ bd ~ bd ~").bank("RolandTR808"),
sound("~ ~ ~ ~ sd ~ ~ ~").bank("RolandTR808").room(0.4),
sound("hh hh oh hh hh hh oh hh").bank("RolandTR808").gain(0.4).room(0.2)
).cpm(22.5)

Delay Throws

Add rhythmic interest with delay:

note("c4 ~ eb4 ~")
.s("sawtooth")
.lpf(2000)
.decay(0.1)
.sustain(0)
.delay(0.4)
.delaytime(0.25)
.delayfeedback(0.3)
.cpm(22.5)

Distortion & Saturation

Add grit and aggression to 808s:

note("c1 ~ ~ ~ c1 ~ c1 ~")
.s("sine")
.decay(0.3)
.sustain(0.2)
.distort(2)
.lpf(150)
.gain(0.6)
.cpm(22.5)

Arrangement & Structure

Hip-hop tracks typically follow this structure:

Intro → Verse → Hook → Verse → Hook → Bridge → Hook → Outro

Building Energy with Filtering

Start filtered and open up:

stack(
sound("bd ~ ~ ~ bd ~ bd ~").bank("RolandTR808"),
sound("~ ~ ~ ~ sd ~ ~ ~").bank("RolandTR808"),
sound("hh*8").bank("RolandTR808").gain(0.4),
note("c2 ~ ~ ~ c2 ~ c2 ~")
  .s("sine")
  .decay(0.3)
  .sustain(0.2)
  .lpf(sine.range(100, 400).slow(8))
  .gain(0.6)
).cpm(22.5)

Drop Techniques

Remove elements and bring them back:

stack(
sound("bd ~ ~ ~ bd ~ bd ~").bank("RolandTR808"),
sound("~ ~ ~ ~ sd ~ ~ ~").bank("RolandTR808").gain("<1 1 1 0>"),
sound("hh*8").bank("RolandTR808").gain("<0.4 0.4 0.4 0>"),
note("c1 ~ ~ ~ c1 ~ c1 ~")
  .s("sine")
  .decay(0.3)
  .sustain(0.2)
  .gain("<0 0 0 0.8>")
).cpm(22.5)

Layering and Building

Add elements gradually:

stack(
sound("bd ~ ~ ~ bd ~ bd ~").bank("RolandTR808"),
sound("~ ~ ~ ~ sd ~ ~ ~").bank("RolandTR808"),
sound("hh*8").bank("RolandTR808").gain(0.4),
sound("oh").bank("RolandTR808").euclidRot(2, 8, 2).gain("<0 0 0.3 0.3>"),
note("c1 ~ ~ ~ c1 ~ c1 ~")
  .s("sine")
  .decay(0.3)
  .sustain(0.2)
  .gain(0.6),
note("<c3,eb3,g3>")
  .s("sawtooth")
  .lpf(1200)
  .attack(0.02)
  .decay(0.2)
  .sustain(0.2)
  .gain("<0 0.2 0.2 0.3>")
).cpm(22.5)

Complete Tracks

Boom Bap Track

stack(
// Drums
sound("bd ~ ~ ~ bd ~ ~ bd").bank("RolandTR808"),
sound("~ ~ ~ ~ [sd,cp] ~ ~ ~").bank("RolandTR808"),
sound("hh hh oh hh hh hh oh hh").bank("RolandTR808").gain(0.4),

// Bass
note("c2 ~ ~ ~ f2 ~ ~ c2")
  .s("sine")
  .decay(0.25)
  .sustain(0.1)
  .gain(0.55),

// Chords
note("<c3,eb3,g3,bb3> ~ <f3,ab3,c4,eb4> ~")
  .s("sawtooth")
  .lpf(1000)
  .attack(0.02)
  .decay(0.25)
  .sustain(0.15)
  .room(0.25)
  .gain(0.25)
).cpm(22.5)

Trap Track

stack(
// Drums
sound("bd ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ bd ~").bank("RolandTR808"),
sound("~ ~ ~ ~ sd ~ ~ ~").bank("RolandTR808"),
sound("~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ oh").bank("RolandTR808").gain(0.35),
sound("hh").bank("RolandTR808").fast("<8 8 8 16>").gain(0.4),

// 808 Bass
note("c1 ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ c1 eb1")
  .s("sine")
  .decay(0.45)
  .sustain(0.3)
  .slide(0.1)
  .distort(1.2)
  .gain(0.6),

// Melody
note("c4 ~ eb4 ~ g4 ~ eb4 ~")
  .s("sawtooth")
  .lpf(2500)
  .attack(0.01)
  .decay(0.15)
  .sustain(0)
  .room(0.2)
  .gain(0.25)
).cpm(35)

Lo-fi Track

stack(
// Drums
sound("bd ~ ~ bd ~ ~ bd ~").gain(0.85),
sound("~ ~ ~ ~ sd ~ ~ ~").gain(0.7),
sound("hh ~ hh ~ hh ~ hh ~").gain(0.3),

// Bass
note("c2 ~ ~ ~ g1 ~ ~ ~")
  .s("sine")
  .decay(0.3)
  .sustain(0.1)
  .gain(0.45),

// Rhodes Chords
note("<c3,eb3,g3,bb3> <bb2,d3,f3,ab3> <ab2,c3,eb3,g3> <g2,bb2,d3,f3>")
  .s("sawtooth")
  .lpf(900)
  .attack(0.03)
  .decay(0.35)
  .sustain(0.15)
  .room(0.35)
  .gain(0.22)
).cpm(20).swing(0.1)

Hip-Hop Quick Reference

Subgenre	BPM	Feel	Key Elements
Boom Bap	85-95	Straight	Punchy kicks, snare on 2&4, jazzy samples
Trap	140	Half-time	Fast hi-hats, 808 slides, sparse
Lo-fi	75-90	Swung	Dusty, jazzy, mellow
Drill	140-145	Half-time	Sliding 808s, dark, sparse
Afrobeats	95-110	Bouncy	Polyrhythmic, log drums
Phonk	130-145	Half-time	Cowbells, distorted 808s, dark

Common Drum Patterns

Style	Kick	Snare	Hi-Hat
Boom Bap	`bd ~ ~ ~ bd ~ ~ bd`	`~ ~ ~ ~ sd ~ ~ ~`	Eighth notes
Trap	`bd ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ bd ~`	`~ ~ ~ ~ sd ~ ~ ~`	16ths + rolls
Lo-fi	`bd ~ ~ bd ~ ~ bd ~`	`~ ~ ~ ~ sd ~ ~ ~`	Sparse 8ths
Drill	`bd ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ bd`	`~ ~ ~ ~ sd ~ ~ ~`	Sparse 8ths

Effect Settings

Effect	Light	Medium	Heavy
Distort	1.0-1.3	1.5-2.0	2.5-4.0
Room	0.1-0.2	0.3-0.4	0.5+
Decay (808)	0.15-0.25	0.3-0.4	0.5+

What You Learned

The TR-808 is hip-hop’s essential drum machine
Hip-hop kicks are syncopated, not on every beat like EDM
Snares anchor the groove on beats 2 and 4
808 bass uses s("sine") with .decay() and .sustain()
.slide() creates the signature 808 pitch slide
.distort() adds warmth and presence to 808s
.slice() chops samples into rearrangeable pieces
Boom bap (85-95 BPM) uses punchy drums and jazzy chords
Trap (140 BPM) uses fast hi-hats with .fast() for rolls
Lo-fi uses .swing() for laid-back grooves
Drill features dark, sliding 808s with heavy .slide()
Afrobeats layers polyrhythmic percussion patterns
Phonk adds cowbells and heavy distortion
Filter automation (.lpf() with sine.range()) builds energy
Each subgenre has distinct BPM ranges and sonic characteristics