Watch our video tutorial to learn how you can make an old school East Coast beat right here on BandLab’s free web Mix Editor.
Known for the infamous East Coast vs West Coast rivalry, the hip hop subgenre that originated in the Bronx, New York City in the 70s has left a lasting legacy. Artists like Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five, Eric B. & Rakim to Notorious B.I.G were huge figures in East Coast rap.
One of the calling cards of East Coast hip hop was its lyricism. Rappers and MCs were spitting complex bars, free-flowing rhymes and witty metaphors. Sampling featured heavily in records, with the use of drum machines to create aggressive and hard-hitting beats that were perfect foundations for the lyrics that made the genre so famous.
In this video tutorial, we’ll show you how to create an old school East Coast beat from scratch on BandLab. Our web-based DAW, the Mix Editor, is completely free and has all the tools you need to start making great music. All you need is your browser!
Read more: The origins and evolution of freestyle rap
Need some inspiration to start your own old school East Coast hip hop hit? You can fork the old school East Coast beat we created in the video tutorial below.
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Read more: How to make a classic rap beat on BandLab