So do you have an idea for a new track, or are you new to Hip Hop production but don’t know where to get the samples you need to produce your explosive beat? I have been in that position many times.

When downloading Hip Hop samples from the web, you only have two options. You can download free samples or pay for them.

Free samples

We all hate spending money. Free is good. But, when it comes to free audio samples, there are some major drawbacks:

Pros:

• Samples cost nothing.
• Free to use

Cons:

• Samples may lack audio quality, making them unusable.
• Use rights may not be clear when using samples from unknown authors or sources.
• The samples are used by thousands of other producers, making their work unoriginal.

If you are trying to make a name for yourself and establish yourself as a credible producer, you should avoid using free samples. Most likely, all the men and their dog are using the same samples and their productions will never sound original.

Paid samples

I can hear you grunting at the thought of having to pay for the audio samples. Don’t worry, I am the same. However, there are huge benefits to using professional samples in your productions:

Pros

• High quality samples.
• Available in many different formats i.e Wave, Rex, Reason Refill, ESX24, Akai programs, Kontact, etc.
• Free kingdom.

Cons

• They cost money.

Using paid samples is obviously the best option for any Hip Hop producer who wants to succeed. I can bet Pete Rock, JDilla, Dr Dre, and other big name producers bought samples or sample packs at some point in their careers.

Where to find free hip hop samples

Over the years, as a seasoned Hip Hop producer, I have found several sources to download free Hip Hop samples. Some I have listed below:

• Use Google and search for terms like “free hip hop samples.wav”.
• Buy music magazines. On the cover of most magazines are CDs or DVDs that often come with large collections of royalty-free samples.
• Join music production forums that are geared towards the genre you produce in. I am a member of various Hip Hop and Dubstep production forums, and I constantly see threads where members share their samples.

It is very important to avoid downloading from file sharing websites or using P2P software. People often share music and samples that do not belong to them, such as commercial sample packages. Using copyrighted material can cause you serious problems. It is not worth the risk.

To conclude, it’s safe to say that there is nothing wrong with using free samples when you’re starting out. But eventually, at some point in your career, you’ll want high-quality, professional-sounding samples that can be used on tracks suitable for artists like Lil Wayne, Drake, or Eminem. Free samples lack quality and depth, which will ultimately have a negative effect on the overall sound of your productions.

Have fun with your music and I wish you success.