A few years ago, rap officially become the most popular music genre in the United States, ending rock’s decades-long reign.
You don’t even need a studio these days! Rappers can just buy rap beats online and create the next big Soundcloud hit from their bedroom.
But how exactly does buying beats work? It can get complicated, but we have some tips that should simplify the process. Keep reading to find out how you can buy great beats online without getting ripped off.
- Read the Licensing Agreements
Deciding to buy exclusive rap beats is a great idea. But it’s easy to find yourself in some hot water if you’re not smart about it.
It happens all the time. Some of the world’s greatest rappers are guilty of cribbing beats without clearing the rights!
Most producers offer a wide range of licensing options, which can further complicate matters. That’s why it’s so important to read and understand the licensing agreements you sign when purchasing beats. Thankfully, it’s something that most producers make easy to understand. You can click here for a great example of how beat licensing works
- Stop Using MP3s
MP3s used to be the best way to download music. They’re easy to produce, have a small file size, and work with just about every program you can imagine.
But, of course, they don’t sound particularly good. Especially when you compare an MP3 to something like FLAC for M4A files which offer lower compression rates and better sound quality.
You won’t have to worry much about compatibility as long as you’re working with a music program, but you may want to invest in some extra storage. Still, it’s worth it when you get to hear the beat the way it was intended.
- Keep Your Budget Reasonable
It makes total sense that when you find rap beats to buy, you’re looking for the best possible deal. But remember that somebody put their heart and soul into creating these awesome mixes.
As you start shopping around, don’t try to lowball any producers. While you might be able to haggle a bit by contacting the producer directly, expect to pay close to the advertised value.
On the other hand, make sure you’re not getting ripped off. Kick around a few sites to get a sense of average beat pricing.
Most beatmakers price their stuff competitively, though keep in mind that the more prolific a beatmaker is, the more they can charge.
- Read Reviews
There’s an old saying that if something seems too good to be true, it usually is. If you’ve ever found yourself on the receiving end of a scam, you know how true the adage is.
That’s why it’s so important to check out what other rappers have to say about a beatmaker beforehand. Type the name of the producer into your search engine of choice and add ‘+ review’ at the end of the query. That should present you with a ton of info ranging from review sites to forums.
You should also check to see how the beats sound over a finished product, so scope out the competition.
Buy Rap Beats That Take Your Flow to the Next Level
Ultimately, the best advice we can offer is to do your homework. Check the licensing agreements and try freestyling over the sample to see if it’s a good fit before you buy rap beats.
For more tips on creating your next masterpiece, check out the rest of our hot blog content.