The BeatTips Manual by Amir “Sa’id” Said
Superchamp Books: 2010
The BeatTips Manual is not just another production manual for dummies. I would describe it as a comprehensive resource for aspiring beat-makers, producers and hip-hop enthusiasts. The book provides a detailed and thorough examination of everything associated with beat-making and music production in hip-hop. The author begins by tracing hip-hop’s roots and its many misconceptions to identify scope and creatively illustrate just how far hip-hop has come. From there a number of chapters are devoted to the craft of production. The author discusses everything from drums to production equipment to composition and programming. The book details everything from the simplistic —like defining a snare and high-hat— to complex items such as tonal progressions as well as the advantages and disadvantages between software or hardware music production.
One of my favourite chapters in the book is devoted to music specifically sampling. The author goes into great length regarding the historical context of sampling laws, how to develop an ear for sampling and the importance of learning the business side of production. Sampling is quite the double-edge sword in hip-hop. On one hand it provides a bridge to the musical past but it is also associated with so much legal red tape in terms current practice and legislation. The book analyzes this dichotomy further. Outside of the intricacies of production, an underlying question that arises in the book is the lack of community in terms of beat-makers and how that correlates to the business side of production. The author delves into this subject and offers some compelling viewpoints as to why this needs to happen for the career longevity of beat-makers. The book discusses the significance of a collegiate music production curriculum for hip-hop. It’s an ongoing struggle as other traditional genres of music are taught in college while hip-hop is still fighting for respect and inclusion.
The author also devotes a part of the book to interview some high profile producers such as; DJ Premier, Marley Marl, DJ Toomp, Buckwild, 9th Wonder, etc. This was a definite highlight of the book for me. These candid interviews give the reader a glimpse into their background story and individual production process. Along with the aforementioned items, the great take away from this book is the importance for upcoming beat-makers and producers to find their sound and hone their craft. The author does not present the BeatTips manual as an endpoint but rather a beginning for what will hopefully serve as a springboard for creativity and continuous learning. Because the author is also a beat-maker the book is not written from a place of distance. The testimonial aspects of being a producer as well as his passion for hip-hop are well-documented in this book. I definitely recommend the BeatTips manual for upcoming producers, seasoned beat-making veterans, anyone who is interested in production and hip-hop fans looking for a good read.
