The influence of Type Beats
Rapper, singer, songwriter, and hip hop legend J-Cole recently created a buzz by producing a song on a ‘J Cole type beat’ Google search. The song titled Procrastination was never officially released but sent back to the producer of the beat, Bvtman to post on his YouTube account. This inspiring story of a full-circle moment between a dedicated fan and a revered artist has us thinking; how do I make one myself?
What is a J Cole Type Beat
Let's backtrack for a second, what is a J Cole type beat or ‘type beat’ in general? A "type beat" is an instrumental track created to mimic the style or sound of a specific artist or genre. For producers, creating type beats is a way to showcase their skills and gain exposure. By targeting particular artist styles or trends, they can attract a wider audience and potentially collaborate with or sell to other musicians.
In our case, a J Cole type beat is produced by an independent artist unaffiliated with J Cole himself. By trying to replicate his unique use of transitions, riffs, and samples, aspiring artists can create music similar to the man himself. Of course, the question now remains, how do I create a J Cole type beat?
How to Make a Type Beat
Aside from binge-listening to all of J Cole’s songs, there is a simpler way to get a feel for his music. Focusing on the structure of J Cole’s songs gives insight into how to replicate their feel. For example, we can look at the average beat per minute (BPM), samples he tends to use, and even melodic elements such as piano, guitar, or drums. When all these elements get spun together they create the familiar J Cole beats we know, it's not easy to get the hang of however so let's break it down.
Starting from Square One
Starting at square one it's vital to choose a tempo. Beat per minute (BPM) is a fundamental aspect of music that affects everything from the groove and feel of a track to how it’s performed and produced. J Cole’s beats typically range from 60-110 BPM. For more emotional or reflective tracks, J. Cole might use slower tempos, around 60-70 BPM to enhance the mood and depth of his lyrics. Tracks like "Love Yourz" are good examples of this style.
The majority of J Cole’s tracks fall into a mid-tempo range of 70-90 BPM, the beat is steady and relaxed, allowing for a smooth flow and clear lyrical delivery. Examples include "No Role Modelz" and "Apparently", some of his well-known songs. Occasionally, J. Cole uses faster tempos (90-110 BPM) for more energetic or upbeat tracks; "Middle Child" and "G.O.M.D" would fall into this category. Tempo is essential for creating cohesive and well-timed music but don't fret if you're struggling to decide, many other factors will also affect your beat.
Choosing A Melody
A melody is a sequence of musical notes perceived as a single, cohesive line of sound. It is one of the fundamental elements of music and the core character of your beat will come from it. You can choose to create your melody from scratch or use a sample. Sampling is a technique where a segment of a pre-existing sound recording is used as an element in a new piece of music. This can involve taking snippets of vocals, instrumental parts, or entire sections from other songs or recordings and integrating them into a new track.
Samples are a hallmark of J Cole’s music, his use of soul and jazz samples has created some hits. When sampling, look for smooth piano riffs, soulful vocal chops, or mellow guitar loops this will help create that J Cole type beat feel that you’re looking for.
Incorporating Drums and Bass
The meat and potatoes of any song, no beat would be complete without these two elements in the mix. J Cole’s use of drums in his music commonly follows Boom Bap drums and Hi-Hat Patterns. Boom Bap drums are simply a style of drum playing incorporating a heavy drum loop followed by a snare (type of drum) on the upbeat. Incorporate varying velocities and rolls from the cymbals and pedal on your drum set add to groove and you have a J Cole beat in the making.
Using bass effectively in a J. Cole type beat involves creating a supportive foundation that complements the melody and overall mood of the track. Opt for a bass sound that is deep and smooth. Sub-bass or electric bass work well, providing a warm, resonant foundation. Avoid overly aggressive or distorted bass unless it fits the specific mood you're aiming for. J. Cole's beats often feature bass lines that are both subtle and impactful, enhancing the groove without overwhelming the rest of the mix.
Finishing Your Beat
The rest is in your hands, this is the point to let your inner creativity poke through. Try adding elements or switching around pacing, for good transitions use reverb, delay, and other effects to create space and smooth connections between sections of the beat. Structure your beat with an intro, verse, and chorus, similar to how J. Cole structures his tracks. Include breakdowns and build-ups to add dynamics and maintain interest throughout the track.
Create variations to keep it engaging and don't be afraid to branch out. When your final review comes around, ensure all elements are well-balanced in the mix. The melody, drums, and bass should complement each other without any one element dominating. At the end of the day be proud of your work, beat making takes practice but we hope this quick guide on J Cole type beats can offer some guidance.
Creating a J Cole Type Beat with SOUNDRAW
While mastering the art of producing a J Cole type beat takes practice and dedication, AI music generators like SOUNDRAW can provide a helpful starting point. SOUNDRAW's intuitive interface allows you to select tempo, mood, and instrumentation that align with J Cole's signature style.
1. First choose your preferred length and choose our ‘Fast’ Tempo
2. SOUNDRAW’S genres ‘HipHop’ and ‘R&B’ are a good starting place for a J Cole type beat
3. Once you scroll through the beats generated and find one that you like change your bpm to 150
4. Open the ‘instruments’ tab and adjust melody to ‘Flute 1’ and backing to ‘Synth Bell 1’
5. Finally under ‘Volume’ pull ‘Melody’ and ‘Drums’ to the max, while lowering ‘Backing’. Lowering ‘Bass’ is optional but keeping it too loud may conflict with your drums. Adjust the Mixer to your liking and enjoy your J Cole beat!
You can experiment with slower BPMs for emotional tracks or mid-tempo ranges for that classic J Cole flow. SOUNDRAW's vast library of samples and instruments lets you incorporate soulful piano riffs, mellow guitar loops, and dynamic drum patterns reminiscent of J Cole's productions.
While the AI generates the foundation, you still have the creative freedom to fine-tune and personalize your beat with our built-in editing features, ensuring it captures the essence of J Cole's sound while showcasing your unique touch. Remember, whether you're using traditional methods or AI assistance, the key is to stay true to the introspective, soulful vibe that defines J Cole's music.
Ready to make beats like J Cole?