I know I already did a review on The BeatTips Manual, and I felt good about what I said in that review.
However, I’m still learning and getting stuff from the book and I want to explain a little bit more as to what the book is really about.
It’s not just a simple step by step,” this is how you make a beat” type of book.
I feel this book will challenge everyone that reads it both creatively and intellectually, and if you’re the type of person that likes to improve yourself, then you definitely owe this book a read.
Not only for beat makers, but anyone interested in hip hop, music, and artistry in general, as the foundations and principals in here can be applied to many different aspects.
You get the foundations you need to allow yourself the freedom to create your own art, not a paint by numbers beat making guide, but more of a brick and mortar, solid foundation upon which you can continue to explore and build your own structure.
I like it, it’s one of those books that are timeless, much like Psychocybernetics, Think and Grow Rich by Napolean Hil, and The Strangest Secret from Earl Nightingale are for me on success in business and life.
Or like the Bible is my go to for overall life, spirituality, and truth, etc.
This is “that book” for all things beat making, creativity, and even general work ethic and being an “owner” of your own creative enterpise.
I’m sure I’ll share more from it in the future, but one of the things I really wanted to point out was how it changed my mindset about beat makers being musicians.
I know many, including myself, always separate the two…beatmaker…and musician, but this book pretty much erases that notion, and shows with clarity how a beatmaker IS a musician.
Just one of the nuggets I picked up.
I just don’t want folks to miss this book, and overlook it, it will challenge you, cause you to learn, and become a wealth of info…
It’s not in Amazon/bookstores yet , but it will be by the end of this summer, they are waiting for his shipment.
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I co-sign that one brother, this is one publication that will definitely give insight to those in search of it. I’ve found my self going over some chapters twice before going on to the next one. One of my favorite sayings is “give me a fish you feed me for a day…show me how to fish and I can feed myself for life” this book kind of is in the same vein, not that it gives a structured process as to how to “produce” one’s beat-inspiration yet allows one to build from their own preference and experience toward a given outcome…a beat/track.
In reference to beat-makers being musicians, I let out a resounding YES! As I read through that chapter. This is something that I’ve gotten into debate about for the longest with others not so musically inclined towards beat-making. Let’s not forget Sa’id’s description of a “producer” and in how it defers from beat-maker whereas many like to wear the title of producer for notoriety sake as if dubbing themselves a “beat-maker” is something sub-par. I hope that many, novice or experienced, take heed to his take on this. In my eyes it’s like the divide between Quincy Jones and (uh-hmmph) Solja-Boy or some other cookie cutter hip-pop that’s getting rotation these days. In short you are what you are…we are what we are! Be proud of it, claim it! We’re in blessed times when we have those such as Sa’id that are willing to openly share their insights, knowledge and experience. Here’s an analogy…if it wasn’t for the civil rights movement and those like it beforehand imagine where we would be today or better yet where would we not be if not for the blood, sweat & sacrifices of “our” forefathers.
@jamari, I feel you man, I really liked a lot of the points made and you def have to re-read some things man, there’s so much in them. I’ve long understood the difference between a producer and a beatmaker, but I do think that nowdays people just use the word producer and really mean “I make beats”.
For me, I don’t care if you call me a beatmaker, producer, musician, or whatever lol…truth is I’ve done both beatmaking and producing, I just like to let it flow!
What up Joe,
I’m still reading it bro. It’s a great reference book. I’ve actually read the chapter about Producers vs Beat-Producer title. At the end of the day the end result is music is how I see it and if it sounds good, it sounds good. I like how Amir breaks things down though. This is the only book I’ve seen or at least heard of that is thorough like this one. This is one book that deserves to be kept close for anyone orchestrating an idea to a masterpiece.
@Madbull1971, yeah I hear ya, but I do think there is a divide, one of the main points being a “producer” may not ever play an instrument or make a beat lol….yet they still produced the track.
a producer could employ other beatmakers and musicians to complete his idea 🙂
But it’s all good, I see the point but I think it was more of making people not feel like “beatmaker” is less of an accomplishment, but to be proud of what you do as a musician and be able to have an intelligent conversation about the various aspects of the craft.
I agree, it’s definitely a great book to keep around.
cool man, i gotta check it out.
@Mike, no doubt yo, thanks for the response
I have a copy of the book and finished reading it last week. OUTSTANDING! I completely identify with this book and it deserves placement in these audio production/engineering schools and within some college courses. Sa’id went in! Invaluable book..
@EDAYE, my thoughts exactly bro, definitely see it becoming course material for a lot of educational establishments middle school, high school AND college!
it’s good material
Oh another book>>SMH
That will help make me money off my music… and give me insider tips, i already know about… somebody is always trying to make money, by exploiting someone’s
passion for something…
and please what benefit would it be to know the history of hip-hop ? NONE
if you really wanna know how to get paid in the MUSIC INDUSTRY…
you have to do 3 things, and its not good…
@01halo, uhhh it’s not a book to show you how to make money off your music and give you “insider” tips lol, that’s not what it’s about at all. You missed the whole point I was trying to make.
with your type of attitude, do you read anything at all, do you ever educate yourself on anything? how about reading something for pure enjoyment purposes?
“someone is always trying to make money by exploiting someone’s passion for something”
so I guess you feel the same way about all the software, hardware, instruments, sound libraries, and tools you use to make music huh? Those evil companies trying to make money off you by exploiting your passion…even though you gain something from using the products, let’s still say they are evil and exploiting us lol
maybe you feel the same way about people who sell you a car to exploit your passion for not walking lol
hmmmm….maybe I need to get at these doctors for making money when they exploit my passion for good health?
Real exploitation happens when a product is offered and doesn’t give any value in return , but just plays on the emotions of the buyer…. sorta like psychic hotlines, “prayer cloths” and stuff like that lol. (like someone on eBay selling a collection of digital folders for windows operating system…exploiting the neat freaks and computer illiterate….true story)
“what benefit would it be to know the history of hip hop?”
hmmm, if you’re involved in something don’t you like to know how it started, some of the advancements that have been made, etc? I always find it interesting to see how things started, from computers, to video games, to hip hop, to hamburgers lol
Who doesn’t like to learn about the very thing they are involved in?
It’s hard for me to understand such adverse reactions to learning lol, maybe cuz I’m just naturally the type that’s always looking to learn more.
@saintjoe, evidently i read more than you… how many years you been doing music ? and you just found out your a musician lol…
see for you that book would come in handy…
Oh and yeah, i know its your job to back up product’s you promote….
And are you blind ? i think yes
when will you feel you have enough samples, kicks, and snare’s ? think never
because your program to believe you need all this crap..
and thats how marketing/promotion work’s, is to confuse your passion with blind lust…
if you have kids sit down and watch cartoons with them for awhile…
also when you just wanna watch a “PROGRAM”, look at all the mini “PROGRAM’S” telling you, you need this car or how good that burger is..
READ YOUR BIBLE DUDE !!! it’s the same thing the devil did to Eve …
The BIBILE ALSO TELLS US… IS TO NOT WANT ANYTHING, SEEK YAHUWAH FRIST AND EVERYTHING SHALL BE ADDED TO YOU….
AND yes i do feel that way about software/hardware… and the reason is because i know how the game work’s….
they never give you what you need all the way.. im’a brake it down 4 you..
Look at the XBOX 360 AND LOOK AT THE NEW ONE…
You need to open your EYES Be 4 you start, backing your bullshit..cuz you sounding more twisted than yo dread locks…
Now if you still don’t understand… wont you pick up a book on marketing & promotion… also pick your bible up again….
@01halo, hahahaha lol, you’re a character and your true colors are shining bright lol…it’s not about “finding out your a musician” I just always associate musician with playing an instrument, guitar, sax, drums, etc…not really electronic drum machines, samplers, keyboards, etc…I just liked that way of thinking is all, it wasn’t something that stopped me from doing what I do, but it’s a different way of looking at things, that’s all.
It’s not my job to backup anything, this site I started on my OWN time, to share the stuff I come across, period, I love this stuff, music in itself is so diverse, I just like to share my ideas and thoughts on the things available to make it thats’ all, if one of these companies want to give me a job, I’d gladly take it, I’d rather spend all day dealing with gear, sounds, etc, than doing what I do now.
What you’re talking about is marketing, has nothing to do with how helpful this book is lol, like I said, you’re jaded bro, you’re cynical and your outlook is “everyone is out to get me” it’s clear in all of your responses.
I know all about marketing bro lol, you have no idea on my background on the matter so don’t assume I don’t know what I’m talking about when it comes to that. I agree there there is a lot of wack stuff and half truths, the point is, this isn’t about showing you some “secret” it’s just a good book with a lot of information on the stuff we do. Not everyone has a desire to be “in the record industry” I know I don’t, and I know many who just like to express themselves musically, what’s wrong with something that could help you do that more effectively, efficiently, or simply will encourage you to keep doing what you do?
And before you start referencing the bible, make sure you know what you’re talking about, the devil tempted eve by telling her she would become “like God”, has nothing to do with buying a book son, that’s not an area you want to go into with me so just leave it alone.
I know all about the “mini programs” in commercials and media lol, that still has no reference here, because the book has good info, period.
I’ll just let you be, it’s pretty evident you’re one of those negative, conspiracy theorist that think anything that has commerce involved is bad, everyone is out to get you, and you have some type of “knowledge” that the rest of us lack lol. Sell everything you own, and go live in exile…cuz everything you purchase has some type of marketing behind it, you didn’t make your mind up on your own, period.
Stop playin yourself kid
@01halo: Aw c’mon now! I could understand being skeptical but why so cynical? As SJ implied, if finance is the “only” reason you’re pursing this art form then you my find yourself to have many short gains and minimal satisfaction in your future. This book is not some late-night infomercial type product. The history of any urban based music form is important so that one can come to an understanding as to the conditions of which it developed towards its current state of evolution (i.e. tribal chants, gospel spirituals, chain-gang chants, blues, jazz, r&b onto hip-hop) for you also should keep in mind that most African-American based musics are also a reflection of that period’s current cultural and social climate. And I say this as being someone that grew up in the NY/NJ Metro during those formative years mentioned by Sa’id’s book, so don’t mistake my words as some fanboy commentary.
The nature of our social climate does place emphasis on financial gain yet do keep in mind all art forms take time, patience & sacrifice there is no one trick pony or fame in a bottle, regardless of what DAW, plug-in or drum machine/sequencer a person may own. Music in and of it’s self is an extension of emotion or the “feel of the moment” in relation to ourselves. We all need to pursue a hustle of some sort, bills gots to be paid, but that’s not to detract from the cultural/historical importance of hip-hop as a whole and it’s future evolution. If you can’t see that perhaps you should reconsider things, for there are those of us that do have a passion (be it large or small) for this, once you develop that your perspective may change. Don’t get me wrong paper is nice however at the same time it’s everything yet nothing.
“You must learn” -KRS One.
@jamari, real speak man, I guess folks who are so used to being taken advantage of can’t see something real when it right in front of their face. There is definitely no exploitation or scam going on here, but I guess it will take people seeing this book in college courses (which it is and will be) to see that it’s much more than a “how to make it in the music industry” type of book. It’s a thorough text that will challenge you to become better in your craft, in your approach, in your business, and in your understanding of the music/artform to which we belong.
@saintjoe, Only you can make your self better in what you do, and if you need a book to help you do that… or anything on the outside of your self..
you don’t have faith in your self plus you lack in creativity…
which would have you using and looking for to many samples…
@01halo, and how do you make yourself better? It doesn’t just magically happen, your creativity comes from your knowledge, experiences, and things you surround yourself with. Every creative person feeds off of other people, objects, and circumstances.
the ONLY fully independent being that needs no outside influence, knowledge, or anything is God, who IS the Creator. Peep your history, no creative person just came up with something alone, it’s all about taking elements from various sources, weather that’s a plant to get to the point of creating cotton clothing, or watching kids throw rocks in a bucket and coming up with a new sport lol.
What does having or using samples have to do with anything? Some people are better in certain areas, so why not use what they provide. Heck I can’t build a car, should I try instead of buying one from someone who is an expert at it?
like I said, you’re playing yourself…maybe you had a bad day, I’m just not understanding how a book of information can cause you to get so upset lol.
@01Halo: “if you really wanna know how to get paid in the MUSIC INDUSTRY…you have to do 3 things, and its not good…” So what pray tell are those three things? Since you bought it up, are you selling that knowledge? If you have that knowledge and its sure fire truth, you may have your own book on your hands. Either way, The Beattips Manual is an incredibly thorough read. You may change your outlook if you check it out.
@EDAYE, exactly yo lol, my thing is, this books doesn’t promise any “insider tips” or “how to make money in the music industry” lol it’s about the art and skill of beatmaking, and all the things that go with that.
it’s sad when folks dismiss new knowledge without even understanding what it’s about and what they would be gaining from it
@saintjoe, It also say’s in that book it would help you navigate to your own lane, so you can be successful and have longevity in this field…
AKA make money in the industry… say it different ways it means the same thing…
LET ME BRAKE IT DOWN 4 YOU… like when someone say your stupid.. that means your dumb….
@01halo, it never says what that lane is though, there are many ways to navigate and be successful musically, and having longevity means different things to different people. It never says “this is when you know your a success, this is the only way to do it” etc
Longevity for one person may be simply running a community program where they are able to teach others about the craft, they certainly may not be getting rich, but if they are able to put food on the table that way then what’s wrong with it? Again, this isn’t some book promising “secret knowledge” it’s just a book full of information, period.
@EDAYE, Well im in California around record company’s and i worked on 2 labels
one as a A&R the other as a producer/engineer…
i been to a few industry party’s and i have friends that have done the same and every story sounds the same…
All can say is BLASPHEMY…
@01halo, I know where you going with that one, and I definitely won’t say you’re lying about it, but the thing is, there are so many other ways to take in regards to music without ever getting involved with the labels and execs, the “record industry”…and the blasphemy!
Again, this aint about providing some secret knowledge, but now it’s easier to understand why you got so defensive about it, you’re figuring it’s trying to tell folks how to navigate “the industry” and provide some “secret” when the things you’ve seen first hand in the “industry” left a very bad taste in your mouth.
Don’t assume you’re the only one that understands the principalities and powers at work in “the record industry” and the world at large, I’m sure we could definitely take that discussion to a whole nother level lol.
despite all the evil out here, that doesn’t mean there still isn’t good information to be had, to help, encourage, motivate, or simply enjoy for enjoyment’s sake.
Remember this is just a book, it’s not a golden ticket promising you the keys to the kingdom, it’s not saying if you don’t have it you’ll never be successful, it’s not perpetrating itself to be some “miracle cure” for all beatmakers. It’s just an information resource that many have enjoyed for various reasons.
Good look i need to get it !
@orenthal davis, thanks for stopping by O!! Whas goood!
im definitely interested in this, imma check it out when i get the chance….thanks for talking about this again….
@B.M.I., no problem yo, thanks for stopping by
I got my copy a few days ago…Its informative…Reading it from front to back so I don’t miss nothing. Its repetitive in some aspects but I think the author does it more for memory sake than for the lack of content. Its a good investment….PEACE!!!!
@Kruz, great fam, glad you got it! Sa’id is very passionate about his work and it shows, it’s a very good book.
@saintjoe,
What got me is the bigger picture…the foundation, the comfort of knowing the era I came into hiphop…Looking back I see the events like a big puzzle…Im just looking forward to helping HIPHOP advance even further. I tried moving to the beat sections but I couldn’t stop reading the history. It definitely increased my passion and appreciation for hiphop. take care bro, peace!!!!
@Kruz, no doubt fam, I feel you, that’s how I was yo! It’s dope for sure!
In the mail. Read about this awhile back and had forgotten that I was planning to pick it up. Thanks man, really looking forward to the read.
@Motoryogurt (Badtomorrow), word man, cool, it’s def a good book.