In the highly competitive world of commercial beatmaking staying ahead of the curve is essential. In this post we take a look at some of the top trends in beatmaking right now. These insights should help to inform and direct your production so that your beats resonate with today’s artists.

1: Global influences

The influence of international sounds on beatmaking has grown significantly in recent years. While Reggeaton and tropical influences are still very popular it’s the explosion of African vibes that’s been the dominating trend this year.
From Afrobeats to Amapiano, the rhythmic and uplifting sounds of contemporary African music are resonating with both singers and rappers. Expect much fighting over the Burna Boy, Wizkid and Davido type beat real estate.

2: Melodic Trap

That age-old perennial, Trap seems to show no signs of losing its appeal in 2024. The styles and influences however of trap beats are forever in a state of flux. This year has seen a rise in the popularity of melodic trap.

The blending of folky guitar, Emo style chord progressions and even cinematic and classical loops have all shown up on big hits this year. Whatever She Wants by Bryson Tiller as well as Redrum by 21 savage are perfect examples of classical influences on trap beats. In addition to melody, an emphasis on complementary percussion loops has also been a growing trend.

3: Genre Blending

With today’s access to so much music listeners have developed eclectic tastes that defy traditional genre boundaries. Artists and listeners alike tend not to be so entrenched in very specific musical lanes. This shift has led to the rise in popularity of genre-blending beats.

Elements from different musical styles such as EDM, Pop, Rock, Latin are fused to create something entirely new and unique. As a beatmaker blending different genres and influences helps you to resonate with a wider range of artists which can help to get your beats noticed.

4: Boom Bap Beats

While Trap is still the predominant force in Hip-Hop, the traditional Boom Bap style, popularised in the 90’s is close on it’s tail. Artists like Griselda, Joey Badass and J Cole have helped keep the Boom Bap flame alive and with a whole new generation coming through this organic Hip-Hop sound has gained a new audience.

Traditionally Boom Bap Hip-Hop has been strongly inspired by old samples. This is something that beat leasers have tried to steer clear of for legal reasons. Luckily a new breed of sample makers are helping to recreate the classic sounds that were once sample fodder for hungry SP1200’s and MPC’s.

If you are a beatmaker looking for great vintage-sounding boom bap samples here are some top picks.

5: Throwback Flavours – The 90’s

It seem’s beatmakers and artists just cant get enough of the 90’s. From old skool house and rave sounds to new jack swing, the retro sounds of the 90’s are being interwoven into a growing number of contemporary productions. Take yes and? by Arianda Grande with it’s passing resemblance to Madonna’s 1990 hit Vogue.

And it is not just the early 90’s sound. The influence of the Neptunes who dominated the later part of the 90’s and early 0’s can be heard in a growing number of beats. In particular their style of drum programming. Take for example the club hit Devil is a Lie by Tommy Richman.

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