Cloud rap is an ethereal, dreamlike subgenre of hip-hop. With its hazy, atmospheric textures, ethereal melodies and relaxed beats, cloud rap beats provide the perfect music bed for rappers wanting to express a more emotive and introspective side.

In this blog we will walk you through the essential components of cloud rap and provide you with a step-by-step guide to crafting your own instrumentals. So if you are looking to drift blissfully into the cloud rap arena, this post will help you achieve the signature sound from the comfort of your own DAW

What is Cloud Rap?

Cloud rap is a subgenre of Hip-Hop and Trap. Unlike traditional hip-hop tracks that emphasize hard-hitting drums, bass-heavy production, and street orientated lyrical content, cloud rap focuses on ambiance and melody, often creating a dreamlike or surreal listening experience.

Origins of Cloud Rap

The origins of cloud rap can be traced back to the early 2010s, with producers like Clams Casino. He laid the foundation for the genre with tracks like “Palace” by A$AP Rocky (2011) and “I’m God” by Lil B (2009) . His work with these artists helped define the sound with their reverb-drenched synths, lush pads, and sample-based loops. Simultaneously, artists like Yung Lean and Bladee brought cloud rap into the internet rap scene, further expanding its influence and reach.

Cloud Rap pioneer ASAP Rocky

Key Components of Cloud Rap

To create an authentic cloud rap beat, it’s important to incorporate the following key elements:

  • Ambient and ethereal melodies – Often drenched in reverb and delay. ethereal instruments such as airy synths and dreamy piano are used to provide lush chord progressions and wistful melodic lines.
  • Lofi Textures – Ambient soundscapes and vinyl crackle are often added for effect.
  • Reverb and delay effects – Effects like reverb and delay, often with excessively long tails, give cloud rap its signature spacious feel.
  • Simple, yet effective drum patterns – Rhythmically loose and understated, cloud rap drums typically consist of gentle hi-hats, laid-back snares or claps, and low, mellow kicks. 808 drums feature in the majority of cloud rap beats.
  • Subtle basslines – 808s and basslines are present but not overpowering. They often blend smoothly with the beat rather than driving the track.
  • Chopped vocal samples – cloud rap beats often feature vocal chops or ethereal vocal pads such as choirs to add depth and richness to the track.
  • Slow to mid-tempo BPM – Most cloud rap beats range between 65-85 BPM, allowing for a relaxed, drifting pace.
  • Processed Vocals – Cloud rap vocals are often processed using reverb and autotune. This helps the rapper to blending seamlessly with the beat.

Step-by-Step Guide to Creating a Cloud Rap Beat

While there are many different ways to produce a cloud rap beat, the following step-by-step guide provides a structured method using royalty-free sample loops. Feel free to tweak and adapt this process based on your preferred workflow and creative approach.

Step 1: Set Up Your DAW

First, open your Digital Audio Workstation (DAW) of choice. Create a blank session and start by creating a number of empty audio (stereo) and midi tracks. Also create 2 stereo auxiliary channels for reverb and delay.

Step 2: Choose some Dreamy Melodic Sample

Next up you will need to find some choice samples. Since cloud rap relies on atmospheric and dreamy melodies you will need to search sample library’s using key words like dreamy, peaceful, mellow, ethereal etc. Combine the descriptive key words with appropriate instruments such as synths, pads, piano, choir or acoustic guitar.

The search filters should present you with a tasty selection of melodic loops and lush chord progressions. Look for samples that give you “the feels” and drag them into your sessions.

Note* For a fantastic selection of cloud rap ready samples check out RouteNote Create.

Step 3: Arrange the Samples

Most samples come in the form of loops. These traditionally range from 1-8 bars in length. Set the DAW to the samples BPM. (This should be included in the sample name) and use snap to grid to position the sample(s) in your session. Ideally it is great to source sample loops that include alternative variations. Sample kits are also a great choice as they provide isolated instruments (stems).

Using the DAWs metronome as a guide, experiment with the positioning and arrangement of your sample loops. Make sure all of your samples are on the grid quantising if necessary.

Step 4: Adding Drums

Cloud rap beats usually have a laid-back drum pattern. While some drums can be more organic using slowed down breakbeats, most cloud rap relies on 808 driven trap style drums. The main difference to trap music is the rhythms don’t have the same degree of energy.

When it comes to the drums you have 2 main choices–sample drum loops or programmed drums. If using sample loops don’t just settle for the first loop you drag in. Experiment with different loops, positioning and chops until you find some that compliment and sit nicely on your melodic elements.

If you decide to create your own drums experiment with different sounds and patterns. Consider the following factors when programming your drums.

  • Kick – Soft, deep, and not too punchy.
  • Snare/Clap – Place on beats 2 and 4 to maintain a slow, hypnotic rhythm.
  • Hi-Hats – Keep them simple, possibly adding occasional rolls or triplets for variation.
  • Percussion – Add light percussive elements like rim shots or shakers to keep the groove interesting. experiment with funky ghost notes.

Step 4: Add a Subtle Bassline

Cloud rap basslines are usually smooth and understated. A soft 808 or sine wave sub works well. If your sample loop does not come with an associated bassline loop you will first need to find the key of the track. This info is often included in the samples metadata. For a great hack to seamlessly add perfect 808 basslines to tracks check out this guide.

Once the bassline is perfectly complimenting the track consider applying glide notes for added flair.

Step 5: Apply Effects and Processing

Once you have all the fundamentals of the track in place its time to send it into the upper atmosphere through effects and processing.

Add your go-to reverb and delay plugins to the auxiliary channel that you’ve created. Use your auxiliary sends to send signal from your individual tracks into these reverb and delay channels. You can even experiment by creating multiple effect aux channels. For example, adding an auto panner can often create a pleasingly hypnotic effect. Experiment with various combinations of effects processing as these can play a crucial role in shaping the dreamy sound of cloud rap. For example:

  • Reverb & Delay – Apply to the melody and percussive elements for a spacious feel.
  • EQ – Cut unnecessary low frequencies from the melody to avoid muddiness.
  • Saturation – Adding some warm tube saturation can give your tracks that pleasing vintage sounding vibe.
  • Sidechain Compression – Slight sidechain on the bass to the kick drum can help maintain clarity and detail.

Step 6: Arrange the Beat

Once you have all the elements in place and it’s sounding dreamy its time to add some structure to your beat. Consider arranging your beat as follows:

  • Intro – Start with the melody and gradually introduce drums.
  • Verse – Full drum pattern with melodic variations.
  • Chorus – May include additional layers or effects to emphasize energy. Consider introducing a new counter melody to take the listener to another space.
  • Outro – Fade out elements or strip back to the melody.

Step 7: Final Mixing and Mastering

Finally, balance all elements by adjusting levels and applying light compression. Keep the mix airy and not overly compressed to maintain the cloud rap aesthetic. Where possible use separate elements and effects to create a wide and immersive stereo field.

Alternative Compositional Methods

As mentioned earlier, there are many different ways to approach cloud rap beatmaking. If you’re looking to experiment with alternative methods, here are a few options to consider:

  • Recording Live Guitar – If your preferred method of composition is guitar based try recording in some reverb-heavy guitar loops. These can can add an organic depth to your beat.
  • Composing Original Melodies – Instead of using loops, try creating your own melodies with virtual synths.
  • Using MIDI Packs or Chord Generators – Tools like Scaler or Captain Chords can help generate dreamy chord progressions effortlessly. Alternatively why not try using some MIDI packs as a bases for your beats. This way you will have more control by being able to assign your own instruments.
  • Layering Vocal Textures – Adding vocal chops or humming pads can sound great and enhance the atmospheric feel of your beat.

Conclusion

Creating a cloud rap beat is all about capturing an ethereal, dreamy atmosphere while maintaining a laid-back and hypnotic rhythm. By incorporating all the aspect we have detailed, you can craft beats that embody the signature sound of the genre. Whether you’re using sample loops, composing original melodies, or experimenting with live instrumentation, the key is to keep the vibe immersive and drenched in emotion.

As with any genre, experimentation is key—don’t be afraid to try new techniques, mix different textures, and push the boundaries of your creativity. Before long your beats will be riding high amongst the cirrus.

Remember – RouteNote Create subscriptions start from as little as $2.99. You also get 10 FREE credits to spend on samples along with access to our FREE sample pack bundle when you sign-up!

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