Today, we'll discuss the lead and it's important role in a beat. As the name of the role suggests, the lead is the part of the beat that sticks out and is the part that gets stuck in the minds of the listener.
Traditionally, classic hip-hop did not incorporate many lead sounds. Outside of the samples used from vinyl records and the drums, traditional classic hip-hop instrumentation was pretty sparse. However, in modern hip-hop, a lot of influence today is derived from dance music and from older synth -based hip hop such as Afrika Bambaata. With the rise of southern rap, leads are now a part of a typical beat and are most likely here to stay in hip-hop. For examples of the lead in hip-hop, listen to the in-your-face synth in "Yeah" by Usher or the high-pitched west-coast style lead in "Big Poppa" by Notorious B.I.G.
Like the pads that we discussed earlier, the lead is a part of the song's harmonic structure but whereas the pads are sustained and play a support role, the lead is the star of the beat. In addition to the main lead sound, there are also counter leads that I include as a sub-role part in the role of the lead itself.
The counter lead is simply a sound that has the same function as the lead, but its role is less important and less in-your-face than the main lead. However, the counter lead works together with the main lead to make the combined musical phrase more interesting. Think of the relationship between the two as hero and sidekick. For example, the lead part may start a musical phrase while the counter-lead finishes it as a sort of call and response phrase. Another example is that the lead may play a whole complete musical phrase while the counter lead accents key notes and/or key beats of the main lead. One final example may be the lead part playing the main musical phrase while the counter lead has a longer sustained part (a drone type sound), which helps to serve as a foundation for the lead. The combinations are endless on how to have the lead and counter-lead interact. A few good examples of the lead and counter lead occur on "Right Above It" with Lil Wayne and Drake. The trumpet that is introduced in the intro serves as the lead sound of the whole song and then during the next phrase, a synth part that plays 8th notes descending in pitch comes in and serves as the counter lead. With the two-parts combined, the result is a more interesting musical phrase.
Finally, be sure to drop in and drop out the lead and counter leads during certain sections of the song such as the verse and chorus to make the arrangement more interesting. Alternating which parts play in certain parts of the song makes the overall arrangement of the beat more interesting. Furthermore, it also helps to distinguish one part of a song from another (such as a verse and chorus). This is important because if you plan to sell your beat, the rapper needs to be able to distinguish the verses from the chorus. In our next section, we'll discuss the bass.
Traditionally, classic hip-hop did not incorporate many lead sounds. Outside of the samples used from vinyl records and the drums, traditional classic hip-hop instrumentation was pretty sparse. However, in modern hip-hop, a lot of influence today is derived from dance music and from older synth -based hip hop such as Afrika Bambaata. With the rise of southern rap, leads are now a part of a typical beat and are most likely here to stay in hip-hop. For examples of the lead in hip-hop, listen to the in-your-face synth in "Yeah" by Usher or the high-pitched west-coast style lead in "Big Poppa" by Notorious B.I.G.
Like the pads that we discussed earlier, the lead is a part of the song's harmonic structure but whereas the pads are sustained and play a support role, the lead is the star of the beat. In addition to the main lead sound, there are also counter leads that I include as a sub-role part in the role of the lead itself.
The counter lead is simply a sound that has the same function as the lead, but its role is less important and less in-your-face than the main lead. However, the counter lead works together with the main lead to make the combined musical phrase more interesting. Think of the relationship between the two as hero and sidekick. For example, the lead part may start a musical phrase while the counter-lead finishes it as a sort of call and response phrase. Another example is that the lead may play a whole complete musical phrase while the counter lead accents key notes and/or key beats of the main lead. One final example may be the lead part playing the main musical phrase while the counter lead has a longer sustained part (a drone type sound), which helps to serve as a foundation for the lead. The combinations are endless on how to have the lead and counter-lead interact. A few good examples of the lead and counter lead occur on "Right Above It" with Lil Wayne and Drake. The trumpet that is introduced in the intro serves as the lead sound of the whole song and then during the next phrase, a synth part that plays 8th notes descending in pitch comes in and serves as the counter lead. With the two-parts combined, the result is a more interesting musical phrase.
Finally, be sure to drop in and drop out the lead and counter leads during certain sections of the song such as the verse and chorus to make the arrangement more interesting. Alternating which parts play in certain parts of the song makes the overall arrangement of the beat more interesting. Furthermore, it also helps to distinguish one part of a song from another (such as a verse and chorus). This is important because if you plan to sell your beat, the rapper needs to be able to distinguish the verses from the chorus. In our next section, we'll discuss the bass.
About the Author:
Frank Lubsey is a part of the Jam Sonic music production squad. With over decade of composing experience, Frank and the Jam Sonic squad make beats for hip-hop artists, jingles for small businesses, and music for tv and film. Be sure to check out his website for hip-hop beats for sale and beatmaking articles and videos.
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