Making a Drake Type Beat with Free Samples

Learn to replicate Drake's signature hip-hop sound using precise samples and techniques. Explore analog synths, vocal layering, drum loops, and more to create tracks that resonate with the Drake type sound.

Alistair Gillespie

Nov 1, 2023 — 7 min read

Drake's sound has become a defining signature in modern hip-hop. With the right samples and techniques, you too can capture that moody, atmospheric vibe to make Drake type beats.

In this post, we use free samples from Sample Focus and explore five key techniques involving synths, vocal samples, drum loops, and plucked strings to create beats that resonate with Drake's signature style. By experimenting with these methods and samples, you can get your own unique tracks that capture the essence of a Drake type beat.

We will explore five techniques to emulate Drake's iconic hip-hop sound. Then, also check out some specific samples from Sample Focus that can help you achieve this.

5 Steps to emulate the Iconic Hip-Hop Sound and get a Drake type beat

Analog Synths: These are used to create a moody atmosphere similar to Drake's style. Integrate in the intro or bridge and adjust the reverb between 30-60ms. Layering with a soft pad can add depth.
Vocal Samples: Vocals add emotion and set the mood. Use them as a background layer during the chorus with a delay of 50-100ms for an echoing effect. Pairing with a high-pass filter can highlight certain frequencies.
Drum Loops: Drake's drum kit samples are foundational to his tracks. Enhance bass frequencies between 60-100Hz for a richer sound. Adjusting the tempo can fit different song styles.
Plucked Strings Samples: Strings add drama and fullness to a track. Integrate them during a song's climax or drop with a reverb set to 100-150ms. A low-pass filter can create a mellow background feel.
Mood & Atomosphere: Capturing Drake's iconic sound is achievable with the right samples and techniques. Focusing on mood and atmosphere, and experimenting with samples from Sample Focus can help create tracks resonating with Drake's vibe.

Analog Synths: The Backbone of Atmosphere

Analog synths give that moody feel Drake and Travis Scott are known for. Analog synths are crucial for creating that characteristic Drake type beat. These synths provide the moody feel that Drake and Travis Scott frequently use in their tracks.

How to Use:
- Integrate this sample in the intro or bridge for maximum impact.

Adjust the reverb to between 30-60ms for a more spacious sound.

Alternate Method: Layer with a soft pad to add depth.

Additional Tip: For a Drake type beat, select synths with a dark and ambient sound. Experimenting with the pitch can also result in a more authentic Drake vibe.

Free Drake Synth Sample

Drake x Travis Scott type Analog Synth Melody

Layering Drake Vocal Samples

The role of vocals: They add emotion and can set the song's entire mood. Layering vocal samples is essential in creating an emotional Drake type beat. Drake's tracks often use vocal samples to add depth and emotion.

How to Use:
- Use as a background layer during the chorus.

Set a delay of 50-100ms for an echoing, haunting effect.

Alternate Method: Pair with a high-pass filter to isolate and highlight certain frequencies.

Additional Tip: To achieve a Drake type beat, choose vocal samples that are soulful or melancholic. Pitching down the vocals can also add a unique touch.

Free Drake Vocal Sample

Chopped Vocal Sample - Slowed Drake type

The Essence of Drake's Drum Loops

The drum loops in a Drake type beat are distinctive, often emulating a relaxed yet powerful rhythm.

What's in the drum kit sample: drum rhythm that emulate the Drake type sound.

How to Use:
- Use as a foundational drum loop for your track.

Add bass frequencies to between 60-100Hz for a deeper, richer sound.

Alternate Method: Speed up or slow down the sample to fit different song tempos.

Additional Tip: Drake type beats often feature minimalist and clean drum patterns. Try using a sparse kick and snare arrangement to emulate this style.

Free Drake Sample

'Drake Type'' sample

Dramatic Drop with Plucked Strings Samples

Plucked strings can make a track feel more complete and dramatic, a common feature in a Drake type beat.

Why use strings: They add drama and can make a track feel more "full."

How to Use:
- Integrate during the song's climax or drop.

Set reverb to 100-150ms for a more dramatic effect.

Alternate Method: Use a low-pass filter to give a more mellow, background feel.

Additional Tip: For a Drake type beat, choose string samples that are emotional and cinematic. Integrating subtle string plucks can elevate the emotional intensity of the track.

Free Drake Strings Sample

Chopped Strings with Plucked Strings - Drake type Mix

Sound Design for a Drake Type Beat

Sound design is a crucial element in replicating the distinctive Drake sound, requiring a meticulous approach to the subtle details that characterize his music. It's important to apply the right sound design principles to create a drake type beat.

Basslines

Depth and Roundness: Drake type beats are known for their deep and rounded basslines that provide a solid foundation to the track.
- Technical Insight: To achieve this, consider using a sine wave in your synthesizer and tweaking the ADSR settings to create a smooth, lingering sound. Adjust the cutoff frequency to keep the bass mellow and not too punchy.
- Emotional Resonance: This subdued bassline creates a moody undertone that resonates with listeners.

Pads

Atmospheric Essence: Soft pads are instrumental in adding the atmospheric feel characteristic of a Drake type beat.
- Technical Insight: When selecting a pad sound, opt for sounds with a slow attack and long release. Experiment with layering pads at different octaves or using a chorus effect to add richness.
- Aural Landscape: These pads envelop the listener in an immersive sonic experience, reminiscent of Drake's signature style.

Effects

Creating Space and Depth: Strategic use of reverb and delay is essential to create a sense of space and depth in your mix.
- Technical Insight: For reverb, a decay time of around 2-2.5 seconds with a low wet/dry mix can create a spacious yet controlled sound. For delay, syncing it to the tempo of your track and opting for a ping-pong effect can enhance the stereo image.
- Dynamic Soundscapes: These effects, when used judiciously, can elevate a beat from being flat to having a dynamic, three-dimensional quality.

Recap

Analog Synths: Integrate analog synths in the intro or bridge, adjusting the reverb to 30-60ms to create a moody atmosphere.
Vocal Samples: Use vocal samples as a background layer during the chorus, setting a delay of 50-100ms for an echoing effect.
Drum Loops: Utilize Drake-type drum loops as a foundation, enhancing bass frequencies between 60-100Hz for a deeper sound.
Plucked Strings Samples: Add drama by integrating plucked strings during a song's climax, setting the reverb to 100-150ms for a dramatic effect.
Experimentation: Experiment with samples and techniques to find your unique sound that resonates with Drake's signature vibe.

Final Words

Crafting a Drake type beat is within your grasp, and it's about more than just selecting the right samples—it's about encapsulating the quintessential mood and atmosphere that define Drake's iconic sound. Utilizing the samples from Sample Focus, paired with the techniques discussed in this guide, sets you on the path to creating tracks that resonate with the signature Drake vibe.

Remember, the key is to experiment and infuse your unique spin into the mix. So, dive in and find your sound, and soon you'll be producing beats that echo the distinctiveness of a Drake type beat.

As always, experiment and find your sound!