Phonk music is all about blending gritty, lo-fi sounds with modern trap elements. Phonk music has its roots in 90s Memphis rap, blends this raw sound with modern trap elements to create something unique.
Today, we take drum patterns of Homixide Gang x Ken Carson in FL Studio. From setting up your drums to nailing the Spinz 808 bass and the signature phonk cowbell, here’s how to do it all in FL Studio.
Focusing everything you need to know to make phonk beats, like Homixide Gang x Ken Carson drums, the Spinz 808 bass, and the iconic phonk 808 cowbell.

What is Phonk Music?
Phonk is a subgenre of hip-hop that blends the lo-fi, chopped and screwed sounds of 1990s Memphis rap with modern production techniques. It’s known for its heavy 808 basslines, eerie melodies, and a raw, vintage feel. This genre is perfect for producers who want to mix old-school vibes with contemporary trap elements.
Creating Phonk Beats in FL Studio
Step 1: Homixide Gang x Ken Carson Type Drums with 808
To create drums that hit like Homixide Gang x Ken Carson, you need to focus on a gritty, lo-fi sound with a powerful impact.

- Kick Drum: Start with a punchy 808 kick. Load it into FL Studio’s Sampler and adjust the pitch and volume envelope to create a tight, controlled kick that anchors your beat.
- Snare: Layer a classic snare with a clap. This combination adds texture and ensures the snare cuts through the mix. A touch of reverb can add depth, making it more impactful.
- Hi-Hats: Program rolling hi-hats with subtle velocity changes. This adds dynamic variation. Reverse hi-hats or open hi-hats can be used for transitions, creating a smoother flow between sections.
Step 2: Using the Spinz 808 Bass
The Spinz 808 bass is a must-have in phonk production. It’s known for its deep, clean sound, perfect for laying down a strong sub-bass foundation that complements the Homixide Gang x Ken Carson drum patterns.

Creating the Bassline:
- Load the Spinz 808 into your Sampler and create a bassline that follows the root notes of your melody.
- Keep it simple, but consider adding some glides or pitch bends to make it more dynamic.
Mixing the 808:
- Ensure the Spinz 808 bass is prominent in the mix without overpowering other elements.
- Use EQ to carve out space in the mid frequencies, and apply sidechain compression to keep it balanced with the kick drum.
Step 3: Adding the Phonk 808 Cowbell
The cowbell is iconic in phonk, especially in phonk rally tracks.
- Sound Selection: Choose a high-quality 808 cowbell sample. It needs to stand out, so pick one with a sharp, clear tone.
- Programming the Cowbell: Place it on the off-beats to create a syncopated rhythm. Play with the pitch and timing until it grooves perfectly with your drums and bass.
A Phonk Beat with FX and Atmosphere
Phonk Rally Cowbell
No phonk beat is complete without the phonk 808 cowbell, especially if you’re going for that phonk rally cowbell vibe.
- Layering: Layer multiple cowbells for thickness, or process them with reverb and delay to make them pop in the mix.

Lo-Fi and Tape Effects
Phonk thrives on that worn-out, vintage sound.
- Tape Saturation: Use plugins like RC-20 Retro Color or iZotope Vinyl to add a tape-like distortion, giving your samples a warm, nostalgic feel.
- Reverb and Delay: Apply reverb to create depth and delay for space. This is especially effective on vocal chops or melody lines, giving them that haunting, ethereal quality.

Chopped and Screwed Vocals
Phonk wouldn’t be phonk without chopped and screwed vocals.
- Processing Vocals: Find classic vocal samples, pitch them down, and use FL Studio’s SliceX to chop them into rhythmic patterns.

Finalizing Your Phonk Beat
Arrangement
Keep your arrangement dynamic. Start with a simple intro, then build up to the drop using your cowbell and 808 to create tension. Use breaks, filters, and variations to keep the listener hooked.
Mixing and Mastering
Your track should hit hard but stay balanced. The 808 needs to punch without distorting, and the cowbell should cut through without being too loud. Use multiband compression and a limiter to give your track a polished, professional sound.
Final Words
Start making those phonk beats on FL Studio to echo the underground sound of Homixide Gang x Ken Carson. Making a phonk beat is all about getting that gritty, nostalgic vibe with modern trap elements.
Focus on a solid 808 bass, the signature phonk cowbell, and drum patterns to get a Homixide Gang x Ken Carson type beat. Phonk is all about experimentation, so don’t be afraid to push boundaries and find your unique sound.
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