Free Boom Bap Vocal Samples Where To Find And How To Use Them

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The boom bap genre, characterized by its distinctive drum patterns and sampling techniques, has had a significant influence on modern music from hip hop to lofi beats. While much attention is often given to the drum elements and instrumental components, vocal samples play an equally important role in creating authentic boom bap tracks. This article explores where to find free boom bap vocal samples and how they can be used in music production, based on available resources and platforms.

Understanding Boom Bap and Its Vocal Elements

Boom bap originated in the 1990s as a subgenre of hip hop, primarily on the East Coast of the United States. Producers like J Dilla, 9th Wonder, Havoc, Pete Rock, and DJ Premier pioneered techniques that emphasized "crunchy kicks on the downbeat and snappy snares and rimshots on the upbeat." These producers mixed drums prominently in their tracks, creating the signature head-nodding rhythm that defines the genre.

The vocal elements in boom bap production often take several forms: - Acapellas (vocal tracks without instrumental accompaniment) - Vocal chops (short vocal fragments manipulated and rearranged) - Freestyle verses and ad-libs - Sampled vocal phrases from other recordings

These vocal elements are typically used in ways that complement or contrast with the prominent drum patterns, creating rhythmic complexity and adding lyrical content to instrumental tracks.

Platforms Offering Free Boom Bap Vocal Samples

Several online platforms provide free boom bap vocal samples, each with different licensing terms and application processes.

Looperman

Looperman is a platform that hosts user-submitted audio samples, including a substantial collection of boom bap acapellas. The platform offers both free and premium vocal samples, with specific terms of use that vary by sample.

According to Looperman's terms, the boom bap acapellas listed on the platform may be used in projects in accordance with the platform's terms and conditions. Importantly, the creators of the acapellas retain certain rights and may stipulate specific license terms. At a minimum, users can utilize these acapellas for free for non-commercial purposes.

Looperman features a variety of boom bap vocal samples, including: - Raw freestyle energy recordings - Verses specifically designed for boom bap beats - Mixed vocal tracks suitable for chopping and layering

Some samples on Looperman may require direct contact with the creator for licensing, particularly for commercial use. For example, one sample listed on the platform requires interested users to "ASK ME ON INSTAGRAM" for license information.

Cymatics

While primarily known for its drum kits and instrumental samples, Cymatics also offers vocal elements that can be incorporated into boom bap productions. The company's free sample packs occasionally include vocal chops and other vocal elements that work well with boom bap drum patterns.

Cymatics has created several free sample packs that contain elements useful for boom bap production: - "Orchid" - One of Cymatics' largest free sample libraries, containing drum one shots, melody loops with stems, and MIDI files - "Cobra" - A comprehensive hip hop style sample pack with drum one shots, loops, melody loops, and MIDI patterns - "Deluxe lofi pack" - Focused on melodic compositions suitable for lofi and boom bap tracks

While these packs are not exclusively vocal samples, they contain elements that can be combined with vocal recordings to create complete boom bap productions.

Types of Free Boom Bap Vocal Samples Available

The free boom bap vocal samples available through these platforms come in various forms, each suited to different production techniques:

Acapellas

Full vocal recordings without instrumental accompaniment allow producers to create entirely new backing tracks around existing vocal performances. Looperman offers several boom bap acapellas, including:

• Raw freestyle energy recordings with "mythic resonance"
• Verses specifically designed for boom bap beats
• Clean recordings with "room for layering, chopping, or looping"

These acapellas typically range from 90 BPM rap flows to more complex arrangements suitable for various tempos and styles within the boom bap genre.

Vocal Chops

Short vocal fragments that can be manipulated, rearranged, and processed to create rhythmic patterns and melodic elements. While Source 1 mentions that some free packs include "15 vocal chops," specific details about these elements are limited in the provided sources.

Freestyle Verses

Improvised vocal performances that bring authenticity and raw energy to boom bap productions. Looperman features freestyle recordings with "no pen, no pad—just pure off-the-top bars" that can be used as-is or chopped and rearranged for production purposes.

Mixed Vocal Tracks

Vocal recordings that have already been processed and layered, providing ready-to-use elements for boom bap productions. These may include harmonies, ad-libs, or other vocal textures that add depth to tracks.

Licensing and Usage Considerations

When using free boom bap vocal samples, it's essential to understand the licensing terms that apply:

Non-Commercial Use

Both Cymatics and Looperman allow free use of their samples for non-commercial purposes. This means producers can use these samples in personal projects, practice tracks, and non-profit releases without obtaining additional licenses.

Commercial Use

For commercial releases, the licensing requirements become more complex: - Some samples on Looperman require direct contact with the creator for commercial licensing - Cymatics samples may have specific commercial licensing terms that need to be reviewed on a case-by-case basis - Some samples may require payment or revenue sharing for commercial use

Attribution Requirements

The provided sources do not specify attribution requirements for free samples. However, it's generally good practice to check the specific terms for each sample to determine if attribution is required.

Production Techniques with Boom Bap Vocal Samples

Once obtained, free boom bap vocal samples can be incorporated into productions using various techniques:

Chopping and Layering

Vocal samples can be chopped into smaller fragments and rearranged to create rhythmic patterns that complement boom bap drum patterns. As noted in one Looperman description, some samples are "perfect for chopping and sampling with some boom bap drums."

Pitch Shifting and Time Stretching

Vocal samples can be manipulated in pitch and time to fit different tempos and harmonic contexts while maintaining the authentic boom bap aesthetic.

Reverb and Delay Effects

Adding spatial effects can help integrate vocal samples into the mix, creating depth and cohesion with instrumental elements.

Blending with Instrumental Samples

Combining vocal samples with instrumental elements from free boom bap drum kits and melody loops (such as those offered by Cymatics) can create complete, cohesive tracks.

Conclusion

Free boom bap vocal samples are valuable resources for producers looking to create authentic hip hop productions without financial investment. Platforms like Looperman and Cymatics offer various vocal elements that can be incorporated into boom bap tracks, from full acapellas to vocal chops and freestyle verses.

When using these samples, it's crucial to understand and comply with the licensing terms, which may vary between non-commercial and commercial use. With proper attention to licensing and effective production techniques, free vocal samples can be powerful tools for creating compelling boom bap music that honors the genre's rich history while allowing for contemporary innovation.

Sources

1. Cymatics Free Boom Bap Drum Kits
2. Looperman Boom Bap Acapellas
3. Looperman Boom Bap Acapellas by Tag