Are you using monitors or old speakers? Could just be off levels on your samples.. Sounds like the drums are clipping a bit..

EDIT: You can see they are all clipping int he wave, sharp spikes being chopped off so you get that overdrive effect at the peak.

I'm using this VST plugin on fruity loops that simulates a vinyl. I noticed that the 'sharp spikes' are usually because of the snare drum.

Any suggestions on how to fix it?

Got around to making another track.

http://snd.sc/RtRZz7

alot of trial and error is the best teacher, and your'e lucky nowadays because youtube has tutorials for every program / software. it's just how much patience u have to find the video and watching it.

as for having the samiyam and flylo sound i wouldn't focus too much on that. u definitely want your own identity and experimenting not following other ppls formulas to an exact t wont help u achieve that. it's cool to be influenced , but more importantly u need to learn the basics on whatever software or hardware to begin with. and in production alot of it consist of what the artist is feeling. which gives samiyam and flylo and whoever who has a signature sound. u can teach fundamentals on production, but u cant teach an individual how to feel. if u go with ur feelings that will tell u how to structure a beat tape or whatever music direction u trying to take with the project. ppl get caught up in certain preset formats for example beats are structured 4 bar intro 16 bar verse 8 bar hook. that is boring sticking to that every single beat. if u feel like bending rules after u understand basics it's ok. thats how character is built. having no formula is the best formula. thats just my little 2 cents. lol

thats when u start puttin limiters on certain sounds like drums to prevent clippin.

Well said Dollarllama.

I would recommend sitting down with your program (fruity loops?) and learning as much as possible about it. Being in control of your studio environment, and quick to navigate, you can put your inspiration to use the moment it strikes without a lot of second-guessing.

I have been really stuck lately trying to get a decent beat out.

I decided to work with one of my friends so we can bounce different ideas off of each other. Any other tips?

study some of your favorite beats to see how they are structured and what elements are there. is there a hi hat? how is it programmed? how long is the loop? how often does the hook or turnaround come in? compare your mixing job to other tracks in your itunes to see if they need to be louder, brighter, less bass, etc. stay in those dollar bins and stay listening to records. get your drums off records at least. learn how to add basslines. don't stop digging just keep at it. there is so much information out there today, producers back in the day had to teach themselves

Try getting some inspiration from songs you really like and listen closely. You might hear things you might have not heard before, which can trigger some ideas. Also working together with a mate who makes music is always good. Also discovering some less known, yet awesome producer's music can help.

And I don't know if it's said before, but don't get hardware or software because this or that producer uses it. It's the person behind it. Though, to be honest, my SP303 for example I got it because some of my favorite producers (Madlib etc.) uses(used?) it. Not because Madlib used it, but because I know what I can achieve with it (in my own way of course).

cool thread, many inspirational posts

But your personal style may grow to feel that as dope, to clip and pop.
And that very well may be an integral part of your signature sound, even though others may critique ways to change it up.

Because the truth is...

Be inspired. But don't follow a trend.
Put your own stamp on something so it's yours, not a mimmiced version.

Made a beat.

Lots of useful drum packs and jazz packs on this forum. You're gonna hear some of em used on this one. It's a pretty simple beat.

http://soundcloud.com/stallion-banks/rap-music-is-lame

EDIT: hopefully I didn't screw anybody over. Like I said this beat is VERY easily made with the packs provided on this forum, so if it sounds similar to another person's beat that's why.

Sounds dope. Enjoying the chops as well as variety w/the drums. Good stuff.

Peace to the positivity in here. Taking a few of these tips to heart myself.

1) put some music under the intro. its a popular sample and a lot of people will know where its from. by adding music you can re-contextualize the vocal and give it more power.
2) i'm not gonna say you can't use drum and sample packs but to me that's taking all the fun out of it. find some records and get samples there--you'll find it more rewarding and will sound more original