Hip Hop Arrangement/Writing

[mattblissett]

I was wondering if anyone knew or could offer suggestions, on writing lines for live instrumentation hip hop, ala The Roots? I am playing around with some constant structure grooves, moving them around between chords and such, but I still would like someone to give me some advice so I can go to the people I jam with and explain it to them.

[markjazzbassist]

just a couple of guesses. try and use some solid R&B grooves and licks BUT with more space, so the vocals/rapper can come through. Whenver i listen to the Roots i think they groove but they do it in a very simple manner. keep it simple and leave plenty of space for the vocal/rapper.

[mattblissett]

thanks, that makes sense and it fits into the sensibility that I am aiming for, when I play - grooves, which I work on by playing a lot and practicing even more.