Hey guys! Ever vibed to "Bank Account" by 21 Savage and thought, "I could totally make something like this"? You're not alone! This track's dark, minimalist vibe is super appealing and surprisingly easy to replicate once you understand the core elements. So, let's break down how to craft your own 21 Savage "Bank Account" type beat. We're going to dive deep into the key ingredients: the tempo, the drums, the bass, the melodies, and how to arrange it all for that signature Atlanta trap sound. Get ready to unleash your inner producer!

Understanding the "Bank Account" Sound

Before we start laying down tracks, let's really analyze what makes "Bank Account" tick. It's not just a random collection of sounds; it's a carefully constructed sonic landscape. The track's simplicity is its strength, creating space for 21 Savage's flow and lyrics to take center stage.

Tempo and Key

"Bank Account" clocks in at a tempo of around 150 BPM. This is a pretty standard tempo for modern trap music, providing a good balance between energy and space. The song is in a minor key, which contributes to its dark and somewhat ominous feel. Common minor keys used in trap include A minor, C minor, and D minor. Experiment with these to find what resonates with you. When creating your own type beat, nailing the tempo and key are your first steps in capturing the vibe. Start by setting your DAW (Digital Audio Workstation) to 150 BPM and experimenting with different minor keys on a piano or keyboard. Listen closely to how the different keys affect the overall mood of your beat. Minor keys will generally give you that darker, more melancholic feel, while major keys will sound brighter and more uplifting. However, "Bank Account" leans heavily on the minimalist approach, which emphasizes the minor key's impact. You could also consider using a tool like Tunebat to accurately detect the Key and BPM of songs you want to use as a point of reference.

The Drums: Foundation of the Beat

The drums in "Bank Account" are what truly drive the track. They're simple but effective, consisting of a hard-hitting 808, crisp snares, and subtle hi-hats. The 808 is the backbone of the beat, providing that deep, rumbling bass that makes the track so impactful. The snare is sharp and punchy, cutting through the mix and adding a sense of urgency. The hi-hats are used sparingly, providing a subtle rhythmic counterpoint to the 808 and snare. To recreate this drum pattern, you'll need a good 808 sample, a crisp snare sample, and some simple hi-hat samples. Start by laying down the 808 pattern, focusing on creating a simple but effective rhythm. Then, add the snare on beats 2 and 4 of each bar. Finally, add the hi-hats, experimenting with different patterns to find what sounds best. Try to use a simple two-step hi-hat pattern to start, and then add some variations to add interest. For example, you could add a few extra hi-hats at the end of each bar, or you could use a triplet hi-hat pattern to create a sense of urgency. For that authentic sound, make sure your 808 is well-tuned and hitting hard. The right drum choice is critical; search for sounds that are already processed to some extent, so they sit well together without too much extra mixing.

Bass: The Rumbling Underbelly

The bass in "Bank Account" is almost entirely handled by the 808. It's deep, distorted, and sits right in the pocket of the beat. The 808 is the star of the show, so make sure it's well-tuned and hitting hard. Experiment with different 808 samples to find one that you like, and then use EQ and compression to shape the sound. To get that signature distorted 808 sound, you can use a distortion plugin or saturation plugin. Try using a subtle amount of distortion to add some warmth and grit to the 808, or you can use a more extreme amount of distortion to create a more aggressive sound. Keep in mind that the 808 should be felt as much as it is heard. The key to a good 808 is to make sure it's not muddying up the mix. Use EQ to cut out any unnecessary low-end frequencies, and use compression to control the dynamics. With 808s, you need to make sure it doesn't clash with your kick. Sidechaining the 808 to the kick can help create separation and prevent muddiness. This technique involves using the kick drum to trigger a compressor on the 808 track, so that the 808's volume ducks slightly each time the kick hits.

Melodies: Keeping it Minimal

The melodies in "Bank Account" are very simple and repetitive. They're usually based on a single note or a simple two-note motif. The key is to keep the melodies minimal and let the drums and bass do the talking. You can use a variety of instruments to create your melodies, such as a piano, synth, or even a sample. Try experimenting with different sounds to see what works best. When creating your melodies, focus on creating a simple but catchy hook. The melody should be easy to remember and should complement the drums and bass. Use a simple synth lead or a detuned piano for the melodies. Layering these instruments subtly can add depth without making the beat sound cluttered. You can also consider adding some reverb or delay to the melody to create a sense of space. But remember, less is often more when you're aiming for that minimalist "Bank Account" vibe. When crafting the melodies, think about how they interact with the bassline. A simple melody can create a hypnotic effect when paired with a hard-hitting 808. If you're struggling to come up with a melody, try starting with the bassline and then building the melody around it. This can help ensure that the melody and bassline complement each other.

Arrangement: Building the Track

The arrangement of "Bank Account" is very simple and straightforward. The track starts with a short intro, followed by the main verse and chorus. The verse is usually the longest section of the track, and it's where 21 Savage delivers his lyrics. The chorus is usually shorter and more repetitive, and it's where the hook is delivered. The track ends with a short outro. To recreate this arrangement, you'll need to create a short intro, a main verse, a chorus, and an outro. Start by creating the main verse, which should be the longest section of the track. Then, create the chorus, which should be shorter and more repetitive. Finally, create the intro and outro, which should be short and sweet. When arranging your track, focus on creating a sense of flow. The track should flow smoothly from one section to the next. Avoid making the transitions too abrupt or jarring. When building your arrangement, remember the minimalist approach. Don't overcomplicate things with too many layers or sections. The key is to create a simple but effective arrangement that allows the drums, bass, and melodies to shine. A typical arrangement might look like this:

• Intro (4-8 bars)
• Verse 1 (16 bars)
• Chorus (8 bars)
• Verse 2 (16 bars)
• Chorus (8 bars)
• Outro (4-8 bars)

Tips for Achieving the "Bank Account" Vibe

Okay, you've got the core elements down, but here are some extra tips to really nail that "Bank Account" feel:

• Less is More: Don't overcomplicate your beats. The beauty of "Bank Account" lies in its simplicity.
• Sound Selection is Key: Choose high-quality, impactful sounds. A weak 808 can ruin the whole vibe.
• Mix Cleanly: Make sure your drums and bass are well-balanced and aren't clashing with each other.
• Leave Space: Let the beat breathe. Don't fill up every frequency with sound. This is crucial to achieving that minimalist trap sound.
• Experiment: Don't be afraid to experiment with different sounds and patterns. You might stumble upon something amazing.

Level Up Your Beats

Creating a 21 Savage "Bank Account" type beat isn't about copying; it's about understanding the principles behind the sound and applying them in your own way. By focusing on the tempo, drums, bass, melodies, and arrangement, you can create your own unique trap beats that capture the essence of "Bank Account" while still sounding fresh and original. So go ahead, fire up your DAW, and start crafting! Who knows, you might just create the next big hit. Good luck, and happy producing!

If you guys got any questions, just ask in the comments section below! I'm more than happy to help guide you on your producer journey. Peace! 😎