WHAT DO I USE TO MAKE BEATS?

Personally I like to use Reasons 3 and Recycle to make beats by Propellerhead. These software basically go hand and hand. I use Reasons 3 for the drums, synths, snares, hi-hats, orch hits, piano loops and etc. Recycle is used for sampling and adding to Reasons 3. I originally started off with Frooty Loops but I was underwhelmed at the sound quality. It sounded like I was using a cheap Casio keyboard that parents give to their young children who just randomly mash on keys.LOL. At the end of the day I would recommend trying out whatever you can get your hands on and determine what's best for you. Initially when I 1st started making beats I was confused to what I should use. Everyone has a different opinion on what is best and will try to influence you on what you should use. When the smoke clears, it really doesn't matter because a drum is a drum, snares are snares, and sound is sound no matter what you decide to go with.

HOW DO YOU MAKE BEATS?

In Hip Hop there is two ways you can make beats. Either you can sample or make original beats using a keyboard. Sampling is when you take a small portion of another artist work and then basically adding your own instruments to it such as kicks and snares. Kanye West, DJ Premier, The Alchemist and J-Dilla are samplers for example. Manny Fresh and The Neptunes are producers who don't sample and mainly use a keyboard to make their instrumentals. Timbaland is an excellent producer who actually utilizes both techniques. I personally prefer to sample because I'm more talented at that. I recommend trying out both techniques to see what suits you better. Try not to force one or the other.