Also question is, is it illegal to rap over someone else beat?
Yes, you can. As long as you state it's for promotional use only. And no, you don't have to use the same concept as the original artist. In fact, many well known rappers record tracks over other artist's beats and release them to dj's as exclusive “freestyles”.
Also, can you use a sold beat? Once someone purchases an exclusive license, other artists can no longer buy a license for that same beat. Generally, producers then mark the beat as 'SOLD'. Artists that have licensed the beat before the exclusive rights were sold are still allowed to use the beat for the length of the term in the license.
Then, can you use other people's beats on a mixtape?
In all honesty, using other people's beats is common practice in the rap genre. You see, while in most genres people usually have to get permission to use backing tracks or buy them, most rap producers won't mind you using one of their beats on your mixtape. As long as: You credit them.
How do you get beats to rap over?
- Get Free And Paid Beats From SoundCloud. The first option is to get beats from SoundCloud.com.
- Quality Instrumentals From All Genres At Royalty Free Stock Website Neo Sounds.
- Search Google For Producers Willing To Give Your Backing Tracks.
- Negotiate Your Way To Those Never Used Before Beats.
- Work With Live Bands.