Purchase a digital audio workstation such as Logic or ProTools. If you do not wish to spend money, several freeware programs are available for download which offer similar features. Consider downloading programs such as Audacity or Traverso.
Create an audio track within your software program and configure it to receive audio signals from your mixing board or other audio interface. If you do not own an audio interface, products such as PreSonus' FireStudio or M-Audio's Firewire Solo function as an intermediary between microphones and computers, allowing audio signals to be captured and converted into digital data. If you are unsure how to create an audio track within your software, consult the documentation provided with it. Use this new track to record your main vocal track.
Create additional audio tracks for backing vocals or emphasis tracks. It is not uncommon for rap artists to double phrases or words they wish to emphasize in their track. These audio tracks should also be configured to receive signals from the interface or mix.
Create a drum machine within your audio workstation in order to produce the rhythmic beats you will use to accompany your vocal tracks. Many drum machines function as step sequencers. These devices allow users to program specific drum sounds to one of 16 or 32 individual steps in the drum sequence. With a bit of practice, you can begin creating intricate and complex drum beats. If your software does not include beat creation tools, consider downloading Hydrogen, a freeware drum machine.
Create the accompanying harmonies for your rap track using your softwares' synthesizer tools. Synthesizers typically function by altering the physical properties of a modeled sound wave. The majority of commercial and free audio workstations include some form of synthesizer. Consult the documentation provided with your software package to locate and understand the workings of the various synthesizer applications included. Consider purchasing a program such as Reason if you desire a large variety of synthesizers.
Use the included mastering tools such as equalizers and compressors to polish your mix. Audacity, a freeware editing program, includes a number of audio mastering utilities. Use the equalizer to adjust the sonic properties of your production. Equalizers can reduce or augment sound frequencies in any frequency range within your audio. Compressors are used throughout popular music to boost the overall volume levels of songs. Compressors help produce the rich, thick quality often heard in commercial recordings. Websites such as TweakHeadz provide valuable information concerning these tools and the techniques associated with them.