Record you music tracks and save each as a separate wav. file in your computer. Be sure that the signal is strong, yet not distorting. The recording level should not peak or go into the red zone as this indicates a deterioration of the signal. Separating each track allows for more control when mixing.
Import all your tracks in your multi-tracking software. Each instrument and voice will be on a separate track. Start with the drums and get the best level you can for each drum track. Mix the entire kit so that you you can hear everything clearly resulting in the best possible sound. Render the drum tracks into one file. Mute the original tracks and place the rendered file on a separate track.
Import the rendered drum track into your sound-editor and use the noise reduction function if necessary. Mastering will enhance any noise so it is best to get rid of it as early as possible during the mixing process. You may even need to go back to the original tracks and process them individually before rendering the drum tracks into one file. Each situation is different.
Continue editing the file by experimenting with the functions in your software. Add effects or other sound modifying tools to get the sound you want.
Repeat this process with all the remaining tracks of the song. Optimize each track using the editor until it is clearly audible. Add different effects as you please until each voice and instrument has an optimal sound.
Take special care working with the voice tracks. Hip-Hop will require the voice to be clearly understood among all the other sounds. It should be free of noise and processed to achieve a pleasant texture. Try experimenting with the many functions in the editor to get a sound for the voice that will work in the mix.
Mix each track according to its importance once you have cleaned them up in the editor. Start with the drums and bass, moving on to the melodic instruments and finally the voice Try different combinations to create new angles on the track. Change the volume settings and get feedback from others as you mix. Get a consensus and try that for now.
Render the file and burn it on a CD. The track is now ready to send out for mastering