Connect a USB cable to the "MIDI Out" jack on the rear of your MIDI controller. Connect the other end of that USB to the USB port on your computer.
Double-click the desktop icon for the digital audio workstation. It may take a few seconds for the program to fully launch.
Create a new session. The exact process varies slightly depending on which program you use, but you typically do this via the "File" menu.
Create a MIDI recording channel. Again, the process varies between programs, but you typically click "File" and select either "New MIDI Track," "Create MIDI Track" or "MIDI track." This opens a recording channel strip, to which the connected MIDI controller is assigned as primary input device.
Set the tempo. The typical default tempo for a digital audio workstation is 120 beats per minute, or BPM. That's two beats per second. This is too fast a tempo for hip hop, which is characterized by a slower tempo of around 90 beats per minute. In the box marked "Tempo," type "90" where it says "120" to slow the tempo down.
Open the "Instruments" menu and select a drum kit. Hit the keys on the MIDI controller to audition the sounds. Each drum kit is a collection of pre-recorded sounds. For an authentic hip hop kit sound, pick one containing hand claps. The 808 is a classic hip hop kit. Typical digital audio workstations have an 808-type kit.
Click the "Metronome" icon to enable the click track. This helps you stay in time when recording.
Hit "Record" and play in a beat using the keys on the MIDI controller. Select "Quantize" from the "Edit" menu to correct any out-of-time beats. One benefit of using the MIDI interface to sequence pre-recorded sounds is that you can correct and edit notes easily.
Create a second MIDI track and select a bass synth sound.
Hit "Record" and play in your bass line. Quantize the bass line. The bass and drums create the basis of your hip hop track.
Browse the instrument menu for pre-recorded string and brass samples. Select one that fits the vibe of your song. For example, pre-recorded strings provide a mellow contrast to an intense bass groove.
Create a third MIDI track and record the strings or brass part with the MIDI controller keys.