Open up your preferred music production program. Double-click the desk top icon or select it from your "Programs" menu. If using a Mac, select it from the "Applications" folder.
Open up the drum editor tool. Click "Tools" and select the stock drum editor tool. For example, in Logic it is called "Ultrabeat Drum Machine." In Cubase it is called "Step Sequencer." Both applications let you build a beat visually, using a grid.
Select a drum sound. The 808 drum machine has a distinctly hip-hop sound and is featured on many classic hip-hop recordings (See References 2). Mainstream music production programs have multiple drum sounds that emulate the classic 808 sound. Scroll through the drum sample menu until you find a sample that you like. Click the drum sample name once to hear it, double-click it to assign it as your source sound.
Program the beat. Use the grid layout to plot your beat. The vertical axis represents each drum instrument, the horizontal axis represents beats and measures. Click in a square to assign a drum sound to a particular beat in the track. For a classic hip-hop beat, start by plotting an 808 kick sound on the first beat of each measure. Assign an 808 hand-clap and snare to the third beat of each measure. Add extra percussion to your own taste.
Connect the female end of an XLR cable to your microphone. Connect the male end of the cable to your audio interface. The audio interface converts the sound from the microphone into data before sending it to your computer to be recorded. If not already hooked-up, connect the audio interface to the computer with either a USB or Firewire cable, depending on the make and model. Typical audio interfaces are bus-powered, meaning they get their power from the computer.
Play back your beat. Either hit play or use the standard music production computer shortcut of hitting the space bar once. Practice your rap over the beat. Observe the meter display on the audio interface. If a red LED begins to flash, the signal is too strong. Turn the "Gain" dial down to reduce the signal.
Record your rap. Once you've rehearsed your rap and the microphone levels are correct, click on the record button or press "R" on the computer keyboard.