How to Create Phonk Music: A Step-by-Step Guide for Beginners

Phonk music is a gritty and nostalgic subgenre of hip hop that blends Memphis rap vocals with lo-fi production and chopped-and-screwed techniques. It has taken on a new life in the modern digital age, becoming especially popular among younger generations on platforms like TikTok and SoundCloud. Creating phonk music involves a specific aesthetic and set of tools. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to get started.

What Is Phonk Music?

Phonk music originated in the Southern United States during the 1990s. It draws heavily from the underground hip hop songs of Memphis. The genre typically features vintage rap vocals, eerie melodies, distorted 808 drums, and heavy use of samples.

Modern phonk has evolved and includes substyles such as drift phonk and trap phonk. These styles use similar elements but are influenced by different tempos and moods. Despite the variety, all phonk tracks carry an underground, gritty vibe that defines the genre.

How to Create Phonk Music: A Step-by-Step Guide for Beginners

Step 1: Understand the Key Elements of Phonk

Before you start creating, you need to understand what makes a track sound like phonk. Here are the main components:

Memphis Rap Samples

Old school Memphis rap samples are the foundation of phonk. These are usually vocal clips taken from 1990s underground tapes. They often include aggressive flows and raw lyrical content. Look for royalty-free vocal packs or use voice recordings with permission.

Lo-Fi Aesthetic

Phonk relies on a lo-fi texture. This includes vinyl crackle effects, tape hiss, and analog warmth. You can achieve this with lo-fi plugins or by applying filters that degrade the audio quality slightly. This makes the sound feel vintage and raw.

Slowed-Down Tempo

Many phonk tracks use a “chopped and screwed” method. This involves slowing down the audio to create a hazy, dragging rhythm. It’s commonly applied to both vocals and beats. Software like FL Studio or Ableton Live allows you to manipulate pitch and time easily.

Hard-Hitting 808s

Distorted 808 bass lines are another staple. The bass in phonk music is not just deep — it’s aggressive. You can create this using drum machines or plugins like Roland TR-808 emulators. Add distortion to give it that signature punch.

Repetitive, Hypnotic Loops

Phonk beats often revolve around short loops that repeat. The rhythm needs to be hypnotic. Don’t overcomplicate your melodies. Keep them simple and catchy, using eerie synths or old jazz/funk samples.

Step 2: Set Up Your Equipment

You don’t need expensive gear to produce phonk. Here’s a basic list of what you’ll need:

DAW (Digital Audio Workstation): FL Studio, Ableton Live, or Logic Pro

MIDI Controller: Optional, for composing melodies easier

Audio Interface: Useful for recording live samples or vocals

Studio Monitors or Headphones: To hear the bass and distortion clearly

Recommended Plugins

Use plugins like RC-20 Retro Color for lo-fi effects. For 808s, use plugins such as Sublab or Serum. EQ and compression tools are also vital for mixing.

Step 3: Sample Selection and Editing

Sampling is at the heart of phonk. Find interesting clips from old soul, jazz, or funk records. Memphis rap acapellas are ideal. Use websites that offer royalty-free music or clear the samples if needed.

Chopping the Samples

Use your DAW to slice the audio into segments. Rearrange and pitch-shift them to match the tempo. This gives your track a custom feel.

Time-Stretching and Pitch Manipulation

Slow down your samples using your DAW’s time-stretching tools. Adjust pitch to create a darker tone. Combine with reverb and delay for a dreamy atmosphere.

Step 4: Drum Programming

Use classic drum kits and 808s to create the beat. Here are the steps:

Kick and Snare Patterns

The kick should be deep and punchy. The snare needs to snap. Use a basic 4/4 or trap pattern. Keep it minimal but impactful.

Hi-Hats and Percussion

Use fast hi-hat rolls or syncopated patterns to add groove. Layer with rim shots or claps. Use swing and groove settings to humanize the beat.

Step 5: Melody Creation

Use dark and ambient melodies. Here’s how:

Choosing Instruments

Synths, pianos, and pads are ideal. Try plugins like Omnisphere or Analog Lab. Stick to minor scales to keep the tone moody.

Layering

Layer different melodies and pads to create depth. Add atmospheric sounds like rain, wind, or distant voices to enhance the ambiance.

Step 6: Mixing and Effects

Mixing is crucial in phonk to maintain clarity while preserving the lo-fi vibe.

EQ and Compression

Use EQ to carve out space for each instrument. Compress vocals and drums to maintain consistency. Avoid over-compressing, as phonk should still sound raw.

Reverb and Delay

Add reverb to snares and vocals. Use delay on vocal chops or synth stabs. These effects contribute to the haunting feel of the track.

Distortion and Saturation

Add distortion to your 808s and even melodies. Saturation plugins like FabFilter Saturn can help you maintain warmth and grit.

Step 7: Vocal Processing

Many phonk tracks use chopped vocal samples. However, if you’re recording your own vocals:

Recording Tips

Use a dynamic mic to get a raw sound. Avoid over-editing. Let your vocals have some imperfections.

Effects

Use pitch-shifting, reverb, and delay. Slow down the vocal track slightly to match the vibe. You can also layer multiple vocal takes with slight pitch variations.

Step 8: Mastering Your Track

Mastering gives your track a final polish. In phonk, loudness and texture are both important.

Limiting

Use a limiter to boost overall volume. Ensure there is no clipping.

Stereo Imaging

Spread certain instruments like pads and hats across the stereo field. Keep your kick and bass in mono.

Final Check

Compare your track with other hip hop songs or hip hop singers in the phonk scene. Adjust accordingly to reach industry standards.

Tips for Creating Viral Phonk Tracks

Keep the track short: 1 to 2 minutes is often enough for social media.

Use car or drift visuals: Drift phonk is often paired with car videos online.

Use catchy vocal hooks: Repeat vocal samples that are memorable or aggressive.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making phonk, steer clear of these beginner errors:

Too many effects: Don’t overuse distortion or reverb.

Complex melodies: Simpler loops are more effective.

Bad mixing: Keep levels balanced, especially with bass and vocals.

Where to Share Your Phonk Music

After creating your track, you’ll want to share it. Upload to platforms like:

SoundCloud

Bandcamp

YouTube

Spotify (via distributors like DistroKid or TuneCore)

Use hashtags like #phonk, #driftphonk, and #lofirap to help your track get discovered. Engage with phonk communities on Reddit and Discord.

Conclusion

Phonk music is a powerful mix of past and present. It allows for gritty expression and creative sampling. Whether you’re a beginner or seasoned producer, learning how to craft phonk is a rewarding experience. Start simple, listen closely to the genre’s roots, and build your unique sound. With time and consistency, your tracks can stand alongside the best in the scene.