1. Listen.
Listen to music when ever you get a chance. Listen to any and every style of music possible (yes, even country). Get a turntable (belt driven) and start crate digging at your local record stores. CDs & Mp3s can be a good start but old vinyl can really broaden your ears. You'll find a lot of good music that may not exist as Mp3s or CDs. Be nice to your ears. They are your #1 asset. Don't blast your speakers & headphones too loud. You need those ear drums.
2. Get educated. There's more than one way to learn how to make hip hop beats. You can learn from friends, at school or by yourself.
If you have friends in the music business you're lucky. Take every opportunity to learn from them. They can teach you things you would never learn in school.
Going to school for music is a good step to take. Study music theory. Get some piano, bass, guitar, drum, and or other instrument lessons.
On your own time, get into as many recording studios as you can and see, hear & study their gear. There are a lot of magazines and sites dedicated to the discussion of studio gear & instruments.
3. Take your time. Making music takes time. You may have friends cranking out beats. Don't let that frustrate you.
