1. Focus on goals. Is your goal to be a beat maker or a producer? Maybe you want to be a M.C. or a Rapper? If you want to be a rapper, don't waste all your time trying to become a beat maker or a producer. Every hour spent trying to figure out your recording software is an hour that could have been spent writing raps, songs or practicing an instrument.
If you want to make beats and be a producer then, go ahead and learn about recording. There are many college level programs available. Do some research and get educated. Next, get some gear. Do some research but don't go overboard and spend all yourtime trying to figure out what everyone else thinks is the best gear. Decide what gear you like.
2. Start small. We live in an exciting time. We can make decent quality music with very little money. Start with a quality computer with beat making and or recording software. If you're on a tight budget go for a piece of classic gear like an Akai MPC or Ensoniq ASR-10.
3. Find sounds & samples. There are a number of ways to build your collection of sounds and samples. Many dig through vinyl. Others use sounds on hardware and/or buy from sites.
4. Make music. Don't worry about making some dream studio or acquiring every piece of gear that you hear is good. Focus on making music with what you have. Grab some drum sounds from a record. Sample things you find around the house: a jar, a plate, a cup or whatever.
