2. Check out some cool artwork. 3. Take a walk to get some fresh air. 4. Get a coffee (preferably with a hot chick). 5. Eat something good for you (banana's are great "brain food") 6. Play a game that stimulates your brain.
Analog and digital synthesizers also play a roll in Hip Hop beat production but are really just icing on the beat. Synthesizers are optional in Hip Hop but can make some really great sounding instruments for bass, melody and chords. Their history is interesting because early synthesizers still play a roll in the production of Hip Hop and electronic music (in general). The first synths were pure analog. Later companies moved to analog with digital interfacing and then on to pure digital. The funny thing is that a lot of producers still like the warm and phatt sound that the old analog synths put out so they are still used in today's Hip Hop music. Today, there are still some companies, like Studio Electronics and Dave Smith, that produce real analog synths.
If you're planning on using these samples, you're going to have to clear them first.
Of course you have to get permission and pay royalties if you're going to use stuff like that but that's the reality of Hip Hop sampling in the 21st century.
