BigXthaPlug’s 2 AM has a captivating vibe, blending a laid-back trap beat with haunting melodies and driving 808s. Central to this track’s unique sound is a sample from Contagious by The Isley Brothers ft. Ronald Isley, which has been pitched up by 3 semitones to fit the vibe. To help capture that iconic sample, I’ve also recreated it in MIDI form within this custom MIDI pack, making it easier to adjust and personalize the melody to suit your production needs.
If you’ve ever wondered how to recreate that sound or bring similar energy to your own tracks, you’re in the right place! In this article, I’ll break down the production style of 2 AM and introduce you to the MIDI pack that captures its essence. Plus, there’s a bonus: a unique vocal track that brings an unexpected twist to the track!
Step 1: Key Elements of the 2 AM Sound
To capture the 2 AM vibe, let’s focus on a few essential elements:
- Melancholic Melody – The melody in 2 AM has a dark and hypnotic quality. To achieve this, use minor key chords with simple, repetitive patterns. A MIDI keyboard can help you play with different melodies until you find something that resonates with the track’s mood.
- Rich 808s and Basslines – Deep bass is a hallmark of BigXthaPlug’s sound. Start with an 808 that has a round and heavy tone, and add subtle slides for a dynamic feel. Experiment with pitch bending to achieve those rolling basslines that give trap beats their iconic bounce.
- Sparse, Punchy Drums – In 2 AM, the drums are minimalist but impactful. Use hi-hats with staggered, fast-paced rolls to add tension, and try a half-time snare to keep the beat laid-back yet intense. Kick drums should be powerful and sync perfectly with the bass to drive the track forward.
- Ambient Textures – Background ambience, such as subtle reverb or delay effects, adds a sense of space and depth. A sampled loop or sound effects can enhance this atmospheric layer, helping the track feel fuller and more immersive.
Step 2: Download the Custom MIDI Pack
To make the process easier, I’ve created a custom MIDI pack specifically inspired by 2 AM. This pack includes the original melody and chord progression, recreated in MIDI form, helping you achieve the right vibe quickly.
The pack also includes the following:
- Melody MIDI Files – Ready-to-use MIDI files with dark, moody progressions that fit well with the track’s vibe.
- Drum Pattern MIDI Files – The essential drum patterns to get that exact rhythm.
- Bassline MIDI Files – Perfectly tuned basslines that replicate the 808 style found in 2 AM.
Bonus: Not only does this pack capture the essence of 2 AM, but it also includes the original sample from Contagiousby The Isley Brothers, pitched up by 3 semitones. Additionally, you’ll find a vocal track with a twist—an interpretation of the rap vocal by South Park’s Towelie! This playful addition brings a unique edge to your version of the track.
Step 3: How to Use the Pack in Your DAW
- Import the MIDI Files – Load the MIDI files into your DAW (Logic Pro, FL Studio, Ableton, etc.), and assign your preferred instrument plugins to each track.
- Tweak the Instruments – Choose a dark-sounding synth or piano for the melody, and load an 808 sample for the bass. Try adding saturation or distortion to the bassline for a grittier effect.
- Adjust Effects – Apply reverb, delay, and subtle EQ adjustments to match the atmospheric vibe of 2 AM. Use sidechaining on the bass to ensure it stays balanced with the kick drum.
- Add the Bonus Vocal Track – Lastly, if you’re feeling creative, add the Towelie vocal track on top. Play with pitch and effects to blend it with your production style.
Get the Pack
If you’re ready to get started, download the MIDI pack here:
Experiment with the sounds, customize them to your style, and don’t hesitate to put your own spin on BigXthaPlug’s vibe.
By following these steps and using the MIDI pack, you’ll be well on your way to creating something inspired by 2 AM. Let me know how it goes, and feel free to share your own version with me in the comments or on social media!
