If you’re going for a Mustard-style beat for this track, you’ll want to blend the introspective tone of the lyrics with his signature bounce and West Coast energy. Mustard’s production is known for its simplicity, infectious grooves, and clean arrangements, so here’s how to tailor the beat: 1. Tempo and Rhythm • BPM: 90–100 BPM—slightly faster than usual for an introspective rap but still laid-back enough to match the contemplative vibe. • Bounce: A signature West Coast bounce with syncopated kicks and a driving clap or snap to keep the rhythm tight and engaging. 2. Drum Patterns • Kicks and Claps/Snaps: • A punchy kick pattern that’s not overly complex but adds bounce. • Snaps layered with claps on every other beat for that Mustard-style groove. • Hi-hats: • Rapid-fire, rolling hi-hats with occasional stutters and triplets to add energy without overwhelming the lyrics. • Percussion: • Add subtle percussion elements like a rimshot or shaker to fill out the rhythm. 3. Melodic Elements • Main Lead: • A catchy, minimalistic lead melody using a plucky synth or vibraphone-like tone, repeating throughout the track to create a hypnotic vibe. • Mustard loves simple melodies that earworm into your head, so keep it clean and memorable. • Pads or Strings: • A light, atmospheric pad or string to sit in the background, adding depth and emotion. • Use reverb and a low pass filter to make it feel airy, matching the cosmic themes. • Bassline: • A deep, smooth sub-bass line with a strong groove, syncopated to accentuate the kick pattern. • Think heavy but not overwhelming—something melodic enough to nod to the introspective tone but bouncy to keep it Mustard-esque. 4. Additional Textures • Signature Sound Effect: • Incorporate a subtle Mustard-style “yeah” vocal chop or an electronic beep to brand the track. • Cosmic Flare: • Add faint, atmospheric space-like sound effects (e.g., shimmering synth sweeps or low-frequency hums) during the intro or breakdown. 5. Structure and Arrangement • Intro: • Start with the plucky synth melody and atmospheric pad for a spacey feel, then bring in the bass and drums after 4 bars. • Verse: • Minimal arrangement—focus on the bass, drums, and lead melody, leaving space for the lyrics to take center stage. • Hook/Chorus: • Add additional percussion or a subtle counter-melody (e.g., high-pitched bells or synths) to make the hook pop. • Bridge/Breakdown: • Strip down to just the pad and synth lead for an introspective moment, before building back into the full beat. This approach combines Mustard’s signature style with the depth of the lyrics, keeping the beat bouncy and catchy while allowing the cosmic and philosophical themes to shine. Tracks like “Ballin’” by Mustard and Roddy Ricch or “Pure Water” with Migos could serve as inspiration, but with a more reflective, spaced-out twist.