Listen to songs with drum kits you like. Create you own kits with drums you have similar those sounds. Sample drums that are open on records or other sources.


Some things I ask myself when listening to kits in the songs is the kick phat or is it short and punchy?
Does the snare have smack or is it phat sounding?
Is the hi-hat clean or is it grimey?

As far as layering drums I would practice layering with James Brown Drums.