What to look for?

For the last week or so i feel like my beats have not been up to par. I believe it's the samples i been using. I've just been lazy and sampled pretty much anything, But the main question is what do u guys look for in a sample or when ur sampling? Do u listen to the whole record or song, or do u just skim through it? Do u loop or straight chopp? I just wanted to get ur guys opinion and maybe some tips on this subject. Truthfully i'll chopp alot and some times loop, but mostly i love to chop and flip it. Anyways hit me up-Peace

I mostly know exactly where to get my samples. I use two standard drumkits for most hip hop tracks.
Knowing your records and sample collection is a must!
You should take some spare time and listen to all your records one by one. Well most of them off course as probably otherwise it could take for 2 months Also go thru your sample collection a few times. And try to use a few instead of always searching for different kits. Just use your kit as if it would be a real akoustic drumkit. I do this also for my bass. Youll be impressed the differences in sound youll get using the same kits with other melodies, tempos and chops!

i like looking for guitars and pianos

i skim thru the track until i hear breaks that would sound hot. after that you should take your time making the cuts perfect on the sample so you can do the whole track off of one bank. You should also switch your drums up. Your tracks more than likely sound the same if the same snare in kick are present.

heres a good excersise. If you know any other producers in your area work out an agreement where you guys make one program for yourselfs and then switch them. youll basically get the other producers Idea of hot samples but your twist will be different making your stuff hot.