serious question...time to flaunt the knowledge!

Okay just hear me out. I know about chopping beats, but I can't seem to find a decent way to work on my music. What I am getting at is the following: Say I have a break that I'm digging, I chop it into slices and then asign it to a drum pad or midi controller. Cool. But, is it best to just use the step edit feature on most software/samplers? Or do you just play it in real time? What do the pros like Shadow, Prince Paul, Premier do? I've listened to the samples sources and get an idea, but I'm pretty lost. Just need the advice. Much appreciated!

p.s. I chop the beats in CEP but, should I chop just the snare, or a phrase, use the whole loop, etc? I control the midi via an AKAI MPD-16 drum pad.

i only use the 2kxl so...
i chop the drum break and make a light hi hat pattern on simple 1/8th notes, or put som esnares on 2s and 4s..after that its all on you...after you get that break rolling along you can go ahead and mute the track w/ you inital snare or hihat on it..

I think a good producer will use all of the those best features.
chop, slice, loop, single hit, riff and everything to get his/her job done.
You shouldn't have to choose yo. Just do what works for you.

Try them all, there is no definitive answer on that,

after you get your loop......chop it one time all the way through on the kick.....than do the same on the snare......also try chopping the same sample as a 1/4 note and 1/8, 1/16, etc.....a little variation without having to add to many sounds can be good

Small tips is to think what are you chopping?

If you were a dj you would either be; scratching a riff
live looping a phrase
chopping up a hit or riff
live looping a beat

As a dj you would be thinking in musical time as a measure, whole note, half note, quarter note for phrases, and quarter notes, 1/8 on down for the drum hits.

As a dj you would want to align the beats of your records, phrases, hits on time so you would think of the kicks lining up and for some snares of everything you mix together so that is blends well.

As a dj you would listen to your records first to see how the rhythm was played and what instruments were used. Then when you go to mix two beats they would blend well.

Basically when you chop on a sampler you are essentially doing some of the techniques and mixing that pro djs use when doing a live remix. I hope is helps.