Setting Up Your Own Recording Studio - What Gear Do I Need ?

• A computer (PC or MAC) both will work fine. I personally use a PC
• DAW (Digital Audio Workstation) software package e.g. Fl Studio, Cubase, Reason. Try demo version first when trying out gear. 
• Audio interface and MIDI interface (Not necessary)MIDI interface is just needed when you want to record live music like your guitar, drums etc. 
• Audio interface - I would recommend to buy it as it gives you clearer vocals, then just plugging it to your back of the PC. 
• External MIDI sound generators (e.g. synthesizers samplers) * Optional 
• External audio devices (e.g. mixers, mike preamplifier & FX units) * Optional 
• External MIDI or USB keyboard controller 
• Amp & speakers 
• 3rd party plugins (e.g. FX & Virtual instruments)

Here is a graphical example on how to connect and set up your equipment

Becoming a Music Producer/Beat maker 
A degree or a course is not necessary, as many people just mess about with the software and start to learn it without any guidance. If you do a course it will help you to know more about technology, in digital and analogue. For me "street knowledge" is the best as many different musicians can show you different tips and trick they discovered. YouTube is also a good source to tutor yourself. You can search in the search engine and a lot of tutorials will came up. Some are very good however some are just a waste of time.

You are not going to produce for your favourite artist, let’s say 50 CENT, right at the beginning. You should start recording yourself, your friends or just use an accapella to produce a whole song.

Money is another thing you need to get started. You need a few things for that (look at image above).

Once you have everything to get started, make a YouTube or any other video sharing website to publish your content. Facebook and twitter are another good way to publish yourself. Collaboration with other artist on your level will help as your "fans" will start liking him and his fans you.

Hate is going to come your way, just try to ignore them as you want to rise and not fall back down where you came from.

Try to different genres then the one you like. If hip hop is your main thing, you should also try to do some rock music even if you don’t like it. A fusion of two different genres might create your unique style.