Here's my general formula for hip-hop:
-A pre-produced drumloop layered on top of processed drum samples.
-A simple, non-constant bassline (if you have the bass going nonstop, you're basically working with IDM or something similar).
-A hook for the verse that won't interfere with your vocals (mind the frequencies and EQing).
-A nonstandard structure. I try not to make generic hip-hop, so I'll add an ambient breakdown, an electro buildup, some house plucks, produce it in 6/4 to add some swing, anything to separate it from generic beats and establish it as its own instrumental that's just waiting for vocals. (Here's my most recent finished beat as an example:
https://dl.dropbox.com/u/67624648/Inten ... emo%5D.mp3)
The thing to keep in mind is that if you produce any other kind of music, it's to your advantage to incorporate elements of that style to your beat. Kyoga's collab with Rhyme Flow was based on a cloud synth just like his ambient. Failbait by deadmau5 is full of electro hits reminiscent of
4x4=12. I tend to add atmospheric pads and housey synths to my beats. If you have your own style already, the fun is combining it with the hip-hop form and making something that works for rappers and as a genuine addition to your catalog as a musician.