Like every musical scene – such as mods, skinheads or rockers – trap is a lifestyle with its own set of rules and behaviors. Its vocal delivery and lingo provide powerful expressions of identity and struggle.
EDM trap music is an upbeat fusion subgenre of electronic dance music that marries vocal styles found in Southern hip hop and crunk with beats and production techniques used in EDM and rave. Additionally, this subgenre also draws upon pop elements such as 808 basslines and catchy melodies to add another level.
Origins
Contrary to popular belief, trap music does not share any connection with EDM (Electronic Dance Music). Trap music emerged during the 1990s in Atlanta and other parts of southern United States through producer use of crisp samples from Roland TR-808 drum machines for its producers to craft gritty atmospheres using bassline samples from Young Jeezy or members of P$C who popularized this subgenre by singing songs that featured chopped up and slowed down vocal styles as well as reference to cough medicine such as “sippin’ sizzurp” etc.
The popularity of trap music was propelled forward by technological innovations like Ableton Live and Reason studio emulation software, enabling musicians to easily produce songs themselves and lead to rapid increases in the production of authentic trap songs – not only within the US but also Europe and South America.
Early 2010s saw trap music become mainstream. DJs started incorporating elements from this genre into their sets, leading to what would become known as EDM Trap or EDM-trap music production style – which marries hip-hop’s 808 sound with buildups, drops and breakdowns found elsewhere electronic genres.
Trap’s unique sound has proven popular with artists from multiple genres and K-pop acts alike, including BIGBANG members who have taken to incorporating trap beats with other musical genres in order to craft unique sounds for themselves. Bad Gyal and Nathy Peluso have even combined trap beats with different musical forms to produce signature tracks like theirs.
As trap pop gained traction, more pop artists began incorporating its unique sound into their songs, producing a popular hybrid genre known as trap pop that has gained widespread recognition across both America and abroad. Artists such as Rihanna and Ariana Grande have both included trap beats into their hits for massive success that proves its versatility as an artform.
Styles
The popularity of trap music has had a ripple effect across various genres. Rappers such as 21 Savage, City Girls, Post Malone, Drake and Lil Baby have released hits featuring this style that has taken over Billboard charts. EDM producers have even adopted its sound to combine with pop and R&B sounds for unique productions.
Trap music is often defined by dark and aggressive synthesizers that create an intense atmosphere, using modulation and distortion effects to give its beat a gritty, industrial vibe. Trap is further distinguished from other genres by its heavy bass that defines its sound signature – as do its signature snares and claps which help define its rhythmic pattern.
Hip Hop artists such as Wu-Tang Clan, Lil Wayne and Kanye West have used trap production style extensively. Trap music features 808-heavy beats characterized by triplets, 16th notes and snares drum patterns; pianos and strings may also provide accompaniment to these 808 beats. Rappers frequently include lyrics that touch upon themes such as hustler, drugs or sexuality in their verses.
Lex Luger has played an essential role in popularizing trap. His production helped turn an obscure genre into mainstream hit songs for rappers such as Gucci Mane, Waka Flocka Flame, and Rick Ross; their distinctive rapping styles give trap music an identity all its own.
Trap has also become a key influencer on K-Pop music. Leading stars such as G-Dragon and Taeyang from BIGBANG have released tracks influenced by trap, drawing new listeners into its ranks.
Young producers have led the trap movement in EDM, but older artists are also getting on board. Atlanta-based producer Future released his song XO Tour Llif3 in 2019. This track became a commercial success that captured the spirit of trap music while remaining catchy and emotive; its flute loop made an unforgettable statement about resilience and strength.
Influences
Trap music has made an enormous mark on hip-hop, R&B, and pop music since its introduction into Atlanta ghettos over twenty years ago. Influences from trap have spread as far as South Korea’s K-Pop genre – Ariana Grande, BLACKPINK and G-Dragon all include bass lines and triple hi-hat rhythms of trap into their hits.
As electronic music‘s popularity increased during the 2000s and 2010s, so too did its accessibility through affordable computer technology and musical software. This allowed more and more producers to compose their own work by incorporating sounds of different genres into their compositions; leading to hybrid sounds such as trap fusion – which marries vocal styles from Southern hip-hop/crack music with house electro music genres and bass subgenres such as trap.
Trap fusion music has an energetic and upbeat sound, and one of its hallmark features is using distortion on key components such as drums, 808 basses and synths – giving these elements an edgy, gritty texture which adds power and energy to each track.
Kawaii bounce is another branch of trap music characterized by a mix of dance, EDM and Japanese culture influences, creating a uniquely cute genre with an avid following. Cashmere Cat and Lido were early pioneers, but today more artists like camoufly are keeping its sounds alive.
Trap music has also served as the basis of future beats, an electronic genre that offers an intriguing alternative to lofi hip-hop. Influences from hip hop, rap and R&B all find their way into future beats – which has even been used by pop stars such as Ariana Grande and Beyonce!
While trap music has had a tremendous influence, many listeners remain unclear about exactly what constitutes “trap.” This term refers to a type of house typically found in poor African American neighborhoods where drug dealing and illegal activities take place – yet most popular trap music doesn’t reflect this reality.
Definition
Like other musical movements, trap is marked by a strong sense of community and identity which can be found both within its music and culture. Much like its counterparts such as Teddy Boys, Mods, Skinheads or B-boys, trap offers its followers a shared experience which unites them while challenging existing conventions and norms. This distinctive sense of community has propelled trap into becoming one of the most influential genres within modern music, leading to both its increased popularity as a genre and artist growth.
Trap music can be distinguished by its heavy beats and gritty, dark atmosphere. Bass lines tend to be deep and powerful while the snare drum has fast and crisp rhythms. Distortion may be employed to add extra griminess.
Rap and trap vocals are integral parts of this style, contributing to its energy and identity. Lyrically speaking, oftentimes lyrics focus on drugs, gang violence and an unhealthy lifestyle associated with these areas; making the genre less about music than it is about lifestyle choices represented.
Trap is an evolving subgenre that blends elements from hip hop, house music and other bass genres into one sound. It has experienced rapid success due to the accessibility and development of digital technology which enables anyone to produce music without the need for recording studios or expensive equipment – and easily shared on social media as it has spread the message about trap music around the globe.
Trap songs usually incorporate catchy melodies, synthesizers and an 808 bassline with frequent slides and pitch changes for added tension and depth. Snappy hi-hats and powerful kick drums help form the rhythmic basis of trap music; to find their own signature sound. Producers should experiment with various patterns and tempos until finding an authentic trap sound that resonates.
Kawaii bounce is one of the more intriguing offshoots of trap music, featuring high-pitched vocals and lively drum beats. This blend of Japanese pop culture with American hip-hop has found great favour among young listeners, quickly growing in popularity.