Trap music lends itself to various genres – whether socially conscious hip hop, club bangers or Top 40 pop. With its simple yet dynamic formula and ability to add energy and a memorable melody effortlessly.
Trap music relies heavily on drums – particularly crisp hi-hats and rhythmic snare patterns. Additionally, an 808 bass drum provides an undeniably powerful sound.
Origins
Trap music has quickly taken the world by storm, with artists like Cashmere Cat and Lido becoming hugely successful with catchy melodies, catchy drum beats, and high-pitched vocals. Much of its success can be attributed to accessing new technologies that enable people to create and spread musical works without physical limitations or financial obstacles.
Gangsta rap draws heavily from street culture, including references to drug dealing and rough neighborhoods. It has its roots in hip hop, but eventually evolved into gangsta rap as its music became used to highlight issues related to crime and poverty in urban American neighborhoods.
As a result, rappers and producers began incorporating trap elements in their work, rapidly becoming one of the most popular genres in America with artists such as T.I., Young Jeezy and Waka Flocka Flame creating songs which showcased their braggadocio and bold styles.
In the 2010s, EDM artists began incorporating more dance-oriented sounds into their works – an amalgam of trap and rave music that became immensely popular thanks to artists like Flosstradamus making EDM more approachable to a wider audience.
At this same time, kawaii bounce – or k-pop – emerged onto the scene as well. Influenced by Japanese pop culture, this subgenre of electronic dance music can be identified by high-pitched voices, bouncy beats, and samples typically associated with East coast club music.
Future Beats is an increasingly popular hybrid style fusing trap and techno, featuring vocal styles from hip hop, r&b, synthesizers and beats from various bass music subgenres including dubstep. This trend has proven particularly popular in South Korea where K-Pop stars G-Dragon and Taeyang from BIGBANG released what is widely considered to be a trap remix of DJ Snake & Lil Jon’s Turn Down For What track.
As future beats continue to gain in popularity, its influence is expected to expand further across genres. Not only can future beats bring a fresh look and feel to hip hop music production, but you may have also come across its presence among post-hardcore singers, K-pop artists or mainstream acts such as Drake or Post Malone.
Styles
Early 2010s rappers and producers used trap beats to craft their music. Lex Luger used 808-heavy production to craft songs showcasing Southern hip-hop, while T.I., Rick Ross and Waka Flocka Flame utilized this sound on their tracks as well – helping bring it closer to mainstream pop music audiences.
A rap track featuring a trap beat typically includes bass lines that emphasize its beats per minute (BPM). Claps, synthesized percussion and drum machines add additional pulse to the song; additional sounds such as keyboards, strings and horns provide depth. Lyrically it explores topics such as drugs, money and women.
Migos has found success using this production method with their hit songs “Bad & Boujee” and “XO TOUR Llif3,” which combine catchy melodies with bold lyricism. Though many criticize these rappers for leaning heavily on this production formula, trap music provides masses with another means of expression through music – especially those without natural talent who may struggle without Auto-Tune and reverb effects to compose songs themselves.
While rapping is the hallmark of trap music, its sound can also be found in EDM and pop genres. Hudson Mohawke and Rustie both incorporate elements of trap music into their songs; additionally, its beats and melodies work perfectly with dance styles such as dubstep.
Trap has found its way into many other genres such as moombahton, reggae and house music genres, being widely utilized by electronic dance music artists like Lunice and Flosstradamus who use this musical form to blend various genres for an exciting new sound.
Trap may eventually cross over with more experimental styles of music such as glitch hop and experimental bass, while also merging with genres that feature synthesized percussion like emo pop or synthesized drum & bass. It could become as funky and moody as Future’s “F*ck Up Some Commas,” or upbeat and cheerful like Post Malone’s breakout hit, “White Iverson.” Whatever direction this genre takes, its listeners will always experience rhythm that compels them to turn up the volume!
Trends
Trap music’s growing popularity has inspired a new wave of producers. Utilizing the genre’s signature sounds to craft original, innovative tracks, these producers use trap beats combined with other styles such as synth melodies or flute loops to craft something entirely different – which includes EDM, hip hop and pop songs!
Trap’s blend with other genres has helped it to gain mainstream acceptance. Its signature sounds such as rattling hi-hats and deep bass drops have been sampled by artists like Lana Del Rey and Usher; furthermore, trap has inspired other electronic genres such as synth-pop and emo pop; thus giving rise to what has now been termed hyperpop trap.
Although critics may view trap as a passing trend, its rise to success among rappers has proven otherwise. Additionally, its accessibility allows lyrical artists to demonstrate their skills without needing to be naturally gifted rappers; using effects such as Auto-Tune and Reverb enhances vocal capabilities; when combined with catchy melodies and powerful hooks such as those found on “Bad and Boujee” and “XO Tour Llif3.” These effects combined can create hit songs like “Bad and Boujee” or “XO Tour Llif3.”
Some trap artists have used their music to discuss personal matters like drug dealing and life on the streets. These themes have given this genre a deeper, more emotional quality; furthermore, several trap artists have experienced legal troubles or tragic endings due to their lifestyle or music.
Trap music has established itself among dance music fans despite its association with street rap. Trap has become an integral part of EDM scene, inspiring the sounds and styles of artists like Flosstradamus, Major Lazer, RL Grime, and DJ Snake. With its hard-lined synthesizers, crisp rhythmic snares, deep 808 sub bass kick drums, double time and triple time divided hi hats and intense and energetic sound it captivates listeners and draws them in further.
Influences
As soon as you step foot onto any street or enter any club, or go out for the evening, trap music will soon surround you. Rattling synthetic hi-hats, speaker cone-destroying 808 bass drum samples and rattling snare rolls often create the foundation of most trap tracks; orchestrally swelling MIDI strings often follow as well for an added layer of intensity.
Trap music gained widespread attention through rappers like TI and Waka Flocka Flame who popularized its incorporation into their songs, but its true potential only really emerged during the 2010s when DJs and dance artists such as Flosstradamus began combining its sounds with hip-hop to form a hybrid genre that eventually made its way into mainstream pop.
Trap music also lends itself well to rap, with critically-acclaimed artists like Kendrick Lamar and J. Cole using trap to showcase their lyrics. It’s easy to see why trap has taken off; its beats are fun yet engaging while catchy choruses allow listeners to get down with the groove – no wonder millions sing along every week!
Trap music’s roots remain uncertain, though many experts attribute its rise to southern hip-hop mix tapes like TI’s Trap Muzik and 1017 Brick Squad Records’ Trap-A-Holics series as starting points. Miami New Times notes the chopped-up style of DJ Screw’s mixtapes as an early form. Linguistic elements like “sippin’ sizzurp” and “trap house” were also instrumental. Since then, its influence has spread worldwide; for instance Borja Bagunya and Max Besora published their book Trapologia (2018) as an authoritative work on its history.
As a genre, trap sheds light on the drug scene with lyrics that address its dangers in certain neighborhoods and address social issues. While some producers might romanticize certain lifestyles in their songs, trap music remains an honest reflection of urban America. Additionally, its influence can be found across genres including hip hop and EDM music, making it a crucial part of contemporary popular culture.
No matter if they rap about hood scraping or express their desire to escape the trap, musicians have created an identity that’s distinct and seductive. It’s this mixture of realism and performance, documentation and artifice which makes the genre so captivating.
Lunice and Hudson Mohawke, Flosstradamus, and RL Grime have brought an innovative touch to trap music by mixing its essence with electronica, dubstep, reggae, and reggae influences. As evidence of its adaptability and influence is demonstrated globally.
What is Trap?
Trap is a subgenre of hip-hop music that first emerged in Atlanta, USA during the early 1990s. The term itself derives its name from Atlanta slang for drug dealing “trap houses”, or dwellings located in poor areas that deal drugs, as well as its association with street life of those creating and popularizing it. Trap music features aggressive yet gritty lyrical content coupled with dark aesthetic and distinctive production elements like 808 drum machines, rapid-fire hi-hats and rolling synths; all hallmarks of true trap music!
Some artists have used music as a vehicle to glorify their lifestyle and its struggles in inner cities; others have used their songs as an outlet for social commentary and reflection. Rappers like Young Jeezy, Gucci Mane, and T.I. have used lyrics in their music to discuss realities in their upbringing such as drugs, violence, segregation and segregation. Trap music’s success can also be linked to its association with social media platforms and streaming platforms allowing anyone with access to recording equipment to record music that can then be shared worldwide through these digital tools; anyone with access can record and share it worldwide using these digital tools!
Trap music has quickly become one of the most prevalent sounds in contemporary pop music due to its distinct lyrical content and heavy basslines and beats. Producers use 808 drum machines and rapid-fire hi-hats in order to produce rhythmically complex beats that match rapper’s flow; creating an impactful sound that has become one of the most influential sounds today.
Trap music has found immense success beyond rap circles, with EDM artists such as Baauer and Flosstradamus using it in their sets. Many cite trap’s success as being its ability to appeal both rap fans and dancers simultaneously.
Though trap’s sound has evolved over time, it remains an integral component of hip-hop’s culture and vocabulary. Trap is an innovative genre which has drastically reshaped modern music landscape.
What is Electronic Music?
Electronic music, also referred to as electronic or electromechanical music, employs electronic or electromechanical instruments and technology to produce sound. Composed and performed by electronic musicians (also referred to as electronic composers or artists), its genre encompasses everything from experimental art pieces to popular dance genres such as techno and house.
Electronic music’s roots date back to the late 19th century, when electrical recording technologies such as phonograph records and electrical tape enabled experimentation in tone generation and composition. Musical pioneers began creating various methods of creating electronic music such as Pierre Henry’s Musique Concrete piece that utilized a synthesizer for real-time alteration during live performances.
Electric-powered record players were developed during this era, allowing for more precise adjustments of audio frequencies during playback. Robert Moog invented the first practical analog synthesizer – an innovation which revolutionized music production today – paving the way for electronic music genres like techno and acid house to gain widespread popularity.
Electronic music is an expansive genre that encompasses various styles of music. However, its hallmark characteristic is often its use of synthesizers and digital processing; other devices and sound-generating software used to produce it include drum machines, sequencers and even computer-based composition software.
Electronic music comes in various styles that range from simple repetitive rhythms to complex melodies that take listeners on an emotional and textural journey from beginning of song through its dramatic musical climax.
Electronic music’s explosive growth in the 21st century can be traced to computer technology and software, which have allowed artists to build their own synthesizers and composition environments digitally. Furthermore, services like Spotify and YouTube make promoting one’s work much simpler for artists.
What is the Difference Between the Two Genres?
Trap music stands apart from other electronic genres in its emphasis on drum beat patterns and percussion, particularly kick-clap rhythms with 808 bass drums and hi-hats. Furthermore, trap can feature vocal samples or even verses from rappers such as Flosstradamus, RL Grime and Baauer that help create its dark yet aggressive style of dance music. Artists such as these have helped popularise this form of music over recent years.
Trap music can also draw inspiration from genres like emo pop, synth-pop and shoegaze to form different styles such as skewed trap and witch house. Skewed trap is a darker variant of trap music described as eerie with sparse soundscape featuring synth modulation and sustained FX; witch house has similar characteristics but features more gothic lyrics around themes like witchcraft, shamanism and terror that usually include heavy use of reverb and delay as well as low mid range guitars and strings to produce unique styles of trap music such as skewed trap and witch house subgenres.
As trap has gained increasing popularity over recent years, its subgenres have also evolved. One such sub-genre is trap fusion: an amalgamation of traditional hip hop and bass music sounds. Mumble rappers typically produce tracks with more traditional sounds while also employing 808 drum hits and bass-heavy production techniques.
Future House is an evolving form of Big Room that first emerged in 2014. Since 2014, Future House has developed into its own distinct genre with 808 bass drums, exciting samples and an emphasis on experimentation.
Street rap is a subgenre of hip hop that emerged during its golden years and is distinguished by the use of gangsta slang, references to drug dealing, ghetto locations and political issues in its lyrics. Although street rap may appear straightforward on its surface, its intricate composition often blurs lines between reality and performance, documentation and artifice.
Which Genre is Better?
Questioning which genre is better can be subjective. Some may enjoy the deeper production of trap, while others favor EDM’s lighter melodies and tempos. But it’s important to keep in mind that electronic music encompasses various subgenres of dance and bass music that most popular songs incorporate at least some elements from both styles.
Hip-hop producers first adopted trap music production techniques back in the 1990s. Influenced by street rap and gangsta rap, trap was distinguished by chopped or slowed-down beats, as well as by references such as “sippin’ sizzurp,” which refers to codeine syrup. Hip-hop producers later adapted this style of production for their tracks, while over the past two years its popularity has become widespread across EDM circles thanks to artists such as Flosstradamus, RL Grime and Baauer who popularized their style through success stories like their tracks.
Electronic music’s exact roots remain unclear, but early electronic instruments were first created during the 1920s and 1930s. These devices enabled musicians to produce sounds and effects not possible using traditional instruments; furthermore, with the invention of MIDI in the 1980s came new possibilities for computer-based music production.
Modern electronic music production uses an assortment of instruments and equipment. While some producers possess the physical skills required to play piano or guitar, others rely solely on software-generated tracks to compose their tracks – creating an eclectic range of styles ranging from hard techno through melodic house and bass music production.
Electronic music’s future looks bright, as innovations and developments continue to push its limits. As its popularity increases, more artists will discover ways to incorporate trap into their songs – likely leading to even more hybrid genres that combine elements from trap with other types of music and keep listeners interested and intrigued with this genre.