What is trap music? It feels as if Trap music has been the sound of the decade. It kept listeners in good spirits and birthed plenty of new creatives. Trap kept the youth energized and ready to take on anything! So, how did it all start? What makes trap so special and powerful in today’s music?
The dictionary definition of trap is “a style of hip-hop that originated in the late ‘90s that is usually defined by hi-hats, heavy kicks, synths, and darker lyrics and undertones.” It was primarily created by producers from the south, such as Atlanta’s Lil Jon and Memphis’s DJ Paul. In the late ‘90s and early ‘20s, trap music highlighted moments from ‘the trap,’ referencing trap houses for pushing drugs and other dangerous activities. Trap music has consistently referenced drug pushing and usage, gang activities, and the struggles that come with life in the streets. In the early 2000s, artists such as T.I., Gucci Mane, Rick Ross, and Young Jeezy made music that was relatable to those living their lives for the trap (and brought light to the hard times that came with trapping).
Lil Wayne pioneered the trap wave for the newer generation, rapping about the same dark topics as other rappers in the 2000s, but doing so with a special flair that made listeners respect him and his lifestyle. His utilization of autotune coupled with his cadence inspired many rappers from today’s generation, including Chief Keef, Drake, and Young Thug among others primarily through the projects in The Carter series.
Lil Wayne paved the way for 2010s trap, which is a bit more refined. It features a variety of instruments, ranging from flutes to drums to guitars. Each instrument is intricately incorporated into the beat, surprising listeners each time. The modern wave of trap no longer relies on rappers focusing on quick and conscious bars. Instead, rappers are putting their efforts into creating a certain type of sound that puts listeners in a good mood. The sound is intended to get them excited and ready to do anything, creating an energetic atmosphere that makes them want to “turn up” and get wild.
This atmosphere is the whole reason why trap music is big. The genre is popular due to the feelings it evokes, helping the listener to forget about problems and enjoy the moment. Trap music allows listeners to have a good time without any worries, keeping them in high spirits for as long as they need.
Some of the most popular trap artists today include Travis Scott, DaBaby, and Playboi Carti, among others (each striving to create a sound that helps the listener “turn up” in different ways). Travis Scott incorporates classic, Houston trap elements within his music, mixing them with autotune and creating something loud and brash that keeps the listener upbeat. Playboi Carti primarily utilizes bounced, spaced-out beats with a high-pitched voice to create a unique sound, and DaBaby uses a hard, one-two punch flow to keep his music fresh. Many trap artists have their own personal sound, adding variety to the genre.
Trap music is definitely the sound of the decade, as it brings together some of the craziest instruments and sounds to create something that energizes the listener. Artists such as Travis Scott, Kid Cudi, and Kanye West have all introduced new and interesting elements to the genre to keep it fresh, helping it evolve greatly since its debut in the late ‘90s. As the genre continues to grow, we are interested to see how it changes.
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