WHAT IS TRAP

wHAT IS TRAP?

Trap Music: Beats, Lyrics, and Culture

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BY FERNANDO NUNESAND SASHA FLAK

Introduction to Trap Music

Trap music is a subgenre of hip-hop that originated in the Southern United States, particularly in Atlanta, Georgia, during the late 1990s and early 2000s. It is characterized by its aggressive beats, prominent use of hi-hats, heavy basslines, and synthesizers. Trap music often features fast-paced, rhythmic patterns and a distinctive vocal style that is energetic and sometimes aggressive lyrics.

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Influence of Southern hip-hop and electronic music

Southern Hip-Hop

Rhythmic Patterns

Electronic music

Synthesizers and Sound Design

Hi-Hats and Percussion

Sampling and Remix Culture

Early pioneers

DJ Toomp

Gucci Mane

Drumma Boy

DJ Toomp, a key figure in Southern hip-hop, shaped trap music with his bass-heavy beats, working with stars like T.I. and Jeezy in the 2000s.

Memphis producer Drumma Boy helped pioneer trap, crafting hits for Gucci Mane, Jeezy, and Waka Flocka.

Atlanta's Gucci Mane was pivotal in trap music's rise in the mid-2000s, with raw lyrics and key producer collaborations.

Lyrics and Themes

Materialism: References to wealth, luxury cars, and designer brands

Street Life: Depictions of drug dealing, violence, and urban struggles

Hustle and Ambition: Themes of overcoming adversity and making it big

Trap Producers and Trap Artists

Travis Scott

Metro Boomin

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• Known for collaborations with Future, Drake, and Travis Scott

• Blends trap with psychedelic and experimental elements

Trap's Influence on Popular Culture

Fashion

Dance

Internet Culture

Impact on social media and viral trends

Influence on streetwear, trends, and hip-hop fashion

Popularization of dances like the "dab" and "milly rock"

Criticisms and Controversies

• Lyrics and Misogyny: Criticisms of objectification of women in lyrics
• Violence and Drug Culture: Concerns about glorifying illegal activities

• Censorship and Impact on Youth: Debates about the influence on younger listeners

Global Spread of Trap Music

Influence on international music scenes: Latin trap, K-pop, and Afrobeat fusion

Collaborations with artists worldwide: Breaking language barriers

Conclusion

Trap music's enduring popularity and cultural impact Ongoing evolution and fusion with other genres Influence on the future of hip-hop and popular music

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Southern hip-hop, particularly from cities like Atlanta, is known for its heavy emphasis on bass. This focus on deep, resonating basslines became a hallmark of trap music. The use of 808 drum machines, in particular, provided the deep, booming bass sound that defines many trap tracks.

Southern hip-hop often incorporates intricate and syncopated rhythms. These complex rhythms found in the beats and percussion of trap music contribute to its energetic and danceable quality.

Electronic dance music, including genres like drum and bass, heavily influenced trap's approach to percussion. The rapid and intricate hi-hat patterns in trap music are reminiscent of the fast-paced percussion found in electronic dance music, contributing to trap's dynamic rhythm.

Electronic music's culture of sampling and remixing existing tracks influenced trap producers to sample various sounds and vocals, creating innovative and diverse textures within their music. This practice led to the widespread use of samples in trap, adding layers of complexity to the genre's sonic landscape..

Electronic music, especially subgenres like techno and trance, introduced trap producers to a wide array of synthesizers and electronic sound manipulation techniques. These elements allowed trap producers to create unique, futuristic soundscapes, incorporating electronic effects and modulations into their tracks.