Trap rap has taken the music industry by storm. It has an infectious in-your-face sound that everyone wants to sample. Even R&B and pop stars, have integrated the trap sound in their music. As much as people have grown to love this particular style of music. Not too many people know where or when it started, or how the sound was developed.
Trap can be mistaken as a form of EDM music, but it was birthed from hip-hop. Trap rap began in the 90’s. The term “trap” originated in Atlanta where rappers Cool Breeze, Outkast, Goodie Mob, and Ghetto Mafia were some of the first to use the term in their music. Drug dealers referred to their place of business as the trap. UGK’s “Pocket Full of Stones” was one of the first trap songs to be released from their major label album, Too Hard to Swallow. It was even featured in the film Menace II Society in 1993.
Most of the content that is talked about in trap music is drug related and aggressive. Trap rap highlights the life of drug dealers and kingpins, often telling the highs and lows of that type of lifestyle. Though trap music has been stigmatized as a subgenre that glorifies drug abuse, materialism and violence, it has served as an outlet for those who want to escape a life of crime.
It wasn’t until the early 2000’s when trap music became a mainstream subgenre. Artists like T.I., who has claimed to be the creator of the genre in an 2012 radio interview with Funk Master Flex.
"With the exception of Outkast, let me think, Goodie Mob... with the exception of that, before I came in the game, it was Lil Jon, Outkast, Goodie Mob, okay so you had Crunk Music and you had Organized Noise. There was no such thing as Trap Musik, I created that, I created that. I coined the term, it was second album, it dropped in 2003. After that, there was an entire new genre of music created. An open lane for each of you to do what you do, and live your lives, on T.V., and be accepted by the masses. The masses have accepted you 'cause I opened the door and you walked through it. Don't forget who opened that door cuz."
Other artist like, Young Jeezy, and Rick Ross, were reaching the top of the charts making the trap sound popular.
Gucci Mane, who is often referred to as the Trap God, has had a huge influence within trap music. He serves as a kind of gatekeeper for the genre, giving new artist a chance to prospered with their music. Artist who are popular now for their trap music like the Migos, Young Thug,Young Dolph, and many others have received a cosign from Gucci in one way or another.
Trap rap is predominantly a southern rap genre, but it has spread all over the country. The people who deserve the most credit for the trap sound are the producers. To be technical about it, rapping about drugs, money and violence, has always been an aspect of hip-hop. It was producers like Lil Jon, Mannie Fresh and DJ Paul (of Three 6 Mafia) who are responsible for providing the distinct trap sound and beats. Trap beats and production use heavy bass lines, synthesizers and dramatic strings. The signature of trap music are the double or triple time hi-hats and the 808’s. Most producers and beatmakers use the Roland TR-808 drum machine to achieve that trunk rattling sound. Producers such as Drumma Boy, Metro Boomin, Zaytoven, Sonny Digital and many others have stayed true to this formula while adding their own flare.
For artist to continue this subgenre they must know the origins of it. Everyday there seems to be new trap rapper trying to make a name for themselves. A whole new generation of trap rappers are starting to gain popularity proving that trap music is here to stay.
