The Rise of Trap Music in Mainstream Culture
Over the past decade, the music industry has seen a dramatic shift towards a new genre of music that has taken over the airwaves and the clubs. This genre is known as trap music and it has become a mainstay in mainstream culture. But what is trap music, and how did it become so popular?
To understand the rise of trap music, we need to look at its roots. The genre originated in the southern United States, specifically in Atlanta, Georgia. It was born out of a fusion of hip-hop, electronic dance music (EDM), and southern rap. Early trap music featured heavy use of synthesizers, 808 kick drums, and fast hi-hat rolls.
One of the earliest pioneers of the genre was DJ Toomp, who produced the hit song "What You Know" by T.I. in 2006. This track featured the signature sounds of trap music and helped to popularize the genre across the country. Another early pioneer of the genre was producer Zaytoven, who has worked with artists like Gucci Mane and Future.
However, it wasn't until the late 2000s that trap music really began to gain traction. This was thanks in part to a new crop of artists who were pushing the genre forward. One of the most notable of these artists was Waka Flocka Flame, who became a breakout star with his hit single "Hard in da Paint." This song featured a heavy bassline and fast-paced trap drums, and it quickly became a club anthem.
Another artist who helped to popularize the genre was Future. His debut album, "Pluto," featured a blend of trap music and R&B, and it helped to establish him as one of the most important artists in the genre. Other notable trap artists from this era include 2 Chainz, Young Jeezy, and Rick Ross.
As trap music began to gain more mainstream attention, it also began to evolve. Artists started experimenting with new sounds and incorporating elements from other genres into their music. This led to the rise of sub-genres like "trap-pop" and "emo-trap." One of the most successful artists to come from the trap-pop movement is Post Malone, who has blended elements of hip-hop and pop music to create a unique sound.
The success of trap music has also had a major impact on the fashion industry. The style has become synonymous with hip-hop culture, and brands like Supreme and Nike have both embraced the aesthetic. Many artists have also started their own fashion lines, including Travis Scott's Cactus Jack and Lil Uzi Vert's Uzi Worldwide.
But the rise of trap music hasn't been without its controversies. Some critics have argued that the genre promotes negative stereotypes and glorifies violence and drug culture. Others have criticized the lack of lyrical content in many trap songs, which often focus on materialism and partying.
Despite these criticisms, trap music continues to be one of the most popular genres in mainstream culture. Its influence can be heard in everything from pop music to film and television soundtracks. And as the genre continues to evolve, it's likely that we'll see even more artists pushing the boundaries of what trap music can be.
In conclusion, the rise of trap music in mainstream culture can be attributed to a combination of factors, including the rise of new artists and the evolution of the genre. Whether you love it or hate it, there's no denying the impact that trap music has had on the music industry and popular culture as a whole.