trap music

Trap Music In Atlanta: From T.I To Lil Nas X

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Trap music’s evolution started as a classification of hip-hop music. The subgenre’s inception begins in the early 2000s. Over the years, trap music has constantly evolved. It is quickly becoming one of the most popular genres in the world. Incidentally, artists like T.I., Gucci Mane, and Lil Wayne are paving the way for the next generation of trap artists.

Altogether, the evolution of trap is a fascinating journey. Without a doubt, each artist adds their own unique spin to the genre. From T.I.’s early hits like “Rubber Band Man” to Lil Nas X’s groundbreaking fusion of country and rap on “Old Town Road,” the genre continues to push boundaries and challenge traditional notions of what hip-hop can be.

Defining Trap Music

Trap music began in the South, specifically in Atlanta, Georgia, in the late 1990s. However, the sound branched out all across the US. This subgenre has a unique sound known for its heavy use of 808 drum machines. Trap also includes synthesizers and dark, fierce lyrics. The music often represents the harsh realities of inner-city life. The term “trap” refers to the places where drugs are sold and consumed, and the songs often reflect the violence and desperation that comes with that lifestyle.

Early Creators of Trap Music

NEW YORK – SEPTEMBER 23: Recording artists Young Jeezy (L) and T.I. attend T.I.’s Birthday Celebration at the Hiro Ballroom on September 23, 2006 in New York City. (Photo by Ray Tamarra/Getty Images)

The early creators of trap music include artists like T.I., Jeezy, and Gucci Mane. T.I.’s 2003 album Trap Muzik features heavy use of the 808 drum machine and dark, aggressive lyrics about the drug trade and the struggles of life. Jeezy’s 2005 album Let’s Get It: Thug Motivation 101 is another early instance of trap music, featuring hard-hitting beats and lyrics about the drug game and the hustle.

Gucci Mane also plays a role in the evolution of trap music. His 2005 mixtape Trap House is impactful in popularizing the genre. The mixtape mirrors other trap records of the time sonically with its styling and darker production choices. Most importantly, Gucci’s influence on the genre can still be felt today, with many modern trap artists citing him as an inspiration. The early pioneers of trap music helped define the genre and establish its signature sound. They paved the way for future generations of trap artists, who would go on to take the genre in new and exciting directions.

The Influence Of Future

SUNRISE, FLORIDA – MARCH 17: Rapper Future performs during “On Big Party Tour” at FLA Live Arena on March 17, 2023 in Sunrise, Florida. (Photo by Prince Williams/Wireimage)

Undeniably, Future took trap music to new heights in the 2010s. The rapper’s unique use of autotune and melodic hooks is distinguishable from other trap artists. Future’s 2015 album DS2 is widely regarded as a classic in the genre and features some of his popular songs, including “Where Ya At” and “Jumpman” featuring Drake. He continues to dominate in the space, making him a leader in the evolving culture that has introduced a new generation of trap artists.

The Crossover Successes Of Post Malone & Lil Nas X

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – JANUARY 26: Lil Nas X, winner of Best Music Video and Best Pop Duo/Group Performance for “Old Town Road (feat. Billy Ray Cyrus)” and Album of the Year for his EP, 7 poses in the press room during the 62nd Annual GRAMMY Awards at Staples Center on January 26, 2020 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Amanda Edwards/Getty Images)

Post Malone and Lil Nas X are two artists who achieve crossover success with their trap-influenced music. Malone’s distinctive blend of hip-hop, rock, and pop has made him one of the most famous artists in the world. All you need to hear is the opening beats of “Rockstar” and “Congratulations” to recognize the singer’s hits. Lil Nas X’s viral sensation “Old Town Road” also helped him achieve mainstream success and become one of the most talked-about artists. Both have helped sonically shift trap music to new audiences and solidify its place in pop culture.

Impact & Legacy of Trap Music

ATLANTA, GA – NOVEMBER 29: (EXCLUSIVE COVERAGE) Lil Baby and Young Thug perform onstage during Lil Baby & Friends concert to promote the new release of Lil Baby’s new album “Street Gossip” at Coca-Cola Roxy on November 29, 2018 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Paras Griffin/Getty Images)

Since it solidified its foundation in the early 2000s, trap music has become a staple in the mainstream. The genre’s influence is seen in popular music and culture, from fashion to dance. In recent years, trap music has become increasingly popular in Latin America, with artists like Bad Bunny and J Balvin incorporating trap elements. Additionally, artists like Young Thug, Travis Scott, Gunna, Lil Baby, Migos, Playboi Carti, 2 Chainz, 21 Savage, Migos, and far more are thriving in the trap scene, marking themselves as icons.

Despite its widespread popularity, trap has faced criticism, much like drill has. Some argue that the genre’s lyrics promote violence, drug use, and misogyny. Others have accused trap artists of perpetuating negative stereotypes about Black culture. However, defenders of the genre argue that trap music provides a voice for marginalized communities and reflects the realities of life in metropolitan areas. They also note that trap is evolving, with newer artists incorporating more positive messages into their pieces.

EST Gee Reflects On Being “Undefeated” In New Track

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Football player-turned-rapper EST Gee has released yet another single, titled “Undefeated.” The 28-year-old, who has already dropped several projects since the new year including “BLOW UP” and “IF I STOP NOW,” takes a more intimate approach to his newest track. The steady trap beat in “Undefeated” paves way for authentic reflection and features the rapper’s moody bars. Throughout the verses, EST spits about overcoming past and present challenges in his life.

EST, who is signed to Yo Gotti’s Collective Music Group, has been on the radar following the 2020 releases of his third and fourth mixtapes Ion Feel Nun and I Still Don’t Feel Nun. The rapper has since collaborated with the minds of other trap artists including Young Thug, Pooh Shiesty, and Lil Durk. Most recently, EST was featured on Lambo4oe’s single “Self Esteem” in which he showed his versatility as a hip-hop artist.

EST Gee Uncovers His Troubled Beginnings In “Undefeated”

In “Undefeated,” EST dishes out his triumphs, but also acknowledges that he has ways to go. The Kentucky native hasn’t been shy to reveal the rocky road that has brought him to success, which included an arrest for drug trafficking that eventually led him to start his rap career. At one point in the track, EST reveals his troubles with drugs but quickly sweeps it under the rug. “It was what it was, but I’m done ventin’, finish, the streets ain’t got no love,” he raps.

All in all, “Undefeated” follows suit of EST’s recent musical endeavors, showcasing his tenacity for growth within the industry. Although he typically classifies as a trap and hip-hop artist, this promising rapper is proving to pave the road for his own unique and authentic style. “Undefeated” is now streaming on all platforms, so be sure to let us know what you think about the track in the comments down below. As always, keep in touch with HNHH for the latest in hip-hop.

Quotable Lyrics:

Even Pluto said I’m great, he wanna help me change my fate
Took a monster out on tour just for the world to know my face
Fifty-six nights straight, I go in beast mode for that pape’
This a reservation for rank, it’s a marathon and a race

BigXthaPlug Gives A “Primetime” Show On New Song

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Rising Dallas, Texas MC BigXthaPlug just dropped “Primetime,” a grand and heavy-hitting cut of Southern hip-hop. While Big X isn’t topping charts, he’s making noise online and garnering millions of views from his pure talent. Moreover, this new track mixes a lot of sounds together for a uniquely hype and triumphant vibe.

AUSTIN, TEXAS – MARCH 17: BigXthaPlug performs onstage at ‘Earn Your Leisure & UnitedMasters Present #earnyourmasters Music Showcase’ during the 2022 SXSW Conference and Festivals on March 17, 2022 in Austin, Texas. (Photo by Samantha Burkardt/Getty Images for SXSW)

However, you may be surprised at the Plug’s background. He’s nicknamed “The Biggest Stepper” (but who’s Mr. Morale?) and was a star football player from his childhood to his freshman year of college. Then, he faced some trouble during that time that caused him to shift gears. Afterwards, his mixtape Back from the Dead and singles like “Big Stepper,” Mr. Trouble,” “Safehouse,” and “Texas” bolstered his musical profile. His most recent efforts nabbed him cosigns from Bun B, Erykah Badu, and Shaq.

Also, the MC named “Primetime” after Pro Football Hall of Fame cornerback Deion Sanders. Much like that status, this track feels victorious and epic while still being enjoyable and hard-hitting trap. What’s more is that the instrumental prowess on this track really makes it stand out above all. Moreover, the saxophone that opens the track is gorgeous and classy, clashing creatively with the drum pattern that follows.

Meanwhile, grand hits of strings and subtle swells elevate the track to a more dramatic level every now and then. Most interestingly, however, that contrast between classy and punchy even adds rock into the mix. During some parts of the verses and chorus, you can hear an electric guitar wail away atmospherically in the background. Also, some muffled acoustic kicks give the track tense percussion in its build-ups.

Still, what did you think of BigXthaPlug’s latest single, “Primetime”? Whatever the case, let us know in the comments and peep some notable lyrics from the track down below. Also, if you haven’t heard the song yet, you can find it on your preferred streaming service. As always, check back in with HNHH for the latest great music releases of the week.

Quotable Lyrics

Take some lessons, I’ll teach you lil’ boys how to trap,
I just started this s**t and my face on the map,
We’ve been runnin’ through packs, steady runnin’ up laps,
If you got B.O.A., come and get your s**t tapped

Zaytoven Drops Off “Only One”

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The architect of trap music is back with new heat. Zaytoven slid through with his new project, Only One this morning.

Zaytoven is clearly kicking off the year on the right note. And, it could be an indication of what else he has up his sleeve in 2023. The legendary producer, who played a pivotal role in Gucci Mane’s career, unveiled his new project Only One on Friday. Though it isn’t a full-length body of work, it’s a short effort that highlights Zay’s overall artistry. His production is still top-tier. But, fans who know him for making beats will have a better understanding of his overall skillset.

AUSTIN, TEXAS – NOVEMBER 13: Zaytoven attends AFROTECH Conference 2022 – Day One at Austin Convention Center on November 13, 2022 in Austin, Texas. (Photo by Robin L Marshall/Getty Images for AFROTECH)

The rapper’s new project also showcases his kids’ talents as well. The project includes features from Kamari-Carter and Xhulooo.

Years after cementing his name in Atlanta’s scene, Zaytoven is undoubtedly keeping the momentum high. 2022 was another prolific year for the legendary producer that saw the release of Streetz Got No Heart. The project boasts 10 songs in total with appearances from Bun B, Trouble, Foolio, PeeWee Longway and more.

ATLANTA, GEORGIA – DECEMBER 08: Zaytoven attends the premiere screening of “2 Finesse” at Regal Cinemas Atlantic Station Stadium 16 on December 08, 2021 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Paras Griffin/Getty Images)

On top of that, the producer continued to produce for high-profile artists, such as long-time collaborator, Gucci Mane. Zay produced a large chunk of So Icy Boyz: The Finale, including GuWop’s “Letter To Takeoff.” He also had two production credits on Quavo and Takeoff’s Only Built For Infinity Links on the songs, “Look @ This” and “2.30.”

Check out Zaytoven’s new project below and sound off in the comments with your favorite track.

IAMSU! Releases Bouncy EP, “Out The Blue”

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California rapper IAMSU! is closing 2022 with four new tracks on his recently released EP, Out The Blue. On these cuts, the Cali MC maintains a solid sense of bounce and rhythm that oozes with the Coast. Moreover, these summery tracks followed a run of new albums and projects this year. On them, he showcased a knack for charismatic bars and a sense of fun that came through on his “Lemon Pepper Freestyle” remix.

SAN FRANCISCO, CA – MARCH 23: Iamsu performs during the “Decided” tour at The Masonic Auditorium on March 23, 2017 in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Tim Mosenfelder/Getty Images)

When it comes to this EP’s sound, IAMSU! employed two main styles, each for two tracks. “Bounce” and “Fake Love” are more trap-influenced, synthy cuts with a lot of melodic vocal runs. Moreover, the timbres and sounds he chose to play with give the project a particularly spacey sound. Also, the synths and melodies provide a rubbery backdrop for Su’s constant flow. In fact, it might remind listeners of earlier tracks like “Cartier Lens.” In addition, Isthatcj and Dave Steezy spit alongside Su with ease on their respective cuts.

Meanwhile, “Always Rep” and “Ride To” are more in line with the West Coast bounce you’d expect. Show Banga and Skipper respectively give solid performances and IAMSU! takes advantage of faster flows. Like his previous output, including “1300 Stars,” the instrumentation and rhythm places it firmly on the Westside. However, between these two tracks, the former is more melodic while the latter is more raw.

Even when the sound is locked in, there’s still some nice variety to find within. Of course, IAMSU! plays with a couple of different sounds here and there, so the spread is nothing new. However, it would mean little if his performances and pen game weren’t comfortably matching each track’s energy. For IAMSU!, that’s not a problem.

What did you think of IAMSU!’s new extended play, “Out The Blue”? Let us know in the comments and check out the tracklist for yourself below. However, if you haven’t checked the project out yet, you can find the EP on your preferred streaming service. Also, as always, check back in with HNHH for the best new hip-hop each week.

Tracklist

  1. Bounce (feat. Isthatcj)
  2. Always Rep (feat. Show Banga)
  3. Ride To (feat. Skipper)
  4. Fake Love (feat. Dave Steezy)

NoCap Releases New Mixtape, “The Main Bird”

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Even when industry business gets in the way, it’s always great to see an artist deliver to fans despite the hiccups. NoCap did just that and released The Main Bird, a seven-track mixtape. Moreover, it was originally going to contain 16 songs, but ran into sample clearance issues. While those get sorted out, the Alabama rapper’s dropped more introspective melodic cuts and a few bangers to even his style out. Also, the track comes just days after his melodic feature on Monaleo’s “Miss U Already.”

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – MAY 26: Rapper NoCap performs onstage during the ‘Mr. Crawford Tour’ at Club Novo on May 26, 2022 in Los Angeles, Chile. (Photo by Scott Dudelson/Getty Images)

While the 24-year-old is known to often get into those tuneful styles, he balances it out with some heat. Moreover, he recruited Rob49 and Rylo Rodriguez for some guest verses on the album. Rob delivers some aggressive energy over the Wheezy-produced “How It’s Going.” Meanwhile, Rylo dials things back on “Tight End” with some auto-tuned croons. However, NoCap remains the star of the show, and he kept up fast momentum after this year’s Mr. Crawford with the single “DNA.”

Although NoCap’s continued to build that success, it’s also resulted in some cut ties. He beefed with NBA YoungBoy recently via Instagram shots after YoungBoy wrote he doesn’t mess with him anymore. Later, NoCap called YB a “hater.”

“Let me know what I owe you,” he wrote in a message to the Louisiana rapper. “I don’t recall you giving s**t. I took the blame for why we don’t do music because I was trying to keep your hater card clean. But nah we really don’t do music because he probably scared I’ll be bigger on some baby s**t.” If The Main Bird and KnowCap are any indication, it looks like he’ll continue to make his own mark.

What did you think of this mixtape? Are you looking forward to KnowCap? Let us know in the comments. If you still haven’t tuned in, you can find The Main Bird by NoCap on your preferred streaming service. Also, check out the tracklist below and stay tuned to HNHH for the latest releases in the rap game.

Tracklist

  1. Rich And Dangerous 
  2. How It’s Going (Ft. Rob49)
  3. Back To Basics
  4. Standing On Lies
  5. Ain’t Right
  6. Tight End (Ft. Rylo Rodriguez)
  7. No Other Way

Smoke DZA & Curren$y Deliver “Park Bench Blues”

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Despite releasing a solid 8-track project back in October titled 10,000 HRS, this New York rapper had plenty more hours to put in this year. Smoke DZA has returned with a new single “Park Bench Blues” featuring New Orleans’ Curren$y. The two are frequent collaborators; the last track they gave us was “Wish Upon A Star” off of 10,000 HRS. On this new song, both rappers ride over an aloof flute sample topped with hard drums to match.

LONG BEACH, CA – APRIL 28: Rapper Smoke DZA attends the Smokers Club Festival at The Queen Mary on April 28, 2018 in Long Beach, California. (Photo by Scott Dudelson/Getty Images)

For those unfamiliar with DZA’s work, we’d recommend projects from this year like Mood Swings with Real Bad Man. There, he displays his penchant for hazy flows, evocative descriptions, and elaborate rhyme schemes. Also, he tends to choose different production styles for different tracks. The 38-year-old sounds just as fitting on “Park Bench Blues”‘s trap beat as he does on drumless beats.

Furthermore, this track is a compelling synthesis of old-school sample work and more contemporary and atmospheric trap production. Both elements are minimal and raw in the mix, with neither overpowering the other. The melodic woodwind loop doesn’t change, but it’s pleasing enough to the ear to stick around. Moreover, it contrasts wonderfully with the deep bass that kicks in with Curren$y’s verse. Additionally, the snares and minimal hi-hats are incredibly sharp, with tones that cut through the rest of the track.

Meanwhile, Smoke DZA and Curren$y deliver some chilled-out verses that cycle through street topics. The New Orleans native comes through with slightly more aggressive energy, as his flows and rhymes evolve and morph into each other. DZA, on the other hand, delivers some vivid weed bars, a more measured flow, and direct punchlines. “Catching packages like Odell” is one of a few gems sprinkled in the track. With a new collaborative album with Big K.R.I.T., Girl Talk, and Wiz Khalifa on the way, we’re sure to get more of those.

But what did you think about this track. You can check out “Park Bench Blues” by Smoke DZA featuring Curren$y on your preferred streaming service. Also, peep more standout bars below and stay tuned to HNHH for the best new rap releases.

Quotable Lyrics

Me and top shelf pot, that’s a love story,
Puff-puff in Cullinans, moving luxury,
Every two hundred I make, I gotta tuck 40,
Have two Ms saved the time I touch 40