ATL: The Birthplace of Trap
Originating in Atlanta, Georgia Trap music is a genre of music that is based out of the south of the United States. It is a branch of Hip-Hop and is a narration of the everyday life of crime, drugs and the hopes of living a luxurious life. With the sounds of 808 Roland drum machine, high hats, chromatic strings, heavy bass, synthesizers, pipe flutes, FX and rap lyrics trap music comes to life. When people hear the word, “Trap” they usually instantly think of artists like Future, Waka Flocka Flame, and Young Thug. But Trap music got its start way before these artists became popular.
Humble Beginnings
(1980’s-1990’s)
In the 80’s and 90’s groups from all over the United States sampled the sound of the Trap that we love today. From the streets of Brooklyn, New York Strafe released a song called “Set it Off” that incorporated synthesizers and the drum machine. The Showboys out of New York are famously known for “Lock ‘Em in the Trunk” that was sampled in “Ball” by T.I. (featuring Lil’ Wayne). Other artists that used these similar sounds are UGK, 3-6 Mafia, Cash Money, No Limit, and Jam Pony Express. UGK,represents Port Arthur, Texas and represents Texans well in songs like, “Diamonds and Wood”, “Gravy” and “The game Belongs to Me.” 3-6 Mafia is from Memphis, Tennessee and is famously known for classic singles like “Ridin’ in the Chevy” to “It’s Hard Out Here for A Pimp.” From Cash Money a group of rappers out of Louisiana were formed named, Hot Boys. This group consisted of Lil’ Wayne, Juvenile, B.G. and Turk. One of their most popular songs was, “Too Hot.” No Limit Records founded by Percy Master P Miller started out in Richmond, Virginia. A song that has the trap sound is “No Limit Soldiers II.” The Jam Pony Express consisted of DJ Slic Vic, Diamond, Dick, Hot Rod and Mr. M.B. There were additions later on such as, Lock Cool Jack, Sporty “J” and Big Ace. Coming out of Ft. Lauderdale, Florida one of their greatest hits were “30’s N Vogues” the heavy bass and lyrics embodied the Trap style. Beat Master Clay D a rapper and producer assisted DJ Toomp and DJ Magic Mike become popular in the south. Then DJ Toomp founded T.I., whose sound took over the Atlanta, Georgia scene.
(Early 2000’s)
In the 2000’s rapper T.I. released an album called, “Trap Muzik” and sold over 2 million copies after Atlanta supported his sound with open arms and a listening ear. His song “24s” became the most popular and was played at all of the hottest parties and clubs. In 2004, Young Jeezy then changed the game with the help of a producer named Shawty Redd. Shawty Redd produced the most memorable tracks with heavy beats and synthesizers. Young Jeezy did not consider himself a rapper, but a Trapper. Albums like “Trap or Die” Jeezy released. Other artists and producers that evolved during this time was Drumma Boy, Zaytoven (from the West Coast), and Gucci Mane. Gucci Mane released his album called “Trap House.” 2010 Rick Rossreleased “BMF” which was produced by Lux Luger who took the elements of the 808 drum machine, synthesizers and creative strings and made it his own.
When EDM Adapted Trap’s Sound
In the year of 2012, the genre of EDM took on the sound of Trap music and became very popular with the help of DJ’s like Diplo, Yellow Claw, and Baauer. In fact, artists such as Katy Perry adapted the sound of Trap when the single, “Dark Horse” released in 2014. With the Trap sound she went number one in the Billboard charts. Diplo a famous DJ, producer and label owner uses the sounds of southern Trap, ‘80s pop and electronica beats to create mash-up mixtapes. His ingenious creativity earned him a spot on Billboard countless times as well as a fan base that fell in love with the sound of Trap. Diplo has worked with artists such as Major Lazer, Skrillex, and Usher. One of his most famous pieces of work is “Harlem Shake” by Baauer. Yellow Claw uses Trap and Neo-Electro in their music and became popular by hosting parties at the Jimmy Woo club in Amsterdam. 2013 they released single “Shotgun” on the Spinnin’ label. Their album “Amsterdam Trap Music Vol. 2” followed on the label in 2014. From the streets of West Philly Baauer got attention after the song, “Harlem Shake” was released. Baauer went from producing tracks at the age of 13 in his bedroom to becoming mainstream by using EDM and Trap.
Today’s Trap Artists
Trap artists today use the same iconic elements just as some of the greats did years ago. Chromatic strings, 808 drum machine and synthesizers are continually in use and have yet to become unpopular. Trappers of 2016 share their story of coming up from a low place in their lives and becoming successful. They provide an image for listeners of how life is hustling and working hard for what they want and have in life. Some of the most influential trap artists of today are Waka Flocka Flame, Future, Migos, Young Thug, and Gucci Mane. Waka Flocka began his career in Riverdale, Georgia and took heed to Gucci Mane becoming apart of the Brick Squad team. After creating his debut mixtape in 2009, “Salute Me” or “Shoot Me” his song, “O Let’s Do It” became a hit and he gained listeners on the map. His “in your face” type of lyrics are memorable and make his lyrics one of a kind. Representing the “A” Future hit the scene in 2011 with the song, “Tony Montana.” After partnering with Gucci Mane for the mixtape “Free Bricks” his album “Streetz Calling” released. Future’s sound was sought after and his success was just beginning. Later that year, he signed to the Epic Label Group with the help of producers L.A. Reid and C.E.O. Future was given guidance with some of the industry’s best like Snoop Dogg, the originator of Trap himself T.I., and Juicy J. Some of Future’s hits are “Trap N*ggas”, “Stick Talk” and “Blow a Bag.” Migos formerly considered themselves as Polo Club but later adapted the name Migos in 2010. In 2012 their mixtape, “No Label” came out with the hit “Bando.” Producer Zaytoven and Kevin Lee also known as Coach K took notice of the Atlanta trio’s talent.In 2013, Migos released a mixtape called “Young Rich N*ggas.” Coach K got them a gig at Hot 107.9’s Birthday Bash, where they met rapper, Drake. Drake admired their sound and the group worked with Drake on his song “Versace,” which was on Drake’s “Nothing Was the Same” album in 2013. But Migos was not through. In 2014 “Fight Night” became their next single that the group became popularly known for. Atlanta never fails when it comes to artists and Young Thug is a true example of that. He became apart of Gucci Mane’s 1017 Brick Squad in 2012 after releasing countless singles and mixtapes. In 2013, Young Thug’s single “Stoner” came out but did not become well known until 2014 when Young Thug did a remix featuring the rapper, Wale. In 2015, his album “2015 Barter 6” reached number 22 on the Billboard 200 albums chart. Gucci Mane assisted lots of artists in getting their start in the Trap music scene and still releases hits himself such as “My Plug” and “Make the Trap” (Aayyee). Atlanta, Georgia is known as the birthplace of Trap because of the successful artists that has developed their careers and created a sound that has become an example to all Trappers. Today Trap music is in high demand not only in southern states but all around the world. Many people try to duplicate the sound of trap but will never capture the true sound of trap unless they experience the struggle of living in a drug and crime infused environment and has truly worked to live a better life. Trap is a lifestyle, and the fake can easily be separated from the real.
The Future of Trap Music
The genre of Trap music will continually live on as artists today tell their life stories for the world to know. As Trappers allow their voice to be heard other artists will be inspired to relive their journey as well. The sound of the heavy 808-drum machine, chromatic strings, and synthesizers will most likely always be used as the artists’ sound varies. Raw lyrics and explicit language is used as a form of expression. Trap music goes beyond the beat and catchy lyrics; it is something much deeper than that! Only the strong survive, Trap music is for the bold, the strong and for the fearless. It does not sugarcoat and can only be appreciated by those who respect the grind.
Article Written by: Destiny Diggs
Follow me on Twitter @ destiny_diggs
Follow me on Instagram @ desthe_entertainer
Photos Courtesy of: www.radioallianceplus.fr, www.allmusic.com, www.factmag.com, www.citizen-times.com, www.vulture.com and www.rollingstone.com
