Dark trap is a subgenre that fuses the aggressive beats and themes of trap with darker, more sinister elements. It often features haunting melodies, heavy basslines, and lyrics that explore themes of pain, struggle, and the darker side of life. Below are ten dark trap artists who have made significant contributions to the genre.
Top 10 Dark Trap Artists You Need to Know
1. Ghostemane
Background: Ghostemane, born Eric Whitney, is a Florida native who started his music career in hardcore punk bands before transitioning to rap. His music is heavily influenced by metal, and he often incorporates screaming vocals and dark, eerie beats.
Music Style: Ghostemane’s style features heavy basslines, distorted vocals, and dark, atmospheric beats. He often incorporates elements from metal, such as screaming vocals and aggressive instrumentation.
Key Tracks:
“Mercury: Retrograde”
“Andromeda”
“Flesh”
Impact: Ghostemane has garnered a large following for his unique blend of metal and rap, making him a standout figure in the dark trap scene.
2. Night Lovell
Background: Canadian rapper Night Lovell, born Shermar Paul, is known for his deep, ominous voice and dark, atmospheric beats. He first gained attention with his track “Dark Light” in 2014.
Music Style: Night Lovell’s music often features slow, ominous beats and melancholic melodies. His deep voice adds to the dark, brooding atmosphere of his tracks.
Key Tracks:
“Dark Light”
“Contraband”
“Still Cold / Pathway Private”
Impact: Night Lovell’s music often explores themes of depression, anxiety, and inner turmoil, resonating deeply with fans of dark trap.
3. Scarlxrd
Background: Marius Listhrop, known as Scarlxrd, is a British rapper who started his career on YouTube before venturing into music. He combines elements of trap, metal, and hardcore, characterized by his intense vocal delivery and aggressive beats.
Music Style: Scarlxrd’s music is marked by high-energy beats, heavy bass, and raw, emotional lyrics. His style often includes elements of metal, such as screaming and fast-paced rhythms.
Key Tracks:
“Heart Attack”
“6 Feet”
“Berzerk”
Impact: Scarlxrd’s high-energy performances and raw, unfiltered lyrics have made him a prominent figure in the dark trap genre.
4. Bones
Background: Bones, born Elmo O’Connor, is a prolific rapper and a key member of the TeamSESH collective. Known for his minimalist production and dark, introspective lyrics, Bones has released numerous mixtapes and albums.
Music Style: Bones’ music features lo-fi beats, dark melodies, and repetitive, hypnotic rhythms. His lyrics often explore themes of death, depression, and existentialism.
Key Tracks:
“HDMI”
“Dirt”
“RestInPeace”
Impact: Bones’ DIY approach and consistent quality have earned him a dedicated fanbase and significant influence in the dark trap community.
5. Suicideboys
Background: The duo Suicideboys, consisting of cousins Ruby da Cherry and $crim, are known for their raw, unfiltered music. They blend elements of trap, punk, and horrorcore to create a unique sound.
Music Style: Suicideboys’ music often features dark, aggressive beats and lyrics dealing with themes of addiction, depression, and death. Their sound combines heavy bass with eerie melodies.
Key Tracks:
“Paris”
“Kill Yourself (Part III)”
“2nd Hand”
Impact: Suicideboys have built a massive following through their raw, unflinching exploration of dark themes and their relentless work ethic.
6. $UICIDEBOY$
Background: $UICIDEBOY$ is a dark trap duo similar to Suicideboys, consisting of Ruby da Cherry and $crim. Their music features a gritty, aggressive style with themes of despair and violence.
Music Style: Their tracks are characterized by heavy bass, dark melodies, and brutal, raw lyrics. The duo often incorporates elements of horrorcore and punk into their music.
Key Tracks:
“Paris”
“Kill Yourself (Part III)”
“2nd Hand”
Impact: $UICIDEBOY$’s raw and honest approach to music has resonated with many fans, making them one of the leading acts in the dark trap scene.
7. Killstation
Background: Killstation, born Nolan Santana, is known for his melancholic and haunting music. His style combines dark trap with elements of emo and alternative rock.
Music Style: Killstation’s music features atmospheric beats, melancholic melodies, and introspective lyrics. His tracks often explore themes of loss, pain, and existential despair.
Key Tracks:
“Extinction”
“Leave You Behind”
“Sarcoma”
Impact: Killstation’s ability to convey deep emotion through his music has earned him a dedicated following and a respected place in the dark trap genre.
8. Pouya
Background: Pouya, born Kevin Pouya, is a Miami-based rapper known for his raw, confessional style. He often collaborates with other dark trap artists, bringing a unique perspective to the genre.
Music Style: Pouya’s music features a mix of dark trap and more upbeat elements. His lyrics often address personal struggles and mental health issues, adding depth to his tracks.
Key Tracks:
“Suicidal Thoughts in the Back of the Cadillac”
“Florida Thang”
“Void”
Impact: Pouya’s honest and relatable lyrics have made him a favorite among dark trap fans, and his collaborations have helped to bridge different subgenres within rap.
9. XXXTentacion
Background: XXXTentacion, born Jahseh Onfroy, was a controversial but influential figure in the music world. His genre-blending style included elements of dark trap, emo, and punk.
Music Style: XXXTentacion’s music is known for its raw emotion and eclectic mix of genres. His dark trap tracks often feature introspective lyrics and atmospheric beats.
Key Tracks:
“Look at Me!”
“Jocelyn Flores”
“Sad!”
Impact: XXXTentacion’s raw emotion and willingness to explore dark themes in his music have influenced many artists in the dark trap genre and beyond.
10. Shakewell
Background: Shakewell, born Andrew Adolph, is a rapper known for his gritty, dark lyrics and heavy beats. He often collaborates with other dark trap artists and is known for his intense style.
Music Style: Shakewell’s music features aggressive beats, dark melodies, and raw, unfiltered lyrics. His tracks often explore themes of violence, struggle, and existentialism.
Key Tracks:
“Leglock”
“Solutions”
“Late Night”
Impact: Shakewell’s intense, unapologetic style has made him a standout figure in the dark trap genre, earning him a loyal fanbase.
See Also: An Overview about The Rise and Popularity of Classical Music Rap
Conclusion
Dark trap is a genre that thrives on exploring the darker aspects of life through music. Each of these ten artists brings a unique perspective and style to the genre. From Ghostemane’s metal-influenced beats to XXXTentacion’s emotional depth, these artists have significantly shaped the dark trap scene. Whether you’re a longtime fan or new to the genre, these artists offer a compelling glimpse into the world of dark trap.
