DJ Snake, born William Grigahcine, is a prominent French DJ and record producer who has taken the music world by storm. Known for his ability to blend different genres, he has had a significant influence on the rise of trap music in the electronic dance music (EDM) scene. Trap music, originally a subgenre of Southern hip-hop, has evolved over the years and has become synonymous with heavy beats, energetic drops, and the infusion of electronic sounds. DJ Snake’s contribution to this genre has played a crucial role in its global recognition, taking trap from its hip-hop roots to electronic festivals and mainstream radio. In this article, we’ll delve into DJ Snake’s career, his role in shaping trap music, and how his collaborations with other artists have solidified his place in the EDM world.
I. DJ Snake’s Early Career and Musical Roots
1. The Beginnings of DJ Snake
DJ Snake’s rise to fame can be traced back to his early years as a street artist in Paris. Born on June 13, 1986, Snake was drawn to music from a young age, experimenting with different sounds and styles. He initially dabbled in hip-hop, working as a DJ for local events, but his interests quickly expanded into electronic music production. His versatility in blending genres began here, where he fused the energy of hip-hop beats with electronic rhythms.
Snake’s first big break came in 2011 when he co-produced Lady Gaga’s “Born This Way” album, which earned him a Grammy nomination. However, his identity as a DJ and producer truly took shape when he released “Turn Down for What” with Lil Jon in 2013. This track marked the beginning of his association with trap music, a subgenre characterized by its aggressive beats and heavy bass.
2. Defining Trap Music: The Genre Explained
Trap music originally emerged from the Southern United States in the early 2000s, particularly in cities like Atlanta. It is characterized by its use of 808 drum machines, hi-hats, heavy basslines, and aggressive lyrical themes. Initially, trap was closely tied to hip-hop and rap, with artists such as T.I., Gucci Mane, and Young Jeezy leading the genre. However, as electronic music grew in popularity, producers began infusing trap beats with EDM elements, giving birth to a new subgenre known as EDM trap.
3. DJ Snake’s Contribution to Trap
DJ Snake’s involvement in the trap scene marked a new chapter for the genre. His style incorporated elements of both traditional trap and EDM, creating a unique hybrid sound. By doing this, he helped popularize trap music in the global music scene, particularly within the EDM festival circuit. His sound was defined by massive drops, synth-heavy builds, and thumping bass, making it ideal for large-scale live performances.
II. DJ Snake’s Notable Trap Tracks
1. “Turn Down for What” (2013)
Impact on the EDM Scene
One of DJ Snake’s most iconic tracks is “Turn Down for What,” which he co-produced with Lil Jon. Released in 2013, this song became an instant hit and is credited for pushing trap music into mainstream EDM. The song’s high-energy beat, powerful bass drop, and Lil Jon’s aggressive vocals made it a favorite at festivals and clubs worldwide. It became a defining track for trap EDM and is still widely played today.
Chart Performance and Awards
“Turn Down for What” reached the top 10 on the Billboard Hot 100 and garnered millions of streams across various platforms. Its success helped solidify DJ Snake’s reputation as a top-tier trap producer. Additionally, the song’s music video, known for its wild and absurd dance moves, went viral, further boosting its popularity.
2. “Propaganda” (2016)
A Bass-Heavy Anthem
“Propaganda” was released in 2016 and showcased DJ Snake’s ability to produce hard-hitting trap beats. This track features aggressive bass drops, intricate synth patterns, and a relentless energy that makes it a festival anthem. The song has been widely used in DJ sets and continues to be a favorite among trap enthusiasts.
Crossover Appeal
Though “Propaganda” is a quintessential trap track, it also has elements that appeal to a broader EDM audience. Its intense build-ups and explosive drops make it ideal for both trap and bass music fans. The track is also a testament to DJ Snake’s ability to blur genre lines, creating a sound that resonates across different musical communities.
3. “Middle” (2015)
Exploring a Softer Side of Trap
“Middle,” released in 2015, is one of DJ Snake’s more melodic trap songs. Featuring the vocals of Bipolar Sunshine, the track blends soft, catchy melodies with trap-inspired beats. While the song lacks the aggression seen in “Turn Down for What” or “Propaganda,” it still retains elements of trap, particularly in its rhythmic structure and use of 808s.
Popularity and Reception
“Middle” was a commercial success, reaching the top 20 in multiple countries and showcasing DJ Snake’s versatility as a producer. The song’s accessibility allowed it to cross over into the pop genre, further expanding trap music’s reach into mainstream radio.
III. Collaborations: DJ Snake’s Influence on Trap Through Partnerships
1. DJ Snake and Dillon Francis: A Unique Blend
DJ Snake’s collaboration with Dillon Francis, another notable figure in the trap and moombahton scene, has resulted in some of the most exciting trap tracks in EDM. Their 2014 collaboration “Get Low” became an international hit, combining elements of trap, moombahton, and Middle Eastern-inspired melodies. The track is a perfect example of how DJ Snake is able to fuse different genres while staying true to the core elements of trap music.
2. “Let Me Love You” (with Justin Bieber)
In 2016, DJ Snake collaborated with pop superstar Justin Bieber on “Let Me Love You,” a track that, while more pop-oriented, still contains subtle trap influences. The use of 808s and hi-hats, combined with smooth vocals and a catchy hook, made this song a crossover success. It demonstrates DJ Snake’s ability to integrate trap music into mainstream pop without compromising its essence.
IV. The Evolution of Trap Music in DJ Snake’s Discography
1. Merging Genres: Trap Meets Pop and Reggaeton
As DJ Snake’s career has progressed, he has continued to push the boundaries of trap music by blending it with other genres. One of the most notable examples of this is his 2018 hit “Taki Taki,” featuring Selena Gomez, Cardi B, and Ozuna. The song blends elements of reggaeton, pop, and trap, resulting in a global hit that topped charts worldwide. By incorporating Latin rhythms with trap-inspired beats, DJ Snake helped introduce trap music to an even broader audience.
2. Trap’s Evolution in EDM Festivals
Over the years, DJ Snake has played a pivotal role in the incorporation of trap music into EDM festivals. Tracks like “Bird Machine” and “Magenta Riddim” have been staples in his festival sets, showcasing his ability to create high-energy music that resonates with large crowds. The hybrid nature of his sound—merging trap with dubstep, house, and even reggaeton—has allowed him to reach a diverse audience at festivals like Tomorrowland, Coachella, and Ultra Music Festival.
V. Trap’s Global Influence: DJ Snake’s Role in Expanding the Genre
1. Taking Trap Worldwide
DJ Snake has played an instrumental role in making trap music a global phenomenon. Through his collaborations with artists from various musical backgrounds and his ability to blend different styles, he has helped bring trap music to regions and cultures that may not have been exposed to the genre. His collaborations with Latin artists like Ozuna and African artists like Burna Boy highlight his dedication to expanding the global reach of trap music.
2. The Impact of Streaming Platforms
Another factor that has contributed to DJ Snake’s success in the trap genre is the rise of streaming platforms like Spotify and Apple Music. These platforms have allowed artists like DJ Snake to reach a global audience with minimal barriers. Songs like “Turn Down for What” and “Taki Taki” have amassed billions of streams, further solidifying the global appeal of his trap-infused sound.
VI. The Future of Trap Music and DJ Snake’s Continued Influence
1. Innovating Within the Genre
As trap music continues to evolve, DJ Snake remains at the forefront of innovation within the genre. His ability to merge trap with various musical elements keeps his sound fresh and relevant. Moving forward, it’s likely that DJ Snake will continue to experiment with new sounds, possibly blending trap with emerging genres like amapiano, afrobeat, or even traditional world music.
2. Maintaining Relevance in a Changing Musical Landscape
The music industry is constantly shifting, but DJ Snake’s adaptability has allowed him to maintain relevance across different musical eras. As more artists and producers embrace the hybrid nature of trap, DJ Snake’s influence will continue to be felt across the EDM, hip-hop, and pop landscapes.
See Also: What Is the Techno Rap?
VII. Conclusion
DJ Snake’s contribution to trap music has been instrumental in shaping the genre’s development within the broader EDM landscape. From his early beginnings with tracks like “Turn Down for What” to his more recent global hits like “Taki Taki,” DJ Snake has consistently pushed the boundaries of trap music, blending it with other genres and bringing it to a worldwide audience. His innovative approach, combined with his ability to collaborate across musical genres, has helped trap music evolve from its Southern rap roots into a global phenomenon. As trap music continues to evolve, DJ Snake will undoubtedly remain one of its most influential figures, continuously shaping the genre with his unique blend of sounds.
