Trap metal is an aggressive fusion of trap music and heavy metal. It blends the deep bass, hi-hats, and snares of trap music with the intense energy and guitar riffs of metal. This genre has been growing rapidly, bringing together fans of hip-hop and metal alike. Here, we explore ten trap metal artists who have made significant contributions to the genre, pushing its boundaries and creating unique sounds.
10 Trap Metal Artists You Should Know
1. Scarlxrd
Scarlxrd, born Marius Listhrop in Wolverhampton, England, is a pioneer of the trap metal genre. Before becoming a trap metal artist, Scarlxrd was known as Mazzi Maz, a YouTuber. His transition from vlogging to music was marked by a dramatic shift in style, embracing dark themes and aggressive soundscapes. Scarlxrd’s music features heavy, distorted guitars, intense screams, and trap beats. His song “Heart Attack” is a prime example of his style, with its relentless energy and raw emotion. Scarlxrd’s influence on the trap metal scene is undeniable, as he continues to inspire a new generation of artists.
2. Ghostemane
Ghostemane, whose real name is Eric Whitney, is an American artist known for his unique blend of trap metal, industrial music, and occult themes. Originally from Florida, Ghostemane began his career in the underground rap scene before incorporating elements of metal into his music. His tracks often feature dark, brooding lyrics, heavy guitar riffs, and a mix of clean and screamed vocals. Songs like “Mercury: Retrograde” and “Venom” showcase Ghostemane’s ability to seamlessly merge the two genres, creating a sound that is both eerie and powerful.
3. ZillaKami
ZillaKami, part of the duo City Morgue, is a key figure in the trap metal scene. Born Junius Rogers, ZillaKami’s music is characterized by its raw aggression, blending hardcore punk influences with trap beats. His collaborations with other artists, such as “Shinners13” with Denzel Curry, have further solidified his place in the genre. ZillaKami’s lyrics often explore dark and violent themes, reflecting the chaotic energy of his music. His work with City Morgue, alongside SosMula, has been instrumental in bringing trap metal to a wider audience.
4. SosMula
SosMula, the other half of City Morgue, complements ZillaKami’s style with his own brand of chaotic energy. Born Vinicius Sosa, SosMula brings a raw, gritty edge to the duo’s music, with a vocal delivery that is both menacing and powerful. His lyrics often delve into the harsh realities of street life, creating a stark contrast with the high-energy beats and distorted guitars that define trap metal. SosMula’s contributions to City Morgue have been crucial in shaping the sound and image of the genre.
5. $uicideboy$
$uicideboy$, composed of cousins Ruby da Cherry and $lick $loth, is a New Orleans-based duo that has made significant waves in the trap metal scene. Their music combines elements of trap, punk, and metal, creating a sound that is both dark and intense. $uicideboy$ often explore themes of depression, addiction, and existential dread, delivering their lyrics with a sense of urgency and despair. Tracks like “Paris” and “Kill Yourself (Part III)” highlight the duo’s ability to blend genres, making them one of the most influential acts in trap metal.
6. Lil Darkie
Lil Darkie, born Joshua Hamilton, is a California-based artist known for his controversial and boundary-pushing music. His work spans multiple genres, including trap metal, where he combines harsh vocals, distorted guitars, and trap beats to create a sound that is both jarring and compelling. Lil Darkie’s music often tackles provocative themes, challenging listeners to confront uncomfortable truths. His track “GENOCIDE” is a powerful example of his trap metal style, with its aggressive delivery and intense instrumentation.
7. XXXTentacion
Though primarily known as a rapper, XXXTentacion, born Jahseh Dwayne Ricardo Onfroy, dabbled in various genres, including trap metal. His music often incorporated elements of rock, metal, and punk, resulting in a unique sound that resonated with a wide audience. Tracks like “King of the Dead” and “Yung Bratz” showcase his ability to blend genres seamlessly, creating music that is both emotionally charged and sonically intense. Despite his untimely death in 2018, XXXTentacion’s influence on the trap metal genre continues to be felt.
8. Cameron Azi
Cameron Azi, an emerging artist in the trap metal scene, is known for his high-energy performances and genre-defying music. Combining elements of trap, metal, and electronic music, Azi’s sound is both innovative and aggressive. His lyrics often explore themes of inner turmoil and rebellion, delivered with a vocal style that oscillates between rapping and screaming. Tracks like “Insane” and “Demons” highlight Azi’s ability to push the boundaries of trap metal, making him a rising star in the genre.
9. Prxjek
Prxjek is another artist making waves in the trap metal scene with his unique blend of rap and metal. His music is characterized by its dark, intense atmosphere, with heavy bass lines, distorted guitars, and a mix of rapped and screamed vocals. Prxjek’s lyrics often delve into themes of pain, anger, and existential angst, reflecting the harsh realities of life. Songs like “Devil’s Playground” and “Suffer” showcase his ability to create music that is both emotionally charged and sonically powerful, cementing his place in the trap metal genre.
10. BONES
BONES, born Elmo Kennedy O’Connor, is a prolific artist known for his work in the underground rap scene. While he is not exclusively a trap metal artist, BONES has experimented with the genre, incorporating metal influences into his music. His tracks often feature dark, brooding lyrics, heavy beats, and a mix of clean and screamed vocals. BONES’ willingness to experiment with different sounds has earned him a loyal following, and his contributions to the trap metal genre have been significant. Songs like “LeatherFace” and “Corduroy” highlight his ability to blend genres, creating a sound that is both unique and impactful.
See Also: A Deep Dive into Crunk: History, Artists, and Impact
Conclusion
Trap metal is a genre that continues to evolve, with artists from diverse backgrounds bringing their unique influences to the table. From pioneers like Scarlxrd and Ghostemane to rising stars like Cameron Azi and Prxjek, these ten artists have played a significant role in shaping the sound and direction of trap metal. As the genre grows, it will be exciting to see how these artists continue to push the boundaries, creating music that resonates with fans of both trap and metal. Whether you’re a long-time fan or new to the genre, these artists offer a great starting point for exploring the intense and dynamic world of trap metal.
