Trap music, with its gritty beats and raw lyrics, has emerged as a dominant force in the music world. While it’s often associated with themes of street life, money, and power, there’s a deeper, more emotional side to the genre that resonates with listeners on a profound level. These songs, often filled with introspective lyrics and somber melodies, explore themes of heartbreak, pain, and resilience. In this article, we delve into the top 10 emotional trap music songs that have captivated audiences with their heartfelt messages.
Top 10 Emotional Trap Music Songs
1. Juice WRLD – “Lucid Dreams”
“Lucid Dreams” by Juice WRLD is a quintessential emotional trap song. Released in 2018, it quickly became a massive hit, not just for its catchy melody but for its deeply emotional lyrics. The song deals with the pain of a broken relationship and the haunting memories that linger afterward.
Juice WRLD’s delivery is vulnerable and raw, making listeners feel the intensity of his heartache. The beat, produced by Nick Mira, blends a melancholic guitar riff with trap drums, creating a sound that’s both soothing and sorrowful. “Lucid Dreams” is a powerful exploration of love lost and the emotional turmoil that follows.
Key Lyrics:
“I have these lucid dreams where I can’t move a thing / Thinking of you in my bed.”
2. XXXTentacion – “Jocelyn Flores”
XXXTentacion was known for his ability to channel deep emotions into his music, and “Jocelyn Flores” is a prime example. The song, released in 2017, is a tribute to Jocelyn Flores, a friend of the artist who tragically took her own life.
The track is short but impactful, with XXXTentacion’s somber delivery conveying a sense of grief and regret. The minimalist production, featuring a looped guitar sample, adds to the song’s emotional weight. “Jocelyn Flores” is a poignant reflection on loss, depression, and the struggle to cope with the pain.
Key Lyrics:
“I’m in pain, wanna put ten shots in my brain / I’ve been trippin’ ’bout some things, can’t change.”
3. Lil Uzi Vert – “XO TOUR Llif3”
“XO TOUR Llif3” by Lil Uzi Vert is an emotional trap anthem that became a cultural phenomenon. Released in 2017, the song captures the artist’s feelings of despair, heartbreak, and existential angst. The title refers to Uzi’s experiences on tour, where he battled with the pressures of fame and personal relationships.
The production, with its haunting melody and booming 808s, sets the tone for Uzi’s introspective lyrics. The chorus, in particular, is a cry for help, with Uzi expressing his struggles with mental health and suicidal thoughts. “XO TOUR Llif3” is a deeply emotional track that resonated with millions of fans around the world.
Key Lyrics:
“Push me to the edge / All my friends are dead.”
4. Travis Scott – “Skeletons”
Travis Scott’s “Skeletons” is a hauntingly beautiful track from his critically acclaimed album Astroworld. Released in 2018, the song features production by Tame Impala’s Kevin Parker, which gives it a dreamlike quality. The lyrics delve into themes of love, trust, and the darker sides of relationships.
Scott’s vocals are layered and ethereal, adding to the track’s otherworldly feel. “Skeletons” explores the emotional baggage that comes with love and the secrets that people hide from one another. It’s a reflective and introspective song that showcases Scott’s ability to blend trap with psychedelic elements.
Key Lyrics:
“Pour out my soul, took control of me / The truth is now foreign to me.”
5. Rod Wave – “Heart on Ice”
Rod Wave has become known for his deeply emotional style, blending trap with soul-infused melodies. “Heart on Ice,” released in 2019, is one of his most powerful tracks. The song delves into the pain and struggles Rod Wave has faced in his life, from heartbreak to betrayal. His voice, rich with emotion, carries the weight of his experiences, making listeners feel every word.
The production, with its mournful piano and steady trap beat, provides the perfect backdrop for Rod Wave’s introspective lyrics. “Heart on Ice” resonates with anyone who’s ever felt the sting of disappointment and the need to protect themselves from further hurt.
Key Lyrics:
“Heart been broke so many times, I don’t know what to believe / Mama say it’s my fault, it’s my fault, I wear my heart on my sleeve.”
6. Future – “Codeine Crazy”
Future is often celebrated for his contributions to trap music, but “Codeine Crazy” shows a different side of the artist. Released in 2014, the song is a deeply personal exploration of addiction, pain, and the emotional toll of fame. The title refers to Future’s struggles with codeine, a common theme in his music, but here it takes on a more introspective tone.
The production is dark and moody, perfectly complementing Future’s slurred, emotional delivery. “Codeine Crazy” is a raw, unfiltered look into the mind of an artist grappling with his demons, making it one of his most poignant tracks.
Key Lyrics:
“All this actin’ got me goin’ crazy, the cold D ain’t crazy / I poured up a few shots and it’s drainin’ my soul.”
7. Lil Peep – “Star Shopping”
Lil Peep was a pioneer of the emo rap movement, blending elements of punk rock and trap to create a sound that was both unique and deeply emotional. “Star Shopping,” released posthumously in 2018, is one of his most beloved tracks. The song deals with themes of self-doubt, love, and the longing for acceptance.
The minimalist production, featuring a simple guitar riff, allows Peep’s vulnerable lyrics to take center stage. His delivery is raw and unpolished, adding to the song’s emotional impact. “Star Shopping” is a testament to Lil Peep’s ability to connect with listeners on a deeply personal level.
Key Lyrics:
“Sorry I didn’t kiss you, but it’s obvious I wanted to / Bubblegum down my throat and it’s a curse.”
8. Post Malone – “I Fall Apart”
Post Malone’s “I Fall Apart” is a heartbreaking ballad that showcases the artist’s ability to blend trap with pop and rock influences. Released in 2016, the song was initially not intended to be a single, but its raw emotion resonated with fans, propelling it to the top of the charts.
The lyrics deal with the pain of a broken relationship, with Post Malone’s voice cracking with emotion as he sings about betrayal and loss. The production is sparse, allowing the focus to remain on the lyrics and the intensity of the performance. “I Fall Apart” is a powerful reminder of the vulnerability that comes with love.
Key Lyrics:
“She told me that I’m not enough / And she left me with a broken heart.”
9. NAV – “Myself”
NAV’s “Myself” is a deeply introspective track that explores themes of loneliness, self-doubt, and the search for identity. Released in 2017, the song is a standout on NAV’s self-titled debut mixtape. The lyrics are a reflection of the artist’s struggles with fame and the pressures that come with it.
The production is moody and atmospheric, with a slow, hypnotic beat that draws listeners in. NAV’s delivery is understated but filled with emotion, making “Myself” a relatable track for anyone who’s ever felt lost or unsure of themselves.
Key Lyrics:
“I don’t really care if you cry / On the real, you shoulda never lied.”
10. 21 Savage – “Ball w/o You”
21 Savage may be known for his hard-hitting street anthems, but “Ball w/o You” shows a different side of the Atlanta rapper. Released in 2018 on his album I Am > I Was, the song is a reflective track about a past relationship that ended in betrayal.
The production, with its soulful sample and laid-back beat, provides a stark contrast to 21 Savage’s typically aggressive style. His lyrics are honest and introspective, detailing the pain of being let down by someone he loved. “Ball w/o You” is a testament to 21 Savage’s growth as an artist, showing that he can tackle emotional subjects with depth and maturity.
Key Lyrics:
“You runnin’ ’round drinkin’ liquor, takin’ pictures ’cause you miss me / (You miss me) I know you miss me.”
See Also: Can You Tell Where Rap Music Is From by the Beat?
Conclusion
Trap music has evolved beyond its origins as a genre centered on street life and materialism. These ten songs highlight the emotional depth that many artists in the genre bring to their music, exploring themes of love, loss, addiction, and self-doubt. These tracks resonate with listeners because they tap into universal emotions, offering a glimpse into the struggles and vulnerabilities of the artists behind them.
From Juice WRLD’s haunting “Lucid Dreams” to 21 Savage’s introspective “Ball w/o You,” emotional trap music continues to captivate audiences with its raw, honest portrayal of the human experience. These songs are not just hits; they are powerful statements that connect with fans on a deeply personal level. As trap music continues to evolve, its emotional side will undoubtedly remain a vital part of its appeal.
