Trap dance music has exploded onto the music scene in recent years. It is a genre that combines the hard-hitting beats and street essence of trap with the upbeat, energetic rhythms of dance music. Trap, rooted in Southern hip-hop culture, with its deep bass and gritty lyrics, meets dance music, which brings melodies, energy, and pulse-pounding beats to the table. The result is a sound that is electrifying, rhythmic, and perfect for the club or festival atmosphere.
I. The Roots of Trap: Hip-Hop’s Grit
Trap music originates from the streets of Atlanta, Georgia, in the early 2000s. Pioneers like T.I., Gucci Mane, and Young Jeezy created a sound that spoke about life in the “trap,” a slang term for drug houses or street life. With its booming 808 drums, rolling hi-hats, and eerie synths, trap music became a reflection of harsh realities while capturing a sense of hustle and survival.
Key Characteristics of Trap Music
Trap music’s signature sound includes:
Hard-Hitting Bass: Deep, resonating bass that shakes speakers.
Rolled Hi-Hats: Fast and intricate hi-hat patterns.
Syncopated Beats: Rhythms that aren’t straightforward, adding complexity.
Dark Melodies: Often minimal, repetitive, and atmospheric.
Lyrical Themes: Centered on struggle, wealth, crime, and power.
Artists like Future, Migos, and 21 Savage have popularized this subgenre further, blending it into mainstream hip-hop while maintaining its edge. Trap has remained one of the dominant styles of rap over the past decade, and its influence on other genres became undeniable.
II. The Dance Music Revolution: Party Vibes on Steroids
Dance music, also referred to as electronic dance music (EDM), grew from the electronic revolution of the 1980s and ’90s. Artists and DJs began experimenting with synths, drum machines, and digital production. Dance music aims to create a feeling of euphoria and keep people moving on the dancefloor, with energetic drops and repetitive beats.
Key Characteristics of Dance Music
Uplifting Melodies: Light, catchy synths that are designed to keep the energy high.
Steady BPM: Most dance tracks operate between 120-130 beats per minute (BPM), creating a natural flow for dancing.
Build-Ups and Drops: These are the moments of excitement, where the beat builds in intensity before unleashing a bass-heavy drop.
Simple Lyrics: Dance music often relies on repeated vocal phrases to keep the focus on the beat.
The early 2000s saw a rise in superstar DJs like David Guetta, Tiësto, and Calvin Harris, who made dance music mainstream. Festivals like Tomorrowland and Ultra Music Festival helped cement the genre’s place in global pop culture.
III. The Birth of Trap Dance Music: Two Worlds Collide
Trap dance music emerged as a fusion of the heavy bass and street influence of trap with the high-energy, festival-driven beats of dance music. Early collaborations between trap artists and EDM producers began to form a new genre that took elements from both. Producers such as Diplo, Flosstradamus, and RL Grime were instrumental in pushing this sound to the forefront.
Trap dance music, sometimes referred to as “trap EDM,” combines:
Trap’s Signature 808 Bass: Giving tracks a deep, resonating foundation.
Dance Music’s Melodic Drops: Ensuring the energy levels are maintained.
Fast Hi-Hat Rolls and Percussion: Borrowed from trap music, adding an intricate rhythmic layer.
Uplifting Synth Melodies: Taken from dance music, making the tracks festival-ready.
This combination has led to a hybrid genre that thrives in both underground and mainstream settings.
IV. The Evolution of Trap Dance: From Clubs to Festivals
The Early Years (2010-2015)
The first wave of trap dance music came around 2010-2012. Artists like Flosstradamus, Baauer, and RL Grime began incorporating the gritty basslines of trap into their EDM sets. Baauer’s 2012 hit “Harlem Shake” became a viral sensation, and though the meme overshadowed the track itself, it was a crucial moment for trap EDM. The song, with its slow build and massive drop, became a blueprint for future trap dance hits.
Flosstradamus, known for blending EDM with hip-hop influences, helped popularize the genre further. Their remix of Major Lazer’s “Original Don” (2012) was another milestone that demonstrated the possibilities of merging trap’s hard-hitting sound with dance music’s energy. RL Grime, on the other hand, carved his own niche, becoming one of the leading figures in the genre with tracks like “Core” and “Tell Me”.
The Rise of Trap Dance Music in the Mainstream (2015-2020)
By the mid-2010s, trap dance music was making its way from the underground to the mainstream. Producers like DJ Snake and Diplo were fusing trap beats with radio-friendly hooks, creating anthems that dominated both the club and the charts. DJ Snake’s “Turn Down for What” with Lil Jon (2013) became a cultural phenomenon, symbolizing the energy and party atmosphere that trap dance music had become synonymous with.
Similarly, Diplo’s Major Lazer project continued to experiment with trap elements, as heard in hits like “Be Together” and “Lean On” (2015). These tracks combined smooth vocal melodies with trap’s distinctive low-end, creating a new sound that was both emotive and high-energy.
Trap Dance Music in the Festival Scene
Trap dance music found a natural home in the festival circuit. Festivals like Electric Daisy Carnival (EDC), Ultra Music Festival, and Coachella began featuring trap EDM artists in their lineups, drawing massive crowds. The sound’s massive bass drops and energetic breakdowns were perfect for these large-scale events.
DJs such as RL Grime, Flosstradamus, and TroyBoi have become staples in the festival scene, known for creating sets that seamlessly blend the intensity of trap with the feel-good vibes of dance music. Fans gravitated towards this fusion, as it provided both a hard edge and a sense of euphoria—an ideal combination for live events.
V. Popular Trap Dance Songs and Artists
RL Grime: The Pioneer
RL Grime is often considered one of the most influential producers in trap dance music. His track “Core” (2014) is an iconic example of the genre. With its deep bassline, sharp synths, and haunting vocal samples, “Core” became a staple in festival sets. RL Grime’s blend of dark, atmospheric sounds with high-energy drops helped define trap dance music in its early years.
Flosstradamus: The Innovators
Flosstradamus is another key figure in the trap dance movement. Their remix of “Original Don” (2012) introduced many EDM fans to trap’s unique sound. With its minimal beats, explosive drops, and aggressive energy, the track was a perfect fusion of trap and dance.
TroyBoi: The Experimentalist
TroyBoi, a UK-based producer, brings a more experimental approach to trap dance music. Tracks like “Afterhours” and “O.G.” demonstrate his ability to mix exotic, world-music influences with trap’s bass-heavy foundation. His sound stands out for its creativity and genre-blending approach, making him a fan favorite in the festival scene.
VI. The Culture Around Trap Dance Music
Trap Meets Fashion and Lifestyle
Trap dance music has also influenced fashion and lifestyle trends. Much like trap hip-hop, which introduced fashion staples like oversized clothing, gold chains, and luxury sneakers, trap dance music has embraced streetwear culture. Artists often perform in high-fashion brands or collaborate with streetwear designers.
Festival-goers, too, have adopted a specific style, blending elements of rave culture with urban streetwear. Brands like Supreme, Off-White, and Nike are commonly worn at trap EDM events, reflecting the genre’s deep connection to youth culture and street style.
The Role of Social Media and Viral Trends
Trap dance music has also thrived due to its close connection with social media. The viral nature of trap tracks like Baauer’s “Harlem Shake” proved that trap EDM could reach massive audiences online. Platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube have become essential for promoting new tracks, with challenges, memes, and viral dances playing a key role in the spread of this music.
VII. The Future of Trap Dance Music
Trap dance music continues to evolve. As the boundaries between genres blur, trap EDM is likely to incorporate more elements from other styles. Artists are already experimenting with house, techno, and even reggaeton influences, creating new subgenres and sounds.
The growing diversity in electronic music festivals suggests that trap dance music will continue to be a dominant force. With its ability to adapt and evolve, this genre is likely to remain relevant in both underground and mainstream settings.
Cross-Genre Collaborations
One of the most exciting possibilities for trap dance music is its potential for cross-genre collaborations. As more pop artists embrace electronic beats and hip-hop’s gritty elements, trap EDM could become even more mainstream. Recent collaborations between artists like Travis Scott and Skrillex, or Post Malone and DJ Snake, show the potential for trap dance music to continue to evolve and expand its reach.
See Also: What is Cadence in Rap Music?
VIII. Conclusion
In conclusion, trap dance music has emerged as a dynamic genre that fuses the heavy, bass-driven sound of trap with the energetic, rhythmic pulse of dance music. This combination creates a unique soundscape, perfect for both club settings and mainstream music. With its distinct use of hi-hats, 808s, and melodic synths, trap dance has garnered global attention, influencing a wide range of artists and producers. As the genre continues to evolve, it remains a staple of contemporary music culture, reflecting the fusion of urban and electronic influences.
