Trap Pop is a genre that blends two highly influential music styles: trap and pop. This genre has risen to prominence in recent years, capturing the attention of mainstream audiences worldwide. Its combination of hard-hitting, bass-heavy beats from trap and the catchy, melodic hooks of pop creates a sound that is both edgy and commercially accessible. Trap Pop has redefined the way music is produced, marketed, and consumed, offering a fresh sound that resonates with a diverse audience. In this article, we will explore what trap pop music is, its origins, the artists who have shaped it, and the cultural impact it has had in the music industry.
What is Trap Pop Music?
The Fusion of Trap and Pop Elements
Trap pop is, at its core, a hybrid genre that fuses two distinct musical styles: trap and pop. Trap is a subgenre of hip-hop known for its heavy use of 808 drum machines, hi-hats, and deep basslines. It originated in the southern United States and is characterized by its raw, hard-hitting beats and dark, often gritty themes. Trap music typically features slow, hypnotic rhythms and heavy use of autotune in vocals.
Pop, on the other hand, is a broad genre that focuses on catchy melodies, easy-to-remember hooks, and mass appeal. Pop music tends to be more upbeat, melodic, and accessible to a wider audience. When combined, trap and pop create a unique sound that retains the catchy, singable aspects of pop while integrating the atmospheric and rhythmic qualities of trap. The result is a genre that can appeal to both pop fans and those who enjoy the edginess of hip-hop.
Key Characteristics of Trap Pop
Trap pop music has several key characteristics that distinguish it from other genres.
Heavy Bass and Percussion: The use of bass-heavy beats and percussion is one of the defining elements of trap. Trap pop maintains this characteristic, but it often integrates it with more melodic elements typical of pop music.
Autotuned Vocals: Autotune is commonly used in both trap and pop music. In trap pop, it serves to smooth out the vocal performance and create a futuristic, polished sound. This vocal style can range from subtle enhancements to full-on robotic effects.
Melodic Hooks: Despite its trap influences, trap pop remains accessible due to its catchy, repetitive melodies. These melodic hooks are often the focal point of the song, making the music easier for listeners to remember and sing along to.
Atmospheric Soundscapes: Many trap pop songs feature atmospheric production, with ethereal sounds or synthesized elements that add depth and mood to the music. This creates a sound that is both modern and emotionally resonant.
The Origins of Trap Pop
The Evolution of Trap Music
Trap music has its roots in the early 1990s in the southern United States, particularly in cities like Atlanta, Georgia. It emerged from the local hip-hop scene, with artists like Gucci Mane, Young Jeezy, and T.I. helping to popularize the genre. The name “trap” refers to the drug-dealing culture in the southern U.S., and the music often reflects the gritty, harsh realities of that environment. However, trap music quickly evolved beyond its initial themes of crime and survival. By the late 2000s and early 2010s, artists like Lex Luger and Metro Boomin began to shape the sound of modern trap with their use of 808 drums, hi-hats, and aggressive bass.
Pop’s Influence and the Rise of Trap Pop
Pop music, on the other hand, has always been a genre of broad appeal, influenced by various musical traditions and constantly adapting to new trends. In the early 2010s, pop music started to incorporate elements of electronic dance music (EDM) and hip-hop, with artists like Rihanna, Katy Perry, and Justin Bieber experimenting with more urban sounds. At the same time, trap music’s popularity exploded thanks to artists like Future, Travis Scott, and Migos. As the two genres started to merge, the result was a new sound: trap pop.
The first big hit that demonstrated the potential of trap pop was “Bad and Boujee” by Migos, featuring Lil Uzi Vert, released in 2016. The track blended catchy pop hooks with the signature trap beats of Migos, achieving massive mainstream success. Following this, artists like Post Malone, Travis Scott, and Billie Eilish embraced trap pop elements, incorporating them into their own music and further popularizing the genre.
Prominent Artists in the Trap Pop Scene
Post Malone: The King of Trap Pop?
One of the most notable artists to popularize trap pop is Post Malone. His 2016 debut album Stoney featured hits like “White Iverson” and “Congratulations,” which blended melodic hooks with trap beats and catchy choruses. Post Malone’s ability to seamlessly combine rap, rock, and pop influences into a trap pop formula made him one of the genre’s most successful and influential figures. His sound has been described as “genreless,” but his use of trap elements in pop music has been central to his success.
Travis Scott: Blending Trap, Pop, and Psychedelia
Another artist who has pushed the boundaries of trap pop is Travis Scott. Known for his atmospheric production and psychedelic take on trap, Travis Scott has been a key figure in bringing trap pop to the forefront. Songs like “SICKO MODE” and “Goosebumps” showcase his ability to blend trap beats with more melodic, pop-inspired elements, creating tracks that are both experimental and commercially successful. His collaborations with artists like Drake and Kid Cudi have further expanded the reach of trap pop, making it a central part of mainstream music.
Billie Eilish: Dark Trap Pop Vibes
Billie Eilish, while not strictly a trap artist, has incorporated trap-inspired production into her pop music, creating a darker, more atmospheric take on the genre. Her debut album When We All Fall Asleep, Where Do We Go? features songs like “bad guy” and “you should see me in a crown,” which combine minimalist trap beats with haunting melodies and introspective lyrics. Eilish’s ability to blend genres has made her one of the most important voices in contemporary trap pop.
The Impact of Trap Pop on the Music Industry
A New Sound for Mainstream Music
The rise of trap pop has had a profound impact on mainstream music. In the past, pop music was often seen as separate from hip-hop and rap, with the two genres having distinct audiences. However, trap pop has blurred these lines, bringing hip-hop culture into the pop sphere and vice versa. As a result, trap pop has opened up new possibilities for artists who want to appeal to both pop and hip-hop audiences. This genre fusion has made hip-hop more mainstream and has also allowed for pop music to take on a more urban, edgy sound.
Cultural Influence and the Global Reach
The global reach of trap pop has been staggering. The genre’s blend of catchy melodies, accessible production, and emotional depth has made it popular with audiences around the world. Artists who embrace trap pop elements often find success not only in the United States but also in markets like Latin America, Europe, and Asia. This global appeal speaks to the universal nature of the genre, as trap pop has a sound that transcends cultural and linguistic boundaries.
See Also: The 9 Best 90s East Coast Hip-Hop Tracks You Should Know
Conclusion
Trap pop music represents a unique convergence of two powerful musical forces: trap and pop. Its rise has reshaped the sound of contemporary music, bringing together the hard-hitting, bass-driven beats of trap with the catchy, melodic hooks of pop. This fusion has created a sound that appeals to a wide range of listeners, from hip-hop fans to pop enthusiasts. With artists like Post Malone, Travis Scott, and Billie Eilish leading the way, trap pop has become a dominant force in the music industry, and its influence will continue to shape the sound of popular music for years to come.
Trap pop is not just a genre; it’s a cultural movement that reflects the changing dynamics of the music industry and the blending of diverse musical traditions. As it evolves, it will undoubtedly continue to inspire new sounds, new artists, and new ways of experiencing music. Whether you’re a fan of trap, pop, or both, trap pop offers something for everyone—a sound that is edgy, accessible, and full of energy.
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