Vapor trap, a subgenre that merges the ethereal, nostalgic sounds of vaporwave with the hard-hitting, bass-driven beats of trap, has been quietly shaping the music landscape in recent years. Vaporwave, with its dreamy synths, lo-fi aesthetics, and surreal atmosphere, finds an interesting counterpart in trap music, which is known for its bouncy 808s, hi-hats, and catchy hooks. The result is a genre that fuses the past with the present, combining nostalgic, ambient soundscapes with modern, energetic trap rhythms.
In this article, we will explore some of the best vapor trap artists and their standout tracks. These songs represent the heart of the vapor trap movement, drawing on the dreamlike qualities of vaporwave while integrating the bass-heavy, rhythmically intense nature of trap. Whether you’re a fan of vaporwave’s nostalgic sounds or a lover of trap’s energy, these tracks offer a perfect blend of both worlds. Let’s dive into the top vapor trap artists and their music that define this genre.
10 Recommended Vapor Trap Artists Revealed
1. “Night Drive” – Yung Lean
Yung Lean, a Swedish rapper and a pioneer in the cloud rap and vapor trap scene, has long been recognized for blending ambient soundscapes with dark, introspective lyrics. “Night Drive” is one of his standout tracks that exemplifies his signature style. The song features soft, ethereal synths that evoke a sense of drifting through an empty city at night, while Lean’s slow-flowing, melancholic delivery adds a sense of emotional depth. The trap elements are subtle, yet powerful, with deep bass and a spaced-out, atmospheric beat. The track is both haunting and soothing, creating a perfect bridge between vaporwave’s dreamy, nostalgic vibe and trap’s raw energy.
2. “Faded” – Lil Peep
“Faded” by Lil Peep is another classic example of vapor trap’s emotional and atmospheric qualities. The song features melancholy, dreamy synths that float over a slow trap beat, creating a deep contrast between the upbeat rhythm and the introspective lyrics. Lil Peep’s melodic delivery blends perfectly with the vaporwave-inspired instrumental, creating an overall sense of sadness and longing. The track deals with themes of addiction, heartbreak, and the struggles of youth, which are conveyed through the lush, reverb-heavy production. It’s a defining song in the vapor trap genre, embodying the fusion of emotional depth with atmospheric, bass-driven beats.
3. “Lone Star” – A$AP Rocky (Remix by Yung Bae)
A$AP Rocky’s “Lone Star” is a standout track in his discography, and when remixed by vaporwave artist Yung Bae, it transforms into a mesmerizing vapor trap anthem. The remix slows down Rocky’s original vocal delivery and adds layers of dreamy synths and swirling effects, creating a hazy, futuristic vibe. Yung Bae’s production gives the song a sense of nostalgia while keeping the trap elements intact. The result is a laid-back yet introspective track that feels both timeless and contemporary. The remix beautifully balances the atmospheric, ambient qualities of vaporwave with the energy and flow of trap, making it a perfect example of vapor trap’s potential.
4. “In the Middle of the Night” – Deaths Dynamic Shroud
“In the Middle of the Night” by Deaths Dynamic Shroud is a prime example of vapor trap’s ability to blend emotional depth with energetic beats. The track starts with hauntingly beautiful, atmospheric synths that gradually give way to hard-hitting trap drums and bass. The contrast between the light, airy melody and the heavy, driving beats is both jarring and captivating. The song captures the essence of vaporwave’s surreal, dreamlike qualities while incorporating the hard-hitting rhythm that defines trap. The song is immersive, pulling the listener into a space between two worlds — one of nostalgia and one of high-energy rhythm.
5. “Feelings” – Bones
Bones is known for his contributions to underground rap and the vapor trap scene. His track “Feelings” encapsulates his raw, emotional style while embracing the ambient qualities of vaporwave. The beat is slow and dreamy, with ethereal pads floating behind Bones’ deep, reflective lyrics. The song captures a sense of loneliness and introspection, with the vaporwave-inspired production adding a layer of surrealism. Bones’ delivery is smooth and almost melancholic, making the track feel deeply personal and relatable. The subtle trap influence in the beat adds an extra layer of depth, giving the song a more contemporary, energetic feel while maintaining its vaporwave essence.
6. “I Don’t Even Know” – Shinigami
Shinigami’s “I Don’t Even Know” is a prime example of vapor trap’s ability to convey emotional turmoil with atmospheric sounds and trap beats. The track is built around glitchy, vaporwave-style synths that give it a surreal, otherworldly quality, while the deep bass and trap drums give it the hard edge characteristic of the genre. Shinigami’s vocals, which are soaked in reverb, add a haunting, distant quality to the song, further enhancing the track’s emotional depth. The song’s introspective lyrics and dreamlike production make it a standout in the vapor trap scene, offering a raw look into the artist’s struggles and emotional state.
7. “Numb” – Lil Peep x XXXTentacion (Vapor Trap Remix)
The collaboration between Lil Peep and XXXTentacion brought together two iconic figures in the emotional trap scene, and their track “Numb” was already heavy with feeling. The vapor trap remix takes this track to another level, adding soft, atmospheric synths and reverb-laden vocals that transform the song into a dreamlike experience. The haunting quality of the vaporwave production contrasts with the emotional rawness of both artists’ performances, amplifying the track’s themes of pain, loneliness, and longing. The remix highlights the potential of vapor trap to turn raw, personal experiences into something more ethereal and cinematic.
8. “Aesthetics” – Yung Bae
Yung Bae’s “Aesthetics” is a vibrant and upbeat vapor trap track that combines the chilled-out vibes of vaporwave with the energetic trap rhythms. The song’s lush, dreamy synths provide a sense of escapism, while the bouncy bass and fast-paced trap beat keep the energy high. The track is infused with nostalgia, bringing together the sounds of 80s and 90s pop culture with modern trap sensibilities. Yung Bae’s ability to craft a track that feels both relaxing and uplifting at the same time is a hallmark of vapor trap’s versatility. “Aesthetics” perfectly exemplifies the genre’s ability to capture mood and energy while maintaining an ethereal, atmospheric quality.
9. “Hollowed Out” – Yung Lean (Feat. Bladee)
“Hollowed Out” by Yung Lean and Bladee is a collaboration that takes vapor trap to its most atmospheric and experimental heights. The song is haunting, with heavy reverb, soft synths, and haunting, distorted vocals. The production features glitchy beats that incorporate both trap and vaporwave influences, creating a sense of unease and otherworldliness. Yung Lean and Bladee’s ethereal vocal performances add to the dreamlike quality of the track, creating a sense of emotional distance. The lyrics deal with feelings of emptiness and searching for meaning, which are enhanced by the surreal soundscape, making it one of the most immersive vapor trap tracks to date.
10. “Heaven’s Tears” – Lil Peep x Lil Tracy (Vapor Trap Remix)
The “Heaven’s Tears” remix, which blends Lil Peep’s melancholic style with Lil Tracy’s signature flow, is given new life through the vapor trap production. The remix takes the original track’s emotional depth and enhances it with ethereal, lo-fi synths and a subtle trap beat that provides a contemporary edge. The result is a track that feels like a dream, full of longing and heartache, yet with a sense of emotional release. The combination of vaporwave’s ambient qualities with trap’s bass-heavy beats allows for a unique listening experience that is both introspective and energizing.
See Also: What is Cadence in Rap Music?
Conclusion
Vapor trap is a genre that bridges the gap between two distinct musical worlds. It combines the ethereal, nostalgic qualities of vaporwave with the hard-hitting beats and energy of trap. The artists and tracks discussed in this article showcase the best of both worlds, offering listeners a unique blend of ambient soundscapes, emotional depth, and rhythmic intensity. As vapor trap continues to evolve, it’s clear that this fusion of genres has created a new and exciting space for experimentation and creative expression in modern music. Whether you’re drawn to vaporwave’s dreamlike qualities or trap’s infectious beats, these tracks offer something for every listener looking for a fresh and immersive musical experience.
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