Trap soul is a genre that blends the emotional depth of R&B with the hard-hitting beats and rhythms of trap music. It’s a sound that appeals to both R&B lovers and trap enthusiasts, creating a new lane that celebrates vulnerability and confidence in equal measure. With its roots in the South and influence from hip-hop, trap soul is a genre that continues to evolve, pushing boundaries while staying true to its soulful foundation.
At its core, trap soul is all about blending smooth, melodic vocals with atmospheric beats, often featuring 808s, hi-hats, and bass-heavy production that gives the genre its signature sound. The genre is known for its introspective lyrics, often dealing with themes of love, heartbreak, personal growth, and the highs and lows of life. In this article, we’ll explore some of the most influential and popular trap soul artists, along with their top tracks that have helped shape the genre. Whether you’re new to trap soul or a longtime fan, this list is a great place to start discovering the best hits that define the genre.
8 Awesome Trap Soul Artists to Know
1. Bryson Tiller: “Don’t”
Bryson Tiller is often credited with bringing trap soul to the forefront of mainstream music. His debut album TRAPSOUL introduced listeners to a fresh blend of soulful melodies and trap beats that captivated audiences worldwide. One of his standout tracks, “Don’t,” showcases his ability to mix smooth, emotive R&B vocals with a laid-back yet bouncy trap beat. Tiller’s lyrics, filled with vulnerability and emotional depth, explore the complexities of relationships and the struggles of maintaining trust and loyalty.
Song Highlight: “Don’t” became an anthem for anyone dealing with love and heartbreak. The song features Bryson’s signature sound—a mix of soulful crooning and rapid-fire delivery over minimalistic trap beats. The lyrics express the frustration of a relationship gone wrong, with Tiller pleading for understanding. The track’s understated production allows Bryson’s voice to shine, making it a perfect example of how trap soul can be both emotionally impactful and sonically innovative.
2. 6lack: “Prblms”
6lack (pronounced “black”) is another prominent figure in the trap soul movement. His breakout single “Prblms,” from his debut album FREE 6lack, is a powerful blend of R&B melodies and hard-hitting trap beats. 6lack’s voice is smooth yet haunting, filled with raw emotion as he reflects on personal struggles, relationships, and emotional baggage. The song’s production is minimal but effective, with a steady bassline and atmospheric synths that create an introspective mood. “Prblms” is a perfect example of 6lack’s ability to balance emotional depth with a trap-infused sound.
Song Highlight: “Prblms” dives deep into the complexities of love and self-reflection, with 6lack’s lyrics touching on themes of self-doubt and relationship struggles. The song’s introspective nature is mirrored by its sparse production, where the beats are subtle, allowing the vocals to be the focal point. 6lack’s performance is raw and real, creating a connection with listeners who may have faced similar challenges. “Prblms” is one of the defining tracks in trap soul, showcasing 6lack’s unique blend of emotion and genre-bending sound.
3. PARTYNEXTDOOR: “Come and See Me”
PARTYNEXTDOOR, an artist signed to Drake’s OVO Sound label, has carved out a unique niche within the trap soul genre. His track “Come and See Me,” featuring Drake, is a smooth and sultry blend of R&B and trap that explores longing, desire, and emotional vulnerability. The song’s production is built around a simple yet hypnotic melody, with atmospheric synths and a relaxed bassline. PARTYNEXTDOOR’s deep, haunting voice pairs perfectly with Drake’s verse, making this track a standout collaboration in the trap soul realm.
Song Highlight: “Come and See Me” is a song about longing for someone and wanting them to come through despite the obstacles. PARTYNEXTDOOR’s vocals are smooth and seductive, while Drake’s verse adds a layer of confidence and charm. The track’s relaxed tempo and minimalistic production create an intimate vibe, making it perfect for late-night listening. The mix of emotional vulnerability and the slickness of the trap beat makes “Come and See Me” a quintessential trap soul hit.
4. SZA: “The Weekend”
SZA’s Ctrl album was a defining moment in R&B and trap soul, showcasing her ability to blend raw emotion with the genre’s signature beats. “The Weekend” is one of the standout tracks from the album, blending smooth R&B vocals with a modern, trap-inspired production. The song’s lyrics explore themes of love, self-worth, and the complexity of modern relationships. SZA’s voice is tender and powerful, filled with a vulnerability that resonates with listeners.
Song Highlight: In “The Weekend,” SZA takes on the role of a woman who is comfortable with being a side piece, delivering her lyrics with a mix of confidence and melancholy. The song’s trap-infused production, with its slow tempo and minimalistic beats, creates a perfect backdrop for SZA’s heartfelt performance. The repetition of the line “You’re mine, still” becomes a mantra throughout the track, further emphasizing the emotional complexity of the relationship. “The Weekend” is a perfect example of how trap soul can express vulnerability while still retaining a sense of strength.
5. Jhené Aiko: “The Worst”
Jhené Aiko has been a key figure in the world of trap soul, known for her ethereal voice and emotional lyricism. “The Worst,” from her album Souled Out, is a standout track that blends smooth R&B with subtle trap influences. The song’s production is atmospheric, with slow, melodic beats and minimal instrumentation that allow Jhené’s vocals to take center stage. The lyrics, dealing with the complexities of love and heartache, are delivered with a sense of vulnerability that makes the song feel deeply personal.
Song Highlight: “The Worst” is a track about a complicated and toxic relationship. Jhené Aiko’s voice is hauntingly beautiful, capturing the pain of being in love with someone who is bad for you. The track’s sparse production, with its ambient beats and delicate synths, provides the perfect atmosphere for Jhené to express her feelings. The song’s chorus, with the line “I’m the worst,” reflects the emotional conflict of loving someone while acknowledging the dysfunction in the relationship. “The Worst” is a quintessential trap soul song that captures heartbreak and introspection in a way that resonates deeply.
6. Tory Lanez: “Say It”
Tory Lanez has made a name for himself by combining elements of R&B, hip-hop, and trap soul. His track “Say It” is a perfect example of his ability to blend smooth vocals with trap-inspired production. The song, which samples the classic R&B hit “If You Love Me” by Brownstone, is an energetic and seductive track that explores themes of love, lust, and vulnerability. The production is driven by a catchy beat and lush synths, providing a perfect foundation for Tory’s sensual vocals.
Song Highlight: “Say It” is all about expressing feelings and not holding back. Tory Lanez’s vocals are confident yet tender, striking the perfect balance between R&B and trap soul. The song’s infectious hook, combined with its sleek production, makes it a standout in Lanez’s catalog. The track’s lyrics, which center around asking a lover to be honest and vocal about their feelings, fit perfectly with the genre’s focus on emotional vulnerability. “Say It” is a seductive, catchy anthem that blends the best of both worlds—R&B and trap.
7. Post Malone: “I Fall Apart”
Post Malone’s style blends trap, rock, and R&B, but his emotional delivery and vulnerable lyrics make him an unexpected yet fitting figure in the trap soul genre. “I Fall Apart” is a powerful ballad that showcases his ability to combine melancholic lyrics with trap beats. The track’s production features haunting melodies and atmospheric beats, creating a raw and emotional sound that complements Post Malone’s vocal performance. His ability to convey deep emotion, paired with the hard-hitting trap beat, makes “I Fall Apart” a standout in his catalog.
Song Highlight:In “I Fall Apart,” Post Malone addresses heartbreak and emotional pain, singing about losing someone and struggling to cope. His vocals are filled with anguish, giving the song a raw, authentic feel. The trap-inspired production enhances the emotion in the track, with its minimalist arrangement and slow tempo. The combination of Post Malone’s heartfelt delivery and the emotional depth of the lyrics makes “I Fall Apart” a poignant trap soul hit. It’s a perfect example of how the genre can evoke powerful feelings of sadness and vulnerability.
8. Brent Faiyaz: “Gang Over Luv”
Brent Faiyaz is a rising star in the trap soul genre, known for his sultry voice and introspective lyrics. His track “Gang Over Luv” from the Sonder Son album is a perfect example of his unique approach to trap soul. The song blends smooth R&B vocals with a hard-hitting trap beat, creating a juxtaposition of softness and strength. The lyrics, which explore the tension between loyalty to friends and romantic relationships, are delivered with a sense of emotional complexity.
Song Highlight:“Gang Over Luv” is a reflection on loyalty and the struggles of balancing friendships with romantic relationships. Brent Faiyaz’s voice is smooth and velvety, and his ability to convey vulnerability shines through in the track. The song’s production, with its hypnotic beat and subtle instrumentation, provides a solid foundation for Faiyaz’s emotional performance. The lyrics explore the conflict between choosing love and loyalty, and the song’s relatable themes make it a standout in the trap soul genre.
See Also: A Comprehensive Overview of Trap Dance Music: Things to Know
Conclusion
Trap soul has solidified its place as a genre that blends emotional depth with modern, trap-infused production. Artists like Bryson Tiller, 6lack, and SZA have helped shape this genre, offering listeners a sound that is as introspective as it is captivating. The fusion of R&B’s smooth melodies and trap’s hard-hitting beats creates a unique listening experience, one that resonates with fans who appreciate both emotional vulnerability and catchy rhythms.
As the genre continues to evolve, we can expect to hear even more innovative sounds and unique approaches to blending these two styles. Trap soul is a genre that continues to push boundaries, offering artists a platform to express their innermost feelings while still embracing the energy and edge of trap music. Whether you’re looking for tracks about love, loss, or personal growth, trap soul has something for everyone—and its influence shows no signs of slowing down.
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