Rap music has always been a genre defined by creativity and boundary-pushing innovation. While hip-hop originated in the streets, it has since evolved into a global cultural movement that draws from countless genres and influences. One of the most exciting and mind-bending subgenres within rap today is psychedelic rap. This style blends the consciousness-expanding elements of psychedelia with the rhythmic, lyrical flow of rap, resulting in a genre that explores the surreal, the abstract, and the unconventional. Psychedelic rap artists are known for their use of experimental beats, distorted vocals, and profound, often introspective lyrics.
In this article, we dive into the world of psychedelic rap and highlight some of the most influential artists and their standout tracks. These artists blend complex rhyme schemes, mind-altering soundscapes, and surreal themes to create a unique musical experience. If you’ve ever been intrigued by the marriage of hip-hop and psychedelia, this article will guide you through some of the best psychedelic rap tracks to explore.
10 Influential Psychedelic Rap Artists to Follow
1. A$AP Rocky – “L$D”
A$AP Rocky is often credited with bringing psychedelic rap into the mainstream. His track “L$D” perfectly encapsulates the fusion of rap and psychedelia, with its trippy beats and dreamy, experimental production. The song explores themes of love and the use of LSD, with Rocky’s laid-back delivery blending seamlessly into the hazy, atmospheric instrumental. The hypnotic, spaced-out synths paired with introspective lyrics create a surreal listening experience. “L$D” is not just a song about drugs; it’s an exploration of the mind and the way love can warp your perception of reality.
2. Kid Cudi – “Day ‘n’ Nite”
Kid Cudi is one of the pioneers of psychedelic rap, blending elements of hip-hop, rock, and electronic music to create a genre-defying sound. “Day ‘n’ Nite” is one of his most iconic tracks, featuring an infectious hook and lyrics that explore feelings of loneliness, depression, and self-reflection. The song’s atmospheric production, with its swirling synths and deep bass, creates a sense of disorientation and introspection, making it a perfect example of psychedelic rap. Kid Cudi’s raw and emotional delivery, paired with the song’s experimental sound, showcases his ability to delve into complex emotions while maintaining a catchy, accessible vibe.
3. Travis Scott – “SICKO MODE”
Travis Scott is known for his mind-bending soundscapes and genre-blurring style, and “SICKO MODE” is one of his standout tracks in the psychedelic rap space. The song features multiple beat switches and distorted vocal effects that keep the listener on their toes. With lyrics that shift from boastful to introspective, Scott creates a sense of tension and release throughout the track. The production, with its heavy use of synths, bass, and psychedelic elements, makes the track feel like a journey through different moods and sounds. “SICKO MODE” is a prime example of how psychedelic rap can be both experimental and commercially successful.
4. Flying Lotus feat. Kendrick Lamar – “Never Catch Me”
Flying Lotus is a master of blending jazz, electronic, and hip-hop elements to create some of the most unique and experimental music in the genre. “Never Catch Me,” featuring Kendrick Lamar, is a perfect example of psychedelic rap’s potential for deep musical and lyrical exploration. The song features intricate, layered production with a steady, driving beat that gradually transforms into something more chaotic and unearthly. Lamar’s rapid-fire verses are paired with Flying Lotus’ ambient, ethereal beats, creating an atmosphere that feels both grounded and surreal. The track’s abstract lyrics delve into themes of mortality, spirituality, and the afterlife, making it one of the most cerebral psychedelic rap songs out there.
5. Death Grips – “Guillotine”
Death Grips is known for their aggressive, experimental approach to rap, often incorporating industrial and noise elements into their music. “Guillotine” is a perfect example of their psychedelic, chaotic style. The song features abrasive production, with distorted beats and heavy, industrial noise that create a sense of disarray and urgency. MC Ride’s dark, intense vocals add to the unsettling atmosphere, while the song’s lyrics delve into themes of violence, control, and rebellion. “Guillotine” is a track that pushes the boundaries of what rap music can be, blending elements of psychedelia with punk rock and electronic music.
6. Earl Sweatshirt – “Chum”
Earl Sweatshirt is known for his introspective lyrics and laid-back delivery, often exploring themes of mental health, isolation, and self-doubt. “Chum” is one of his standout tracks, with production that leans heavily into ambient and psychedelic influences. The haunting piano loop and subtle drum patterns create a melancholy yet hypnotic backdrop for Earl’s introspective lyrics. He explores his own feelings of alienation and the struggles of growing up, while the psychedelic elements of the track add to the introspective and otherworldly feel. “Chum” is a deep, reflective song that captures the essence of psychedelic rap’s ability to evoke complex emotions.
7. Vince Staples – “Big Fish”
Vince Staples is an artist known for his sharp social commentary and ability to blend different styles within hip-hop. “Big Fish” is a standout track that uses psychedelic influences to enhance the song’s exploration of fame, identity, and self-worth. The production is atmospheric, with distorted synths and a steady bassline that gives the song a dreamlike, almost surreal quality. Vince Staples’ clear, precise delivery contrasts with the psychedelic nature of the beat, creating a unique balance between clarity and abstraction. “Big Fish” is an example of how psychedelic rap can delve into themes of success and existentialism while maintaining a grounded, accessible vibe.
8. J. Dilla – “Donuts (Intro)”
J. Dilla is one of the most influential producers in hip-hop, known for his ability to sample and manipulate sounds in innovative ways. “Donuts (Intro)” is a track from his instrumental album Donuts, which has been hailed as a masterpiece in the world of psychedelic rap. The song is a short, looping instrumental that features a blend of soulful samples and distorted, otherworldly sounds. The track’s hypnotic rhythm and surreal atmosphere make it a perfect example of how instrumental psychedelic rap can evoke a sense of movement and change without needing lyrics. J. Dilla’s mastery of production is on full display here, creating a track that feels both timeless and ahead of its time.
9. Flatbush Zombies – “Palm Trees”
Flatbush Zombies is a Brooklyn-based rap group known for their dark, psychedelic approach to hip-hop. “Palm Trees” is a standout track from their catalog, featuring lush, atmospheric production that combines psychedelic synths with a steady, infectious beat. The group’s verses are filled with vivid, surreal imagery, ranging from references to nature to reflections on the human experience. The track has a laid-back vibe but maintains a sense of intensity through its unique blend of smooth vocals and trippy beats. “Palm Trees” is a perfect introduction to Flatbush Zombies’ ability to mix psychedelic themes with hard-hitting rap flows.
10. Jay Electronica – “Exhibit C”
Jay Electronica’s “Exhibit C” is a track that blends traditional hip-hop with psychedelic influences to create a mesmerizing sound. The song’s production is lush and expansive, with swirling strings and deep bass that create a sense of space and atmosphere. Jay Electronica’s lyrics are filled with esoteric references and complex wordplay, offering both spiritual and political commentary. The track’s expansive sound and introspective lyrics give it a psychedelic quality, as if the listener is on a journey through both the mind and the world. “Exhibit C” is a prime example of how psychedelic rap can transcend traditional boundaries and offer a deeper level of engagement.
See Also: What Is the Techno Rap?
Conclusion
Psychedelic rap is one of the most innovative subgenres in hip-hop today, blending the surreal, mind-bending elements of psychedelia with the sharp, lyrical prowess of rap. From the ethereal beats of Kid Cudi to the abrasive sounds of Death Grips, psychedelic rap offers a diverse and experimental listening experience. These artists and their standout tracks demonstrate the genre’s ability to push boundaries, explore new musical landscapes, and create deep, introspective works of art. Whether through distorted sounds, complex lyricism, or abstract production, psychedelic rap continues to challenge the status quo and offer something truly unique to listeners. If you’re ready to take a trip through the world of psychedelic rap, these tracks are the perfect starting point.
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