Trap rap has become one of the most dominant subgenres in hip hop today, with its hard-hitting beats and gritty, street-centric lyrics. However, the roots of trap rap can be traced back to the 1990s, a decade where the foundation for many modern hip hop styles was laid. Though trap rap’s rise to prominence didn’t truly take off until the 2000s, the seeds for this genre were planted during the 1990s. Pioneering artists began to experiment with the heavy bass lines, dark, atmospheric production, and aggressive flow that would define trap music in the years to come. In this article, we’ll explore some of the most influential 90s trap rap artists who helped shape the sound and style of modern trap music.
The 11 Most Popular 90s Trap Rap Artists Revealed
1. 8Ball & MJG
8Ball & MJG, hailing from Memphis, Tennessee, are often considered one of the key pioneers of Southern hip hop, and their influence on trap rap cannot be overstated. Their 1993 album Comin’ Out Hard is regarded as one of the first truly trap-influenced albums, featuring hard-hitting beats, dark, moody atmospheres, and lyrics that focused heavily on street life, drugs, and the struggle for survival. “Space Age Pimpin’,” one of their signature tracks, set the tone for their career, blending a funky yet ominous beat with street narratives that would later become staples of the trap genre. The duo’s slow, deliberate flow and gritty storytelling would influence countless artists in the years that followed.
2. UGK (Underground Kingz)
UGK, consisting of Bun B and Pimp C, is one of the most influential groups in the Southern rap scene. They were one of the first to incorporate trap-like beats into their music, starting with their 1992 debut album Too Hard to Swallow. Tracks like “Murder” and “Pocket Full of Stones” were some of the earliest examples of trap music, with their dark, bass-heavy beats and street tales filled with drug deals and hustle culture. UGK’s influence on trap rap is undeniable, as they helped create a blueprint that many modern trap artists still follow today. Their signature style, combining pimp culture with gritty street narratives, laid the groundwork for future trap pioneers.
3. Three 6 Mafia
Formed in Memphis in the early 1990s, Three 6 Mafia was one of the most influential groups in the development of Southern hip hop and trap rap. Their 1995 album Mystic Stylez is often considered a cornerstone of early trap music, with its haunting, eerie production and aggressive lyrics. The group’s use of horrorcore elements mixed with the traditional themes of drug dealing, violence, and street life helped define a new wave of rap that would influence countless artists. Tracks like “Tear Da Club Up” and “Who Run It” were anthems in the 90s underground rap scene, and Three 6 Mafia’s sinister, bass-heavy beats and dark atmospheres would later become a defining characteristic of trap music.
4. Master P
Master P, the founder of No Limit Records, was a key figure in shaping the sound of Southern hip hop and trap music in the 90s. His 1995 album Ice Cream Man introduced the world to his unique style, which combined slick production with hardcore street narratives. The album’s standout track, “Mr. Ice Cream Man,” mixed smooth melodies with tales of selling drugs, hustling, and survival. Master P’s use of low-end bass and grimy, minimalist beats paved the way for many of the trap beats we hear today. His entrepreneurial spirit, along with his gritty, no-nonsense approach to rap, made him a household name and a vital figure in the trap rap movement.
5. Scarface
Scarface, a member of the Geto Boys, is widely regarded as one of the greatest rappers of all time, and his influence on trap music is undeniable. His 1994 album The Diary is a seminal work that showcases his masterful storytelling and the dark, atmospheric production that would later characterize trap rap. Songs like “Mind Playing Tricks on Me” and “I Seen a Man Die” are filled with vivid depictions of street life, mental struggles, and the harsh realities of the world Scarface inhabited. His deep, brooding delivery and introspective lyrics set a high standard for trap rappers, making him one of the genre’s most important figures in the 90s.
6. Lil Jon
Lil Jon, often credited as the “King of Crunk,” was one of the earliest artists to infuse trap music with an energetic, club-driven vibe. Although his 1997 debut album Get Crunk, Who You Wit? didn’t reach the commercial heights of his later works, it helped lay the groundwork for the explosive rise of crunk music and trap’s eventual takeover of mainstream rap. Lil Jon’s tracks like “Bia Bia” and “Get Low” became anthems in Southern clubs, thanks to their infectious beats and hyped-up energy. His use of high-energy production, catchy ad-libs, and a focus on party culture would influence the sound of modern trap, blending street narratives with a heavy dose of club appeal.
7. C-Murder
C-Murder, brother of Master P and a key figure in the No Limit roster, was an influential artist in the development of trap rap. His 1998 album Life or Death featured several tracks that embodied the hard-edged, bass-heavy style of trap music, with lyrics focused on the streets, hustling, and the consequences of living a dangerous life. “Down for My Niggaz” became one of his standout tracks, combining aggressive delivery with deep, brooding beats. C-Murder’s raw and unapologetic approach to lyricism, combined with his affiliation with the No Limit empire, helped bring trap to the forefront of Southern rap during the 90s.
8. Geto Boys
The Geto Boys, hailing from Houston, Texas, were pioneers in the Southern hip hop scene, and their influence on trap rap is enormous. Their 1991 album We Can’t Be Stopped featured gritty, raw production and vivid storytelling about street life, violence, and survival. Tracks like “Mind Playing Tricks on Me” were some of the first to incorporate the haunting, atmospheric beats that would later be seen in trap music. The Geto Boys’ ability to paint vivid pictures of the harsh realities of life in the streets set the stage for trap artists who would follow in their footsteps, particularly in the way they blended dark, eerie beats with intense, confessional lyrics.
9. Goodie Mob
Goodie Mob, a group consisting of CeeLo Green, Khujo, T-Mo, and Big Gipp, was another influential force in Southern rap during the 90s. Their 1995 album Soul Food showcased their ability to blend socially conscious lyrics with gritty, trap-inspired beats. Songs like “Cell Therapy” and “Thought Process” had a unique blend of soulful melodies and bass-heavy production, which would later become staples in the trap music scene. Goodie Mob’s ability to mix real-life struggles with deeper, thought-provoking commentary on society helped set them apart from other 90s rap groups and laid the foundation for the socially aware trap rap that would emerge in the years to come.
10. Da Brat
Da Brat, one of the most prominent female rappers of the 90s, played a significant role in bringing trap elements to mainstream hip hop. Her 1994 debut album Funkdafied featured tracks with heavy bass and a raw, unfiltered delivery that foreshadowed the trap movement. “Funkdafied,” her breakout single, is filled with bass-heavy beats and street-oriented lyrics, representing the early days of Southern rap that would later evolve into the trap sound. Da Brat’s aggressive style and ability to mix her unique flow with trap elements in her music made her one of the key players in introducing the genre to a wider audience.
11. T.I. (the King of the South)
Though T.I.’s biggest commercial success came in the 2000s, his roots in the 90s rap scene are essential in understanding the evolution of trap music. His early mixtapes, particularly I’m Serious (2001), show how T.I. developed the trap sound, though his career truly blossomed after the 90s. His ability to tell compelling street stories over hard-hitting beats, combined with his smooth delivery, positioned him as one of the key figures in shaping the trap genre. While T.I.’s major impact came in the 2000s, it is clear that his style was influenced by 90s trap pioneers, making him a crucial bridge to the next generation of trap artists.
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Conclusion
The 90s were an incredibly formative decade for hip hop, and trap music as we know it today wouldn’t exist without the contributions of the artists from this period. From 8Ball & MJG’s street-oriented tales to Three 6 Mafia’s dark, bass-heavy production, the 90s laid the groundwork for the rise of trap in the 2000s and beyond. These artists helped define the sound, style, and culture of trap rap, and their influence is still felt today in the music of artists such as Future, Migos, and Lil Uzi Vert. The evolution of trap music is a testament to the innovative spirit of these pioneers and their ability to create music that reflects the struggles, dreams, and realities of their world.
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