Trap Soul is a genre of music that blends elements from trap, a subgenre of hip-hop, and R&B. Known for its moody and atmospheric beats, emotional lyrics, and smooth melodies, trap soul has become increasingly popular in recent years. Artists like Bryson Tiller, 6lack, and PARTYNEXTDOOR have helped shape the genre into what it is today. In this article, we will take a closer look at what makes trap soul unique, its origins, characteristics, and the artists who have helped define it.
The Origins of Trap Soul
Trap Soul music is a fusion of two very distinct genres: trap and soul/R&B. To understand trap soul, we need to first look at these two genres.
What is Trap Music?
Trap music originated in the Southern United States, particularly in Atlanta, Georgia, in the early 2000s. It is characterized by heavy bass, fast hi-hats, and aggressive, rhythmic beats. Trap music often features lyrics about street life, struggle, and survival. While it was initially a subgenre of hip-hop, trap music has since spread to other areas of popular music, influencing everything from pop to electronic dance music (EDM).
What is Soul and R&B Music?
Soul and R&B (Rhythm and Blues) music have roots in African American musical traditions and are known for their emotional depth and vocal performance. Soul music emerged in the 1950s and 1960s, blending gospel, jazz, and blues influences. R&B, which has evolved over the decades, typically focuses on love, relationships, and emotional expression.
The Birth of Trap Soul
Trap soul emerged in the mid-2010s when artists began blending the atmospheric and emotional elements of R&B with the hard-hitting, gritty production of trap. Bryson Tiller’s debut album Trapsoul (2015) is widely credited with bringing trap soul to mainstream attention. His style combined introspective lyrics, R&B melodies, and trap beats, creating a sound that felt both modern and nostalgic.
Key Characteristics of Trap Soul Music
Trap soul music is known for a few distinct features that set it apart from other genres. Let’s take a look at the main characteristics of this genre.
1. Emotional Lyrics
One of the most defining features of trap soul is the emotional depth of its lyrics. Many trap soul songs focus on themes like love, heartbreak, personal struggle, and vulnerability. These songs often express feelings of longing, loneliness, or regret, which resonate deeply with listeners. Unlike traditional trap, which often centers on wealth and street life, trap soul leans more toward emotional introspection and personal experiences.
2. Slow to Mid-Tempo Beats
Trap soul often uses slow to mid-tempo beats, providing a laid-back atmosphere. While traditional trap music can be fast-paced and intense, trap soul slows things down to create a more contemplative mood.
The beats in trap soul are typically heavy on bass with a subtle, smooth rhythm that lets the vocals take center stage.
3. Use of Trap Beats and Production
Although trap soul leans more into R&B, it still incorporates the signature sound of trap music. The beats are often produced using 808 drums, fast hi-hats, and rolling snares, which are the hallmark of trap music. These production techniques give trap soul its unique combination of smoothness and hardness.
4. R&B-Inspired Vocals
Vocals in trap soul are typically smooth, emotional, and melodic, drawing heavily from R&B traditions. However, they also often feature an auto-tuned or distorted quality, which adds a modern and experimental edge. This use of auto-tune helps to create an ethereal or atmospheric feel, enhancing the moody vibe of the genre.
5. Atmospheric Instrumentals
Trap soul songs often feature atmospheric, ambient instrumentals.
The production emphasizes space and reverb, creating a soundscape that feels both expansive and intimate. This atmosphere is what gives trap soul its dreamy quality and helps to evoke a sense of introspection.
Popular Trap Soul Artists
Many artists have played significant roles in popularizing trap soul music. Here are a few key figures in the genre:
1. Bryson Tiller
Bryson Tiller is often considered the pioneer of trap soul music. His debut album Trapsoul (2015) showcased his unique ability to blend emotional R&B vocals with trap-style production. Songs like “Don’t” and “Exchange” are quintessential examples of trap soul, with their introspective lyrics and mellow, trap-influenced beats.
2. 6lack
6lack (pronounced “Black”) is another artist closely associated with the trap soul genre. Known for his moody, atmospheric sound, 6lack’s music often delves into themes of love, heartbreak, and self-reflection.
His 2016 album Free 6lack features a mix of trap beats and soulful melodies, making him one of the leading voices in trap soul.
3. PARTYNEXTDOOR
PARTYNEXTDOOR, signed to Drake’s OVO Sound label, has also played a major role in the evolution of trap soul. His music blends trap-inspired beats with emotionally-charged R&B vocals. He is known for his ability to capture a feeling of vulnerability and emotional complexity, which has made him a key figure in both R&B and trap soul.
4. SZA
While SZA is primarily known as an R&B artist, her music often incorporates trap soul elements. Her album Ctrl (2017) blends experimental production with deeply personal lyrics, and her ability to seamlessly mix trap rhythms with soulful melodies has made her a popular figure within the genre.
The Influence of Trap Soul on Other Genres
Trap soul has not only influenced R&B but also other genres, particularly pop and hip-hop. Many mainstream artists have begun to incorporate elements of trap soul into their music. For instance, Drake has often blended trap soul with his signature style, as heard in songs like “Hotline Bling” and “Marvins Room.” The influence of trap soul can also be heard in pop music, with artists like The Weeknd and Khalid borrowing elements of the genre in their work.
Trap Soul and Pop Music
As pop music continues to evolve, many pop artists have embraced the trap soul sound, incorporating its emotional depth and atmospheric beats into their tracks. The genre’s ability to blend the worlds of hip-hop and R&B has made it particularly appealing to a wide range of listeners, helping it break into the mainstream.
Trap Soul and Hip-Hop
Trap soul has also had a significant impact on hip-hop. Many trap artists now use R&B-inspired melodies in their songs, while R&B artists increasingly adopt the hard-hitting production of trap. This blending of genres has led to a more fluid and dynamic music scene where boundaries between genres are more blurred than ever.
Conclusion
Trap soul is a genre that fuses the emotional intensity of R&B with the hard-hitting, bass-heavy beats of trap music. It is characterized by introspective lyrics, smooth vocals, and atmospheric production that creates a dream-like atmosphere. Artists like Bryson Tiller, 6lack, and PARTYNEXTDOOR have helped define the genre, and its influence continues to grow across both R&B and pop music. As more artists embrace this unique blend of sounds, trap soul is sure to remain a prominent force in contemporary music for years to come.
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