SoundCloud Rap is a subgenre of hip-hop that has gained significant attention and influence over the past decade. It’s characterized by its raw, unpolished sound, often blending elements of traditional rap, emo, punk, and electronic music. While SoundCloud rap isn’t a formal genre with strict rules, it has created a unique space for artists to experiment with new sounds, ideas, and expressions. Many of the genre’s key players initially gained popularity through the music streaming platform SoundCloud, which allowed them to bypass traditional industry gatekeepers and directly reach a global audience.
In this article, we’ll dive deep into the world of SoundCloud rap, exploring its origins, evolution, key artists, and the cultural impact it has had on modern music.
Origins of SoundCloud Rap
The Rise of SoundCloud
SoundCloud is a music streaming platform that was launched in 2008, allowing artists to upload and share their music with the world for free. Unlike other platforms that required professional labels or distribution companies, SoundCloud gave independent artists an opportunity to share their music directly with their audience. This democratization of music distribution played a crucial role in the birth of SoundCloud rap.
Around 2012, a new wave of artists began using SoundCloud to release their tracks. These artists were different from mainstream rappers, as they embraced experimental production, unfiltered lyrics, and a more intimate, DIY approach to their music. Many of these early SoundCloud rappers were teenagers who had little to no access to major studios, but they were able to make music at home with basic equipment and upload it to SoundCloud for a global audience.
The Influence of Other Genres
SoundCloud rap didn’t develop in isolation; it was influenced by multiple genres and subcultures. The genre borrows elements from hip-hop, trap, punk rock, emo, and electronic music. In particular, the heavy use of distorted 808s, lo-fi beats, and melancholic melodies became defining characteristics of SoundCloud rap. Many of the artists in the genre draw on themes of emotional vulnerability, mental health struggles, and personal turmoil—topics that are often explored in emo and punk music.
In terms of hip-hop, SoundCloud rap is closely related to the trap subgenre, which emerged in the early 2010s. The trap influence can be heard in the heavy bass, hi-hats, and aggressive delivery of many SoundCloud rappers. However, what sets SoundCloud rap apart is its experimental nature and willingness to break from traditional rap formulas.
Key Artists and Their Impact
Lil Uzi Vert
One of the most successful and influential figures in SoundCloud rap is Lil Uzi Vert. Born Symere Woods in 1994, Uzi first gained traction on SoundCloud with his mixtapes Luv Is Rage (2015) and Lil Uzi Vert vs. the World (2016). His blend of catchy hooks, emotional lyrics, and melodic flow helped him stand out in the SoundCloud rap scene.
Uzi’s music combines elements of trap and emo rap, often dealing with themes of love, pain, and self-discovery. His music’s catchy, hook-driven style helped him build a massive following on SoundCloud, eventually leading to mainstream success. Uzi has since become a pop culture icon, influencing the way hip-hop and pop music are made today.
XXXTentacion
Another major figure in SoundCloud rap was XXXTentacion, whose music pushed the boundaries of what rap could sound like. Born Jahseh Dwayne Ricardo Onfroy in 1998, XXXTentacion started gaining attention with his raw, emotionally charged tracks on SoundCloud. His music blended elements of hip-hop, rock, punk, and even acoustic genres, which helped him appeal to a wide audience.
XXXTentacion’s themes were often dark and introspective, exploring subjects like depression, suicide, and heartbreak. His 2017 album 17 featured a softer, more introspective side, showcasing his versatility as an artist. XXXTentacion’s tragic death in 2018 only amplified his influence in the SoundCloud rap community, leaving a lasting legacy on the genre.
Lil Peep
Lil Peep was another key figure in the rise of SoundCloud rap. Born Gustav Elijah Åhr in 1996, Lil Peep blended emo rock with trap and rap, creating a style that resonated with fans of both genres. His music, characterized by melancholic melodies and introspective lyrics, often explored themes of sadness, drug use, and mental health.
Lil Peep’s debut mixtape, Lil Peep Part One (2015), gained significant attention on SoundCloud. His 2017 album Come Over When You’re Sober, Pt. 1 marked his commercial breakthrough. Tragically, Lil Peep passed away from a drug overdose in 2017, but his impact on SoundCloud rap remains strong. His fusion of genres paved the way for other artists to experiment with blending rap, punk, and emo elements.
Juice WRLD
Juice WRLD (Jarad Higgins), who gained prominence in 2018, is often associated with the rise of emo rap within the SoundCloud rap scene. His music, filled with emotional depth and vulnerability, resonated with listeners who connected to his struggles with mental health and addiction. Juice WRLD’s breakthrough single, “Lucid Dreams,” became a massive hit, propelling him into the mainstream.
Juice WRLD’s music often fused melodic elements with traditional rap flows, making it accessible to both hip-hop and pop audiences. His sudden death in 2019 left a significant void in the SoundCloud rap community, but his legacy continues to inspire new generations of artists.
The Sound of SoundCloud Rap
Characteristics of SoundCloud Rap Music
SoundCloud rap is known for its lo-fi, DIY aesthetic. The production is often minimalist, with heavy use of 808 bass, distorted beats, and atmospheric melodies. The sound is raw, unpolished, and sometimes intentionally rough around the edges. This rawness is part of what makes SoundCloud rap so appealing to its audience, as it feels more authentic and personal compared to polished mainstream productions.
Vocals in SoundCloud rap can vary widely. Some artists deliver their lyrics with rapid-fire flows, while others prefer a more melodic, almost singing style. Many of the vocal performances in SoundCloud rap are intentionally distorted or auto-tuned, giving the tracks a dream-like quality. This manipulation of vocals adds to the genre’s emotional intensity, allowing artists to convey pain, joy, and vulnerability.
Lyrical Themes
Lyrically, SoundCloud rap covers a wide range of topics, but there are a few key themes that dominate the genre. One of the most prominent themes is emotional vulnerability. Many SoundCloud rappers address personal struggles with mental health, including anxiety, depression, and suicidal thoughts. These artists often wear their emotions on their sleeves, making their music feel cathartic and relatable for listeners going through similar experiences.
Another major theme in SoundCloud rap is drug use. Many artists openly discuss their struggles with substance abuse, often romanticizing or reflecting on the effects of drugs like Xanax, lean, and percocets. While drug references are common in many subgenres of rap, SoundCloud rap often features a more personal and raw portrayal of addiction and its impact.
Finally, themes of loneliness, heartbreak, and personal growth are also commonly explored. SoundCloud rappers often tap into their own emotional turmoil, creating music that feels genuine and unfiltered. This confessional style has resonated deeply with fans, particularly younger audiences who relate to the struggles and emotions expressed in the music.
The Cultural Impact of SoundCloud Rap
Democratization of Music
One of the biggest cultural impacts of SoundCloud rap has been the democratization of music. Before platforms like SoundCloud, aspiring artists had to go through traditional channels like record labels or radio stations to get their music heard. SoundCloud removed these barriers, giving independent artists a platform to share their work with the world. This has led to a surge of talent that might have otherwise remained hidden from the mainstream.
By giving artists the ability to self-publish their music, SoundCloud has allowed for more diverse voices and styles to emerge within the rap genre. SoundCloud rap has given rise to a new wave of artists who challenge conventional ideas of what rap music should sound like. This openness to experimentation has had a ripple effect on mainstream hip-hop, influencing how major artists approach production and lyricism.
Shifting the Hip-Hop Landscape
SoundCloud rap has also influenced the way hip-hop is perceived in the mainstream. Traditionally, hip-hop was associated with street culture, hard-hitting beats, and powerful storytelling. While SoundCloud rap maintains elements of traditional hip-hop, it has expanded the genre to include emotional expression, punk rock aesthetics, and elements of pop music.
The rise of SoundCloud rap has also created a shift in how rap is consumed. Platforms like SoundCloud allow for a more casual, instant gratification listening experience. Fans can discover new music more quickly, and artists can upload tracks directly to their followers without waiting for a label to approve their work. This has led to the rapid spread of trends and the fast-paced nature of the genre.
The Controversy Around SoundCloud Rap
Despite its success, SoundCloud rap has also faced criticism. Some argue that the genre lacks substance, with its heavily auto-tuned vocals, repetitive beats, and focus on emotional vulnerability being seen as shallow or formulaic. Critics have also pointed to the glorification of drug use and mental health struggles as problematic, as it may send harmful messages to younger audiences.
Additionally, there have been debates about the authenticity of SoundCloud rap. While many artists in the genre are genuine in their expressions, some critics argue that the genre’s popularity has led to a commodification of sadness, with some artists adopting emotional themes just to capitalize on the trend. Despite these criticisms, SoundCloud rap continues to be a defining force in contemporary music.
Conclusion
SoundCloud rap is more than just a genre—it is a cultural movement that has reshaped the landscape of modern hip-hop. By embracing DIY production, emotional vulnerability, and experimental sounds, it has opened the door for a new generation of artists to make their mark on the world. Whether it’s through the catchy hooks of Lil Uzi Vert, the raw intensity of XXXTentacion, or the melancholy melodies of Lil Peep, SoundCloud rap has given voice to countless young artists who may not have had a chance in the mainstream music industry.
The genre has had a profound impact on both music and culture, breaking down barriers and allowing for more diversity in hip-hop. While SoundCloud rap has faced its fair share of criticism, it remains a driving force in the evolution of contemporary music. With its unfiltered approach to life, love, and struggle, SoundCloud rap is more than just a trend—it’s a movement that continues to shape the future of music.
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