Cloud Rap

The proliferation of streaming services has given rise to a more diversified music scene, which has brought about various genres and sub-genres. One of the most fascinating of these is cloud rap, a sub-genre that is rooted in hip-hop. Although relatively new and obscure compared to other genres, it has gradually manifested itself as a unique and expressive part of the music world. Cloud rap, as its name suggests, is a style of hip-hop music that features ethereal beats and heavy use of reverb. The genre is characterized by its otherworldly atmosphere and dreamy soundscapes, with lyrics often revolving around themes such as drug use, millennial angst, and emotional vulnerability. It is important to note that cloud rap is not just a musical genre, but also a cultural movement that embodies its sensibilities in fashion and lifestyle. Cloud rap emerged in the 2010s and was initially associated with the internet-based underground music scene. Its roots can be traced back to a group of experimental hip-hop artists in the mid-2000s who were experimenting with new sounds and ways of delivering rhyming lyrics. These included artists like Lil B, Clams Casino, SpaceGhostPurrp, and Main Attrakionz. Lil B, in particular, is considered a pioneer of cloud rap. With his use of off-kilter beats, lo-fi production techniques, and bizarre lyrics, Lil B developed a cult following on social media and became a major influence on the emerging style. Clams Casino, on the other hand, gained recognition for crafting beats with samples that were flipped in unorthodox ways, applying a dream-like quality to his music that was an inspiration to cloud rap producers. Cloud rap quickly gained a following in underground music communities and became an influential part of the new school of hip-hop. Online platforms like SoundCloud were essential in the early development of the genre, giving an opportunity for independent artists to reach a global audience that was passionate about experimental sounds. Production techniques like chopped and screwed slowed down and distorted sample-based beats and lingered heavily in cloud rap, further contributing to a unique sound that stood out from the mainstream hip-hop landscape. Enthusiasm for cloud rap continued to grow over the years, with artists like A$AP Rocky, Yung Lean, and Travis Scott being some of the notable figures in cloud rap. These artists brought the genre to a broader audience by incorporating it in their music and style, thus helping the genre evolve and gain new connections with other related genres. Cloud rap has evolved into a scene that continues to attract new producers and artists each year, creating new opportunities for experimentation. The genre has become more polished, with contemporary producers using sleek production techniques, more sophisticated synthesizers, and eclectic sampling to create soundscapes that are unique. Its future is promising, with the genre drawing in a more diverse audience and artists pushing the envelope of what constitutes as cloud rap.

Yung Lean: A Sweden-based artist is considered the pioneer of cloud rap. He earned worldwide recognition after his debut single “Ginseng Strip 2002” went viral. His music is known for introspective lyrics, melancholic beats, and references to Japanese culture. Lil Peep: He blended emo rock and hip-hop to create a unique sound which came to be known as emo trap or cloud rap. He became popular with his mixtape “Hellboy” and addressed topics such as depression, anxiety, and addiction in his music. Playboi Carti: Carti’s music is characterized by his mumbled lyrical delivery, ethereal beats, and repetitive hooks. He rose to fame with his singles “Magnolia” and “Wokeuplikethis*” and has since then become a prominent figure in the cloud rap scene. Bladee: He is a Swedish rapper, singer, and songwriter. Like Yung Lean, he is part of the Drain Gang and his music is known for its emotional lyrics, heavy use of autotune, and futuristic beats. Spooky Black: This American artist was one of the first artists to associate with the term "cloud rap". His music is characterized by slow, hazy beats, and soft lyrical delivery. He released his debut EP “Leaving” in 2014. Bones: Known for his raspy voice, Bones has been active in the cloud rap scene since 2012. His music is a blend of trap, metal, and grunge, characterized by heavy bass and dark, moody soundscapes. Lil Tracy: Tracy is known for his punk-inspired aesthetic and lyrics that focus on themes such as heartbreak, drug addiction and mental health. He was one of Lil Peep's closest collaborators and gained popularity with songs like “Like a Farmer” and “Heart”. $uicideboy$: This New Orleans-based duo is known for their horror-influenced lyrics, dark beats, and versatile rap flows. Their music blends elements of trap, metal, and punk, and has attracted a cult following. Wicca Phase Springs Eternal: He is considered one of the pioneers of emo trap and cloud rap. His music often deals with themes of heartbreak, loss, and addiction, and is characterized by ethereal beats and introspective lyrics. 6 dogs: A promising young talent from Atlanta, 6 dogs was one of the fastest-rising stars in the cloud rap scene until his untimely death in 2021. His music was known for its introspective lyrics, catchy hooks, and futuristic production.

1. Vices by Lil Ugly Mane 2. Kyoto by Yung Lean 3. Teleport 2 Me, Jamie by Kid Cudi & WZRD 4. Yung God by Yung Lean 5. Cloud 9 by Lil Ugly Mane 6. Yung Lean - Ginseng Strip 2002 7. Heltai - Mariners Apartment Complex (Cover) 8. Love Scars by Trippie Redd 9. Actavis by Clams Casino ft. ASAP Rocky 10. Blades by Crystal Castles ft. Grimes 11. Chirpin by Lil Skies 12. 4AM by 2 Chainz ft. Travis Scott 13. Life by Lucki 14. Yung Lean - Leanworld 15. A$AP Rocky - Canal St. 16. You Reposted In The Wrong Neighborhood by SHOKK奇酷 17. Warpaint by Jez Dior ft. Sizzy Rocket 18. Tip Toe by GoldLink ft. Masego 19. Hold Steady by Lil Peep ft. Cold Hart 20. Hellboy by Lil Peep 21. IDK About You by Fever Ray 22. Lil Peep - Save That Shit 23. XOXO by Lil Peep ft. yunggoth 24. GHOSTEBRAINE X BLVC SVND - STATV 25. Ballerina by FKA twigs

Several books have been written on the subject of Cloud Rap, which provide unique perspectives and insights into the genre. One such book is 'Cloud Rap: The Emergence of Trillwave' by Mark J. Butler, which explores the cultural, social, and economic factors that led to the emergence of Cloud Rap. Butler argues that the genre reflects the changing landscape of the music industry, where artists are turning to the internet to reach new audiences and connect with fans in a more personal way. He also suggests that the dreamy and introspective qualities of Cloud Rap reflect a broader cultural shift towards individualism and self-expression. Another book that touches on Cloud Rap is 'The Rap Year Book: The Most Important Rap Song From Every Year Since 1979, Discussed, Debated, and Deconstructed' by Shea Serrano. Serrano includes an entry on Lil B's 'I'm God' (2011), a song that is often credited as a defining moment in the development of Cloud Rap. Serrano praises Lil B's "angelic" vocals and describes the track as "beautiful and haunting, like a dream that you don't want to wake up from". He also notes the impact that Lil B had on the genre, saying, "The success of 'I'm God' was further proof that you can bend rap music to your will if you believe in yourself enough". Notable figures in the music industry have also discussed Cloud Rap and its impact on hip hop. In an interview with Complex, rapper and producer Metro Boomin discussed the influence of Cloud Rap on his own work. He stated, "I think people like Lil B and Clams Casino created this new little world, where you can rap slower and set a mood". Metro Boomin also credited Cloud Rap with creating a new lane for producers to explore, saying, "It's the kind of production that you can do a lot with, because it's not too fast or too slow. It just sets a vibe". In a 2011 interview with The Fader, rapper A$AP Rocky spoke about the similarities between Cloud Rap and the music of Kanye West. He said, "I see how people compare it to Kanye's 808s & Heartbreak, because he was using a lot of Auto-Tune and singing. That's kind of what we did with a little bit more of a hard edge to it". A$AP Rocky's blend of Cloud Rap and traditional hip hop has helped to popularize the genre, and he has since become one of its most recognizable figures.

The social context of cloud rap can be traced back to the early 2000s, when artists such as Lil Wayne and Kid Cudi started experimenting with more unconventional approaches to rap music. They challenged the traditional notions of masculinity and bravado that were prevalent in the genre, instead opting for a more vulnerable and introspective style that explored themes such as mental health and drug use. This approach resonated with a generation of listeners who were grappling with similar issues, and it paved the way for cloud rap to gain a foothold in the mainstream. The rise of social media and streaming platforms also played a crucial role in the development of cloud rap. Artists such as Lil Peep and XXXTentacion gained a massive following on SoundCloud, using the platform to share their music with a wider audience. SoundCloud's algorithmic recommendation system, which suggests similar artists to users based on their listening history, helped to create a sense of community around these artists and fostered a culture of DIY experimentation. This sense of community was further reinforced by the use of hashtags, which allowed fans to connect with each other and share their favorite tracks. Another important factor in the emergence of cloud rap was the growing influence of trap music, a sub-genre of hip-hop that originated in the southern United States in the 1990s. Trap music is characterized by its heavy use of 808s (an electronic drum machine) and aggressive lyrics about drug dealing and violence. Cloud rap artists borrowed elements from trap music, such as its use of atmospheric production and blunt lyrics, but slowed down the tempo and added more introspective themes to create a distinct sound. Record labels such as Awful Records and GothBoiClique were at the forefront of the cloud rap movement, helping to popularize the genre through their innovative marketing strategies and talent scouting. Awful Records, founded by Atlanta rapper Father, was particularly influential in promoting cloud rap artists such as Playboi Carti and Abra. The label's DIY ethos and focus on community building resonated with cloud rap's DIY origins, and its success helped to solidify the genre's place in the mainstream. Journalists also played a significant role in the development of cloud rap, helping to raise awareness of the genre through their writing and reporting. Music publications such as Pitchfork and The Fader were early champions of cloud rap, running articles and reviews about artists such as Lil B and Lil Peep. These publications helped to shape the narrative around cloud rap, positioning it as a genre that was in touch with the concerns and anxieties of young people.