EDM Trap

EDM Trap or simply Trap is a musical genre that originated in the southern regions of the United States, mostly Atlanta, Georgia. Originated in the late 2000s, this genre combines elements of hip hop, EDM, and dubstep music to create a unique sound that has gained global recognition in recent years. The origins of Trap music can be traced back to the drug culture in Atlanta during the 1990s and early 2000s. Atlanta’s underground music scene of that era was known for its heavy bass lines, synthesizers, and drum machines. The genre was also heavily influenced by Southern hip-hop, known for its slow and hard-hitting beats. The name “Trap” itself refers to the drug houses in Atlanta where drugs were sold, and the area surrounding it was known as the “Trap”. The early pioneers of Trap music included producers and DJs such as T.I, Young Jeezy, and Gucci Mane who brought a unique style of rapping that featured gritty lyrics and the use of trap drums and 808s, creating a dark and ominous atmosphere that became a signature sound of the genre. In 2010, Trap music went mainstream with the release of songs like “BMF” by Rick Ross, and “Hard in the Paint” by Waka Flocka Flame, showcasing the genre’s power in the mainstream. Around the same time, producers such as Lex Luger, Drumma Boy, and DJ Toomp were evolving the genre by incorporating electronic music elements. The main difference between EDM Trap and its predecessor was the heavy focus on electronic and EDM styles, with the genre adopting high bpm and an electro edge. By the mid-2010s, EDM Trap had gained widespread popularity, with DJs such as Flosstradamus, RL Grime, and Major Lazer incorporating trap music into their sets. Artists like Diplo, Skrillex, and Zeds Dead have also played a significant role in the development of the genre as they have adopted trap elements into their own productions, creating a new genre known as “EDM Trap.” Not only that, but rappers such as Travis Scott, Migos, and Lil Uzi Vert have continued to push the boundaries of trap music, incorporating more diverse musical styles including pop, rock, and even gospel. They have expanded the audience for the genre beyond what was thought possible and introduced hordes of new listeners to its unique sound. Today, EDM Trap is one of the most popular genres amongst the electronic dance music fans, regularly dominating festival lineups and club music playlists. What began as a movement in the underground rap scene in Atlanta has now become a genre that continues to evolve and grow, consistently breaking down musical boundaries and pushing the limits of what is possible in production.

RL Grime: Widely regarded as the pioneer of the EDM trap subgenre, RL Grime (real name Henry Steinway) has been at the forefront of the scene since his breakout hit "Mercy" in 2012. He has continued to dominate the genre with his unique productions and electrifying live performances. Baauer: Another early adopter of the genre, Baauer (real name Harry Rodrigues) rose to fame with his viral hit "Harlem Shake" in 2013. Since then, he has consistently released innovative and genre-pushing tracks that continue to shape the sound of EDM trap. Flosstradamus: Duo Flosstradamus (J2K and Autobot) have been influential in bringing trap to the mainstream, collaborating with hip-hop heavyweights such as Waka Flocka Flame and A$AP Rocky. Their heavy drops and energetic live shows have made them a staple in the scene. TroyBoi: Known for his infusion of international sounds and hard-hitting beats, TroyBoi (real name Troy Henry) has been steadily gaining popularity in the EDM trap scene. His collaborations with artists like Diplo and icekream have further cemented his place as an innovator in the genre. Slander: The duo of Derek Andersen and Scott Land has been gaining traction in the EDM trap scene with their high-energy drops and emotional melodies. They have collaborated with artists such as YOOKiE and NGHTMRE, and have started their own label, Gud Vibrations. NGHTMRE: A frequent collaborator with Slander, Tyler Marenyi (aka NGHTMRE) has become a force to be reckoned with in the EDM trap scene. His hard-hitting tracks and innovative sound design have earned him recognition from industry heavyweights like Diplo and Skrillex. Boombox Cartel: The duo of Americo Garcia and Jorge Medina have been making waves in the scene with their unique blend of trap and Latin-infused sounds. Their energetic live performances and innovative productions have solidified them as a rising star in the genre. Hucci: The UK-based producer Hucci (real name Ollie O'Neill) has been pushing the boundaries of the genre with his experimental productions. With inspirations that range from classical music to trap, Hucci's music is a testament to the diversity of the EDM trap sound. QUIX: The New Zealand producer QUIX (real name Jono Schnell) has been gaining popularity in the scene with his mix of trap and future bass. His energetic drops and innovative sound design have made him a sought-after collaborator, working with artists like Alison Wonderland and Diplo. UZ: The enigmatic producer UZ has been a key player in the genre since its early days. With a sound that overlaps with hip-hop and bass music, UZ has collaborated with a range of artists including T-Pain and Aazar, and has continued to push the boundaries of the genre with his innovative productions.

1. "Turn Down for What" - DJ Snake & Lil Jon 2. "Goosebumps" - Travis Scott ft. Kendrick Lamar 3. "Don't Let Me Down" - The Chainsmokers ft. Daya 4. "Bodak Yellow" - Cardi B 5. "Harlem Shake" - Baauer 6. "Love Sosa" - Chief Keef 7. "Alone" - Marshmello 8. "Pop That" - French Montana ft. Rick Ross, Drake, & Lil Wayne 9. "Thotiana" - Blueface 10. "Mercy" - Kanye West ft. Big Sean, Pusha T, & 2 Chainz 11. "Toulouse" - Nicky Romero 12. "Clarity" - Zedd ft. Foxes 13. "Original Don" - Major Lazer ft. The Partysquad 14. "Purple Lamborghini" - Skrillex & Rick Ross 15. "Heads Will Roll" - Yeah Yeah Yeahs (A-Trak Remix) 16. "Chop Suey!" - System of a Down (Sullivan King Remix) 17. "Jungle Bae" - Jack Ü ft. Bunji Garlin 18. "Gas Pedal" - Sage the Gemini ft. IamSu 19. "Scary Monsters and Nice Sprites" - Skrillex 20. "Selfish" - Future ft. Rihanna 21. "I'm Different" - 2 Chainz 22. "Get Free" - Major Lazer ft. Amber 23. "Satisfaction" - Benny Benassi 24. "Habits (Stay High)" - Tove Lo (Hippie Sabotage Remix) 25. "No Type" - Rae Sremmurd

In the book Trap Music: A Guide to the Genre, its Subgenres & Top Artists, author Charles Wittmer describes EDM Trap as a highly adaptive genre. According to Wittmer, the unique characteristic of this genre is its ability to infuse the unique beats and soundscapes of trap music with the high-energy, explosive drops and driving rhythms of EDM. He writes, "EDM Trap is all about energy, drops, and bass. It is meant to generate a sensory overload, pushing listeners to let go of their inhibitions and just move to the beat." Another notable author who has shared his thoughts on the subject is Ryan Hageman, who wrote the book A New Trap: EDM Trap and Its Influence on the Electronic Music Scene. Hageman views EDM Trap as a genre that has taken the best elements from both trap music and EDM, resulting in an explosive, high-energy, and highly danceable sound. He notes that EDM Trap has introduced a new level of energy and excitement to contemporary trap by incorporating the explosive rhythms of EDM into its soundscapes. EDM Trap has also been subject to scrutiny by music critics, with some describing it as derivative or lacking in originality. In his review of the genre, music critic Sander Bieleveldt describes it as "an over-the-top, often chaotic genre that relies too heavily on the use of bass and drops to be taken seriously." He further adds that while some tracks may be enjoyable in the context of a live performance or high-energy dance party, the genre as a whole lacks the depth and variety of other sub-genres within EDM. Despite the mixed reviews from critics, EDM Trap has received increasing attention from mainstream artists and producers. Notable EDM Trap tracks, such as "Tsunami" by DVBBS and Borgeous, and "Watch Me" by Silento have topped charts and become widely popular among audiences worldwide. As popular DJ Diplo noted in a 2014 interview with Billboard, "EDM Trap has become a staple of the dance music scene. It's a genre that has managed to evolve and adapt over time, and it shows no signs of slowing down anytime soon."

One of the key social and cultural factors that contributed to the emergence of EDM Trap was the changing relationship between hip-hop music and electronic dance music culture. In the early 2000s, hip-hop and electronic dance music were seen as two distinct genres, with distinct styles and audiences. However, over time, electronic dance music started to incorporate elements from hip-hop music, and vice-versa. This convergence was driven by a number of factors, including the increased influence of hip-hop culture on mainstream society, the rise of social media, and the growing popularity of electronic dance music festivals. Another important factor that contributed to the rise of EDM Trap was the emergence of new technology that made it easier than ever to create and distribute music. In the early 2010s, more and more producers were using digital audio workstations (DAWs) to create complex, layered tracks, and the internet was making it easier than ever to reach a global audience. As a result, budding producers were able to experiment with new styles and sounds, and share them with the world in a matter of minutes. Notable record labels such as 808 Mafia and Quality Control Music also played a key role in shaping the sound and style of EDM Trap. These labels were founded by producers who sought to create a new sound that blended hip-hop and electronic dance music, and they were instrumental in promoting up-and-coming artists who were pushing the boundaries of the genre. They helped to create a network of producers and musicians who collaborated and shared their work, further driving the growth of the scene. Journalistic figures such as Andrew Barber of Fake Shore Drive and No Jumper's Adam22 were also instrumental in driving the popularity of EDM Trap. They provided a platform for up-and-coming artists to showcase their work, and helped to raise the profile of the genre through interviews, reviews, and live shows. They were also able to identify emerging trends within the scene, and played a key role in shaping the narrative around the genre. The social, cultural, and technological context in which EDM Trap emerged continues to shape the genre today. As technology continues to evolve, new tools and platforms are opening up new possibilities for producers and artists to create and distribute their work. Social and cultural factors such as the influence of hip-hop culture, the rise of social media, and the popularity of electronic dance music festivals continue to shape the way that people engage with the genre.