Trapstep

Trapstep is a musical genre that originated in the United States. It is a fusion of Trap music and Dubstep, and it has gained popularity in recent years. Trap music originated from the Southern United States in the early 2000s. It is a sub-genre of Hip Hop and emphasizes on the use of heavy bass and snare drums. Dubstep, on the other hand, is a genre of electronic dance music that originated in the UK in the early 2000s. It emphasizes on the use of wobbly basslines and syncopated rhythms. The merging of these two genres produced a new genre known as Trapstep. The genre first became popular around 2012 when a number of DJs started to incorporate the two genres into their music. Some of the earliest Trapstep tracks include "Spend It" by 2 Chainz and "I Don't Like" by Chief Keef, both featuring Dubstep elements in the beat. One of the most significant contributors to the development of Trapstep is the American DJ and producer, RL Grime. He started producing Trap music around 2011 and eventually began to incorporate Dubstep elements into his tracks. In 2012, RL Grime released his debut EP, "Grapes," which included the popular track "Trap On Acid." This track became a notable example of the emerging Trapstep genre and helped RL Grime to cement his position as one of the pioneers of the genre. Other artists that have contributed to the development of Trapstep include Flosstradamus, Baauer, and Diplo. Flosstradamus's remix of Major Lazer's "Original Don" featured heavy Dubstep basslines and propelled them to fame. Baauer's "Harlem Shake" became a viral sensation in 2013 and saw Trapstep music reaching mainstream audiences. Diplo's 2015 album, "Peace Is the Mission," featured tracks that blurred the lines between Trap, Dubstep, and EDM. Trapstep has evolved from its early days and has become more diverse in recent years. One sub-genre that has emerged from Trapstep is known as "Future Bass." It emphasizes on the use of smooth synths and dreamy melodies while still maintaining the traditional Trapstep percussion. Another sub-genre that emerged from Trapstep is known as "Hybrid Trap." It emphasizes on the use of hard-hitting Dubstep sounds and Trap percussion. In recent years, Trapstep has become a staple in clubs and festivals worldwide. Its popularity is largely due to the energy and hype it brings to the dance floor. The heavy basslines and hard-hitting percussion make it ideal for party music and has influenced other genres like Hip Hop and Pop.

RL Grime: RL Grime, also known as Henry Steinway, is one of the pioneers of trap music. His style combines elements of rap, hip-hop, and electronic dance music, creating a unique sound that is popular among music lovers. Steinway's tracks such as "Core" and "Scylla" have been played at festivals and clubs worldwide. Flosstradamus: Flosstradamus is a DJ duo consisting of Josh Young and Curt Cameruci. The duo is known for its high-energy performances and innovative beats. They have worked with notable artists, such as Lil Jon, Waka Flocka Flame, and Travis Porter. Baauer: Best known for his viral hit "Harlem Shake," Baauer's style blends together eastern and western influences, creating a sound that is both unique and unpredictable. His tracks, such as "GoGo!" and "Temple," are popular among electronic dance music fans. TroyBoi: English DJ and producer TroyBoi has gained popularity for his use of sampled sounds, mixed with trap beats and heavy bass. His tracks, including "Afterhours" and "Do You?", have been played globally in clubs and festivals. UZ: UZ is a French DJ and producer who has been known for his trap music since its inception. His tracks, such as "Trap Shit V13" and "Trap Shit V16," have become staples in the scene. Diplo: Diplo, also known as Thomas Wesley Pentz, is an American DJ and producer who has worked with a variety of artists such as MIA, Justin Bieber, and Beyonce. While Diplo has experimented with multiple genres, his tracks such as "Revolution" and "Biggie Bounce" have contributed to the growth of trapstep. NGHTMRE: NGHTMRE, real name Tyler Marenyi, is an American DJ and producer noted for his unique and complex sound designs, seamlessly blending the worlds of trap and dubstep. His collaborations with artists such as Zeds Dead, Flux Pavillion, and Slander have helped push the genre further. Herobust: A master of synthesis and sound design, Herobust is an American producer who challenges the norms of traditional trap with his creative blending of brass and sub-bass. He is best known for his tracks such as "WTF" and "Barricadence." Alison Wonderland: Originally from Australia, Alison Wonderland has become one of the biggest names in electronic music. Her debut album, Run, featured tracks with prominent international artists such as Lido, Slumberjack, and Djemba Djemba. Her tracks, such as "I Want U" and "Church," have dominated the charts, earning her critical acclaim. GTA: GTA, which stands for Good Times Ahead, is a Miami-based trap duo consisting of Matthew Van Toth and Julio Mejia. The duo has worked with a variety of artists, including Diplo, Tinashe, and Vince Staples. Their tracks, such as "Red Lips," have become synonymous with the trapstep genre.

1. RL Grime - "Core" 2. Flosstradamus - "Mosh Pit" 3. Baauer - "Harlem Shake" 4. Yellow Claw - "DJ Turn It Up" 5. DJ Snake ft. Lil Jon - "Turn Down for What" 6. Diplo ft. Nicky Da B - "Express Yourself" 7. GTA & Diplo - "Boy Oh Boy" 8. UZ - "Trap Shit V16" 9. Brillz & Teddy Tuxedo - "Rvtchet Bitch" 10. TroyBoi ft. NEFERA - "On My Own" 11. Bro Safari & UFO! - "Drama" 12. Major Lazer ft. Busy Signal, The Flexican & FS Green - "Watch Out For This (Bumaye)" 13. TNGHT - "Higher Ground" 14. What So Not - "Jaguar" 15. Hucci - "House Party" 16. G Jones & RL Grime - "In Your Head" 17. Keys N Krates - "Dum Dee Dum" 18. Dillon Francis ft. DJ Snake - "Get Low" 19. Rustie - "Slasher" 20. A$AP Rocky ft. Skrillex & Birdy Nam Nam - "Wild for the Night" 21. Carnage ft. Migos - "Bricks" 22. Baauer - "Day Ones" ft. Novelist & Leikeli47 23. Zeds Dead - "Adrenaline" 24. Flosstradamus ft. Casino - "Mosh Pit" (remix) 25. Hudson Mohawke - "Chimes"

In his book "EDM, Social Media, and the Culture of Sharing," author Ryan Moore praises trapstep's unique sound and its emphasis on high energy and heavy bass. He writes, "Trapstep has successfully combined the loud, heavy, and bass-heavy elements of trap and dubstep with a new level of experimental soundscapes and glitchy sounds." Meanwhile, critics like Simon Reynolds have criticized the genre for its lack of originality, calling it a "lazy combination" of existing sounds. "It's as if dubstep took up with hip-hop and their offspring were introduced to the drum machine," Reynolds writes. "The result was a chugging, grinding, slow-motion movement with none of the unpredictable twists and turns that dubstep had." Critics have also accused trapstep of glorifying a culture of excess and drug use, especially in its lyrics and imagery. In her essay "Shenzen and Back: The Rise of Trap Music," music journalist Jessica Hopper writes that trapstep's popularity is inextricably linked to the drug culture it often portrays. She describes trapstep as "an accident of success," resulting from its use of "Cadillac vox and splashy, violent lyricism, all delivered over squelchy bass tones and staccato hi-hats." Despite criticisms, many people have heralded trapstep as a new and innovative genre of electronic dance music that has taken the world by storm. In a 2016 interview with The Fader, producer TroyBoi spoke about the widespread appeal of trapstep, saying, "The energy that trapstep brings, the rawness of the sound, [it] just hits you right in the stomach and makes you want to move." He also noted that the genre's uniqueness lies in its ability to combine elements of different styles of music, making it accessible to a wider audience. Others, like music blogger Reed Jackson, have praised trapstep for its open-mindedness and inclusivity. In a 2018 article for HYPEBEAST, he wrote, "From Atlanta to Japan, trapstep has become a worldwide movement, attracting a diverse range of artists and fans who share a passion for exploring the limits of electronic music." Trapstep's impact on the music industry cannot be ignored. The genre has paved the way for new artists and producers to experiment with sound and create fresh, exciting music. Its influence can be seen across multiple genres, from hip-hop to pop to dance music. As writer Nick Neyland notes in his article "The Rise of Trapstep," "Trapstep's diamond-sharp percussion and muscular basslines have given it an effective crossover potential, and its appeal can be seen in the fact that major producers from other genres are beginning to incorporate these elements into their own music."

The first significant social factor that helped create an environment for the emergence of trapstep is the wider acceptance of hip hop and rap music in mainstream culture. In the past, hip hop and rap were seen as niche and underground genres that only appealed to a specific type of audience. However, over the past decade, these genres have become more mainstream and are now enjoyed by a much larger and more diverse audience. Another important factor is the rise of social media and online music streaming services. With the advent of platforms like Soundcloud and Spotify, it became much easier for artists to share their music with a wider audience. This enabled new artists to gain exposure and grow their fan base without the need for a major record label. Culturally, the emergence of trapstep can be seen as a reaction against the dominance of electronic dance music (EDM) in the early 2010s. EDM was seen as formulaic and lacking in originality, with many artists producing tracks that sounded very similar. In contrast, trapstep was seen as a fresh and innovative approach to electronic music that fused elements of hip hop and trap music with more traditional electronic beats and synths. One of the key figures in the development of trapstep is the record label Mad Decent, founded by the DJ and producer Diplo. Mad Decent has been instrumental in promoting the genre and helping to establish its reputation as a significant musical movement. The label has released a number of notable tracks by artists in the genre, including Baauer's "Harlem Shake" and DJ Snake's "Turn Down for What." Another important figure in the development of trapstep is the journalist and commentator Andrew Nosnitsky, who has written extensively about the genre and its cultural significance. Nosnitsky has been an influential voice in the music industry, and his writing has helped to bring the genre to the attention of a wider audience. Technologically, the emergence of trapstep can be seen as a product of the ongoing evolution of digital music production tools. With the availability of affordable digital audio workstations (DAWs) and a wide range of software synths and effects, it became possible for producers to create complex and sophisticated tracks in their home studios. This enabled new artists to experiment with different sounds and styles, leading to the emergence of new electronic genres like trapstep.