How Trap Music Took Over Mainstream Hip Hop

How Trap Music Took Over Mainstream Hip Hop

The Rise of Trap: From Streets to Skyscrapers

Trap music is now enjoying its place on the top of the mountain when it comes to hip-hop. What began as a sub-standard underground movement is now dominating the entire world. Trap music has mentally and physically dominated the genre worldwide. So, how did a mere sub-genre of hip-hop music become the highlight of modern hip-hop and the trap of the world?

The Underground Atlanta trap music scene

Trap music started booming in the southern part of the United States. Atlanta, Georgia, has always been the birthplace of the hip-hop industry. In the early 2000s, featured artists such as TIP, Young Jeezy, and Gucci Mane began using the word “trap” while performing with its now-recognized meaning: where one earns one’s living. Their hustle was portrayed in the form of highly aggressive, raw, and unapologetic music.

T.I’s album Trap Muzik, which came out in 2003, is still recognized for introducing a more mainstream audience to the genre. It is also the case with Young Jeezy’s Let’s Get It: Thug Motivation 101, which came out in 2005 and sold commercially with its street poetry. Gucci Mane also helped with the rising popularity of trap music with his astounding number of releases that helped him build a cult reputation. 

The Burst of Trap Musics Sound: The Producers

As the rappers narrated the stories, producers built the skeleton of trap music. In 2010, Lex Luger singlehandedly shifted the genre into the public eye by producing Waka Flocka Flame’s Hard in da Paint and Rick Ross’s B.M.F. (Blowin’ Money Fast). The combination of orchestral strings, booming 808s, and fast-paced hi-hat received rapid recognition and helped define a new era. 

As the new genre started gaining more popularity, Metro Boomin, Mike WiLL Made-It, Southside, and TM88 further amplified the sound. The phase of these producers singlehandedly shifted trap music from being an underground movement to the forefront of the hip-hop industry.

The Beat Selling industry has drastically changed. Because of the internet, an independent artist can now access professionally crafted beats without negotiating with a producer. Affordable Beats for Sale makes it easier for those self-produced albums and mixtapes of emerging rappers. Selling rap instrumentals online helps artists who do not have an expensive budget for marketing and promotion create a brand for themselves. The beat-selling industry bridges the gap between independent artists and mainstream music.


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The Spread of Trap music

The rise of trap music in 2010 was no coincidence. Future, Migos, and Travis Scott lay the ground with songs like Bad and Boujee, Mask Off, and Sicko Mode. From this point, Trap music quickly escalated in popularity and impacted the whole music industry. The foundations were already set. Streaming Services shapely contributed to the rapid rise of Trap music. Today, every hoe mutha fuka has access to Soundcloud, Apple Music, and Spotify, making it easy for new artists.

There is no need to go through the arduous procedures of getting industry support before releasing an album. Lil Uzi Vert, Playboi Carti, and 21 Savage are perfect examples of new artists who have made it a trend online with fantastic trap beats.

At the same time, both electronic and pop musicians began to integrate trap into their songs. Producers like Diplo and DJ Snake blended trap with EDM, resulting in crossover songs like Turn Down For What and Lean On. Even Latin musicians got in on the action by fusing reggaeton with trap to produce a new wave of Latin trap music.

Proper production is crucial for independent rappers looking to make a splash. Many seek out buy rap beats services that allow them to utilize instrumentals that match their expectations and concepts. 

The Evolution of Trap: From Rap to Other Styles

The influence of trap is no longer restricted to hip-hop. The genre has affected different styles of music, including pop, EDM, rock, and even R&B. Billie Eilish, The Weekend, and Post Malone are a few artists who have adopted the signature drum sounds and dark tones of trap music into their own. 

This universal attraction made the trap exist far beyond being a hip-hop subgenre. It is now a culture, and producers continue pushing the envelope further by merging trap with a drill, hyperpower alternative rock. The versatigenre’s versatility is relevant for many years to come.

The expansion of the beat market is no exception. Nowadays, those attempting to venture into the trap sound buy hip-hop beats that suit current markets and trends, making sure they remain relevant in the industry. 


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The Business of Trap: How Artists Profit from the Sound

The Business of Trap_ How Artists Profit from the Sound

Trap has transformed from a lesser-known subgenre to an all-encompassing template for modern music, and Altering the course of history for many artists across the globe. Apart from the traditional methods of profiting through albums, the artists in the trap sphere have managed to monetize their sound in many ways. Here is a list of those methods: 

Streaming Revenue  

  • Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube make money through streaming.
  • Artists with high streams received a steady income because of the royalty payments.
  • Monetized music videos and ads on YouTube offer a secondary source of Revenue.

Merchandise Sales  

  • Apparel, accessories, and even collectibles offer an additional source of income for the artist.
  • Exclusivity and hype are created through collaborations with streetwear brands.
  • Direct-to-fan merchandise sales are maximized through online stores and pop-up shops.

Live Performances & Tours  

  • Concerts and music festivals are arguably one of the highest revenue-generating sources.
  • Bundling non-exclusive virtual items with VIP experiences and paid meet-and-greet sessions increases the Revenue from those items.
  • The increase of fans and Revenue an artist receives after opening up for international tours. 

Brand Partnerships & Sponsorships  

  • Affiliating with fashion, tech, and lifestyle brands gives very lucrative deals.
  • Sneaker and liquor companies, alongside gaming platforms, are popular for trap artists.
  • Viral social media presence dramatically influences the capacity for brands to receive sponsorships.

Beat Sales & Production Credits

  • Producers in the trap scene sell beats to artists and license instrumentals for commercials and movies.
  • Collaborating with other artists on production can lead to additional royalties.
  • Sync licensing in TV shows, films, and video games brings passive income.

Independently Owned Labels

Most trap producers and singers develop record labels ballpark empires to make the most from their music. 

Sponsoring and teaching new musicians and singers leads to additional earnings.

With modern direct sale websites, producers no longer need to work with music labels to earn more money.

Content Marketing and Social Media

  • Instagram and TikTok have the potential to make any song go viral, potentially making them the most streamed songs.
  • Challenge videos, personal blogs, behind-the-scenes, and many more paid vlogging content pay very well.
  • Paid shoutouts, exclusive access through Patreon, or subscriptions increase return on investment.

Making trap music is not only a genre or style of music but a professionally managed business. If one can leverage various revenue streams with their talent, they can turn their hobby into a long-lasting, profitable career.

Read More About From Studio To Stage: Mastering Your First Live Hip Hop Performance

The Future of Trap: Where Does the Genre Go Next?

While some argue that trap music is oversaturated, the genre is rapidly evolving. New subgenres like rage beats, hyper trap, and emo trap are emerging and expanding the possibilities within the trap. Artists like Yeat, Ken Carson, and Destroy Lonely are pushing the futuristic sound, making sure the trap is anything but boring.

The future of trap also looks bright with the advancement of technology. The music industry is evolving, with AI beat generators and virtual concerts becoming the norm, but one universal truth remains: great tunes are engineered by top-notch producers. This is why so many artists turn to experienced producers who sell rap beats to ensure their music is instantly recognizable. 

With Get the Best Trap Beats at JBZ Beats

For those looking to tailor the perfect trap song, JBZ Beats LLC has just what you’re looking for. As one of the prominent sellers of hip-hop beats, we have exclusive and affordable rap beats crafted for your next chart-topping hit.

JBZ Beats LLC is the go-to place for expertly crafted instrumental beats to elevate your music. Rappers, both new and seasoned, can browse through our extensive catalog that meets a variety of styles and budgets. We offer affordable leasing options and exclusive rights so you can effortlessly find the perfect beat for your project.

Level up your music today by purchasing hip-hop beats at JBZ Beats! Check out the website to review the catalog and set out on your journey towards becoming the next big thing in the trap music scene!

FAQ

What defines trap music? 

808 bass, fast synthesizer roll, spooky synths, and intense orchestral music are defining features of trap music. It originated from the Southern part of the United States and usually tells stories of hardship, success, and street life.

Who are some of the most prominent trap artists today? 

Future, Migos, Travis Scott, Lil Uzi Vert, 21 Savage, and Playboi Carti are leaders in the trap genre, and with the help of these artists, mainstream success has been achieved.

Where can I purchase exclusive rap beats?

For example, JBZ Beats LLC sells hip-hop and rap beats online in both exclusive and nonexclusive deals that fit any style.

Describe an example of how trap music influenced another genre.

Artists such as The Weeknd, Billie Eilish, and Post Malone have all blended trap with pop, EDM, rock, and R&B genres, proving that trap music has a wide range of influences.

Describe the evolution of trap music.

The introduction of more advanced digital and technological production has resulted in the continuation of both rage beats and hyper-trap subgenres within trap music.

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Jared White

I’m Jared White. I’m a 31-year old audio engineer, producer, and internet entrepreneur. I’ve been making Beats and electronic music for 18 years.

My main focus is music production for my website jbzbeats.com.

On this blog, I also review various equipment and software for music production, as well as some recording / mixing / mastering how-tos.


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