The Trap Takes Over: How Trap and Mumble Rap Became
Pop's New Royalty
By Johny Rameses Bhuthan, April 27, 2023
For decades, American pop music has been a genre chameleon, constantly adapting and absorbing
influences. From the soulful crooners of the 50s to the bombastic rock of the 80s, pop has always
reflected the cultural zeitgeist. In recent years, two subgenres of hip-hop, trap and mumble rap, have
undergone a meteoric rise, fundamentally altering the landscape of pop music and establishing
themselves as the new standard.
Trapped in the Beat: The Rise of Trap
Trap music emerged in the southern United States during the 1990s, characterized by its heavy, hi-hatdriven beats, often incorporating Roland TR-808 drum machines. Lyrically, trap often explores themes
of drug dealing, street life, and materialism. While it initially remained an underground phenomenon,
the early 2010s saw a surge in popularity, with artists like Gucci Mane and Young Jeezy gaining
mainstream recognition.
This rise coincided with the explosion of streaming services like SoundCloud. This platform, with its
focus on independent music, became a breeding ground for trap, fostering a new generation of artists
like Migos, Future, and Travis Scott. These artists further blurred the lines between trap and pop,
incorporating catchy melodies and sing-song hooks into their music. Tracks like Migos' "Bad and
Boujee" and Travis Scott's "Sicko Mode" became inescapable pop anthems, demonstrating trap's ability
to dominate the charts.
The Mumble Movement: A New Way to Rap
Mumble rap, a loosely defined subgenre of trap, emerged alongside it. Characterized by vocals that
prioritize melody and atmosphere over clear enunciation, mumble rap has been a source of both
fascination and controversy. Artists like Lil Wayne, Chief Keef, and Lil Uzi Vert are often cited as
pioneers of the style.
Critics argue that mumble rap sacrifices lyrical complexity for a more disposable sound. However,
proponents defend it as a fresh wave of rap, prioritizing flow and vocal delivery over traditional
storytelling. The undeniable popularity of artists like Future, whose mumbled vocals became a
signature style, and the infectious hooks of Lil Pump and Lil Yachty solidify mumble rap's place in
pop.
A Standard Evolved
The influence of trap and mumble rap extends far beyond their own subgenres. Pop artists like Drake,
Ariana Grande, and even Taylor Swift have incorporated trap beats and elements of mumble rap
delivery into their music. Collaborations between pop and trap/mumble rap artists have become
commonplace, with tracks like "Rockstar" by Post Malone featuring 21 Savage and "Bad Guy" by
Billie Eilish blurring genre lines entirely.
This widespread adoption highlights the power of trap and mumble rap. They've become the sonic
foundation for much of contemporary pop music, dictating trends in production, melody, and even
lyrical themes. While traditional pop elements like strong vocals and clear narratives haven't entirely
disappeared, they now often coexist with the signature elements of trap and mumble rap.
The Future of Pop: A Throne Built on Bass
The reign of trap and mumble rap in pop music isn't without its detractors. Some argue for a return to a
more lyrically focused era of hip-hop. However, the undeniable commercial success and cultural
impact of these subgenres can't be ignored.
Trap and mumble rap have redefined pop music for a new generation. Their focus on infectious beats,
catchy hooks, and a more experimental approach to rapping has resonated with a massive audience.
Whether this is a permanent shift or a temporary trend remains to be seen, but for now, trap and
mumble rap sit firmly on the throne of American pop music.