Previously on Sub-Genre Defined, the focus was on a sub-genre of metal music: progressive (prog) metal. Although metal music has many different sub-genres, isn’t the only genre that will be covered in the Sub-Genre Defined series. This time the focus will be on a sub-genre of R&B: Trap Soul.
Trap Soul is a newer sub-genre that only emerged in the mid-2010s. It is derived from both R&B/Soul and Trap music which merge to create a new and exciting sound. Trap is a sub-genre in its own right, coming from Hip Hop—but that can be a sub-genre defined on its own. The genre combines R&B vocals, lyrics, and trap production.
Since its emergence, Trap Soul has been seen in many different artists. Some are well-established and others break into the scene with this different sound of a well-known genre. One of those artists is Bryson Tiller. In 2015, Tiller released his first studio album titled TRAPSOUL—where the sub-genre got its name from.
TRAPSOUL is the true kick-off point for the genre being fully realized. In Tiller’s album, trap production is prevalent. 808 kick drums and synths can be heard on many of the songs, but what can change the tone of the song is the lyrics. Trap music isn’t defined by the lyrics, which is where the soul part of Trap Soul can be seen. With heavy drums, there are R&B-inspired lyrics that give the album a touching feeling.
The sequel to this album, Anniversary, also keeps the same production style and energy that TRAPSOUL had.
Due to Trap Soul’s emergence into the music industry, other established artists took a chance and used the Trap Soul sound in their music. Artists like Ty Dolla $ign and Drake have incorporated Trap Soul into their music. Drake has seen immense popularity in single releases such as “Trust Issues” and “Hotline Bling.” Ty Dolla $ign released an album, entitled Featuring Ty Dolla $ign, with Trap Soul influences.
Trap Soul as a sub-genre sounds different from plain Hip Hop or R&B. With Trap production influences, the genre can be mistaken for Rap music. Though artists can rap on top of their trap-produced beats, the genre isn’t entirely defined by rap. The lyrics and melody of a Trap Soul song can be more melancholic. The trap beat and production gives the music a more upbeat feel, where the lyrics can be the true emotional gem of the song.
The genre has also inspired different types of trap sounds within music. The use of trap production increased in popularity more recently. Ariana Grande has released pop music with trap-inspired productions. Post Malone also dabbled in trap production, leaning more toward melodic Trap that is light and poppy.
Before Bryson Tiller released TRAPSOUL, other albums had Trap Soul influences before the genre was given the name. The origins of the genre can be traced back to Kanye West’s album 808s & Heartbreak, which then went on to inspire similar production in other projects by different artists.
Trap Soul as a sub-genre is an interesting mixture of production styles and sound. It opens the mind to different ways that production styles can be used in music rather than just one finite way that many people are aware of. As Trap Soul rises in popularity more artists have started to use the production style in their music. Like Tiller’s album, more Trap Soul music in the industry can be a pioneer for new styles of production and a way for even more sub-genres to be created.
