The mumble rap subgenre of hip hop is a style of music that originated in the United States in the early 2010s, specifically in cities such as Atlanta, New York City, and Chicago. This subgenre is known for its heavily auto-tuned vocals, its use of repetitive and simple lyrics, and its focus on trap beats.
The origins of mumble rap can be traced back to the early 2010s, when a group of hip-hop artists began experimenting with a new style of music that was heavily influenced by trap and electronic music. This new style of music was characterized by its heavily auto-tuned vocals, its use of repetitive and simple lyrics, and its focus on trap beats. This subgenre of hip hop developed as a reaction to the conscious and socially aware lyrics of the previous generation of rappers.
One of the key elements that makes mumble rap distinctive is its heavy use of auto-tune on vocals. Many mumble rap artists use auto-tune to manipulate their vocals, to create a more melodic and sing-song flow. This is in contrast to the traditional hip hop style of rapping, which relies on clear and crisp enunciation of lyrics.
Another key element of mumble rap is its use of repetitive and simple lyrics. Many mumble rap artists use lyrics that are repetitive and simple, often focusing on themes such as money, sex, and drugs. This is in contrast to the more complex and socially conscious lyrics that are common in other styles of hip hop.
Mumble rap production style is heavily influenced by electronic music production techniques such as the use of synthesizers, drum machines, and digital audio workstations. Producers often use samples and loops to create a more electronic and trap-based sound. They also use techniques such as auto-tune and other vocal effects to manipulate the vocals.
The artists and music producers that popularized the mumble rap subgenre include Future, Young Thug, and Lil Uzi Vert. These artists helped to establish the sound of mumble rap in the early 2010s, with their heavily auto-tuned vocals, repetitive and simple lyrics and their focus on trap beats. Future in particular, was a major influence in the early days of the subgenre, and his album “DS2” was a huge commercial success and helped to establish him as one of the biggest names in the subgenre.
In recent years, mumble rap has become a polarizing subgenre within the hip hop community, with some critics arguing that it prioritizes style over substance and lacks the lyrical complexity and social consciousness of traditional hip hop. However, it continues to have a strong following, particularly among young people, and has also begun to influence other genres such as pop and electronic music.
In conclusion, mumble rap is a subgenre of hip hop that has a unique style and elements that set it apart from other styles of hip hop. Its heavy use of auto-tune on vocals, repetitive and simple lyrics and its focus on trap beats have helped to establish it as a distinct and popular style of music. With the rise of popular artists and producers, mumble rap continues to evolve and influence popular music and culture. However, it has also received criticism for its lack of lyrical complexity and social consciousness.
