A fusion genre combining the sounds of parent music genres, Emo Music and Hip Hop.
Popularized in the mid-2010's with acts such as Lil Peep, Lil Uzi Vert, Trippie Redd,
nothing, nowhere and XXXTentacion. The music platform known as SoundCloud built this genre up from what it was prior.
In the mid-2000's, the sound of Emo Rap was first inspired from
projects from prominent hip-hop artists such as Kanye West, Kid Cudi and
Drake on projects '
808's and Heartbreaks', 'Man on the
Moon: The End of
Day' and 'So Far
Gone' respectively. The sounds implemented in this genre of music refer back to conscious rap and indie rock instrumentals with a distorted trap vibe. Pop Punk and Emo songs are heavily sampled. Bands such as Brand New and Underoath are usually regularly sampled.
Lil Peep, who tragically died on November 15th,
2017 from a drug overdose was recognized as the pioneer or '
Kurt Cobain' of Emo-Rap which refers to the topics he discussed in his songs. Usually, being suicidal thoughts, depression, breakups and drug usage. Which, also are the prominent discussions in this genre as a whole.
Another prominent artist of the genre, XXXTentacion, was murdered on June 18th, 2018. He was considered also to be one of the main figureheads of the genre as a whole. As he brought rage, depression and overall unique sounds to his music that were influenced by rock, punk and hardcore music.
Emo rap is the
new hip buzzworthy term to describe a movement of SoundCloud rappers who mix trap beats, indie rock samples, and open sentimentality. Emo bands from the ’90s through the aughts seem to be a touchstone for these
MCs because of their diary-like emotional content and knack for melody.
~ from, Riotfest.org
