trip-hop 

A musical genre originating in Bristol, UK in the 1990s. It was originally informally known by the British music press as "the Bristol sound". The music is characterized by downtempo beats, smooth synths and ethereal (usually female) vocals. The style combines elements of hip-hop and jazz with rock and shoegaze/dream pop. To a lesser extent, the sound also borrows from house and reggae.

Although these days there are few new trip-hop acts, the genre has been very influential upon countless hip-hop and electronica acts, such as DJ Shadow, Gorillaz, Air and pretty much all dubstep artists.

Notable trip-hop acts include Massive Attack, Portishead, Tricky, Thievery Corporation and Zero 7.

trip-hop by HallOfMirrors May 25, 2009

trip-hop 

a form of music originating in England
It is usually characterized by a down tempo sound, female vocals, breakbeats, and a spacy version of hip-hop.

Sometimes called the Bristol sound.

trip-hop by meowzer August 25, 2005

trip-hop 

This genre is a variety of breakbeat usually featuring psychedelic atmospheres and female vocalists singing in a rock-influenced style.

DJ Vadim, Shine, Neo Treo etc all people associated to Trip Hip

trip-hop by phatcatslimm September 11, 2004

trip-hop 

Hip Hop written, recorded or produced under the influence of even more drugs than normally

Man, this trippy shit ain't hip-hop, It's gotta be trip-hop.
Coldcut's remix of Eric B.'s and Rakim's hip hop hit ain't hip hop, it's trip hop yo!

trip-hop by Streetsouljah September 15, 2008

trip-hop 

stimulating or exciting hip-hop

Swift, Atmosphere

trip-hop by Vanessa March 1, 2004

trip-hop 

v. A journalistic label used particularly in Europe to describe a certain type of music's sound. Meant "hip hop" without the rap. It was a way of flagging off music and calling it shit.

Massive Attack, Portishead and Bjork are trip-hop acts.

trip-hop by unknown June 11, 2006

trip hop 

A blend of electronica and down-tempo hip-hop, urban and ethereal, street and ambience. Thought provoking, sensual, and deep. Often features string section and/or brass section. Can be either instrumental or with female vocals. Occasionally with rap. Trancy and smooth. Often jazzy. Sometimes features turntablism / scratching. It's head nodding music. "Chill-out music".

Portishead, Massive Attack, DJ Shadow, Goldfrapp, Lamb, Morcheeba, Smith & Mighty, Alpha, Bjork, Earthling, Hooverphonic, Mono, Smoke City, Zero 7, music on record labels Mo Wax and Ninja Tune.

trip hop by Brett Hansen December 22, 2003