#THREE 6 MAFIA T SHIRT CRACK#
Typically speaking, the “trap” or “traphouse” is known to be a house where drug deals, typically crack cocaine, happen. To connect the sonic to the social, the term “trap” has a meaning that goes deeper than just the music. Their innovative sound, created almost two decades ago, has undeniably influenced the direction of that modern day hip-hop. A unique production style pioneered by group members Juicy J and DJ Paul, coupled with an extremely dark and rather intense lyrical style, made them stand out from their east and west coast peers, and they became synonymous with what became known as the “Dirty South”. That was Memphis rappers Three 6 Mafia and their sound shared many of the characteristics of the modern-day trap music.
However, some eight years earlier, another group of southerners had created a sound that one could argue was quite ahead of its time. The birthing of this trap music is often credited to Atlanta rapper TI, and his 2003 album Trap Muzik, where the origins of these sounds can indeed be heard. Present-day hip-hop is dominated by a sound that most would know as “trap”, with its distinctive traits being a booming 808 bassline, intricate kicks and snares and some type of rolling synth line, usually accompanied by a more intense lyrical style than in previous eras. From its funky origins in the 1970s and 1980s, to the G-Funk slickness and boom-bap heavy hitting-ness of the 1990’s to the more party-oriented rap of the early 21 st century, hip-hop has proven itself to be an ever-changing entity. Over the years, hip-hop has gone in a myriad of directions.