Emo Rap

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Emo Rap is a subgenre and era of hip-hop characterized by emotional lyrics, drawing parallels to the emo subculture. It originated within the SoundCloud rap scene during the mid-2010s. The genre merges hip-hop characteristics, such as trap-style beats, with sung vocals. Prominent artists in the genre include Lil Peep, XXXTentacion, and Juice Wrld. The peak popularity of emo rap occurred roughly between 2016 and 2020. Fans of the genre are often referred to as "Sadbois" and "Sadgirls," referencing the "Sad Boys" collective, which consists of rapper Yung Lean and producers Yung Sherman and Yung Gud.

Emo Rap emerged from the online underground hip-hop scene, with roots in cloud rap and trap. It is defined by melancholic production, combining atmospheric cloud rap elements and trap drum patterns with samples from alternative rock and emo genres, including Midwest Emo, emo-pop, and pop-punk. Lyrically, emo rap features dark themes and a mournful, melodic delivery style, influenced by 2000s Midwest emo and emo-pop. The genre frequently blends with pop rap, alternative R&B, and contemporary R&B. Its rise is connected to the early 2010s "emo revival." Early artists like Wicca Phase Springs Eternal, associated with the emo revival, contributed to the genre's formation.^[1]

Bones, a cloud rap artist, and members of the GothBoiClique crew, including Lil Tracy, Wicca Phase Springs Eternal, and Horse Head, were early pioneers. Around the same time, the Swedish Drain Gang/Sad Boys collectives influenced the genre with their melancholic lyricism and melodic flows. Lil Peep's popularity on SoundCloud helped establish the genre's sound. Artists like nothing,nowhere., Lil Uzi Vert, Sybyr, and XXXTentacion also contributed to its development. The genre reflects a broader shift towards emotional vulnerability in hip-hop, with lyrics addressing loneliness, mental health, and personal struggles. This shift is seen in the earlier work of artists like Kid Cudi, Kanye West, and Drake. Production is considered integral to the genre, with producers like Nedarb Nagrom and Greaf working with leading artists.

Emo rap entered the mainstream in the late-2010s, achieving popularity and critical acclaim. Lil Peep, XXXTentacion, and Juice WRLD gained significant success, particularly posthumously, and influenced artists like Post Malone and Future. The genre expanded internationally, with lighter, pop-oriented versions emerging, led by artists like Iann Dior, Juice Wrld, and Trippie Redd.

History[]

Precursors[]

Prior to emo rap's formal establishment, the term was used by critics to describe the emotional lyricism of rappers such as Joe Budden, Eminem, Kanye West, and Drake. Slug of Atmosphere claimed to have coined the term "emo rap" in a 1997 IR Magazine article. German rapper Casper's music, blending hip-hop with influences from bands like Give up the Ghost, was also labeled "emo rap" early in his career. In 2012, Huffington Post described Hollywood Undead as "crass emo-rap."

Crossovers between hip-hop and the emo/pop-punk scenes occurred between the 1990s and early 2010s. Zebrahead incorporated rap vocals over pop-punk instrumentals since 1995. MC Lars used emo and pop-punk samples and references in his music from his 2004 debut. Good Charlotte, citing hip hop influences, released a remix album in 2007 featuring hip hop and pop-punk artists. DCD2 Records, founded by Pete Wentz and Patrick Stump, signed both emo and hip hop artists who frequently collaborated. Cobra Starship and Gym Class Heroes also blended these genres. Kanye West remixed Fall Out Boy's "This Ain't a Scene, It's an Arms Race" in 2006. Fearless Records released Punk Goes Crunk in 2008, featuring emo and pop-punk covers of hip hop songs. Framing Hanley covered Lil Wayne's "Lollipop" in 2008, and Lil Wayne collaborated with Weezer on "Can't Stop Partying" in 2009. Blink-182 featured Yelawolf on "Pretty Little Girl" in 2012.

In 2013, Yung Lean released "Ginseng Strip 2002" and the mixtape Unknown Death 2002, which have been retrospectively recognized as influential to the development of emo rap.

Development[]

Emo rap's development began with Bones, whose music videos and dark aesthetic significantly influenced the underground hip-hop scene. In 2012, members of Thraxxhouse, a Raider Klan subgroup, formed GothBoiClique (GBC), aiming to connect emo, trap, darkwave, black metal, and indie rock. Bones, Black Kray, and 90's Bambino also drew influence from witch house. GBC's style influenced many underground emo and hip-hop artists on SoundCloud. Lil Lotus, Lil Peep, and Lil Tracy cited GBC as an influence, with Lil Peep and Lil Tracy later joining the group. A DIY approach characterized the genre, with artists facing criticism for monetizing their music through platforms like Spotify.

In 2017, Lil Uzi Vert's "XO Tour Llif3," with lyrics about suicide and emotional distress, became a hit, reaching number seven on the Billboard Hot 100. XXXTentacion released his debut album 17 and the single "Jocelyn Flores," which addressed suicide. Lil Uzi Vert also released Luv Is Rage 2. These releases and their Billboard 200 chart success marked a mainstream moment for emo rap. Lil Peep was described as the "future of emo" by Pitchfork, and The Guardian recognized his introspective appeal.

The emo rap scene experienced a period of significant loss in the late-2010s with the deaths of several prominent artists. In November 2017, Lil Peep died from a fentanyl overdose. Following his death, his album and single achieved Billboard chart success. In June 2018, XXXTentacion was murdered, and his albums and single also charted, with "SAD!" reaching number one on the Billboard Hot 100.^[2] A posthumous collaboration between Lil Peep and XXXTentacion, "Falling Down," was released in September 2018 and achieved platinum certification. That same year, emo rap was noted as the fastest-growing genre on Spotify. In December 2019, Juice WRLD died from an overdose of oxycodone and codeine. His songs "All Girls Are the Same" and "Lucid Dreams" saw renewed chart success after his death.^[3]

Despite these losses, the genre continued to influence mainstream music. In 2018, Nothing,Nowhere released the album Reaper, which was described as a synthesis of 2000s emo and contemporary hip-hop. The album was considered a significant pop release and a potential direction for guitar-driven music.

Between 2018 and 2019, 24kGoldn, Poorstacy, the Kid Laroi, Powfu, and Iann Dior signed with labels and released debut EPs. In 2020, Powfu's single "Death Bed (Coffee for Your Head)" reached number one on the U.S. Hot Rock/Alternative Songs chart. Iann Dior and 24kGoldn's collaboration "Mood" also topped charts and achieved quadruple platinum status. 2020 was characterized by the success of rap artists on rock charts, and the merger of pop punk and rap was described as a significant commercial trend. In March 2022, Lil Bo Weep died from a drug overdose.

Visuals[]

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Music[]

Characteristics[]

Emo rap is influenced by hip-hop, emo, trap, pop punk, nu-metal, indie rock, post-hardcore, and cloud rap. It distinguishes itself from mainstream hip-hop through its emotional and personal lyrics, often focusing on topics such as depression, loneliness, anxiety, drug and alcohol use, nihilism, suicide, heartbreak, and self-medication. The genre merges elements of conscious hip-hop with indie rock instrumentation, frequently sampling 2000s pop punk and emo songs from artists like Mineral, Underoath, and the Postal Service. Some emo rappers also incorporate original instrumentation.

The genre is characterized by its melancholic production, combining atmospheric cloud rap elements with trap drum patterns and samples from alternative rock and emo genres, including Midwest emo, emo-pop, and pop-punk. Emo rap's dark lyricism, sullen artist imagery, and mournful, melodic delivery are influenced by 2000s Midwest emo and emo-pop. The genre often overlaps with pop rap, alternative R&B, and contemporary R&B, incorporating soulful vocals. Emo rap's rise is connected to the early 2010s "emo revival," with artists like Wicca Phase Springs Eternal contributing to the genre's formation. Fans of the music are sometimes referred to as "sad boys," referencing Yung Lean's music group.

Emo rap is not a strictly defined genre, but rather a fusion of styles. It is inspired by the emotional lyrics of emo music and the mid-tempo beats of trap, with artists blending these influences with various other genres. The genre's popularity stems from its combination of modern hip-hop beats with emotional and personal lyrics.The lyrics reflect a level of emotional vulnerability not traditionally accepted in earlier hip-hop. This has led to clashes with older hip-hop artists who prioritize lyrical skill over emotional expression.^[4]

While Emo Rap is closely related to SoundCloud rap, trap metal, and mumble rap, emo rap is distinguished by its personal and confessional lyrical content. Trap beats provide a foundation for expressive vocals, which range from soft-spoken rapping to intense screaming. Lyrical themes often center on mental illness, heartbreak, isolation, suicide, and drug use. Examples include Princess Nokia's "Morphine," which explores topics of loneliness, and XXXTentacion's "SAD!", which delves into depression.