Phonk is a subgenre of hip-hop music that has gained significant popularity in recent years. It is characterized by its heavy use of samples from 90s Memphis rap, chopped and screwed vocals, and a lo-fi sound. In this article, we will explore the history and evolution of phonk, from its origins in the Memphis rap scene to its global reach in the digital age.
Origins of Memphis Rap
To understand the origins of phonk, we must first delve into the history of Memphis rap. Memphis, Tennessee, has a rich music culture, with a long history of blues, rock and roll, and soul music. In the 1980s, a new wave of rap music began to emerge in Memphis, with artists like DJ Spanish Fly, Gangsta Pat, and Three 6 Mafia leading the charge. These artists often produced their music independently, and their sound was heavily influenced by the Southern rap scene and the local gang culture.
One of the defining characteristics of Memphis rap was its use of dark and eerie beats, often featuring horror movie samples and distorted sounds. The music was also characterized by its emphasis on lyrics that focused on the harsh realities of street life, gang violence, and drug use. This raw and unfiltered approach to rap music set the stage for the emergence of phonk in the years to come.
The Birth of Phonk
Phonk began to take shape in the early 2010s, as a new generation of producers began to experiment with the Memphis rap sound. These producers, often working anonymously under pseudonyms like DJ Smokey and Soudiere, would take classic Memphis rap samples and chop them up into short loops, creating a new sound that was heavily influenced by the chop and screw technique made famous by DJ Screw in Houston.
The sound of phonk was characterized by its heavy use of bass, slowed-down samples, and chopped and screwed vocals. The beats often had a lo-fi sound, with crackling vinyl static and distorted basslines adding to the overall aesthetic. The music was often described as “dark,” “grimy,” and “haunting,” with a sense of menace and danger that harkened back to the early days of Memphis rap.
Phonk in the Digital Age
In the years since its inception, phonk has evolved and expanded, thanks in large part to the rise of digital music platforms like SoundCloud and Bandcamp. Producers from all over the world have embraced the phonk sound, creating their own takes on the genre and building a thriving community of fans and creators.
One of the most notable developments in the evolution of phonk has been the incorporation of elements from other genres, such as trap, drill, and even jazz. Some producers have also begun to experiment with live instrumentation, adding guitar riffs and keyboard solos to their beats.
The popularity of phonk has also led to collaborations with mainstream artists, such as Travis Scott, who sampled a phonk beat on his hit song “Pick Up the Phone.” The genre has also spawned its own sub-genres, such as “chill phonk,” which emphasizes a more relaxed and atmospheric sound, and “hardcore phonk,” which is characterized by its aggressive and energetic beats.
Conclusion
Phonk is a genre of music that has emerged from the Memphis rap scene and evolved into a global phenomenon in the digital age. Its unique sound, characterized by chopped and screwed vocals, heavy bass, and lo-fi beats, has resonated with fans all over the world. As the genre continues to evolve, it will be exciting to see where phonk goes next, and how it will continue to influence the wider world of hip-hop music.