Do you find yourself craving a new genre of music? Something that feels fresh and innovative? If so, then Phonk Music may be the answer for you. Phonk is a subgenre of funk that has recently gained popularity among young music enthusiasts. It is a blend of old-school hip-hop, chopped and screwed samples, and lo-fi beats. In this blog post, we will explore the roots of Phonk Music and how it has evolved over the years. We will also talk about its connection to Memphis, where it originated, and how it has been influenced by TikTok. Additionally, we will delve into the unique characteristics of Phonk Music and provide some essential tips on how to create your own tracks. So sit back, relax, and get ready to learn all about this exciting new genre!
What is Phonk Music?
Phonk is a genre of music that was created in the early 1990s by DJ Screw. It is a style of hip hop that is characterized by slow, heavily-mutated beats and sampled vocals. Phonk is often associated with the Houston hip hop scene, as it was created and popularized by DJ Screw and his crew, the Screwed Up Click. The name “phonk” comes from the sound of the music, which is often described as being “bouncy” or “funky.” Phonk is known for its laid-back, mellow vibe, and its slow, hypnotic beats have been known to induce a trance-like state in listeners. In recent years, phonk has seen a resurgence in popularity, thanks in part to the rise of streaming services like SoundCloud and Spotify. While it may not be as mainstream as other genres of hip hop, phonk has developed a dedicated following among fans of experimental and underground music.
The Roots of Phonk Music
Phonk music finds its roots in early 1990s Memphis rap scene. This subgenre of hip-hop features chopped and screwed beats, vintage funk, soul samples along with dark lyrics. Phonk artists pay tribute to earlier Memphis rap legends like DJ Screw and Three 6 Mafia. Despite starting as an underground style of hip-hop music primarily popularized on platforms like SoundCloud and YouTube; today it has a wider audience even amongst mainstream producers.
Memphis, the birthplace of Phonk
The origins of Phonk music can be traced back to Memphis, Tennessee in the early 1990s. DJs in Memphis started experimenting with slowed-down tempos and chopped and screwed beats that eventually became a defining characteristic of this genre. Phonk blends vintage funk and soul samples with heavy basslines and dark lyrics for a hypnotic sound that draws inspiration from southern rap, Memphis rap, and '90s gangsta rap. Many rising artists are embracing this subgenre of hip-hop, which has gained popularity on SoundCloud, YouTube, and other social media platforms.
A Subgenre of Funk
Emerging from the underground music scene of Memphis in the early 1990s as a subgenre of funk, Phonk music draws inspiration from Southern hip-hop and vintage funk samples. Its hypnotic sound with slowed-down tempo and heavy basslines has gathered a wider audience through social media platforms like SoundCloud, Spotify, and YouTube. Popularized by artists such as DJ Smokey, Soudiere, and Greafer, Phonk music has its roots deeply engrained in old Memphis rap legends such as DJ Screw and Three 6 Mafia.
TikTok’s Influence on Phonk Music
The emergence of phonk music on TikTok has been pivotal to its resurgence. With its slowed-down tempo, use of samples, and heavy basslines, phonk is an underground style of hip-hop that originated in Memphis rap during the early 1990s’ with influences from funk and soul music. Thanks to social media outlets like Soundcloud and Youtube and platforms like Tiktok, Phonk producers have found ways to reach a wider audience than ever before without necessarily having record deals or backing by influential labels such as Three 6 Mafia. The hypnotic sound that defines phonk incorporates classic samples from old Memphis rap blended with nostalgic samples from old funk creating a unique sound that can be compared to chopped and screwed or trap music. Soudiere, DJ Smokey, Greafer are some of the most popular Phonk Artists on Spotify playlists today while X-raided Kordhell brings us back to Phonks original essence with his raw style influenced by DJ Screw's Chopped & Screwed techniques.
The evolution of Phonk Music in the 1990s
In the 1990s era of Memphis rap scene emerged a new sub-genre called Phonk music. This underground style of hip hop took inspiration from old Memphis rap's nostalgic samples. Phonk producers mastered the hypnotic sound by heavily chopping and screwing classic samples with reverb and distortion effects. The sound soon gained wider audience through social media platforms such as Facebook and Twitter. With time it evolved incorporating trap beats which gave it more trill style than before. By early 2010s Phonk had become popular through internet culture alongside Lo-Fi instrumentals leading to its resurgence in recent years.
Emphasis on Lyrics in Phonk Music
Phonk music is a subgenre of funk that emerged during the early 1990s’ southern United States. Combining elements of old-school hip-hop, Memphis rap beats, and chopped and screwed soundscapes characterized by hypnotic melodies, heavy basslines, reverb, distortion effects and nostalgic samples; Phonk music has gained popularity among younger generations through TikTok and social media platforms like SoundCloud. Popularized by artists like DJ Smokey, Soudiere & Genshin; Phonk playlists curated by independent curators or trusted sources are widely available on platforms like Spotify & YouTube for anyone looking to explore the genre.
Drift Phonk: A new sub-genre of Phonk?
Phonk, a music genre from the 1990s, combines funk, soul, and hip-hop. Playlists on Spotify and YouTube showcase classic tracks and new releases from emerging artists. Drift Phonk is a sub-genre that integrates lo-fi and ambient sounds with slower tempos. Fans of Phonk enjoy its nostalgic vibe and its ability to transport them to different eras.
How to Make Phonk Music: 5 Essential Tips
Creating phonk music involves mastering various techniques such as sampling, chopping, layering, and mixing. Along with these techniques, it is also recommended to experiment with different drum patterns and use vintage or analog equipment to achieve the desired sound. It is crucial to stay true to the genre's DIY ethos which emphasizes creativity and individualistic expression. Phonk music originated in the southern United States in the early 1990s and has evolved over time to include subgenres such as Drift Phonk. It is popular amongst underground hip hop enthusiasts on platforms like SoundCloud and YouTube and has gained wider recognition through social media platforms like Facebook and Twitter.
Why is Phonk So Popular?
One reason for the rise of phonk is the rise of streaming services like Spotify, which have made it easier for people to discover new music. Another factor is the popularity of trap music, which has helped to bring phonk to a wider audience. Due to TikToo, phonk is often used with the online car culture and is used in TikTok videos of drifting and street racing cars.
What Instrument is Phonk?
Phonk is a style of music that is typically produced with electronic instruments. Phonk bells are a drum synth engine and is between a cowbell and a synth.
Who Are Some Artists Producing Phonk?
MoonDeity, Kordhell, INTERWORLD, KUTE, DJ Screw, X-Raided, DJ Spanish Fly, DJ Squeeky, FindMyName, PlayaPhonk, CORPSE, KSLV Noh, and phonkygirl are some Phonk producers.
What are some common elements and characteristics of Phonk music?
Phonk music is known for its chopped and screwed samples from old school hip-hop and funk, slow tempo, heavy basslines, and distorted vocals. It blends trap music and lo-fi hip hop while often incorporating themes of drugs, violence, and street culture.
How has Phonk music evolved over time?
Phonk music emerged in the 90s as chopped and screwed versions of popular hip-hop songs. Later, it incorporated trap and Memphis rap elements, and today it has diversified to include various sounds from different regions. However, Phonk still maintains its DIY ethic and underground roots.
Conclusion
Phonk music has been around for decades and has evolved to become a genre that's gaining popularity among music lovers. With its roots in Memphis, Phonk has grown to be a subgenre of funk music that's gaining traction on social media platforms like TikTok. The genre has seen significant changes over the years, from the emphasis on lyrics to the rise of new sub-genres like Drift Phonk. If you're interested in making your own Phonk music, check out our essential tips and tricks to get started. And if you're already a fan, make sure to check out some of the popular playlists on Spotify and YouTube. Get ready to groove and explore the world of Phonk!
