Cloud rap is one of hip hop\u2019s most influential and controversial subgenres, known for its ethereal, atmospheric productions and largely region-less online origins.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Emerging in the late 2000s, its pioneers combined influences from the 808-heavy Southern hip hop coming out of Atlanta, Houston, and Memphis with the hazy nostalgia of chillwave and witch house. In its heyday, the term “cloud rap” may have been championed more by bloggers and music critics than by any rappers themselves, but the sound nevertheless left a truly lasting impact on contemporary rap and pop music.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In this article, we dive into the history of cloud rap, its pioneers, key sonic characteristics, and enduring legacy. Feel free to use the table of contents below to easily navigate to a specific section.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Let’s dive in!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
New subscribers can try all of Splice\u2014including 200 monthly sample download credits, full access to all premium INSTRUMENT presets, and more\u2014for $4.99\/mo.<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Most hip hop scenes have formed around specific regions and cities, but cloud rap may be one of the first to fully emerge from online platforms like MySpace, music blogs, and later SoundCloud. Its artists and producers communicated more over email than in studios, including pioneer producer Clams Casino,<\/a> who first sent beats to rapper Lil B through an email address listed on his MySpace page.<\/p>\n\n\n\n New Jersey producer Clams Casino is often credited as a pioneer of the genre. His early beats would position obscure, psychedelic samples over spaced-out hip hop drums. His collaborations with rappers like Berkeley outsider Lil B and Harlem\u2019s A$AP Rocky have become definitive touchstones of the genre.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nThe origins and history of cloud rap<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Early influencers and pioneers<\/h3>\n\n\n\n