Emo rap is a rock-inspired subgenre of hip hop that incorporates elements from emo music. It emerged in the SoundCloud rap scene in the mid-2010s and typically combines hip hop characteristics, such as trap-style beats, with vocals that are often sung. Notable artists within the genre include Trippie Redd, Lil Peep, XXXTentacion, and Juice Wrld.
The genre draws influence from multiple styles, including hip hop, emo, trap, pop punk, nu metal, indie rock, post-hardcore, and cloud rap. Emo rap is distinguished from mainstream hip hop by its focus on emotional and personal lyrical content, often addressing themes such as depression, loneliness, anxiety, substance use, nihilism, suicide, heartbreak, and self-medication.
Musically, emo rap often combines elements of conscious hip hop with indie rock instrumentals and frequently samples 2000s pop punk and emo songs, influenced by artists like Mineral, Underoath, and the Postal Service. Some performers also use original instrumentation. Horse Head of the collective GothBoiClique described the sound as blending nostalgic elements with new approaches, creating a mix of emo rap and melodic trap.
Fans of emo rap are sometimes referred to as "sad boys", a term associated with Yung Lean’s music group.
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