Soul Rap, or “Trap Soul,” is the seamless blend of R&B lyrical matter with Trap production; more nocturnal, atmospheric, lush, and somber compared to mainstream Trap production. Artists can be heard soulfully singing, sometimes in a melodic rap-influenced cadence, and may feature a full-rap verse. Lyrics are derived from R&B, primarily Alternative R&B: romance; heartbreak; nightlife; luxury; monotony; drugs.

In the early 2010s, Soul Rap gained traction as a new wave of producers – many we’re still listening to – were hoping to make a name for themselves as the Trap genre gained popularity. Their work inspired R&B artists to utilize Trap genre rhythms for their singing, even Trap artists to sing. Soul Rap’s rise coincided with the growing prominence of the developments by Future, PARTYNEXTDOOR, and more. The sub-genre’s origins can be traced back to the moody, auto-tuned, smooth, and heavy bass in Kanye West’s 808s & Heartbreaks.

Soul Rap would fully emerge in the mid-2010s.