trip hop origin

Trip Hop: The Evolution from The Underground

A brief history of trip hop.

The city of Bristol, United Kingdom has been the epicenter for a multitude of musical movements, including sparking the flame of the trip hop sound. In short, trip hop fuses the organic worlds of funk, soul, and jazz with psychedelic electronica timbres designed to invoke emotions deeper than traditional hip hop.

While artist like sample-based hip hop don DJ Shadow were getting busy stateside in crafting that goes deeper than east coast boom bap or west coast G-funk, the multicultural center of activism Bristol, UK was flaring with a new movement: trip-hop aka downtempo.

Trip-hop swerved from the mainstream appeal of hip hop where graffiti, breakdance, and hip hop were the cultural norm. Instead, style of music with big appeal in the UK underground at the time, namely breakbeat, helped this genre unfurl. Breakbeat is simple “broken beats”, which originate from jazz and funk and evolved into trip-hop, jungle, drum n bass, funky breaks, etc.

What’s the Difference between Downtempo and Trip Hop?

Trip Hop is of Bristol, UK origin from the late 80s/early 90s and embodies breakbeat influence, while keeping the psychedelic nature in the lyrics and instrumentation. “Downtempo” is of Ibiza, Spain origin which retains an ambient nature dedicated to chill-out spaces in the Ibiza clubs.

There’s a difference in the feel of the two sibling-genres, as well, despite their differences. Both include ambient and psychedelic textures but are separate rhythmically.

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Classic Examples of Trip Hop

Probably one of the most prominent trip hop groups out of Bristol, UK who started in 1991. Most known for their hit track "Glory Box", this trio paved the way for an entire modern sound.

Among the first North American voices in trip hop where DJ Shadow out of the Bay Area brought together sample-based hip hop with psychedelic undertones. Tracks like "Midnight in a Perfect World" off of his 1996 album Endtroducing.... remains an identifiable track within his catalogue

Massive Attack

The originators of the trip-hop movement, the Massive Attack duo out of the Bristol, UK area have shaped the culture with their heavy instrumentals and epic melodies. Tracks like "Teardrop" off of their 1998 album Mezzanine remains their most streamed track on Spotify.

While the above acts covered the golden years of trip hop in the early and mid nineties, American producer RJD2 is a voice from the early 2000s. His most recognizable tune is "Ghostwriter" off of his 2002 album Deadringer .

Where Is Trip Hop Going?

It's dwindling...Or is it?

Trip-hop has now been absorbed by other styles since its inception. Google Trends shows the biggest activity from the beginning of its own history. Naturally, this is because trip-hop was popular before search engine's existence.

But now, the musical landscape has grown into a colorful vine of sub-genres and spin-offs. While the search trends for trip-hop go down, it isn't to say that it is dying. It is rather changing. New modes of trip-hop style from psy-dub, to lo-fi hip hop, to glitch space bass are the branches of the trip-hop tree that are now flowing out.

Modern Examples of Triphop + Spin-Offs

The trip hop influence has unwound into various sub-sects of electronic music showing us the results of its evolution through time. Below are examples of up and coming artists who all embody the trip hop sound

Seppa - Bass Infused Trip-Hop

This track comes from a producer who lives in the very region trip-hop was born. The city of Bristol, UK is known for its eclectic nightlife and celebrates innovation in music. Kind of like a silicon valley for huge tunes. Producer Seppa brings a searing edge with massive sound designs that often come with trip hop style beats, drum n bass, or half-time grooves.

Read more about Seppa in our our interview with him .

il:lo - Trip-Hop With World Sounds

This French duo bring lots of world music sounds and synths to their blend of trip hop inspired tunes. Expect vast soundscapes and beautiful vocal pads from releases like their 2019 Sloh.

Discover more about il:lo in their mini mix and interview on Stereofox .

Nym - Cinematic Downtempo

Durham, NC producer Nym is a storyteller. He combines many aspects, from film samples, to worldly percussion and instruments, to vocals and mixes them into an ethereal experience that certainly puts the "trip" in "trip hop". Check out the title-track to his 2019 album:

Somatoast - Psy-dub & Trip-Hop

Psychedelic and weird is what Texan producer is all about. His tunes can't really be classified, but he certainly includes a flavor of dub, hip hop, and wonky sounds. Check out his track "Broken Bits" off of his 2019 release Live Dreaming:

Trip Hop Playlists

If you're new to trip hop, returning to it, or a big fan of it, then here are some solid windows into the genre. Spotify has a robust selection of trip hop classics in their Trip Hop playlist.

If you're looking to expand upon trip-hop and swim around in the world of ambient music, which is not exclusively limited to trip hop, check out our regularly-updated, curated Spotify playlist Ambient Space :

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Exploring Trip Hop: A Sonic Journey through Definition, History, and Influential Artists

Table of Contents

Introduction

In the vast realm of music genres, one that stands out as an enigmatic and evocative entity is trip hop. This genre, characterized by its blend of electronic beats, downtempo rhythms, and a myriad of atmospheric elements, has left an indelible mark on the music landscape. From its humble beginnings to its widespread influence, trip hop has captured the hearts of listeners and continues to intrigue new generations. This article embarks on an exploratory journey through the essence of trip hop, delving into its definition, tracing its historical roots and development, exploring related genres, and highlighting influential bands and albums that have defined the genre.

Defining the Trip Hop Sound

At its core, trip hop is a genre that defies easy categorization. It’s a hybrid sound that emerged from the electronic and hip-hop scenes, blending together an eclectic range of influences. Trip hop is known for its downtempo beats, often hovering around 90 to 110 BPM, creating a relaxed yet engaging sonic experience. It marries electronic production techniques with elements of hip-hop, jazz, soul, and ambient music, resulting in a moody and atmospheric sound that can transport listeners to otherworldly realms.

The term “trip hop” itself is believed to have been coined by journalist Andy Pemberton in a review of the album “Dummy” by Portishead in 1994. The name aptly captures the genre’s ability to take listeners on a mental journey, often accompanied by a contemplative or introspective mood.

Tracing the Roots: The History and Development

The Origins: The inception of trip hop can be traced back to the early 1990s, when the city of Bristol, UK, served as a fertile ground for musical experimentation. This city’s underground club scene became a breeding ground for innovative artists seeking to break free from conventional genre boundaries. The influences of hip-hop’s rhythmic intricacies, dub’s textural richness, and the nascent electronic music culture converged, giving birth to a sound that defied categorization.

Massive Attack: Pioneering the Sound: A name that stands tall in the annals of trip hop history is Massive Attack. The release of their debut album “Blue Lines” in 1991 marked a pivotal moment for the genre’s evolution. This groundbreaking work introduced a mesmerizing blend of smooth rhythms, soulful vocal samples, and an urban aura. Tracks like “Unfinished Sympathy” encapsulated the genre’s potential to resonate emotionally while delivering intricate production techniques.

Portishead’s “Dummy”: Redefining Trip Hop: The year 1994 witnessed a significant turning point with the release of Portishead’s “Dummy.” This album not only redefined trip hop but also garnered acclaim that extended far beyond its genre’s boundaries. The haunting vocals of Beth Gibbons, paired with Geoff Barrow’s meticulous production, created an atmosphere that was both dark and cinematic. Tracks like “Sour Times” and “Glory Box” showcased the album’s ability to evoke deep emotions through its fusion of melancholic melodies and inventive production.

Tricky’s Gritty Edge: Tricky, a collaborator on Massive Attack’s “Blue Lines,” emerged as another defining figure in the genre’s development. His debut album “Maxinquaye” (1995) brought a gritty and experimental edge to trip hop. Tricky’s unique blend of hip-hop, punk , dub, and industrial music elements presented a darker and more enigmatic side of the genre. The album’s amalgamation of haunting vocals and dissonant textures resonated with those seeking a more unconventional sonic experience.

Bristol Sound and Urban Aesthetics: The emergence of the “Bristol Sound” emphasized the city’s pivotal role in shaping trip hop. This subgenre embraced a more diverse sonic palette, blending elements of trip hop with reggae, funk, and even rock . Acts like Portishead, Massive Attack, and Tricky exemplified the urban aesthetics that characterized Bristol Sound, where introspection met urban decay in a mesmerizing sonic landscape.

Diverse Inspirations and Global Influence

DJ Shadow’s Sonic Mosaic: The United States made its mark on the trip hop landscape with the emergence of DJ Shadow. His debut album “Endtroducing…..” (1996) revolutionized sampling and manipulation techniques, crafting an entire album from a rich tapestry of samples. This intricate sonic mosaic showcased trip hop’s potential to create immersive experiences that blurred the lines between composition and collage.

Traversing Cultural Boundaries: While the genre found its roots in the UK and the US, it transcended geographical borders. DJ Krush, hailing from Japan, added a distinctive Eastern flavor to trip hop. His album “Meiso” (1995) skillfully merged traditional Japanese sounds with the genre’s characteristic beats, resulting in an album that resonated with a global audience.

Influential Artists and Defining Albums

The landscape of trip hop is adorned with visionary artists who have not only defined the genre but also reshaped the contours of modern music. Their groundbreaking albums remain as milestones that continue to resonate with audiences across the globe.

Massive Attack – “Mezzanine” (1998): Building upon their previous successes, Massive Attack’s “Mezzanine” stands as a testament to their evolution and innovation. The album’s dark and brooding atmosphere, coupled with its intricate production, showcased the band’s ability to capture emotions through sound. Tracks like “Teardrop” featuring Elizabeth Fraser are prime examples of how Massive Attack expertly combined ethereal vocals with hypnotic beats to craft an otherworldly experience.

Tricky – “Maxinquaye” (1995): Tricky’s debut album, “Maxinquaye,” emerged as a force that defied conventions. This album, named after his late mother, delved into the depths of his emotional psyche, resulting in a sonic tapestry that intertwined trip hop with elements of punk, dub, and soul. Tracks like “Hell is Round the Corner” epitomize Tricky’s ability to infuse raw emotion into his music, blurring the lines between genres and leaving an indelible mark on the genre’s history.

Portishead – “Dummy” (1994): Portishead’s debut album “Dummy” not only gave the genre its name but also etched their name in trip hop history. The album’s haunting beauty, juxtaposed with melancholic undertones, created an atmospheric landscape that left listeners captivated. Songs like “Glory Box” and “Sour Times” showcased Beth Gibbons’ distinctive voice and the band’s mastery of tension and release, setting the bar for emotional depth within trip hop.

Morcheeba – “Big Calm” (1998): Morcheeba’s sophomore effort “Big Calm” epitomized the genre’s ability to fuse electronic beats with soulful melodies. Skye Edwards’ sultry vocals combined with lush arrangements, producing an album that perfectly encapsulated the laid-back yet emotionally charged essence of trip hop. Tracks like “The Sea” and “Part of the Process” exemplify Morcheeba’s signature sound that resonated with a wide audience.

DJ Shadow – “Endtroducing…..” (1996): DJ Shadow’s debut album “Endtroducing…..” rewrote the rules of sampling and composition. This instrumental masterpiece showcased his expertise in crafting intricate sonic collages from an extensive range of samples. The album’s immersive quality and attention to detail earned it a place among the most influential records in trip hop history, inspiring a generation of electronic music producers.

UNKLE – “ Psyence Fiction ” (1998): UNKLE, spearheaded by James Lavelle, delivered a genre-defying experience with “Psyence Fiction.” Collaborations with diverse artists like Thom Yorke of Radiohead and Richard Ashcroft of The Verve resulted in an album that pushed the boundaries of trip hop. Tracks like “Rabbit in Your Headlights” combined haunting vocals with intricate electronic arrangements, reflecting UNKLE’s exploration of the genre’s sonic potential.

Legacy and Beyond

The enduring influence of these artists and their defining albums has paved the way for future generations of musicians and producers. As the genre continues to evolve, the spirit of experimentation and sonic exploration remains at its core. From the introspective moods crafted by Portishead to the experimental fusion of Tricky and the sonic landscapes painted by Massive Attack, the legacy of these influential artists is a testament to the lasting impact of trip hop on the world of music.

Continued Influence and Modern Resonance

Chillwave’s Dreamy Revival: In the 2000s and beyond, trip hop’s influence reverberated across genres like chillwave . Acts like Washed Out and Tycho incorporated trip hop’s dreamy soundscapes into their own music, infusing it with modern electronic sensibilities. This revival demonstrated the enduring appeal of trip hop’s atmospheric allure.

Lo-fi Hip Hop’s Digital Oasis: The digital age ushered in a new era of lo-fi hip hop beats, often accompanied by captivating visuals. These beats drew heavily from trip hop’s relaxed rhythms, offering a backdrop for study sessions, relaxation, and contemplation. Online platforms became havens for these beats, with creators curating seamless mixes that captured the essence of trip hop’s tranquility.

Unraveling Trip Hop’s Legacy

As the journey through trip hop’s rich history unfolds, it becomes clear that the genre is far more than a musical classification. It’s a tapestry of diverse influences, a testament to the power of sonic exploration. From Massive Attack’s pioneering endeavors to Tricky’s enigmatic soundscapes and Portishead’s emotional depth, trip hop has left an indelible mark on the world of music. Its evolution continues to inspire artists across genres, reminding us that music’s capacity for innovation knows no bounds. Whether experienced in dimly lit clubs or through headphones in quiet solitude, trip hop invites us to traverse its textured landscapes and embark on a sonic journey that defies conventions and expectations.

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Tracing the Roots of Trip Hop: How One City’s History Influenced a Global Genre

Trip Hop exploded onto the popular music scene in the early 1990s, its unique blend of hip hop, reggae, funk and soul conquering the airwaves of England before attaining worldwide popularity. Before becoming a global phenomenon trip hop was born and developed in the underground music scene of Bristol, England, crafted by artists such as Smith and Mighty, Massive Attack, Portishead and Tricky, and the city itself has played a part in shaping the music it produces. Two seminal events in Bristol’s history have helped to define trip hop music, contributing to its development in three important areas. Bristol was a leading port in the international slave trade and the city has an equivocal relationship with its own history, a city with a proud sense of its own identity that also struggles with its nefarious heritage. This cultural uneasiness nurtures a dark undercurrent that is outputted through the city’s music and art, creating a melancholy sound that reflects the locality’s discomfort. Bristol also experienced mass waves of post-war migration from the Caribbean, an event that impacted the future of the city’s music in two distinct ways. The black and Caribbean populations, established during the trading years, grew exponentially in number and migrants from Jamaica brought reggae music with them where it was disseminated into the wider community. These communities also provided a point of access for the invasion of American hip hop in the 1980s, which, together with reggae, would play an integral part in developing the Bristol sound. Many children born to black and island migrants were forced to deal with issues of identity, what it meant to be black and British. This struggle has been played out in the creation of trip hop music as artists attempt to pay homage to the American originators while still developing their own brand of British hip hop music that speaks to their own cultural identity.

Related Papers

Trip hop music emerged in the early 1990s, however, as a label the term ‘trip hop’ has always been problematic. Portishead, Massive Attack and Tricky, the artists frequently credited with creating trip hop, have unanimously rejected the label, claiming their music has nothing to do with trip hop. Despite the artists’ objections, music industrialists, fans and academics continually label their music trip hop or its alternate term ‘Bristol sound’, though specifics are never given as to what, if anything, distinguishes the two terms. This article seeks to mediate the discussion between opposing viewpoints by describing the Bristol sound as a style that relates to the trip hop genre. Following the introduction, the second section discusses the controversy surrounding the term ‘trip hop’ and suggests possible reasons behind the artists’ rejection of the label. The third section addresses the terms ‘genre’ and ‘style’ and outlines their similar points of reference while also highlighting their different areas of inquiry. The final section analyses several trip hop songs and identifies common elements that relate to the trip hop genre, before identifying explicit differences that distinguish the Bristol sound style. The analysis of style focuses on the spectral quality of the works and draws from Smalley’s (1997) theory of spectromorphology.

Alex Stevenson

The emergence of localised sub-genres of hip hop around the world has been well documented (Bennett, 1999; Mitchell, 2001), however the genre of UK Hip Hop (or British Hip Hop) has been largely overlooked in scholarly research. Although largely an underground music scene with very limited commercial success, UK hip hop has been recognized as being pivotal in the development of the more commercially successful genres of grime, trip hop and drum’n’bass (Hesmondhalgh & Melville, 2001; Campion, 2006). Existing research into UK hip hop has often been from a cultural or sociological, rather than musicological perspective (Hesmondhalgh & Melville, 2001; Webb, 2007; Bennett, 1999; Dedman, 2011). Using semi-structured interviews with key UK hip-hop producers alongside analysis of published interviews from selected hip-hop media publications alongside analyses and discussion of examples of the producer’s musical works to support the interview data, the aim of this paper is to examine the impact of the amalgamation of British and hip-hop musical aesthetics and its impact on the development of UK hip-hop production practice during what is widely considered its most prolific period between 1998 and 2005 (Speers, 2014). References Bennett, A. (1999) Rappin’ on the Tyne: White Hip Hop Culture in Northeast England – an Ethnographic Study. The Sociological Review, 47 (1), pp.1–24. Campion, C. (2006) Inside grime. The Guardian. Available from: <http://www.guardian.co.uk/music/2004/may/23/urban1> [Accessed 14 November 2012]. Dedman, T. (2011) Agency in UK hip-hop and grime youth subcultures - peripherals and purists. Journal of Youth Studies, 14 (5), pp.507–522. Hesmondhalgh, D. & Melville, C. (2001) Urban Breakbeat Culture - Repercussions of Hip-Hop in the United Kingdom. In: T. Mitchell ed. Global Noise: Rap and Hip Hop outside the USA. Wesleyan University Press. Mitchell, T. ed. (2001) Global Noise: Rap and Hip Hop outside the USA. Wesleyan University Press. Speers, L. (2014) Keepin’ It Real: Negotiating Authenticity in the London Hip Hop Scene. PhD Thesis. London, Kings College London. Webb, P. (2007) Hip hop’s musicians and audiences in the local musical ‘milieu’. In: P. Hodkinson & W. Deicke eds. Youth Cultures: Scenes, Subcultures and Tribes. Oxon, Routledge.

Journal of Language, Identity & Education

Alastair Pennycook

هدى مزيودات Huda Mzioudet

Born out of the second Black cultural renaissance of Britain in the 1980s (the first having occurred in the 1960s and early 1970s, with the work of the artists and writers of the Caribbean Artists Movement, such as George Lamming and Aubrey Williams, and the emergence of an extensive network of Black performance poetry (such as Linton K. Johnson), hip-hop could be seen as a British Black form of expressive movement in Black Britain in the 1990s. The performance poets’ movement could be considered as a precursor to the international explosion of rap and ragga in the late 1980s and early 1990s, as with the poems of Amiri Baraka in the 1960s, who was one of the pioneers of the Black bohemian movement. The institutionalisation of the Notting Hill Carnival in West London as Europe’s biggest street event, the explosion of sound systems in south London clubs in the 1960s and 1970s and later that of reggae in major Black areas in Britain and the Brixton riots in the 1980s, were all instrumental in the development of hip-hop in Britain. The 1990s Black Britain witnessed the normalisation of race in mainstream popular culture and the growth of the Black intelligentsia, the result of the Thatcherite enterprise culture of the 1980s, which further helped the access of hip-hop culture in mainstream British culture.

Ethan Pearce

Abdelwahab Drofix

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Eduard Dumitru

Holger Droessler

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What Is Trip Hop? Dreamy Depths Of Downtempo Grooves

The psychedelic subgenre of Hip Hop has long offered a trippy alternative to the mainstream sound.

Hip Hop has spawned a number of subgenres since its inception in the 1970s. Over the years, several of these have become popular, successfully transitioning into the mainstream. Most recently, trap and drill have been in the spotlight, and may not go out of style anytime soon. While some Hip Hop’s offspring have gained mass appeal and widespread popularity, several are still largely niche. One of these is the dreamy Trip Hop subgenre. 

Also known as Downtempo or Downbeat, it is a fusion of Hip Hop and electronic elements, unlike anything that came before it. Despite not being widely popular, the enigmatic fusion has left its mark on the musical landscape since its introduction. Regardless, it certainly deserves to have the word spread about it some more. It could very possibly appeal to a much wider audience as, these days, listeners’ musical palates are much more diverse. Without much ado, let’s dive into the dreamy depths of Trip Hop.

The Origin & Pioneers Of Trip Hop

Trip Hop first emerged in the late 1980s in the Bristol music scene in the United Kingdom. It was influenced by various genres, including Hip Hop, soul, jazz, funk, and electronic music. All in all, artists sought to create a distinct, downtempo sound focusing on atmospheric textures. The Trip Hop sound was championed by many pioneering acts who propagated the psychedelic sound.

Massive Attack, a collective formed in 1988, is often credited as one of the pioneering groups in the genre. Their debut album Blue Lines (1991) blended Hip Hop beats with soulful vocals, and helped lay the foundation for Trip Hop. However, it was their third album, Mezzanine , that became an international sensation, boosting the public’s attention towards the genre. Shortly after, Portishead, another iconic Trip Hop band, released their groundbreaking album, Dummy , in 1994. Emphatically, this album further defined the genre with its haunting melodies and Beth Gibson’s emotive vocals. Tricky, a member of Massive Attack, eventually broke out to become a lauded solo act.  

What Does Trip Hop Sound Like?

Trip Hop is a genre characterized by a distinctive set of features. Collectively, these features create a moody, atmospheric, and often hypnotic sound. For example, central to the genre is its often slow, deliberate tempo. The beats are usually laid-back and syncopated, providing a relaxed and contemplative feel. 

Another key hallmark of Trip Hop is its emphasis on creating rich, immersive atmospheres. This is achieved through synthesizers, ambient sounds, and production techniques that evoke a dreamlike feeling. True to its name, Trip Hop incorporates elements from Hip Hop, such as drum breaks and the rhythmic flow of rap. However, it tends to deconstruct and slow down these elements, offering a more ambient take on Hip Hop aesthetics. 

In addition to those characteristics, many Trip Hop tracks feature sultry, soulful, or haunting vocals. Female vocalists, in particular, are prevalent, contributing to the genre’s passionate and often melancholic vibe. Notable examples include Beth Gibbons of Portishead, Shara Nelson of Massive Attack, Skye Edwards of Morcheeba, and Björk. Over the years, the genre has evolved, and new artists have emerged with different interpretations of Trip Hop. FKA Twigs is one of the more popular artists who make Trip Hop music today. Also, Lana Del Rey has been known to experiment with the genre, particularly in her 2012 album Born to Die .

As a genre that continues to evolve, Trip Hop remains a captivating exploration of sound. It seamlessly blends elements from various musical traditions to create a unique, diverse, and influential genre. Undoubtedly, it is among the more intriguing subgenres of Hip Hop, and is one of the most substantial. While it may be over three decades old, there’s still much more Trip Hop has to offer. As it is a genre that embraces experimentation, it will continue to break the ceiling, transform, and diversify.

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Trip Hop: A Comprehensive Look at the Genre's History, Influences, and Key Artists

Trip-hop is a genre of electronic music that has its roots in the city of Bristol, England. It emerged in the late 1980s and early 1990s and combines elements of hip-hop, electronic, and experimental music. Trip-hop is characterized by its use of samples, loops, and downtempo beats, and has had a significant influence on the evolution of modern music.

History and Origins of Trip Hop

The origins of trip-hop can be traced back to the Wild Bunch, a collective of DJs and producers who were active in the Bristol music scene in the 1980s. The Wild Bunch were heavily influenced by hip-hop and reggae, and they began experimenting with electronic music production techniques, creating a sound that was uniquely their own.

One of the key figures in the development of trip-hop was Adrian "Tricky" Thaws, a member of the Wild Bunch who went on to release his own solo material. Tricky's debut album, "Maxinquaye," which was released in 1995, is considered a classic of the genre and helped to establish trip-hop as a legitimate musical movement.

Other notable trip-hop artists from the early days of the genre include Massive Attack, Portishead, and Morcheeba. These groups helped to popularize trip-hop and bring it to a wider audience, and their music remains influential to this day.

Influences and Evolution of Trip Hop

Trip-hop has been influenced by a variety of musical styles and genres, including hip-hop, electronic, and experimental music. It has also been influenced by a range of cultural and social factors, including the political and social upheaval of the late 1980s and early 1990s, which provided a backdrop for the genre's emergence.

In the decades since its inception, trip-hop has evolved and diversified, with new artists drawing inspiration from the genre and incorporating a variety of styles and influences. Today, trip-hop can be heard in the music of artists such as Bonobo, The XX, and James Blake, and it continues to be a major force in the world of electronic music.

Famous Artists of Trip Hop

There have been many influential and pioneering artists in the history of trip-hop, and it is difficult to narrow down the list to just a few. Some of the key figures in the genre include:

Tricky: Tricky was a member of the Wild Bunch and is widely regarded as one of the pioneers of trip-hop. His debut album, "Maxinquaye," was a groundbreaking release that helped to establish trip-hop as a legitimate musical movement.

Massive Attack: Massive Attack is a British electronic music group that was formed in 1988 in Bristol. They are considered one of the pioneers of trip-hop and their music has had a significant influence on the genre.

Portishead: Portishead is another British group that emerged from the Bristol music scene in the early 1990s. They are known for their distinctive sound, which combines elements of trip-hop, jazz, and experimental music.

Morcheeba: Morcheeba is a British group that was formed in 1995 and is known for its fusion of trip-hop and downtempo beats with elements of rock, blues, and funk.

Overall, trip-hop is a genre that has had a significant impact on the evolution of modern music, and its influence can be heard in a wide range of contemporary genres and styles. Whether you're a fan of the early pioneers of the genre or the newer artists who have carried its legacy forward, there is no denying the lasting influence of trip-hop on the world of music. From its origins in Bristol to its ongoing evolution, trip-hop has proven to be a genre that is both innovative and enduring. Whether you're a fan of the genre or just curious about its history and key artists, trip-hop is a musical movement that is worth exploring and discovering.

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The definition of “trip-hop” is a slippery one; even one of the genre’s pioneers has trouble pinning it down. “Essentially, it needs to have a down-tempo beat, to be hypnotic and narcotic to an extent—that chilled-out, slowed down feeling,” says Sneaker Pimps ’s Liam Howe, whose album Becoming X was one of the genre’s foundational LPs. “It also has to have a little bit of dub, a bit of funk, soul, and jazz. We put quite a lot of guitars and folk music into it as well, and if you push genres like hip-hop and jazz as far as they can go, then you come up with a new amalgamation of sound.”

That “new amalgamation of sound” first began taking shape in the early ‘90s. Massive Attack’s 1991 album Blue Lines is considered the origin point of the genre, a blueprint for how to blend hip-hop, synth, and dub into a commercial product. Portishead’s Dummy arrived three years later, and immediately became the dinner party album for the cool set, introducing the world to the gorgeous, ghostly vocals of Beth Gibbons. Now, some 20 years later, traces of the genre can be heard in the music of FKA Twigs, serpentwithfeet , Arca , and the xx, and the Sneaker Pimps themselves have ended a two-decade hiatus, returning with their fourth studio album, Squaring the Circle . And though it’s primarily associated with the UK, these days there are more than a few notable international acts mining trip-hop to inform their own sound.

These are just a few of the new faces of trip-hop.

Sneaker Pimps Becoming X

The Sneaker Pimps’s most iconic album, Becoming X, helped to solidify the UK trip-hop sound. Released in 1996, the album featured the seductive croon of Kelli Ali , and breakout hits “6 Underground” and “Spin Spin Sugar” combined dreamy electronica beats with crackling vinyl samples and layers of acoustic guitar and keyboards. Ali departed after this album, but founding members Chris Corner and Liam Howe pressed on, with Corner assuming vocal duties on the two albums that followed.

“When we were starting to make music in the early ‘90s, we were making instrumental dance music, and there was a similar scene in London,” says Howe, who in addition to his role in Sneaker Pimps has also produced tracks for Lana Del Rey , FKA Twigs, and Marina and the Diamonds . “We were about three-quarters of the way through writing Becoming X when Portishead’s Dummy came out, and that’s when the defining term ‘trip-hop’ landed. We used to call it ‘head music’ before that.” As its title suggests, the group’s fourth album Squaring the Circle is a return to their musical beginnings. “The new album has one foot in that ‘90s trip-hop era, because that’s part of our DNA, [but it’s also] a mixture of Becoming X, Splinter, and Blood Sport . It’s the same band, doing the same thing that we always did.”

Kelli Ali Ghostdriver

Former lead singer of Sneaker Pimps, Kelli Ali’s most recent album is the soundtrack to the film Ghostdriver (2021), which she wrote, produced, and directed. It’s a glimmering, romantic beast of a record, full of skittering percussion, operatic harmonies, and gothic melodrama; songs like “Fade To Black” and “Waiting For Grace” are sweetly melancholy, and the tone  is appropriately cinematic throughout, employing both jazzy brass and, on tracks like “The Fear of London,” video game-style synths. Howe contributed extensively to the mix and production, a throwback to their days working together in Sneaker Pimps. “I’ve always kept in touch with Kelli, she’s lovely,” he says. “She’s got fantastic character to her voice—it’s perfect for a soundtrack. In trip-hop, there was so much influence from ‘60s and ‘70s film soundtracks, and that noir, cinematic sound is a great fit for her voice.”

Sevdaliza Shabrang

Netherlands-based Sevdaliza channels her experiences as an Iranian-Dutch woman into trip-hop tracks that are both political and personal. Born in Tehran, Sevdaliza has used her music and her public presence to address prejudice against Muslims in Western countries. Her 2017 track “ Bebin ” protested the ban on Muslims entering the U.S .; it was the first song she’d performed entirely in Persian. Her 2020 album Shabrang (a Farsi phrase that loosely translates to mean “night color”), is both malevolent and powerfully feminine. Bone-chilling strings, snarling beats, and futuristic urban club sounds lay the groundwork for her compelling voice. She sounds bereft on Farsi ballad “Gole Bi Goldoon,” fierce on “Darkest Hour,” and vulnerable over the slow clash of piano and softly clattering drums on “All Rivers At Once.”

Pale Spring CYGNUS

Los Angeles’s Emily Harper Scott and her partner and co-producer Drew Scott make the sort of fuzzy, spacious electronica that invites listeners to disappear inside the warmth of their sound. CYGNUS , released in 2019, is a showcase for Harper’s dexterous range, and her instincts for when to dial up the vocal dramatics and when to leave just aching silence. Her improvisational approach to songwriting on CYGNUS has roots in jazz and R&B—though the glitchy beats, gothic instrumentals, and surreal atmosphere are all signature trip-hop.

A/T/O/S waterman

The Belgian duo A Taste Of Struggle (A/T/O/S ) met in 2012 and released their self-titled debut two years later, but it’s last year’s waterman that serves as the ideal introduction to their sound. The pair’s blend of hip-hop, dub, and R&B frequently recalls Massive Attack; on tracks like the slow-simmering “connect the signs,” Amos’s R&B-inspired vocals perfectly complement the boxy beats and dub-like bass of producer Truenoys, while songs like “are you in love” have the moodiness of dubstep, reflecting the duo’s “old-meets-new” approach to trip-hop.

Dolphin Midwives Body Of Water

The music of Portland artist Sage Fisher, who records as Dolphin Midwives , is soulful, wistful, and romantic. Her latest album, Body of Water is aptly named—there’s something oceanic and fluid about its songs. On “Clearing,” vocal harmonies are layered over a steady synthetic heartbeat rhythm; “Bloom” is anchored by Fisher’s operatic vocals, synths unfolding slowly all around her. Fisher’s music has served as the soundtrack for dance and sound installations in art galleries and at festivals. Fittingly, Body of Water is the kind of multi-layered record that invites multiple interpretations.

Public Memory Wuthering Drum

Like its cover art, the sound on Public Memory ‘s 2016 LP Wuthering Drum is distorted and strange, but beautiful. On “Ringleader,” murky, malevolent synths sizzle over a somnambulant beat. On “Domino” and “Lunar,” Robert Toher’s vocals duck in and out of the layered strings, bells, and vintage video game sounds. The effect is both haunting and peaceful at once. Though Toher sings of isolation and loneliness, there’s something lovely in the consistent tone and pace of the tracks that seeks to connect and remain alive.

Time For Dreams Life of the Inhabitant

Time For Dreams are the Melbourne-based duo of Amanda Roff and Tom Carlyon, and their darkly humorous single “Death to All Actors” epitomizes their gothic, playful attitude. Sweeping synths and crackling percussion create a foreboding atmosphere, but they’re countered by warm atmospherics. Recorded in the cold environs of Mount Macedon, the album has a pervasive sense of haunted, unexplored space. It’s an album full of beautiful contradictions, pitting the organic sound of the human voice against synthetic arrangements, mirroring the natural push-and-pull of human existence.

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The Progressive Underground’s Primer to Trip-Hop

Five essential tracks that shaped trip-hop, downtempo, and chill music.

Over 26 years ago, before it was made famous by the likes of Massive Attack and Portishead, trip-hop was a new music genre that emerged from the early-90s music scene in Bristol, UK.

Bristol, a western port known for its leisurely pace and laid-back lifestyle, was grounded in post-punk bohemia music for years. A multi-racial collective of DJs, singers and rappers emerged from this scene to band together to form the group Massive Attack who released “ Blue Lines ” in 1991, the album widely regarded as the first trip-hop album.

Trip-hops enduring legacy is found in numerous pioneering artists whom it has influenced such as the Gorillaz, Beck, Bjork and Radiohead.

“Blue Lines” cited influences from Isaac Haye’s orchestra soul and the Mahavishnu Orchestra’s jazz-rock aesthetic all the way to the dub reggae of Studio One, but with an emphasis on not necessarily filling a dance floor but rather a focus on “chilling out” at a lounge.

Trip-hop continued to grow its global audience and become an international phenomenon well into the 2000s. Music from the genre appeared in movies, television series and commercials and spawned several subgenres including illbient, post trip-hop and IDM.

But its enduring legacy is found in numerous pioneering artists whom it has influenced such as the Gorillaz, Beck, Bjork and Radiohead. Trip-hop is a form of electronic music that reinterpreted its possibilities with technology while capturing our imaginations and our ears with its richly atmospheric sound stylings that have enjoyed continued afterlife on film and television soundtracks.

Click the player above to hear Chris Campbell’s history of trip hop and get a feel for the genre with these quintessential tracks.

1. “protection” by massive attack.

Massive Attack’s 2 nd album, 1994’s “Protection” fine-tuned the formula for the yet-to-be-named genre.

The track features vocals from Tracey Thorn, lead singer of Everything But The Girl.  The song contained samples taken from “The Payback” by James Brown, namely the hi-hat beat and the recurrent wah-wah guitar element.

It was shortly after this that international music publication MixMag coined the phrase “trip-hop,” along with “downtempo” and “chill”, as a way of describing this emerging genre of music that utilized hip-hop samples, funk and other slowed down atmospheric elements that gave a torrid hip hop aesthetic and cinematic vibe to the music.

2. “Numb” by Portishead

Around this time, another group who would also be considered one of the pioneers of the trip-hop, downtempo and chill genre emerged from the same Bristol scene: Geoff Barrow, Adrian Utley and lead singer Beth Gibbons, better known as Portishead .

Portishead’s 1994 album “Dummy” pushed the genre to an international audience through the use of a number of hip-hop techniques, such as sampling, scratching, and loop-making. Using those hip-hop techniques as a base, the group would record their own original music atop all of that using an analog format rather than a digital one, giving their work a vintage sound.

“Dummy” was a masterwork that helped to cement the reputation of Bristol as the capital of trip-hop, a nascent genre which was then often referred to simply as “the Bristol sound.”

3. “Changeling” by DJ Shadow

Trip-hop, downtempo and chill continued to evolve with the release of another groundbreaking album that incorporated a high level of turntable artistry with cinematic sensibilities, but this time the artist was from the United States.

Joshua Paul Davis, better known by his stage name DJ Shadow, was an American producer and DJ out of Davis, Calif., who had a personal collection of more than 60,000 records. He first gained notice with the release of his acclaimed debut studio album, “Endtroducing,” which was built entirely from music samples of lost funk classics and bad horror soundtracks from his record collection.

The album employed tens of thousands of samples layered to beautiful melodic perfection and would expand the perspective of trip-hop, downtempo and chill, going on to heavily influence global producers who would show up on the music scene years later like Madlib and Flying Lotus.

4. “Flying Away” by Smoke City

Other artists and groups would continue taking the genre in several new and different directions. Smoke City, comprised of Nina Miranda, Mark Brown, and Chris Franck, blended acid jazz, slow samba and bossa nova into a wonderful melding of downtempo, chill and trip-hop.

5. “Teardrop” by Massive Attack

Massive Attack’s anthemic track “Teardrop,” is one of the most significant tunes from one of the most outstanding albums in the genre. The track was greatly enhanced by the vocals of former Cocteau Twin Liz Fraser, whose otherworldly voice is a perfect fit for Massive Attack’s ethereal mood music.  This song may be best known for becoming the theme song for the long-running television series “House.”

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‘I accidentally invented trip-hop’ – how we made DJ Shadow’s Endtroducing

‘People said: “Nobody’s going to listen to instrumental trip-hop.” But I was thinking of huge soundscapes, like the ones by Pink Floyd or Beethoven’

Josh Davis, aka DJ Shadow

By 1991, sampling had entered a golden era with De La Soul’s 3 Feet High and Rising, NWA’s Straight Outta Compton and the Beastie Boys’ Paul’s Boutique. I was a senior in high school, frustrated that I couldn’t afford turntables, let alone a sampler. I was doing poor man’s sampling by cueing records directly into my four-track cassette recorder, trying to fool the industry that I was more equipped.

I pooled all my money, went down to the Guitar Center in San Francisco and bought the Akai MPC60 . When anybody buys an instrument, they always say that they go home and stay awake for two and a half days, just playing. That’s exactly what I did. You could only sample 2.5 seconds of stereo and store 13 seconds, so I would do the beat, melody, percussion, and go to the studio of Dan the Automator, a producer who had an early form of multi-tracking using VHS tapes. For the seven-inch mix of Stem , I wanted to sample Heat, the 1995 movie, so I said: “Make sure you’ve got a VCR. I’m gonna go rent the movie.”

I wanted people to understand that sampling has a long lineage, so the credits are right there in the liner notes. James Lavelle from Mo’Wax said: “Give us a list of the big eight.” So I identified the samples most likely to cause issues, such as Metallica, Björk and the piano on Midnight in a Perfect World that comes from 1969 song The Human Abstract by David Axelrod. A few weeks later I said, “Do you want some more?” and he said, “We still have our hands full, thanks.”

I spent the summer of 1996 in the UK promoting the album. As a 23-year-old, there seemed such an optimistic aura. The album didn’t take off in the US until a year later. I’d hop on the phone to do an interview and would be met with a confused silence: people assumed I was British.

I know some fans think I don’t like talking about Endtroducing, as if it’s some sort of albatross, but that’s not true. There’s also been a narrative that James and I don’t get along. There has been some truth to that, but I’d do anything for James, and I’m sure he feels the same.

James Lavelle, Mo ’Wax label founder

I was 17 and working at Honest Jon’s on Portobello Road, London. It specialised in collectible black soul, funk, R&B, jazz and reggae. On my suggestion it started stocking the records from the scene I was DJing – acid jazz, US hip-hop, Massive Attack and new London soul – and it became a bit of a hub.

I was DJing in New York and LA and would go around US record companies picking up unreleased vinyl hip-hop promos. Doin’ Damage in My Native Language, by African Zimbabwe hip-hop act Zimbabwe Legit, wasn’t very good. But on the B-side there was this new mix by this DJ I hadn’t heard of before – DJ Shadow – called Shadow’s Legitimate Mix, full of scratching and samples. It was beautiful and unusual, even though it had little to do with the original, and I started playing it in my DJ sets. I accidentally invented trip-hop: mixing unusual hip-hop instrumentals with other electronic records to create a soundscape.

I got a friend from Tommy Boy Records to introduce me to Shadow. We spoke for hours on the phone about British hip-hop and the NME. I was 19 and had grown up in Oxford; he was 21 and had grown up in Davis, California. We both felt like we’d come from suburbia, outside the main cities. I said: “Would you be interested in making a record for Mo’Wax, my label? Don’t worry about choruses and verses, just push your sound further into that world.”

The album took a year and a half to make. We hung out in San Francisco and London. The samples were pretty easy to clear. It’s different when you’re sampling some Swedish drum break from 1970 than sampling James Brown or the Rolling Stones. People said: “Nobody’s gonna listen to instrumental hip-hop.” But I was thinking of huge soundscapes, like the ones by Pink Floyd or Beethoven.

Cool Britannia was mainly guitar bands, but by 1996, Portishead, Massive Attack, the Chemical Brothers and Underworld had moved to the mainstream. Entroducing hit a moment and was NME’s No 5 album of the year. It still has a timeless quality and an innocence by being crafted without relying on technology. It was trying to change the world, but in a very understated and subtle way.

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Exploring Trip Hop: Origins, Evolution and Influence on Popular Culture

By Happy Sharer

Introduction

Trip hop is a genre of music that emerged in the early 1990s and quickly became one of the most influential and popular musical styles of the decade. The genre combines elements of hip hop, electronic music and jazz, creating a unique sound that has been described as “lush, atmospheric and downtempo”. Throughout its history, trip hop has evolved and adapted to different regional influences, leading to the emergence of new subgenres and the crossover success of some of its most iconic artists.

Exploring the Origins and Evolution of Trip Hop

The origins of trip hop can be traced back to the late 1980s when the Bristol-based group Massive Attack released their debut album Blue Lines. This album was seen as a major breakthrough for the genre, combining elements of hip hop, dancehall, dub and electronica to create a unique sound. The success of Blue Lines paved the way for other groups such as Portishead, Tricky and Smith & Mighty, who all helped to shape the sound of trip hop in the early 1990s.

In the mid-1990s, the genre began to expand into different countries, with France being one of the first to embrace it. French trip hop artists such as Air, Wax Tailor and Chinese Man helped to develop the genre and bring it to a wider audience. Other countries such as Japan, Germany and Australia also began to produce their own trip hop music, blending local influences with the core elements of the genre.

Throughout its evolution, trip hop has been heavily influenced by other genres such as jazz, dub, funk and soul. These genres have all played a part in shaping the sound of trip hop, and many of the genre’s most iconic songs have been the result of combining elements from multiple genres. As the genre continues to evolve, it is likely that these influences will remain a key part of its sound.

A Guide to Essential Trip Hop Artists and Albums

Trip hop has produced some of the most iconic musicians and albums of the last few decades. Here is a guide to some of the essential trip hop artists and albums that have helped to define the genre:

Notable Artists

• Massive Attack – one of the pioneers of trip hop and best known for their albums Blue Lines (1991) and Mezzanine (1998).
• Portishead – one of the most successful trip hop acts of all time, best known for their albums Dummy (1994) and Third (2008).
• Tricky – an experimental artist who has released a number of acclaimed albums including Maxinquaye (1995) and Pre-Millennium Tension (1996).
• Air – a French duo who are best known for their albums Moon Safari (1998) and Talkie Walkie (2004).
• Wax Tailor – a French producer who has released a number of acclaimed albums including Tales of the Forgotten Melodies (2005) and Dusty Rainbow From the Dark (2012).

Popular Albums

• Blue Lines – Massive Attack (1991)
• Dummy – Portishead (1994)
• Maxinquaye – Tricky (1995)
• Moon Safari – Air (1998)
• Tales of the Forgotten Melodies – Wax Tailor (2005)

Analyzing the Influence of Trip Hop on Other Genres

Trip hop has had a major influence on other genres, particularly hip hop and electronic music. The fusion of hip hop and electronic music has been a key element of trip hop since its inception, and this fusion has been used by many artists to create new sounds and styles. Notable examples include the work of Dr. Dre and Timbaland, who both combine elements of hip hop and electronic music in their production.

The emergence of new subgenres such as trip hop, chillout, drum and bass and breakbeat have also been heavily influenced by trip hop. These genres have all taken elements of trip hop and combined them with their own unique sounds and styles, creating entirely new forms of music. Furthermore, many of these genres have gone on to achieve mainstream success, with artists such as Daft Punk and Fatboy Slim becoming household names.

Trip hop has also had a major influence on popular music, with many of its artists achieving crossover success. Massive Attack, Portishead, Tricky and Air are all widely recognized as some of the most influential and important acts of the last few decades, and their music has been embraced by fans of all genres. In addition, many of the genre’s most iconic songs have become staples of radio playlists around the world.

Examining the Role of Trip Hop in Popular Culture

Trip hop has had a major impact on popular culture, influencing everything from fashion to film and television scores. The genre’s signature sound has been used in a wide range of films and television shows, from Hollywood blockbusters to independent productions. Notable examples include the use of Massive Attack’s music in the hit TV show House of Cards and Portishead’s music in the cult classic film The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert.

The influence of trip hop can also be seen in fashion, with designers such as Alexander McQueen, Vivienne Westwood and Jean Paul Gaultier all drawing inspiration from the genre. In addition, the genre has become closely associated with street art and graffiti, with many of its most iconic images being used to decorate walls and buildings around the world.

Finally, trip hop has had a major role in political movements, with many of its most iconic songs being used as anthems for various causes. For example, Massive Attack’s song “Unfinished Sympathy” was used as an unofficial anthem for the anti-war movement in the UK, while Portishead’s song “Sour Times” was used as an anthem for the LGBTQ+ rights movement.

Investigating the Relationship Between Trip Hop and Visual Media

Trip hop has always had a close relationship with visual media, with many of its most iconic songs being accompanied by striking visuals. Music videos have become an essential part of the genre, with many artists creating innovative and eye-catching videos to accompany their songs. In addition, a number of short films have been created to explore the themes and sounds of trip hop, with notable examples including Michel Gondry’s The Science of Sleep (2006) and Spike Jonze’s I’m Here (2010).

The relationship between trip hop and visual arts is also worth exploring, with many of the genre’s most iconic images being used to create stunning pieces of artwork. Many of these images have become synonymous with the genre, and they continue to influence visual artists around the world.

Comparing the Sounds of Trip Hop Across Different Countries

As trip hop has expanded into different countries, it has taken on different forms and adapted to different regional influences. This has led to the emergence of new subgenres, such as French trip hop and Japanese trip hop, each with its own unique sound. By exploring the sounds of trip hop across different countries, we can gain a better understanding of how the genre has evolved and adapted to different cultures.

When comparing the sounds of trip hop across different countries, it is interesting to note the similarities and differences in the lyrics and sounds. For example, French trip hop often features more downtempo beats and slower tempos than other countries, while Japanese trip hop often features faster tempos and more upbeat melodies. Similarly, British trip hop often features a greater emphasis on dub and reggae influences, while American trip hop often features heavier hip hop influences.

Investigating the Production Techniques of Trip Hop Music

The production techniques used in trip hop are as varied as the genre itself, with producers using a variety of methods to create their music. Sampling and synthesis are two of the most common techniques used, with producers often sampling existing recordings or creating their own samples and synthesizing them to create unique sounds. Layering and reverb are also commonly used, allowing producers to create rich and textured soundscapes.

Drum programming is another important technique used in trip hop production, with producers often programming intricate and complex rhythms to create a unique groove. Finally, effects such as delay and distortion are often used to give tracks a distinctive and unique sound.

Trip hop is a genre of music that has had a major impact on popular culture. Its fusion of hip hop, electronica, jazz and other genres has created a unique sound that has been embraced by fans of all genres. The genre has produced some of the most iconic artists and albums of the last few decades, and its influence can be seen in everything from fashion to film scores. The genre has also spawned a number of subgenres and helped to create a whole new generation of artists.

The legacy of trip hop is an undeniable one, and its influence can still be felt today. From its origins in the early 1990s to its current status as a major influence on popular culture, trip hop has come a long way and there is no doubt that it will continue to shape the sound of music for years to come.

(Note: Is this article not meeting your expectations? Do you have knowledge or insights to share? Unlock new opportunities and expand your reach by joining our authors team. Click Registration to join us and share your expertise with our readers.)

Hi, I'm Happy Sharer and I love sharing interesting and useful knowledge with others. I have a passion for learning and enjoy explaining complex concepts in a simple way.

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The 40+ Best Trip Hop Artists, Ranked

If you are ready for a journey through one of the most eclectic music forms, consider trip hop. Trip hop music awakens the senses and unlocks a treasure trove of rhythm, style and emotion. This genre is steeped in the roots of British electronica, breakbeat, and hip hop. It's fascinating to wend your way through a collection of the finest trip hop artists whose songs have made a profound impact on music scenes globally. 

The best trip hop groupspaint an enchanting picture of profound musical innovation, blending various styles to create something unique and potent. Their transformative influence on trip hop's evolution becomes apparent with each resonating beat and soulful lyric. The music vibrates with a deep resonance that echoes across the mainstream and indie audiences, highlighting the uniqueness of each artist and their indelible mark on the genre. 

In the illustrious lineup of trip hop artists, certain names stand out. These include top trip hop bands like Portishead , Massive Attack, and Tricky. Portishead's hauntingly beautiful melodies tug at the heartstrings of the listeners, making the band famous. Massive Attack, with their groundbreaking albums, brought a new perspective to the genre, a testament to their status among the best trip hop artists. Tricky melded raw emotion with creative beats resulting in a distinctive sound that resonates with fans to this day. Their achievements, ranging from memorable songs and classic albums to prestigious awards, speak volumes about their stature in the trip hop universe. 

Reflecting on the history of trip hop music and its best artists presents a captivating saga of artistic expression, innovation, and boundary-pushing beats. Distinguished by their individual style and contributions, these trip hop bands have set new standards for the genre with magical tunes that continue to inspire, entertain, and move audiences around the world. 

Portishead, the brainchild of Geoff Barrow, Beth Gibbons, and Adrian Utley, revolutionized trip hop in the 90s with their groundbreaking albums Dummy  and Portishead . With a hauntingly atmospheric sound that flawlessly combined eerie vocal melodies, innovative sampling techniques, and cinematic soundscapes, Portishead captured the imagination of music lovers everywhere. They managed to push the boundaries of the genre by blending elements of jazz, electronica, and rock, ultimately creating a hypnotic experience that became synonymous with the trip hop movement. To this day, Portishead remains a luminary of the scene, continuously inspiring generations of artists with their emotive and timeless compositions.

Rock Out To Some Of The Most Popular Songs From Portishead   - "Glory Box"   - "Sour Times"   - "Roads"

Dive Into Portishead's History With Some Unique Deep Cuts   - "It's a Fire"   - "Over"

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Massive Attack

Massive Attack, hailing from Bristol, England, have long been considered pioneers in the realm of trip hop. The trio, consisting of Robert Del Naja, Grant Marshall, and Andy Vowles, crafted a unique sound that seamlessly merged elements of dub, reggae, soul, and electronica. Their seminal album Blue Lines  served as a blueprint for trip hop, boasting an array of downtempo beats, ethereal ambience, and thought-provoking lyricism. Massive Attack's innovation and experimentation within the genre have solidified their legacy as one of the most influential trip hop acts of all time.

Rock Out To Some Of The Most Popular Songs From Massive Attack   - "Teardrop"   - "Unfinished Sympathy"   - "Angel"

Dive Into Massive Attack's History With Some Unique Deep Cuts   - "Karmacoma"   - "Black Milk"

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• # 968 of 1,151 on The Greatest Musical Artists of All Time

UK-based artist Tricky, born Adrian Thaws, quickly emerged as a trip hop icon with the release of his debut album, Maxinquaye . His distinct fusion of hip hop, rock, and electronica resonated with listeners seeking something more subversive and experimental within the genre. Drawing heavily on his Jamaican roots and experiences growing up in Bristol, Tricky's music showcased his powerful storytelling abilities and otherworldly production skills. As a result, Tricky has remained an essential figure within the trip hop scene, continuously pushing the envelope with each successive release.

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Morcheeba, a British trio consisting of siblings Paul and Ross Godfrey and vocalist Skye Edwards, captivated listeners with their polished blend of trip hop, electronica, and pop. Their debut album Who Can You Trust?  served as a prime example of their ability to create moody, atmospheric compositions that showcased Edwards' sultry vocal stylings. Morcheeba's ability to navigate the diverse sonic landscape of trip hop while maintaining a strong focus on melody earned them critical acclaim and a devout following. Over time, the band has continued to evolve, solidifying their status as a versatile powerhouse within the genre.

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Sneaker Pimps

Established in the mid-90s, the British trip hop trio Sneaker Pimps, composed of Chris Corner, Liam Howe, and Kelli Ali, brought a unique spin to the genre with their compelling mix of electronica, alternative rock, and darkly melodic pop. Their debut album Becoming X  showcased innovative production techniques, catchy hooks, and Ali's alluring vocals, which quickly garnered them international attention. Not content to remain static, Sneaker Pimps continued to explore and push the boundaries of trip hop, consistently reinventing their sound and remaining an influential force within the scene.

Rock Out To Some Of The Most Popular Songs From Sneaker Pimps   - "6 Underground"   - "Spin Spin Sugar"   - "Tesko Suicide"

Dive Into Sneaker Pimps' History With Some Unique Deep Cuts   - "Low Place Like Home"   - "Grazes"

British duo Zero 7, comprised of Henry Binns and Sam Hardaker, emerged on the trip hop scene in the late '90s with a mission to blend chilled-out electronica, sophisticated pop sensibilities, and seductive downtempo grooves. Their debut album Simple Things , featuring collaborations with vocalists like Sia and Mozez, showcased the duo's penchant for crafting exquisitely lush and soothing soundscapes. Over the years, Zero 7 has continued to evolve and redefine their sound, often incorporating elements of jazz, soul, and world music, earning them a dedicated fanbase and a lasting impact on the trip hop genre.

Rock Out To Some Of The Most Popular Songs From Zero 7   - "Destiny"   - "In the Waiting Line"   - "Home"

Dive Into Zero 7's History With Some Unique Deep Cuts   - "Likufanele"   - "I Have Seen"

• # 19 of 43 on The Best Bands Like Massive Attack
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Hooverphonic

Belgian outfit Hooverphonic, led by mastermind Alex Callier, made a lasting impact on the trip-hop scene with their evocative, cinematic soundscapes that beautifully melded elements of pop, rock, and electronic music. From their breathtaking debut A New Stereophonic Sound Spectacular  to their more recent work, Hooverphonic has demonstrated an uncanny ability to create lush, immersive atmospheres with a keen sense of melody. With a revolving door of talented vocalists, including Liesje Sadonius, Geike Arnaert, and Luka Cruysberghs, the band has consistently defied expectations, solidifying their status as one of trip hop's most captivating acts.

Rock Out To Some Of The Most Popular Songs From Hooverphonic   - "Mad About You"   - "2Wicky"   - "Eden"

Dive Into Hooverphonic's History With Some Unique Deep Cuts   - "Vinegar & Salt"   - "Out of Sight"

French duo Nicolas Godin and Jean-Benoît Dunckel, better known as Air, brought a distinctly Gallic flair to the world of trip hop with their sublime fusion of electronic experimentation, retro-pop melodies, and dreamy atmospherics. Their seminal album Moon Safari , featuring hit singles like "Sexy Boy" and "Kelly Watch the Stars," captivated audiences with its timeless charm and ethereal beauty. Throughout their career, Air has consistently pushed the boundaries of trip hop by exploring a wide range of sonic palettes and textures, leaving an indelible mark on the genre.

Rock Out To Some Of The Most Popular Songs From Air   - "Sexy Boy"   - "La Femme d'Argent"   - "Cherry Blossom Girl"

Dive Into Air's History With Some Unique Deep Cuts   - "Le Soleil est près de Moi"   - "Talisman"

• # 297 of 308 on The Greatest Musical Artists of the '90s
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Thievery Corporation

Washington, D.C.-based duo Thievery Corporation, consisting of Eric Hilton and Rob Garza, have been synonymous with trip hop since their formation in the mid-'90s. With a sound that effortlessly fuses elements of dub, reggae, lounge, and electronica, the pair has developed a unique global sonic identity that transcends genre boundaries. Their debut album Sounds from the Thievery Hi-Fi  laid the groundwork for their signature sound, combining lush electronic soundscapes with hypnotic grooves and worldly influences. Over the years, Thievery Corporation has continuously evolved their eclectic sound, solidifying their status as one of trip hop's most innovative and boundary-pushing acts.

Rock Out To Some Of The Most Popular Songs From Thievery Corporation   - "Lebanese Blonde"   - "Sweet Tides"   - "The Richest Man in Babylon"

Dive Into Thievery Corporation's History With Some Unique Deep Cuts   - "Amerimacka"   - "The Mirror Conspiracy"

Josh Davis, known professionally as DJ Shadow, is an American producer and DJ who has left an indelible mark on the world of trip hop with his undeniable talent for crafting immersive beats and moody soundscapes. His groundbreaking 1996 debut Endtroducing...  is widely regarded as a trip hop classic, showcasing a mastery of sampling techniques, innovative production styles, and a keen ear for haunting, atmospheric sounds. Throughout his career, DJ Shadow has continued to explore and expand the boundaries of the genre, pushing the limits of what can be achieved through the art of sampling and beat making.

Rock Out To Some Of The Most Popular Songs From DJ Shadow   - "Midnight in a Perfect World"   - "Building Steam with a Grain of Salt"   - "Six Days"

Dive Into DJ Shadow's History With Some Unique Deep Cuts   - "Stem / Long Stem"   - "Organ Donor"

• # 104 of 157 on The Best DJs in the World Right Now
• # 57 of 81 on The 80+ Best Rap Producers Of All Time, Ranked
• # 10 of 43 on The Best Bands Like Massive Attack

British duo Goldfrapp, led by the bewitching Alison Goldfrapp and multi-instrumentalist Will Gregory, emerged in the early 2000s as a force to be reckoned with in the realm of trip hop. Their debut album Felt Mountain  showcased a beguiling mix of cinematic orchestration, electronic experimentation, and Alison's enchanting vocals. Goldfrapp's enigmatic sound has continually evolved, encompassing elements of glam rock, synth-pop, and dance music, making them one of the most unpredictable and fascinating acts within the trip hop genre.

Rock Out To Some Of The Most Popular Songs From Goldfrapp   - "Ooh La La"   - "Strict Machine"   - "Lovely Head"

Dive Into Goldfrapp's History With Some Unique Deep Cuts   - "Utopia"   - "Black Cherry"

• # 176 of 248 on The Most Hipster Bands
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• # 36 of 42 on The Best Gold Things

British musical mastermind James Lavelle, the driving force behind Unkle, has been captivating audiences with his dark and cinematic take on trip hop since the late '90s. Unkle's debut album Psyence Fiction , featuring collaborations with notable artists like Thom Yorke and Richard Ashcroft, showcased Lavelle's knack for blending moody electronic production with elements of rock, pop, and hip-hop. Over the years, Unkle's ever-evolving sound and roster of talented collaborators have helped cement the project's place in trip hop history as a daring, innovative force within the genre.

Rock Out To Some Of The Most Popular Songs From Unkle   - "Rabbit in Your Headlights"   - "Bloodstain"   - "Burn My Shadow"

Dive Into Unkle's History With Some Unique Deep Cuts   - "Celestial Annihilation"   - "Lonely Soul"

• # 7 of 43 on The Best Bands Like Massive Attack
• # 25 of 87 on The Best Bands & Artists That Start With U
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Lamb, the enchanting English duo consisting of producer Andy Barlow and vocalist Lou Rhodes, first made waves in the trip hop scene with their eponymous 1996 debut album. Their unique fusion of electronic experimentation, emotive vocals, and captivating songwriting quickly set them apart, winning them fans across the globe. With a sound that combines elements of jazz, drum and bass, and ambient music, Lamb has continually pushed the envelope, proving themselves to be one of the trip hop genre's most enduring and captivating acts.

Rock Out To Some Of The Most Popular Songs From Lamb   - "Gorecki"   - "Lusty"   - "Angelica"

Dive Into Lamb's History With Some Unique Deep Cuts   - "Cotton Wool"   - "Trans Fatty Acid"

Nightmares on Wax

George Evelyn, the man behind Nightmares on Wax, has been weaving spellbinding webs of sound since the early '90s, blending elements of dub, electronica, and soul to create uniquely evocative trip hop compositions. With a discography that spans decades, Nightmares on Wax has earned a reputation for consistently crafting music that not only embodies the spirit of trip hop but also pushes the boundaries of the genre. From early classics like Smokers Delight  to more recent releases like Shape the Future , Nightmares on Wax has proven time and again that his innovative approach to music-making remains vital and engaging.

Rock Out To Some Of The Most Popular Songs From Nightmares on Wax   - "You Wish"   - "Les Nuits"   - "Flip Ya Lid"

Dive Into Nightmares on Wax' History With Some Unique Deep Cuts   - "Ethnic Majority"   - "Morse"

• # 84 of 146 on The Most Influential DJs of All Time
• # 16 of 43 on The Best Bands Like Massive Attack
• # 17 of 48 on The Best Downtempo Bands/Artists

Norwegian duo Röyksopp, comprising Svein Berge and Torbjørn Brundtland, emerged in the early 2000s with a distinct brand of trip hop infused with elements of synth-pop, ambient, and electronica. Their chart-topping debut, Melody A.M. , showcased their ability to create lush, atmospheric soundscapes punctuated by catchy hooks and intricate production. Throughout their career, Röyksopp has remained committed to exploring the boundaries of trip hop, collaborating with various artists and incorporating diverse influences into their constantly evolving sound.

Rock Out To Some Of The Most Popular Songs From Röyksopp   - "Eple"   - "Poor Leno"   - "Happy Up Here"

Dive Into Röyksopp's History With Some Unique Deep Cuts   - "So Easy"   - "A Higher Place"

• # 116 of 157 on The Best DJs in the World Right Now
• # 15 of 51 on The Best EDM Duos Of All Time
• # 5 of 43 on The Best Bands Like Massive Attack

French producer Jean-Christophe Le Saoût, known by his stage name Wax Tailor, has been crafting elegant, cinematic trip hop since the early 2000s. With a penchant for lush orchestration, deft sampling, and moody atmospherics, Wax Tailor's music stands as a testament to the genre's enduring appeal and versatility. Throughout his career, he has collaborated with a diverse array of artists, pushing the boundaries of trip hop while remaining true to the genre's core aesthetic.

Rock Out To Some Of The Most Popular Songs From Wax Tailor   - "Que Sera"   - "Seize the Day"   - "Ungodly Fruit"

Dive Into Wax Tailor's History With Some Unique Deep Cuts   - "Positively Inclined"   - "Until Heaven Stops the Rain"

Kruder & Dorfmeister

Austrian duo Kruder & Dorfmeister, composed of Peter Kruder and Richard Dorfmeister, have been at the forefront of the trip hop movement for decades, known for their innovative remix work and original productions. Their landmark compilation The K&D Sessions  featured reimaginings of tracks from a wide range of artists, showcasing their ability to transform songs into immersive, downtempo masterpieces. With their seamless blend of dub, jazz, and electronica, Kruder & Dorfmeister have left an indelible mark on the trip hop scene and inspired countless artists to follow in their footsteps.

Rock Out To Some Of The Most Popular Songs From Kruder & Dorfmeister   - "K&D Sessions" (This is an album containing various remixes)   - "Black Baby"   - "Deep Shit Pt. 1 & 2"

Dive Into Kruder & Dorfmeister's History With Some Unique Deep Cuts   - "Bug Powder Dust"   - "Sofa Rockers"

• # 139 of 157 on The Best DJs in the World Right Now
• # 18 of 43 on The Best Bands Like Massive Attack
• # 8 of 48 on The Best Downtempo Bands/Artists

Japanese producer Hideaki Ishi, better known as DJ Krush, has been making waves in the trip hop world since the early '90s with his uniquely atmospheric and meditative soundscapes. Known for his groundbreaking use of sampling and turntablism, DJ Krush consistently pushes the boundaries of the genre by incorporating elements of jazz, hip-hop, and traditional Japanese music into his work. With a discography that spans multiple decades, DJ Krush remains an influential figure within the trip hop scene, inspiring future generations of artists with his innovative, genre-defying approach to music production.

Rock Out To Some Of The Most Popular Songs From DJ Krush   - "Kemuri"   - "Song 2"   - "Big City Lover"

Dive Into DJ Krush's History With Some Unique Deep Cuts   - "Road to Nowhere"   - "Meiso"

• # 146 of 157 on The Best DJs in the World Right Now
• # 23 of 43 on The Best Bands Like Massive Attack
• # 36 of 99 on The Real Names of 100 DJs

American producer Ramble Jon Krohn, better known as RJD2, burst onto the trip hop scene in the early 2000s with his adventurous, genre-blurring approach to music-making. His debut album Deadringer  showcased a unique blend of hip-hop, electronica, and soulful sampling that garnered widespread acclaim and helped establish him as a pioneer within the trip-hop scene. Throughout his career, RJD2 has continued to push the boundaries of the genre by incorporating a wide range of influences and collaborating with various artists, solidifying his status as an innovative force in the world of trip hop.

Rock Out To Some Of The Most Popular Songs From RJD2   - "Ghostwriter"   - "Smoke & Mirrors"   - "The Horror"

Dive Into RJD2's History With Some Unique Deep Cuts   - "Dead Ringer"   - "Shot in the Dark"

• # 130 of 157 on The Best DJs in the World Right Now
• # 65 of 81 on The 80+ Best Rap Producers Of All Time, Ranked
• # 85 of 99 on The Real Names of 100 DJs

The London-based collective Archive has been pushing the boundaries of trip hop since forming in the mid-1990s. With a diverse and ever-evolving roster of musicians, the group has developed a sophisticated sound that incorporates elements of rock, electronica, and orchestral music. Their ambitious concept albums, like the acclaimed Londonium , showcase their ability to create sweeping, cinematic soundscapes full of emotion and depth. Archive’s unique take on trip hop has earned them a dedicated fanbase, solidifying their status as one of the genre’s most daring and innovative acts.

Rock Out To Some Of The Most Popular Songs From Archive   - "Bullets"   - "You Make Me Feel"   - "Again"

Dive Into Archive's History With Some Unique Deep Cuts   - "Conscience"   - "Numb"

• # 4 of 43 on The Best Bands Like Massive Attack
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Emancipator

Portland-based producer Doug Appling, known as Emancipator, has been a leading force in the trip-hop scene since the release of his acclaimed debut album Soon It Will Be Cold Enough . With a signature sound that blends lush instrumentation, intricate production, and cinematic soundscapes, Emancipator has consistently captivated listeners with his evocative and meditative compositions. A classically trained musician, Appling's ability to seamlessly weave together elements of electronic, hip-hop, and world music has helped him stand out as a unique and influential figure within the trip-hop genre.

Rock Out To Some Of The Most Popular Songs From Emancipator   - "Soon It Will Be Cold Enough"   - "Lionheart"   - "Anthem"

Dive Into Emancipator's History With Some Unique Deep Cuts   - "Periscope Up"   - "Nevergreen"

Irish singer Róisín Murphy and English producer Mark Brydon formed Moloko in the mid-'90s, bringing a quirky, innovative, and genre-defying sound to the world of trip hop. With hit singles like "Sing It Back" and "The Time Is Now," the duo crafted a distinct blend of electronic, pop, and dance music that set them apart from their peers. Throughout their career, Moloko's continuously evolving sound and Murphy's beguiling stage presence have earned them a dedicated fanbase and solidified their status as one of trip hop's most inventive acts.

Rock Out To Some Of The Most Popular Songs From Moloko   - "Sing It Back"   - "Time is Now"   - "Fun for Me"

Dive Into Moloko's History With Some Unique Deep Cuts   - "Pure Pleasure Seeker"   - "Dominoid"

• # 46 of 65 on The Best Bands Named After Books and Literary Characters
• # 60 of 77 on The Best Musical Duos

Martina Topley-Bird

British singer-songwriter Martina Topley-Bird first emerged as a prominent figure within the trip hop scene through her collaborations with pioneering artist Tricky. Her distinctive, ethereal voice adds a unique depth to the atmospheric soundscapes that have come to define the genre. With subsequent solo work like her debut album Quixotic , Topley-Bird has demonstrated her ability to craft captivating trip hop compositions that seamlessly blend elements of electronica, pop, and rock. Her continued contributions to the genre have made her an enduring and influential presence within the trip hop community.

Rock Out To Some Of The Most Popular Songs From Martina Topley  -Bird   - "Sandpaper Kisses"   - "Need One"   - "Anything"

Dive Into Martina Topley  -Bird's History With Some Unique Deep Cuts   - "Too Tough to Die"   - "Steal Away"

Brazilian-born composer and producer Amon Tobin has long been heralded as a pioneer within the realm of trip hop and electronic music. His unique ability to fuse diverse influences, ranging from jazz and ambient to drum and bass, has earned him a reputation for pushing the boundaries of the genre and defying categorization. Tobin's atmospheric and immersive compositions, such as those showcased on his groundbreaking album Bricolage , remain influential touchstones within the trip hop scene and continue to inspire future generations of producers and musicians.

Rock Out To Some Of The Most Popular Songs From Amon Tobin   - "Four Ton Mantis"   - "Easy Muffin"   - "Stoney Street"

Dive Into Amon Tobin's History With Some Unique Deep Cuts   - "The Lighthouse"   - "Bridge"

The eclectic New York duo Cibo Matto, comprised of Japanese expats Yuka Honda and Miho Hatori, brought a quirky, genre-defying approach to trip hop with their 1996 debut album Viva! La Woman . Incorporating elements of hip-hop, pop, and experimental music, Cibo Matto's unconventional sound and whimsical lyricism set them apart from their peers. Their unique blending of styles and penchant for culinary-themed lyrics helped Cibo Matto carve out a distinct niche within the trip hop community, making them one of the genre's most memorable and singular acts.

Rock Out To Some Of The Most Popular Songs From Cibo Matto   - "Sugar Water"   - "Know Your Chicken"   - "Birthday Cake"

Dive Into Cibo Matto's History With Some Unique Deep Cuts   - "White Pepper Ice Cream"   - "Sci  -Fi Wasabi"

Supreme Beings of Leisure

The Los Angeles-based collective Supreme Beings of Leisure merged trip hop with elements of lounge, world music, and electronica to create a unique and enticing sound in the late '90s. The group's self-titled debut showcased their ability to craft lush, groove-driven compositions that catered to fans of downtempo electronic music. Supreme Beings of Leisure's diverse influences and innovative approach to trip hop earned them a dedicated following and helped cement their place within the pantheon of influential acts in the genre.

Rock Out To Some Of The Most Popular Songs From Supreme Beings of Leisure   - "Strangelove Addiction"   - "Golddigger"   - "Never the Same"

Dive Into Supreme Beings of Leisure's History With Some Unique Deep Cuts   - "Ain't Got Nothin'"   - "Sublime"

Little Dragon

Swedish band Little Dragon, fronted by the dynamic vocalist Yukimi Nagano, brings a fresh, genre-defying approach to trip hop, blending influences from electronica, R&B, and synth-pop. With acclaimed albums like Ritual Union  under their belt, the band has captivated audiences worldwide with their unique sound and electrifying live performances. As Little Dragon continues to push the boundaries of trip hop and explore new sonic territories, they remain an exciting and essential act within the genre.

Rock Out To Some Of The Most Popular Songs From Little Dragon   - "Ritual Union"   - "Twice"   - "High"

Dive Into Little Dragon's History With Some Unique Deep Cuts   - "Blinking Pigs"   - "Feather"

French musician and producer Jean-Yves Prieur, known as Kid Loco, has been a fixture in the trip hop scene since the mid-'90s, producing music that blends elements of dub, jazz, and electronica into an intoxicating, downtempo sound. His debut album A Grand Love Story  showcased his deft touch for crafting lush instrumental soundscapes that evoke a sense of warmth and nostalgia. With a career spanning multiple decades and numerous collaborations, Kid Loco has solidified his status as an influential figure within the trip hop genre.

Rock Out To Some Of The Most Popular Songs From Kid Loco   - "A Grand Love Theme"   - "She's My Lover"   - "The Bootleggers"

Dive Into Kid Loco's History With Some Unique Deep Cuts   - "Love Me Sweet"   - "Calling Aventura King"

Bitter:Sweet

Los Angeles-based duo Bitter:Sweet, consisting of vocalist Shana Halligan and producer Kiran Shahani, delivered a sultry, sophisticated take on trip hop that captivated listeners in the mid-2000s. Drawing inspiration from jazz, lounge, and electronica, their debut album The Mating Game  showcased their ability to craft intoxicating, melody-driven compositions that resonate with fans of the genre. Though their time as a duo was brief, Bitter:Sweet's unique sound left a lasting impression on the trip hop scene and continues to be celebrated by fans and fellow musicians alike.

Rock Out To Some Of The Most Popular Songs From Bitter:Sweet   - "Dirty Laundry"   - "Drink You Sober"   - "The Mating Game"

Dive Into Bitter:Sweet's History With Some Unique Deep Cuts   - "Heaven"   - "Don't Forget to Breathe"

Canadian singer-songwriter Esthero, born Jen-Bea Englishman, made a powerful entrance to the trip hop scene with her 1998 debut album Breath from Another . Her enchanting blend of jazz, pop, and electronica elements, combined with her candid lyricism and emotive vocals, struck a chord with listeners. While Esthero's sound has evolved over the years to include elements of R&B, hip-hop, and rock, her roots in trip hop remain evident, solidifying her status as one of the genre's most versatile and captivating artists.

Rock Out To Some Of The Most Popular Songs From Esthero   - "Breath from Another"   - "Heaven Sent"   - "That Girl"

Dive Into Esthero's History With Some Unique Deep Cuts   - "Swallow Me"   - "Telephone"

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Producer BNYX Signs Deal With Zack Bia’s Field Trip Recordings and Capitol Records

Hip-hop producer BYNX, whose credits include Yeat, Drake, Travis Scott, Lil Uzi Vert, Nicki Minaj, and more, just signed a deal with Zack Bia’s Field Trip Recordings and Capital Records. As part of the deal, Yeat’s Lyfestyle Corporation will work with BNYX.

“BNYX is an exceptional musician, a true artist with a specific vision, and above all, an incredible human,” said Bia. “Yeat brought him into our lives and he’s turned into family. It is only right we would all partner to bring his music to the world as the first official signee to Lyfestyle Corporation / Field Trip / Capitol Records. We couldn’t be more honored and excited.”

The Philly-bred artist is dropping his debut project later this year under this deal and is coming off the success of a big 2023, where he topped Billboard’s Top Rap Producers chart for seven weeks. He is set to perform live at Jack Harlow’s Gazebo Festival next month and will be on tour with Yeat for several shows later this summer.

“As a producer BNYX has had a profound impact on both music and culture,” said Tom March, chairman and CEO for Capitol Records. “We’re thrilled to partner with he, his manager Ness, the brilliant Zack Bia and Field Trip Recordings on the launch of BNYX’s solo career. It’s a privilege to enter this new era together continuing our longtime relationship with Zack and the Field Trip team.”

Regarding his new deal, BNYX said: “I’d like to thank God, my manager, and Rick Owens.”

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He missed a chance to be the first Black astronaut. Now, at 90, he's going into space

Scott Neuman

Ed Dwight poses for a portrait in February to promote the National Geographic documentary film The Space Race during the Winter Television Critics Association Press Tour in Pasadena, Calif. Chris Pizzello/Invision/AP hide caption

Ed Dwight poses for a portrait in February to promote the National Geographic documentary film The Space Race during the Winter Television Critics Association Press Tour in Pasadena, Calif.

Edward J. Dwight Jr. has waited a long time for his ride into space.

In the 1960s, he seemed poised to become America's first Black astronaut. That dream was never realized. Now, at age 90, he's about to finally get his shot, aboard a Blue Origin rocket.

The opportunity is "a curiosity more than anything else," Dwight says. "They called me up and asked me if I was interested. And of course I said yes."

The 1st Black Woman To Pilot A Spacecraft Says Seeing Earth Was The Best Part

While Dwight won't be the first African American in space — that honor went to Guion Bluford Jr. in 1983 — he will be the oldest person to go there, edging out (by a few months) Star Trek actor William Shatner , who flew aboard a Blue Origin rocket in 2021.

For many his age, a journey into space would seem unthinkable. Dwight says he's ready to go. He points out that the rigors of his upcoming flight won't be much different from what he experienced as a test pilot in the Air Force. "I've pulled more G's than any person on Earth," he says with a wry smile. "I've been high enough to see the curvature of the Earth. ... I've been doing things like that most of my life."

Space health expert Dorit Donoviel says the 11-minute flight of Blue Origin's New Shepard rocket means many of the concerns about the long-term effects of orbital and deep-space missions won't come into play.

"The main thing we worry about is the G forces," says Donoviel, director of the Translational Research Institute for Space Health at Baylor College of Medicine.

Air Force Capt. Edward J. Dwight Jr., the first African American selected as a potential astronaut, looks over a model of the Titan III-X-20 Dyna-Soar combination during a visit to Air Force headquarters in the capital in November 1963. Getty Images/Bettman Archive hide caption

Air Force Capt. Edward J. Dwight Jr., the first African American selected as a potential astronaut, looks over a model of the Titan III-X-20 Dyna-Soar combination during a visit to Air Force headquarters in the capital in November 1963.

Those G forces cause blood to drain from the head, and that's an issue for anyone launching into space, regardless of age. However, she points out that the seats aboard Blue Origin's rocket are angled at 20 or 30 degrees. "As you're experiencing the G-forces, you're getting it through the chest, which is not affecting your head," Donoviel says. "It's distributed through the chest, which really shouldn't matter very much."

And then there's the landing. The crew capsule will separate from the booster and come down under a set of parachutes — emitting a last-minute retro thrust to reduce speed to about 2 miles per hour to cushion the impact. "It's not even a controlled crash. It's a crash," Donoviel says. Still, she anticipates no issues.

No launch date set

Blue Origin has not announced a launch date yet. But Dwight and his crewmates will train for two days before liftoff at the company's Launch Site One in western Texas, not far from the Mexico border.

The company, owned by billionaire Jeff Bezos, declined to disclose the per-passenger cost of the flight, but says Dwight's seat is being sponsored by Space for Humanity and Blue Origin, with additional support from the Jaison and Jamie Robinson Family Foundation . (Jaison Robinson, who flew on a previous Blue Origin flight, is on the NPR Foundation Board of Trustees.)

Leland Melvin, a retired NASA astronaut who flew two space shuttle missions to the International Space Station, says it will be good to see Dwight finally "get his due" all these years after he first trained for space.

My Big Break

From touchdowns to takeoff: engineer-athlete soared to space.

Dwight sees his upcoming spaceflight as the "climax to an interesting story."

His own story, that is. One of the earliest chapters begins at an airfield in Kansas City, Kan. As a child, Dwight's fascination with aviation led to odd jobs cleaning aircraft owned by wealthy flyers. But even then, he had greater ambitions. "I told them I didn't want their nickels and dimes for cleaning airplanes anymore," he says. "I wanted to fly." At age 8, he got his first flight.

Dwight was equally interested in art and earned a scholarship to pursue his passion after high school. His father would have none of it. Art wasn't a real career, he insisted. Dwight should study engineering instead, so he enrolled at a junior college, receiving an associate's degree in 1953, the same year he enlisted in the Air Force.

After finishing primary flight training, he was commissioned as a second lieutenant. Dwight also got a bachelor's of science in aeronautical engineering from Arizona State University. Discrimination was an ever-present reality in the armed forces at the time, but as a skilled pilot, he made captain.

Kennedy wanted a Black astronaut

That's when President John F. Kennedy — eager to link his administration's push for civil rights to the country's early space exploration efforts — asked for a Black astronaut.

At the time, it was test pilots who became astronauts, and there were no Black test pilots. So, Dwight was invited to attend the Air Force's newly opened Aerospace Research Pilot School (ARPS).

But when he got the invitation letter, he almost threw it out, Dwight recalls. His Air Force peers "got a big laugh out of it," telling him that "all those guys have swagger, and it's a club," he said, referring to the all-white astronaut corps. They said, "They are not going to let you get in that club."

"And, of course, they were right," he says.

'Black In Space' Explores NASA's Small Steps And Giant Leaps Toward Equality

It was a huge career gamble. Dwight's father, who played baseball in the Negro Leagues, was strongly opposed. His mother, though, changed her son's mind. "She said, 'You are going to do this' because she was thinking it would be uplifting the race and racial pride," he says.

Upon entering the flight-test program, Dwight experienced immediate pushback that he says was rooted in racism. He says Chuck Yeager, the famed test pilot who ran the school, resented having to accept a Black candidate. (Yeager, who died in 2020, wrote in his memoir that his only issue was Dwight's piloting skills, which he described as "average.")

Once on the astronaut track, Dwight became a minor celebrity, especially in the Black community. He appeared on the cover of magazines such as Ebony and Jet . But he also endured taunts of "Kennedy's boy" because of the president's support.

Kennedy's 1963 assassination nearly derailed Dwight's training, he says. Days after the president's death, "Lo and behold, I had orders in my mailbox shipping me out of the country," he says.

Attorney General Robert F. Kennedy, the president's brother, intervened to keep him in the program, according to Dwight. He stayed in the Air Force for a few more years, but it became increasingly clear that he would not be selected as an astronaut. "When I found out it wasn't going to happen, that's when I left the program," he says. "I just packed my bags and left."

One of Ed Dwight's sculptures in Battle Creek, Mich., depicts escaped slaves along the Underground Railroad being led to freedom by Harriet Tubman and local abolitionist Erastus Hussey. Carlos Osorio/AP hide caption

One of Ed Dwight's sculptures in Battle Creek, Mich., depicts escaped slaves along the Underground Railroad being led to freedom by Harriet Tubman and local abolitionist Erastus Hussey.

After the Air Force, Dwight, who eventually settled in Denver, became a computer systems engineer for IBM, later opened a restaurant and worked as a real estate developer before being drawn back to his childhood love of art . Despite having little formal training, he was commissioned in 1974 to create a sculpture of Colorado's first Black lieutenant governor, George Brown.

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From there, his reputation as a sculptor blossomed. In 1977, he earned a master's of fine art in sculpture from the University of Denver. He specializes in sculpting historic African American figures. Among his more notable pieces are busts of jazz greats Dizzy Gillespie and one of Louis Armstrong on display at the National Museum of American History.

Melvin, who is African American, says when he met Dwight, he didn't know much about his backstory. "I got a copy of his book and I read some of the stuff that he had done," he says. "He reminded me of Katherine Johnson ," the NASA mathematician who led an all-woman group of "computers," who made vital orbital calculations for the agency's early crewed spaceflights. Their story was later featured in Hidden Figures, the book and 2016 film.

Dwight and Melvin became close friends. In recent months, they have worked together on The Space Race , a documentary released last year about the contributions and experiences of Black astronauts. Dwight's own story is prominent in the film.

NASA astronauts Victor Glover and Leland Melvin pose with Ed Dwight for a portrait to promote The Space Race in February at The Langham Huntington Hotel in Pasadena, Calif. Chris Pizzello/Invision/AP hide caption

NASA astronauts Victor Glover and Leland Melvin pose with Ed Dwight for a portrait to promote The Space Race in February at The Langham Huntington Hotel in Pasadena, Calif.

"He's not only funny, he's self-deprecating," Melvin says of Dwight. And one quality stands out. "He's got grit."

"But the other thing that his mother taught him was grace," he says. So, when being an astronaut didn't work all those years ago, "he gracefully pivoted to doing something else. It was just as impactful — just as impactful, especially in the Black community, which was his sculpture."

"He will now get his chance to do some zero-G floating and look at the planet from another vantage point," Melvin says.

Correction April 25, 2024

An earlier version of this story omitted Blue Origin as a sponsor of the flight that will take Edward J. Dwight Jr. into space.

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