top of page
Writer's pictureLouis Goldwater

The Subgenres of Phonk Music

Phonk music is a genre that has been gaining popularity in recent years, blending elements of old-school hip-hop, funk, and soul music. Phonk has a distinct sound, characterized by its use of chopped and screwed vocals, lo-fi beats, and heavy basslines. While phonk as a genre is relatively new, it has already given rise to several sub-genres that have their own unique sound and style. Phonk, also known as Memphis rap, is a style of hip hop that originated in Memphis, Tennessee, in the early 1990s. It is characterized by its use of chopped and screwed samples, often from old funk and soul records. Phonk has evolved over time to include various subgenres, each with its own unique sound and style.


Memphis Phonk

Memphis Phonk is a sub-genre of Phonk that originated in Memphis, Tennessee. It is characterized by its use of soulful samples from old-school R&B and soul songs, and its heavy use of 808 basslines. The vocals are often chopped and screwed, giving them a distorted and unique sound. The beats in Memphis Phonk are slower than those in other Phonk sub-genres, giving the music a more relaxed and laid-back vibe.


Drift Phonk

Drift Phonk is a sub-genre of lo-fi hip hop that has been gaining popularity in recent years. This unique style of music is characterized by its atmospheric and dreamy sound, often featuring samples from old jazz, soul, and funk records. Drift Phonk has become a favorite among music lovers who appreciate the genre's laid-back, nostalgic vibes.


Drift Phonk emerged in the late 2010s, as producers like DJ Smokey and Soudiere began experimenting with new sounds and styles. These producers drew inspiration from earlier genres of hip hop, such as chopped and screwed, and combined it with the dreamy sound of lo-fi hip hop. The result was a new genre that was both familiar and unique.


Drift Phonk has already established itself as a popular sub-genre of lo-fi hip hop, and it shows no signs of slowing down. With new producers emerging and pushing the boundaries of the genre, it is likely that drift phonk will continue to evolve and grow in popularity in the coming years.


OG Rare Phonk

OG Rare Phonk is characterized by its dark, ominous sound and its embrace of horror and occult themes. Producers often use samples from horror movies and other sources to create a mood of unease and tension. The genre also features heavy use of bass and distorted sounds, adding to its unsettling sound.

OG Rare Phonk has already established itself as a unique sub-genre of hip hop, and it continues to attract new fans. As the genre continues to evolve, it is likely that new producers will emerge and push the boundaries of the genre even further.


Cloud Phonk

Cloud Phonk is a sub-genre of Phonk that incorporates elements of cloud rap. The music is characterized by its use of atmospheric beats, dreamy melodies, and ethereal vocals. The beats in Cloud Phonk are often slow and mellow, creating a hypnotic and calming effect.


Phonkadelic

Phonkadelic is a subgenre of phonk that incorporates elements of psychedelic rock and funk. It is characterized by its heavy use of guitar riffs and trippy visuals in music videos. The genre has gained popularity in recent years, with artists like DJ Smokey and Soudiere leading the way.


Slowed & Reverb Phonk

Slowed & Reverb Phonk is a sub-genre of Phonk that has a more laid-back and relaxed vibe. The music is characterized by its use of slowed-down vocals and reverb effects that create a dreamy and atmospheric sound. The beats are still heavy, but they are less aggressive than those in other Phonk sub-genres.


Trill Phonk

Trill Phonk is a sub-genre of Phonk that incorporates elements of trap music. The music is characterized by its use of heavy 808 basslines, trap-style hi-hats, and snappy snares. The vocals are often chopped and screwed, giving them a distorted and unique sound. The beats in Trill Phonk are faster and more energetic than those in other Phonk sub-genres.


Horrorcore Phonk

Horrorcore Phonk is a sub-genre of Phonk that incorporates elements of horrorcore rap. The music is characterized by its use of dark, ominous beats that are often accompanied by horror movie samples and sound effects. The vocals in Horrorcore Phonk are often aggressive and violent, with lyrics that explore themes of death, violence, and horror.


Screw Phonk

Screw Phonk is a sub-genre of Phonk that is heavily influenced by the chopped and screwed style of DJ Screw. The music is characterized by its use of slowed-down beats and chopped and screwed vocals. The beats in Screw Phonk are often heavy and bass-driven, creating a hypnotic and trance-like effect.


Phonk Wave

Phonk Wave is a subgenre of phonk that incorporates elements of lo-fi and chillwave, characterized by its mellow and laid-back production, often featuring nostalgic samples and warm synths. Phonk Wave artists like DJ Akoza and Kupla have been experimenting with this sound and gaining more recognition in recent years.


Phonkstep

Phonkstep is a subgenre of phonk that fuses the chopped and screwed sound of phonk with elements of dubstep and bass music. The genre is characterized by its heavy bass drops, distorted synths, and dark atmospheres. Phonkstep artists like DJ Smokey and DJ Akoza have been pushing this sound forward and gaining more recognition in the underground scene.


Outro

In conclusion, Phonk music is a genre that continues to evolve and grow, giving rise to new sub-genres and styles. Slowed & Reverb Phonk, Trill Phonk, Horrorcore Phonk, Memphis Phonk, Cloud Phonk, and Screw Phonk are just a few examples of the diversity within the genre. Whether you prefer the laid-back vibes of Memphis Phonk, the dreamy melodies of Cloud Phonk, or the hypnotic beats of Screw Phonk, there is a sub-genre of Phonk music that is sure to satisfy your musical taste buds.

21 views0 comments

Comments


bottom of page