How the triplet flow took over rap

TL;DR

The triplet flow, popularized by Migos, dominates modern rap.

Transcript

If you listen to mainstream music these days, you know this rap flow. If you love it, you’re in luck - It’s probably not going to go away anytime soon. If you hate it, I’m sorry. But, hey, you have something in common with Snoop Dogg now. Everybody tryin to rap the same style. I don’t know who created it if it was Future or Migos but all them ni**s... Read More

Key Insights

• The triplet flow, also known as the 'Migos Flow,' has become a defining feature of modern rap music, characterized by three syllables per beat.
• Migos' 2013 hit 'Versace' brought significant attention to the triplet flow, making it a staple in mainstream rap.
• Triplets have historical roots in African rhythms and have been used in music long before becoming popular in rap.
• Artists like Young Thug and Snoop Dogg have used triplets to create dynamic and engaging rap verses.
• The triplet flow allows artists to manipulate beats creatively, offering more space and rhythmical complexity in their music.
• Southern hip-hop artists, such as Three 6 Mafia and Bone Thugs-N-Harmony, were pioneers in incorporating triplets into their music in the '90s.
• The evolution of trap music, with its stretched-out beats and rapid-fire hi-hats, provided a perfect environment for the triplet flow to thrive.
• Major artists like Kendrick Lamar and Chance the Rapper have embraced the triplet flow, showcasing its versatility and appeal beyond its southern origins.

Questions & Answers

Q: What is the triplet flow in rap music?

The triplet flow in rap music is a rhythmic pattern where three syllables are rapped over one beat. This style creates a rapid-fire delivery that adds complexity and energy to a song. Popularized by Migos, the triplet flow has become a defining feature of modern rap, influencing many mainstream artists.

Q: How did Migos popularize the triplet flow?

Migos popularized the triplet flow with their 2013 hit 'Versace.' The song's catchy hook and unique rhythmic pattern caught the attention of both fans and artists, including Drake, who freestyled over it. This exposure helped bring the triplet flow to the forefront of mainstream rap, making it a staple in the genre.

Q: What historical roots does the triplet flow have?

The triplet flow has historical roots in African rhythms, which have been a foundational element in the development of various music styles, including hip-hop. These rhythms have been used for centuries, and their incorporation into rap music highlights the genre's connection to its cultural origins and the versatility of triplets in musical composition.

Q: Which artists were early adopters of the triplet flow?

Early adopters of the triplet flow in rap include southern artists like Three 6 Mafia and Bone Thugs-N-Harmony. These artists began using triplets in their music during the '90s, creating a unique style that contrasted with the dominant east coast and west coast rap sounds of the time, helping to pave the way for the flow's mainstream success.

Q: How does the triplet flow enhance a rap song?

The triplet flow enhances a rap song by adding rhythmic complexity and dynamic energy. It allows artists to manipulate the beat creatively, providing more space for lyrical expression. This style challenges traditional rhythmic patterns, creating a fresh and engaging listening experience that can elevate the emotional impact of a song.

Q: What role did trap music play in the rise of the triplet flow?

Trap music played a crucial role in the rise of the triplet flow by providing a musical environment conducive to its use. The genre's stretched-out beats, deep 808 kick drums, and rapid hi-hats allowed rappers to experiment with triplets, creating a marriage between the flow and trap's distinctive sound that propelled both to mainstream popularity.

Q: How have mainstream artists outside the south used the triplet flow?

Mainstream artists outside the south, such as Kendrick Lamar and Chance the Rapper, have embraced the triplet flow, using it to add dramatic flair and rhythmic innovation to their music. By incorporating triplets, these artists have expanded the flow's appeal beyond its southern origins, showcasing its versatility and impact on contemporary rap.

Q: Why does Snoop Dogg criticize the triplet flow?

Snoop Dogg criticizes the triplet flow for its perceived lack of originality, as many artists have adopted it, leading to a homogenized sound in mainstream rap. However, this critique overlooks the flow's historical significance and its role as a powerful rhythmic tool that has enriched the genre by challenging conventional musical structures.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• The triplet flow, characterized by three syllables per beat, has become a dominant style in modern rap, popularized by Migos with their 2013 hit 'Versace.'

• Originally rooted in African rhythms, triplets have been used in music for decades, gaining prominence in rap through artists like Three 6 Mafia and Bone Thugs-N-Harmony.

• The rise of trap music, with its distinct beats and rapid hi-hats, created an ideal environment for the triplet flow, which has been embraced by mainstream artists like Kendrick Lamar and Chance the Rapper.