Genre Definition
What is Trip-Hop music?
Trip-Hop is a music genre that originated 1991--present. Bristol, UK, early 1990s.
Origin of Trip-Hop
Bristol, UK, early 1990s. The Bristol sound -- Massive Attack's Blue Lines (1991), Portishead's Dummy (1994), and Tricky's Maxinquaye (1995) -- fused hip-hop beats and sampling with British melancholy, jazz, soul, and dub. The style was retrospectively labelled trip-hop by journalists.
Era: 1991--present
Defining sound of Trip-Hop
Slow, heavy hip-hop beats (60-80 BPM) with jazz, soul, and blues samples. Female vocals that are cool and slightly detached rather than overtly emotive. Cinematic atmosphere. Heavy use of vinyl samples and tape processing. Production is dark and spacious.
Essential Trip-Hop albums
See all
Pioneers of Trip-Hop
- Massive Attack
- Portishead
- Tricky
- DJ Shadow
- Bjork
Key Trip-Hop artists
Related genres
Frequently asked questions about Trip-Hop
- When did Trip-Hop start?
- Trip-Hop originated 1991--present. Bristol, UK, early 1990s.
- Who invented Trip-Hop?
- Trip-Hop was pioneered by Massive Attack, Portishead, Tricky, DJ Shadow, Bjork. Bristol, UK, early 1990s. The Bristol sound -- Massive Attack's Blue Lines (1991), Portishead's Dummy (1994), and Tricky's Maxinquaye (1995) -- fused hip-hop beats and sampling with British melancholy, jazz, soul, and dub. The style was retrospectively labelled trip-hop by journalists.
- Is Trip-Hop still popular?
- Trip-Hop continues to be listened to and has influenced countless artists since its origins. Key contemporary artists in the genre include Morcheeba, Lamb, Archive, RJD2.
- What does Trip-Hop sound like?
- Slow, heavy hip-hop beats (60-80 BPM) with jazz, soul, and blues samples. Female vocals that are cool and slightly detached rather than overtly emotive. Cinematic atmosphere. Heavy use of vinyl samples and tape processing. Production is dark and spacious.
- What is the difference between Trip-Hop and hip-hop?
- Trip-Hop and hip-hop are related genres that share some characteristics but differ in origin, instrumentation, and production approach. See the hip-hop definition page for a full comparison.
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