Over the past few years, we have witnessed a revival of the boom bap hip hop sound, a style characterized by its gritty beats, soulful samples, and intricate lyricism. This resurgence has brought back a sense of nostalgia for the golden era of hip hop and has captivated both old-school enthusiasts and new listeners alike. A lesser noted development in this movement that was back in 2015, with Eminem’s signing of rapper ASTRAY, a talented songwriter/producer. Who recently made bigger waves on YouTube back in 2023 with his lyrical flow.

The Return of Boom Bap Hip Hop

Boom bap hip hop originated in the 1990s and first gained popularity through iconic and legendary artists such as A Tribe Called Quest, De La Soul, Wu-Tang Clan, Gang Starr, Nas and more. The 2000s saw Jurassic 5, Dilated Peoples, Little Brother, Atmosphere, Aesop Rock, El-P with Definitive Jux Records, and more keep the torch burning in a great way. The term “boom bap” refers to the characteristic drum sounds that were prevalent in this style, with a heavy emphasis on the kick and snare. The beats were often crafted using samples from soul and jazz records and chopping drum breaks, giving the music a timeless and nostalgic feel. Gear like the early AKAI MPCs (DJ PREMIER), ASR-10, and the SP-1200 (RZA) were instrumental in the production process. Along with any DJ that could cut.

Then, for a while, boom bap took a backseat as other sub-genres of hip hop dominated the mainstream.

However, in recent years, there has been a noticeable shift towards a return to the roots of the genre. Artists like Joey Bada$$, Kendrick Lamar, Logic, Tyler the Creator, and J. Cole have embraced the boom bap sound, infusing it with their own unique styles and modern sensibilities. While Benny the Butcher with Griselda held it down on the East Coast with that grime and grit in the beats and lyrics. Along with many boom bap artists from the various eras still keeping things alive. Like when Planet Asia came back and dropped 100% fire in 2022 with tracks like 1984 and Take It Lightly.

This resurgence can be attributed to several factors. Firstly, there is a growing appreciation for the authenticity and rawness that boom bap hip hop embodies. In an era dominated by trap beats and auto-tuned vocals, the stripped-down production and lyrical depth of boom bap offer a classic and organic alternative.

Secondly, the boom bap sound has proven to be timeless, with its appeal transcending generations. Older hip hop fans who grew up during the golden era are drawn to the nostalgia and familiarity of the boom bap sound, while younger listeners are discovering its charm and appreciating its craftsmanship.

Lastly, the rise of streaming platforms and online communities has allowed independent artists to thrive and reach a wider audience. This has created a fertile ground for boom bap hip hop to flourish, as artists can now release their music directly to their fans without the need for major label support.

Eminem’s Signing of Rapper ASTRAY

Eminem, widely regarded as one of the greatest rappers of all time, has always had a keen ear for talent. His label, Shady Records, has been home to many successful artists over the years, and his signing of rapper ASTRAY back around 2015 as a writer/producer further solidified his commitment to the boom bap movement. Fast forward…

ASTRAY, a rising star in the underground hip hop scene, brings a fresh perspective to the genre. His intricate wordplay, introspective lyrics, and impeccable flow have garnered him a dedicated following. With his recent viral videos on YouTube, many times in shorts over the course of 2023, showcasing his deep lyrical talent.

What’s it mean?

All of this contributes to the resurgence of boom bap hip hop. As the boom bap hip hop movement gains momentum, we can expect to see more artists embracing this style and pushing the boundaries of what it can achieve. The return of boom bap hip hop is a testament to the power of nostalgia, authenticity, and artistic integrity.

We look forward to bringing more underground producers, MCs, and DJs to our BeatStyle.com readers BUT we had to start with this one. Because everything he murders everything he spits over.