PHONK musical genre - We explain what it is!

Phonk music is a subgenre of hip hop that has gained popularity in recent years. It is a style of music that combines elements of 90s music with funk and soul samples. Phonk music is characterized by its slow, dark beats and crunchy vinyl samples.

The origin of Phonk music dates back to the early days of hip hop in the 80s and 90s. DJs of the time used samples of funk and soul music to create beats that MCs would then rap on. As time went by, this sampling technique became increasingly complex and sophisticated, and became its own style within hip hop.

Phonk music became popular on the Internet in the early 2010s, thanks to the streaming platform SoundCloud. Phonk artists began posting their songs on SoundCloud, where they quickly gained a following. The term "Phonk" became popular in the SoundCloud community and became a recognized genre in its own right.

Phonk music is characterized by its slow, dark beats, which are often inspired by music from the 90s. Phonk artists use crunchy vinyl samples and retro sound effects to create a nostalgic and evocative atmosphere. Funk and soul samples are the backbone of Phonk music, and are used to create catchy melodies and guitar riffs.

Among the most notable artists of the Phonk scene are DJ Smokey, Soudiere, DJ Yung Vamp, among others. These artists have become popular thanks to their musical productions and their ability to create a unique and dark atmosphere in their songs.

In addition to the music itself, Phonk culture is also characterized by its vintage aesthetic and love of retro fashion. Phonk artists often dress in '90s clothing, such as leather jackets, retro sneakers, and baseball caps. This vintage aesthetic is also reflected in the cover art of their albums and singles, which often feature nostalgic and retro imagery.

Phonk music continues to gain popularity around the world, especially in the SoundCloud community. Phonk artists have become very influential in the underground hip hop scene, and their unique and dark style continues to attract new fans every day.

Within the Phonk genus, various sub-genres can be classified. These are:

- Memphis Phonk: This subgenre originated in Memphis, Tennessee, and is characterized by its rap and soul samples from the city. Memphis Phonk also incorporates elements of gothic and electronic music, giving it a dark and enigmatic vibe.

- Trap Phonk: This subgenre is a combination of Phonk and trap, and is characterized by its heavy and soft beats. Funk and soul samples are used to create a retro vibe, while trap elements are used to give the genre a modern vibe.

- Horrorcore Phonk: This subgenre focuses on dark and explicit lyrics, and often features themes of horror and violence. Horrorcore Phonk music often uses samples from horror movies and television shows, giving it a sinister and creepy atmosphere.

- Jazz Phonk: As its name indicates, this subgenre focuses on jazz and jazz samples. Jazz Phonk often uses samples from saxophone, trumpet and other jazz instruments to create a sophisticated and elegant atmosphere.

- Lo-Fi Phonk: This subgenre is characterized by its crunchy, low-fidelity sound. Vinyl samples are used to give the genre a nostalgic and retro vibe, while lo-fi elements give it a sense of warmth and authenticity.