Draft:Phonk Composition

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Introduction

Phonk is a captivating subgenre of hip-hop and trap music that draws its inspiration directly from 1990s Memphis rap. The genre’s unique flavor emerges from vocals sampled from old Memphis rap tapes, seamlessly woven together with elements borrowed from early 1990s hip-hop. Notably, cowbell samples reminiscent of the iconic Roland TR-808 drum machine play a prominent role in phonk tracks, adding a nostalgic touch.

Originating in the 1990s, primarily in the Southern United States—especially in cities like Houston and Memphis—phonk found its roots among influential pioneers. DJ Screw, X-Raided, DJ Spanish Fly, DJ Squeeky, and the collective Three 6 Mafia all contributed to shaping the genre. The term “phonk” gained traction in the early 2010s, thanks in part to rapper SpaceGhostPurrp, who championed its distinctive sound.

A fascinating offshoot of phonk, known as drift phonk, emerged in Russia during the late 2010s. Drift phonk sets itself apart by incorporating cowbells as a melodic element, creating a hypnotic rhythm. Additionally, its basslines—loud and persistent—add an electrifying quality to the music, making it a favorite among fans of experimental hip-hop.:

Key Composition

Mainly Phonks consist of Zapp and Percussive effects

Zapp Beats

• Zapp beats play a pivotal role in the Phonk genre, adding a layer of electrifying energy to tracks. These beats draw inspiration from funk music, particularly the work of the legendary band Zapp & Roger. Here are some key points about Zapp beats.

  Zapp Beat 01 sample

  1. Distinctive Rhythms:
     • Zapp beats feature syncopated rhythms, emphasizing snare hits and hi-hats. The drum patterns are often intricate, creating a lively and danceable groove.
     • The term “zapp” refers to the sharp, staccato sound produced by the drums, reminiscent of the funk era.
  2. Electrifying Sound:
     • Zapp beats incorporate elements like cowbells, claps, and other percussive sounds. These add to the overall texture and contribute to the genre’s unique vibe.
     • The use of electronic instruments and effects gives Zapp beats their signature electrifying quality.
  3. Sampled Origins:
     • Phonk producers often sample classic funk tracks, including those by Zapp & Roger. These samples provide the foundation for creating authentic Zapp beats.
     • By recontextualizing these samples within the Phonk genre, artists pay homage to funk while adding their own twist.

Percussive Effects

One-Shot Samples

• One-shot samples are short audio clips of individual percussive sounds (e.g., kicks, snares, hi-hats, claps). They’re the building blocks of your drum patterns.

• You can find one-shot samples in sample packs or create your own by recording real-world sounds or synthesizing them digitally.

• Using One-Shots Creatively
  • Layer multiple one-shots to create unique hybrid sounds. For example, combine a snare with a metallic clang for an industrial vibe.
  • Experiment with pitch, filtering, and effects on one-shots to transform them. A pitched-down kick can become a sub-bass, while a high-pitched snare can add excitement.

2. MIDI Clip & Arpeggiator

• MIDI Clips
  • Create a MIDI clip in your DAW (Digital Audio Workstation) and draw in percussive notes. These can trigger one-shot samples or virtual instruments.
  • Use quantization to align notes perfectly to the grid or intentionally introduce slight timing variations for a human feel.
  • A MIDI clip is a segment of MIDI data that contains musical information such as notes, velocities, and control changes. In digital audio workstations (DAWs) like Ableton Live, MIDI clips are used to sequence and arrange music. You can create a MIDI clip by drawing notes in a piano roll or recording them from a MIDI keyboard. These clips can be edited, looped, and manipulated to create complex musical compositions. MIDI clips are essential for creating and organizing musical ideas, allowing for precise control over every aspect of the performance.
• Arpeggiator Magic
  • The arpeggiator is a powerful tool. Apply it to percussive MIDI clips:
    • Set it to “up” mode for rapid-fire hi-hats.
    • Use “random” mode for unpredictable rhythms.
    • Adjust rate, gate, and swing to taste.
    • An arpeggiator is a MIDI effect that takes the notes of a chord and plays them in a sequence, creating an arpeggio. This effect can transform simple chords into intricate, rhythmic patterns. In Ableton Live, the arpeggiator offers various parameters such as style, rate, and gate, allowing you to customize the arpeggiated pattern. The style parameter determines the order in which the notes are played, while the rate controls the speed of the sequence. The gate parameter adjusts the length of each note.

An imaginative perc audio

3. Audio Effects

• Autopan
  • Autopan automatically pans the audio signal left and right. Apply it to percussive elements for stereo movement.
  • Experiment with different shapes (sine, triangle, square) and rates.
• Delay with LFO
  • Add a delay effect to your percussive sounds.
  • Modulate the delay time using a low-frequency oscillator (LFO). This creates evolving echoes and rhythmic variations

4. Creative Exploration

• Layering and Stacking
  • Layer similar percussive sounds (e.g., shakers, tambourines) to create rich textures.
  • Stack multiple effects (reverb, distortion, chorus) on a single percussive track for complexity.
• Unconventional Sources
  • Record everyday sounds (keys jingling, doors closing) and process them as percussive elements.
  • Explore granular synthesis for glitchy, otherworldly textures.

5. Drum Bus Processing

• Parallel Compression
  • Send your entire drum bus to a parallel compression track.
  • Compress aggressively to emphasize transients and add punch.
• Saturation and Distortion
  • Apply saturation or distortion to the drum bus. It adds warmth and character.

Acapellas

Role of Acapellas in Phonk

1. Chopped and Screwed Techniques: Phonk producers manipulate acapellas using “chopped and screwed” techniques. They slow down the vocals, pitch-shift them, and add effects to create a hypnotic, eerie vibe.
2. Layering and Remixing: Acapellas serve as building blocks for phonk tracks. Producers layer them with other samples, beats, and sound effects to craft intricate compositions.
3. Emotional Impact: Acapellas convey raw emotion and storytelling. Whether it’s a haunting verse or a catchy hook, these vocal snippets contribute to the overall mood of a phonk song.
4. Sampling Culture: Phonk artists sample acapellas from classic rap tracks, old-school soul records, and even spoken-word recordings. These samples connect phonk to its musical roots.

Acapellas Sample

Notable Acapellas in Phonk

• “80 Miles” Phonk Acapella: A bassy, dissonant vocal snippet that has been used creatively in phonk tracks.
• “Back Seat” Phonk Acapella: Another intriguing vocal sample with a cool, dynamic quality.
• “Can of Soup” Phonk Acapella: Short but impactful, this acapella adds character to phonk productions.
• “Chicken Bone” Phonk Vocal: A cheerful yet rebellious vocal snippet that resonates with the genre’s spirit.
• “Eyes Open” Phonk Acapella: A longer, expressive vocal that captures attention.
• “Get Out of My Way” Phonk Vocal: A dissonant, aggressive snippet that fits well in phonk beats.
• “Grab My Glock” Phonk Acapella: Cool and dry, this vocal adds texture to phonk compositions.
• “Project Pat” Phonk Acapella: A male vocal that pays homage to the Memphis rap scene.

Low Phonk Hat

Low Phonk Hat Sample

the Low Phonk Hat refers to a specific type of hi-hat sound commonly used in the genre. Here are some characteristics and variations of the Low Phonk Hat:

1. Clean Closed Hi-Hats: These are short, sharp hi-hat sounds that add rhythm and texture to the beat. They are often used in a repetitive manner to create a hypnotic effect.
2. Wet Phonk Hi-Hats: These hi-hats have a Memphis-style vibe, characterized by a lo-fi, ghostly quality. They might incorporate open hi-hats for added variation.
3. Clipper Effect: Some Phonk producers apply a clipper effect to their hi-hats, resulting in a more distorted and aggressive sound.
4. Bouncy Bright Hi-Hats: These are digitally compressed hi-hats with a bright tone, often used in Phonk loops.
5. Aggressive and Intense Hi-Hats: These hi-hats have a harsh, energetic quality, perfect for adding intensity to a track.

   Phonk Hat Sample

Crash Effect

Crash (1) Sample

the Phonk Crash serves as a crucial sound element, adding impact and intensity to tracks. Here are some key points about this effect:

1. Crashing Impact: The Phonk Crash is characterized by its explosive, crashing quality. It often resembles the sound of breaking glass, metal collisions, or other impactful events. This effect punctuates transitions, drops, and climactic moments in Phonk beats.
2. Distorted Texture: Phonk producers intentionally distort the crash sound to achieve a gritty, lo-fi texture. This distortion aligns with the overall aesthetic of Phonk music, which draws inspiration from 1990s Memphis rap and embraces raw, unpolished elements.
3. Placement and Timing: Producers strategically place the Phonk Crash at specific points within a beat. Whether it’s right before a bass drop, during a breakdown, or as a transition, the timing matters. The suddenness of the crash grabs the listener’s attention.
4. Variations: There are different types of Phonk Crash FX, each with its own flavor:
   • Glass Shatter: A sharp, high-pitched crash reminiscent of breaking glass.
   • Metal Collision: A heavier crash, akin to metal objects colliding.
   • Distorted Impact: A distorted, aggressive crash that adds intensity.
5. Layering and Mixing: Producers often layer multiple crash sounds to create a fuller effect. They adjust the volume, EQ, and reverb to blend the crash seamlessly into the mix.

Fx Effects

Fx (1) Sample

Here are some common FX effects found in Phonk songs:

1. Car Drift Phonk: Imagine the screeching tires of a drifting car—the aggressive, distorted sound adds intensity to beats. Producers often use this effect during transitions or climactic moments.
2. Broken Glass & Sirens: A cinematic effect reminiscent of shattering glass and wailing sirens. It injects tension and urgency into Phonk tracks.
3. Camera Flashing: Bright, electronic flashes that cut through the mix. These add an eerie quality, perfect for Phonk’s dark aesthetic.
4. Gunshot: Explosive shots that punctuate beats. They’re aggressive, anxious, and downright Phonk.
5. Money Printing Machine: Boomy, bassy sounds that evoke the hustle. These add texture and depth to Phonk compositions.

Phonk Kicks Fx Effects

Phonk Kick (1) Sample

Here are some key points about Phonk kicks:

1. Bassy and Boomy: Phonk kicks often have a deep, bass-heavy quality. They resonate with the genre’s raw, Memphis-inspired aesthetic.
2. Distorted and Aggressive: Producers intentionally distort Phonk kicks to achieve a gritty, lo-fi texture. These aggressive kicks cut through the mix, adding intensity to tracks.
3. Sidechain Compression: Phonk frequently uses sidechain compression, where the bass volume momentarily decreases with each kick hit. This technique creates a pulsating effect, emphasizing the kick’s impact.

Chime Effects

Chime (1) Sample

Phonk Chime FX add a mystical and shimmering quality to tracks, enhancing the genre’s dark and hypnotic vibe. Here are some variations you might encounter:

1. Shimmering Chime Bell: These one-shot samples evoke the sound of chimes or bells. They’re bright, metallic, and often used for transitions or atmospheric elements.
2. Wide & Shimmering Sleigh Bell: Imagine the festive jingle of sleigh bells. These add playfulness and innocence to Phonk beats.
3. Reversed Chimes: A haunting effect achieved by reversing chime sounds. It creates an otherworldly atmosphere, perfect for intros or breakdowns.
4. Shimmering Triangle Zing: High-pitched, metallic zings that cut through the mix. They add tension and excitement.
5. Shimmering Glass FX: Glass-like textures with a touch of magic. These can be eerie or dreamy, depending on context.

Phonk Snare FX effects

Snare (1) Sample

Phonk Snare FX effects—those gritty, hypnotic sounds that give Phonk music its signature edge. Here’s Types of Snare:

1. Distorted Snares: Phonk producers intentionally warp and mangle snare samples. The result? A raw, lo-fi texture that resonates with the genre’s Memphis roots. These snares hit hard, like a punch to the gut, and they’re essential for creating that dark Phonk atmosphere.
2. Layering and Variation: Producers don’t settle for just one snare. They layer different samples—some mimic breaking glass, others evoke metal collisions. By blending these variations, they craft a unique snare sound that stands out in the mix.
3. Sidechain Magic: Ever notice how the snare seems to pulse with the kick drum? That’s sidechain compression at work. Producers use it to create that rhythmic push-and-pull effect, emphasizing the snare’s impact during transitions and drops.
4. Ghost Notes: Phonk snares often include ghost notes—subtle, quieter hits that add complexity to the rhythm. These ghostly whispers keep listeners hooked, wondering what’s lurking in the shadows.
5. Pitch and Decay: Producers tweak the pitch and decay of their snares. Some snares decay quickly, like a gunshot; others linger, haunting the beat. It’s all about finding the right balance for that eerie vibe.

Phonk Riser FX

Phonk Riser (1) Sample

Phonk Riser FX is a crucial sound element in the Phonk music genre. These rising effects serve as auditory escalators, lifting listeners to heightened moments within a track. Here are the key features:

1. Purpose and Placement: Phonk producers strategically place riser FX to build anticipation. Whether leading up to a drop, a chorus, or a climactic section, these effects create tension and excitement.
2. Sound Characteristics:
   • Slow Attack: Some Phonk risers have a gradual rise, like an elevator ascending. These provide a sense of suspense and deliberate buildup.
   • Distorted and Noisy: Phonk’s raw aesthetic extends to its risers. Expect distortion, grit, and lo-fi textures that resonate with the genre’s roots.
   • Processed and Powerful: Producers often manipulate risers, adding reverbs, filters, and other effects to enhance their impact.
3. Variations:
   • Reversed Drops: These risers start high and descend abruptly, creating a reverse tension. They’re like sonic roller coasters, pulling the listener backward before a thrilling plunge.
   • Tonal Rises: Imagine a musical staircase—the pitch ascends, carrying the listener to a new level. Tonal risers add sophistication and drama.

Human chanting FX effects

Human Chant (1) Sample

Human chanting FX effects play a captivating role in shaping the distinct sound of Phonk music. These vocal elements add an eerie, ritualistic quality to tracks, drawing listeners into a dark and hypnotic realm.

1. Chants and Mantras: Phonk producers incorporate snippets of human voices—chants, mantras, or eerie vocalizations. These can be sampled from various sources, including old or new recordings, religious or local ceremonies, or even self-recorded vocals.
2. Layering and Processing: Chants are often layered, creating a chorus-like effect. Producers manipulate them—pitch-shifting, reversing, or adding reverb—to achieve a haunting texture. The result is a sonic incantation that lingers in the listener’s mind.
3. Cultural Influence: Phonk’s fascination with Memphis rap extends to its vocal choices. Some chants may evoke Southern gospel or blues traditions, while others draw from global folklore. Regardless, they contribute to Phonk’s unique sonic tapestry.

Notable Artists

1. DJ Smokey: DJ Smokey is a pioneer of the Phonk genre. His use of eerie samples, heavy basslines, and hypnotic beats has influenced countless producers.
2. Tommy Wright III: Tommy Wright III, a Memphis rap legend, seamlessly blends Phonk aesthetics with aggressive lyrics. His tracks often feature zapp beats and unconventional percussive elements.
3. Freddie Dredd: A Canadian rapper and producer known for his dark, gritty phonk tracks. His music often features eerie samples and heavy basslines.
4. MoonDeity: A Ukrainian artist who blends phonk with experimental sounds. His unique style incorporates haunting melodies and atmospheric beats.
5. Kordhell: A British musician and record producer, Kordhell is a founding member of the extreme metal act. His phonk work combines raw energy with distorted samples.
6. PlayaPhonk: A Danish phonk producer whose meteoric rise is fueled by his signature sound—a fusion of classic phonk elements and modern production techniques.
7. HAARPER: A Los Angeles-based hip-hop artist, HAARPER infuses his phonk tracks with West Coast vibes and introspective lyrics

Summary

Phonk, a subgenre of hip-hop and trap music, draws inspiration from 1990s Memphis rap. Key features include:

• Vocal Samples: Phonk incorporates vocals from old Memphis rap tapes, creating a nostalgic vibe.
• Zapp Beats: These funk-infused drum patterns, often using cowbell samples, define the genre.
• Chopped and Screwed Techniques: Phonk artists slow down and distort tracks for a hypnotic effect.
• SpaceGhostPurrp’s Influence: The term “phonk” gained popularity through rapper SpaceGhostPurrp.
• Drift Phonk: A Russian subgenre with cowbell melodic elements and powerful electronic basslines.