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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

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:
  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.
• 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.

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.

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.

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.