Lil Jon, the man behind the paragon of crunk music, talks about the origins and influence of crunk, the geographic diversity and rise of the genre, the diverse synthesizer layers used in crunk songs, and the impact of crunk on other genres.
Crunk music originated as a regional subgenre rooted in party music and hip hop, with a transformation in sound when it moved from Memphis to Atlanta.
Crunk music has had a significant influence on various genres, including mainstream pop, R&B, crunk R&B, snap music, hyperpop, scrunk, and trap music.
Deep dives
The Rise and Legacy of Crunk Music
Crunk music, a regional subgenre that grew in popularity out of Atlanta, is a genre rooted in party music and the tradition of hip hop stemming from parties in the South Bronx. The term 'crunk' itself comes from black slang, referring to cranking something up. The genre gained recognition in mainstream music with OutKast's 'Player's Ball' in 1993. Initially, crunk music was more of a term used in the larger lexicon rather than an established style. Early notable crunk songs came from Memphis, with tracks like 'Get Him Crunk' by Three 6 Mafia. These early crunk songs had a dark and gritty sound, influenced by the horrorcore elements of Memphis hip hop. However, as the genre moved to Atlanta, it transformed into dance-based party music. Artists like the Ying Yang Twins and Lil Jon played a pivotal role in popularizing crunk music and solidifying its sound. Lil Jon released albums like 'Get Crunk, Who You Wit?' with the East Side Boys and 'Crunk Juice,' establishing himself as the 'King of Crunk.' Crunk music relied heavily on bass-forward electronic synthesizer usage, incorporating elements from Miami bass and New Orleans bounce music. The genre often featured club directives, call-and-response elements, and catchy ostinatos in the instrumentals. Crunk music influenced a range of genres, from crunk-core to the mainstream pop sound of acts like Usher's 'Yeah' featuring Lil Jon and Ludacris. Despite initial skepticism about its longevity, crunk music continues to have an impact on the sound of pop music.
The Sonic Elements of Crunk Music
Crunk music is characterized by its bass-forward electronic instrumentation using synthesizers. The instrumentals often include layered ostinatos, featuring low 808 bass, crunchy mid-range synths, and higher lead lines. The hand claps and canned percussion sounds add an energetic and club-ready vibe to the music. While the production relies heavily on electronic elements, some songs incorporate organic elements like vocal hooks or flutes. The lyrics of crunk music often consist of directives, guiding the audience on specific dance moves or actions, fostering a call-and-response relationship between the performer and the audience. Notable crunk songs, like Lil Jon's 'Get Low' and Crime Mob's 'Rock Yo Hips,' exemplify these sonic elements and dance instructions.
The Evolution of Crunk Music in Mainstream Pop
Crunk music, despite its regional origins, found its way into mainstream pop and influenced various subgenres. Artists like Usher and Ciara incorporated crunk elements into their R&B tracks, creating a fusion of crunk and R&B known as crunk R&B. Usher's 'Yeah' featuring Lil Jon and Ludacris and Ciara's 'One Two Step' exemplify this crossover sound. The sparse production and emphasis on electronic elements, including 808 bass, hand claps, and ostinato rhythm, were common in these songs. Additionally, crunk music influenced the rise of snap music or ringtone rap, which featured sparse production, including snaps instead of hand claps. Artists like D4L and 303 incorporated crunk elements and club directives into their songs. The crunk legacy also extended into genres like hyperpop, with artists like 100 Gecs drawing inspiration from the genre. While crunk experienced some criticism and skepticism about its longevity, it continues to have a lasting impact on the sound of pop music.
Contemporary Interpretations of Crunk Music
The legacy of crunk music can be seen in contemporary interpretations and subgenres. Scrunk or crunk-core emerged, mixing elements of screamo with the classic crunk sound. Bands like Broken Side exemplified this genre, incorporating electronic ostinatos, dance instructions, and screamed vocals. The genre appealed to a specific audience and had similarities to crunk music in terms of production and lyrical directives. The influence of crunk can also be observed in other subgenres like trap music, which emerged as a response to crunk. Atlanta rapper Jeezy, known for his trap music, looked at crunk music as a predecessor but ultimately created something distinct. Furthermore, the crunk sound played a role in the development of Atlanta's ringtone rap or snap music, characterized by sparse production and club directives. The influence of crunk music continues to shape new and emerging genres in the contemporary music landscape.
Twenty years ago, the song "Get Low" by Lil Jon & The East Side Boyz and Ying Yang Twins was released; in the years since, the song has managed to stand the test of time, becoming the paragon of what we know as crunk music. In this episode of Switched on Pop, we take a look at crunk – from its roots in Memphis and Atlanta to its sonic successors, and give flowers to the man behind it all: Lil Jon himself.
