Phonk music has evolved into one of the most influential genres in the underground hip-hop scene. Rooted in the Memphis sound, phonk is characterized by dark, atmospheric beats, often made with heavy sampling, distorted vocals, and slow-paced rhythms. Over the years, phonk makers have played a pivotal role in shaping the genre and its growth, crafting beats that define the unique sound of phonk.
In this article, we will dive into the world of phonk makers, explore their impact on the genre, and understand what makes their music distinct.
What is Phonk Music?
Phonk music originated in Memphis, Tennessee, during the early 1990s. Inspired by artists such as Three 6 Mafia, DJ Smokey, and DJ Screw, phonk blends elements of trap, lo-fi, and hip-hop, creating a darker, more atmospheric sound than traditional rap music. It is heavily influenced by southern rap, which uses slow beats, heavy bass, and eerie melodies to craft a moody ambiance.
The hallmark of phonk music is the use of samples from old soul or funk tracks, vocal snippets, and distorted audio effects that give the music a raw, unpolished feel. This “DIY” approach to beat-making and production has become one of the defining aspects of the genre. As the genre evolved, it spread globally, influencing various regions, including Europe and Brazil, where new interpretations of phonk have emerged.
Phonk Makers: Who Are They?
Phonk makers are the producers and artists behind the haunting beats and dark atmosphere that define the genre. These creators use a mix of sampling, 808 drums, vinyl crackles, and lo-fi production to craft the signature sound of phonk. Many phonk makers are independent, operating outside of mainstream music production, and they often release their work on platforms like SoundCloud, YouTube, and Bandcamp. This DIY culture has allowed for more artistic freedom and control over their craft.
Some notable phonk makers have become well-known in the underground hip-hop scene for their distinctive production styles. Here are a few key figures:
**1. DJ Smokey
DJ Smokey is a pioneer in the phonk scene, credited with helping shape the modern sound of phonk music. His production style combines heavy basslines, eerie vocal samples, and slow, atmospheric beats, which have become hallmarks of the genre. His tracks often feature chopped and screwed vocals, a technique popularized by DJ Screw, which gives the songs a distorted, slowed-down feel. DJ Smokey’s music helped cement the genre’s place in the underground scene, particularly on SoundCloud and YouTube.
**2. $uicideboy$
While $uicideboy$ is a duo of two artists from New Orleans, their production style is heavily influenced by the phonk sound. They are known for their dark, distorted beats and melancholic lyrics that blend seamlessly with the phonk aesthetic. $uicideboy$ has helped bring phonk to a wider audience, drawing millions of listeners to the genre. Their music features heavily distorted vocals, haunting melodies, and themes of depression, drug use, and introspection, which have resonated deeply with fans of underground music.
**3. Night Lovell
Though Night Lovell’s music blends trap and phonk, he is often recognized as one of the prominent figures in the phonk scene. His deep, brooding voice and atmospheric production style have made him a favorite among fans of dark, moody music. Night Lovell’s music often features haunting melodies, hard-hitting basslines, and minimalistic beats, making his work a perfect fit for the phonk genre. Songs like “Dark Light” and “Still Cold” showcase his unique ability to blend phonk influences with trap.
**4. Bones
Bones is one of the most influential figures in the underground and phonk scenes. Known for his prolific output, Bones has released dozens of albums and mixtapes that heavily feature phonk production. His collaboration with producers who specialize in lo-fi, atmospheric beats has made his music a staple in the genre. Bones’s minimalist approach to production and his introspective lyrics about struggle, death, and the human experience resonate with a wide audience, particularly in the phonk community.
How Phonk Makers Create Their Signature Sound
Phonk makers use a variety of techniques to create their music, but the sampling of vintage soul, funk, and hip-hop tracks is central to the genre. Here are some of the key production elements that define the sound of phonk:
1. Sampling and Chopped Vocals
Sampling is a core component of phonk music. Producers often sample old soul and funk tracks, especially those from the 1970s and 1980s, to create the melodic and rhythmic foundation of a phonk beat. These samples are sometimes chopped and screwed, a technique where the audio is slowed down, reversed, or distorted. This gives the music a gritty, nostalgic feel, drawing on the essence of past eras while maintaining an underground atmosphere.
**2. Use of 808s
The iconic 808 drum machine is often used in phonk beats to provide a deep, booming bass. The 808 bass lines are integral to the genre’s overall sound, creating a hypnotic rhythm that resonates through speakers. Producers like DJ Smokey and Bones use 808s to create a sense of weight and depth in their tracks.
3. Lo-Fi Production
Another characteristic of phonk music is its lo-fi production quality. Many phonk makers intentionally leave their music unpolished, allowing the tracks to have a raw, gritty feel. The use of vinyl crackles, distorted effects, and dirty production techniques is common. This lo-fi aesthetic adds to the genre’s underground appeal and helps set it apart from more polished mainstream hip-hop.
4. Atmospheric Beats
The beats in phonk music are often slower and more atmospheric than those in traditional trap or hip-hop. The use of reverb, delay, and echo effects creates a haunting, spacious sound that allows the listener to sink into the track. Many phonk songs also feature dark, melancholic melodies that reflect themes of loneliness, introspection, and personal struggle.
The Influence of Phonk Makers on Modern Music
Phonk makers have had a significant impact on the development of modern trap and underground hip-hop. Their influence can be heard in the music of newer artists who blend phonk with other genres like cloud rap, alternative rap, and emo rap. The DIY culture of phonk has also encouraged a new generation of artists to take control of their music careers, producing and distributing their work independently through digital platforms like Bandcamp and SoundCloud.
Artists like $uicideboy$, Night Lovell, and Bones are direct descendants of the phonk sound, with each bringing their own twist to the genre. The influence of phonk makers continues to expand globally, with artists from Europe, Brazil, and Asia incorporating elements of the sound into their own work.
Conclusion: The Legacy of Phonk Makers
Phonk makers are the driving force behind the evolution of one of the most important underground movements in modern hip-hop. By embracing sampling, DIY production, and lo-fi aesthetics, these producers have helped create a genre that resonates with listeners around the world. As phonk continues to influence trap, emo rap, and cloud rap, the legacy of phonk makers will continue to shape the future of underground music for years to come.