Trip-Hop Jazz: A smooth, jazzy underground movement

Trip-hop jazz is an underground movement that has been growing in popularity in recent years. It’s a fusion of hip-hop, jazz and electronic music, usually featuring samples of old records mixed with new instruments. The sound is often characterized by heavy rhythms, synthesized bass lines and soft vocals. Trip-Hop Jazz can be found at festivals such as Coachella or Burning Man, but it also has its own dedicated events such as the Brainfeeder Festival or Worldwide Gathering in the UK.

The origins of Trip-Hop Jazz

It has been said that Trip-Hop Jazz is the fusion of jazz and hip hop, but this statement does not account for its origins. The first known use of the term “Trip Hop” was recorded in a review of Massive Attack’s debut album, “Blue Lines”, in 1991. However, it wasn’t until 1994 that the term “Trip-Hop” was used to describe a genre of music. This is because the first Trip-Hop albums were released in 1991, but didn’t fit into any specific genre at the time.

The history of Trip-Hop Jazz

In 1994, DJ Shadow released his first album, “Endtroducing…..”. The album is heavily influenced by hip-hop, but also includes elements of soul and funk. It was one of the first albums to be classified as “Trip-Hop”, even though it was released a year after Massive Attack’s debut album.

Other notable Trip-Hop releases of 1994 include Tricky’s “Maxinquaye” and Portishead’s self-titled album.

In 1995, the popularity of Trip-Hop increased rapidly. Other notable albums included Morcheeba’s Who Can You Trust?, DJ Krush’s Taste of Rain, and Portishead’s second album, Dummy. The following year, 1996, saw the release of Massive Attack’s second album, Protection, considered a landmark in Trip-Hop history.

In 1997 and 1998, more and more artists began releasing albums that could be classified as “Trip-Hop”: Leftfield’s “Leftism”, DJ Shadow’s second album, “Endtroducing….. (The Remixes)”, Morcheeba’s third studio album, Antidote, and UNKLE’s debut album, Psyence Fiction.

By 1999, Trip-Hop had become a well-known genre and was featured in magazines such as Rolling Stone and Spin. That year, Rephlex Records released an album entitled “Trip Hop Essentials”. The album is a compilation of tracks by various artists who have proven their influence on the genre.

In 2000, artists such as DJ Krush released their first albums and became well-known contributors to Trip-Hop culture. In 2001, Massive Attack’s third studio album was released, featuring songs that were used in several Hollywood films, including “The Matrix Reloaded”. The following year, 2002, saw a decline in Trip-Hop’s popularity, but a few notable releases came out that year: UNKLE’s second album, “Never Never Land”, and DJ Shadow’s third studio album, “The Private Press”.

Why the decline in popularity of this style?

Since its heyday in the late 1990s and early 2000s, Trip-Hop has seen a decline in interest. However, this decline can be attributed to the rise of Dubstep, which is a more hardcore offshoot of Trip-Hop. Today, artists such as Jamie xx (member of The xx), KAYTRANADA and Mount Kimbie are actively releasing new albums with Trip-Hop elements.

What is the sound and how does it differ from other genres?

This genre is often downtempo and chilled, with a strong emphasis on groove. Here are some of its characteristics:

  • A focus on bass lines and drums
  • Sampled vocals or jazz instruments
  • downtempo or chilled rhythms
  • Slow tempos

The best Trip Hop Jazz bands

  • Massive Attack – Bristol, UK (1991)
  • Tricky – Bristol, UK (1994)
  • Portishead – London, UK (1994)
  • UNKLE – London, UK (1994)
  • DJ Shadow – Davis, CA, USA (1996)
  • Morcheeba – London, UK (1997)
  • Leftfield – London, UK (1990)

Today, although Trip-Hop culture is not yet widespread, there are a few notable Trip-Hop artists still actively releasing new albums, such as Jamie xx (member of The xx), KAYTRANADA and Mount Kimbie.If you want to be part of this underground music culture, start by exploring these artists and their music. You won’t be disappointed.

The best way to become part of Trip-Hop culture is to listen to the music and support the artists. There’s really no other way to be a part of it.

Why should you listen to this genre?

If you’re tired of traditional music, Trip-Hop Jazz is a great genre to explore. It offers a unique sound that you won’t find in other styles of music. So, if you’re looking for something new, give Trip-Hop Jazz a try. You won’t be disappointed.

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