Trip-Hop

This insightful guide explores the captivating genre of trip-hop, its influential artists, and its lasting impact on contemporary music.

The genre of trip-hop is often regarded as one of the most unique musical movements of the 1990s, blending elements of hip-hop, jazz, and electronic music. Trip-Hop delves into this captivating genre, chronicling its rise amidst the social upheavals of the late 1980s and early 1990s. The book highlights influential artists like Massive Attack, Portishead, and Tricky, showcasing their innovative sounds that transformed the music landscape. Readers will find a wealth of recommended listening, essential tracks, great remixes, and under-appreciated albums that define the genre.

Trip-Hop also explores the cultural context in which the music flourished, reflecting on the nostalgia and consumerism of the era, as well as the pre-millennium angst that permeated society. The narrative provides insights into how Jamaican soundsystem culture and the bliss of club jazz dancefloors contributed to the genre's development. The book reveals how, despite being labeled as music for lounges and boutiques, trip-hop maintained its experimental and dramatic essence.

The influence of trip-hop continues to resonate in contemporary music, with artists like FKA twigs, Billie Eilish, and Lana Del Rey drawing inspiration from its rich soundscapes. This guide not only serves as an exploration of the genre but also positions Trip-Hop within the broader narrative of the 1990s, making it a valuable resource for both new listeners and long-time fans alike.