When it comes to understanding the artistry of rap music, one element emerges as both infinitely mysterious and permanently essential to an artist’s ability to make an impact - rap flow.
Indeed, imagine rap flow as the sonic fingerprint of an artist-a defining characteristic that sets the "Greatest Of All Time" (GOAT) artists apart from the rest.
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TIMESTAMPS
0:00 Introduction
1:10 Chapter 1: Rap Flow in the Early 2000s
4:39 Chapter 2: The Southern Influence and Trap
7:23 Chapter 3: The Rise of Melodic Flow
9:44 Chapter 4: Mumble Rap and Simplified Flows
11:43 Chapter 5: The Return of Complexity and Drill’s Unorthodox Rise
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First of all, if you're interested in understanding the modern progression of rap flow, the early 2000s provide a critical starting point.
Why?
Because it was a period that broadly marked the end of the gritty, unpredictable '90s flow and set the stage for the more streamlined, complex flows that would come to define modern rap.
Indeed, the early 2000s were a bit of a ‘changing of the guard’ -
A time when the past and future collided, offering artists a new lexicon of rhythmic possibilities.
To demonstrate this, let’s start with the year 2001.
Now, when it comes to charting the development of rap flow, the early 2000s might be the initial launchpad, but you'd be mistaken to overlook the seismic shifts happening in the American South between 2003 and 2010.
Start with 2003.
This was when T.I. dropped his second studio album, "Trap Muzik”, and T.I. was indeed one of the main artists who helped propel this Atlanta-originated genre into mainstream consciousness - along with other household names like Gucci Mane and, a bit later, Young Jeezy.
What did this mean for flow?
T.I.'s work on tracks like “24’s" and “Rubber Band Man” - as well as Gucci’s “So Icy” and Jeezy’s first album - made mainstream a particular 'middle-of-the-beat' laid-back trap style.
The roots of this particular style of flow can likely be traced back to earlier Southern acts like UGK and 8Ball & MJG - but what we see here is a foundational shift.
T.I., Jeezy, and Gucci's approach to flow gave room for later artists like 2 Chainz to not only adopt but also adapt these styles, embedding them into a wider rap culture that until then had largely been dominated by East and West Coast paradigms.
Rolling into the middle of the decade, and you can't ignore Lil' Wayne's seismic impact, especially with his 'Dedication' mixtape series.
Now, as we approached the 2010s, another monumental shift was brewing in the rap landscape-melodic flow.
But if you're really locked in, you might point out that the true catalyst of this change predates the decade.
Cue 2008, and Kanye West's "808s & Heartbreak."
Now, Kanye had always been innovative, but this was something else.
Harnessing the power of Auto-Tune, Kanye wasn't just altering his vocals - he was redefining rap flow.
A key to understanding this?
His collaboration with Kid Cudi. Together they pioneered a slow, melodic flow focused on darker emotional topics - setting the stage for a new sub-genre that would captivate audiences and inspire artists like Travis Scott in the years to come.
Now, move over to 2011 and enter Drake with "Take Care.”
However, as you journey deeper into the 21st century's rap landscape, you'll notice a certain easing up of lyrical density in favor of streamlined melodies.
Make no mistake-this isn't a regression but a fascinating adaptation to changing times and tastes.
A focal point?
The year 2017, when Future dropped "Mask Off."
If you listen closely, you'll recognize that Future's flow isn't about intricate wordplay or complex metaphors.
It's more like a melodic chant, rhythmically echoing over a haunting flute sample.
What's the takeaway?
Mumble rap, as some call it, focuses on melody over lyrical sophistication, and Future's "Mask Off" is a prime example.
It became not just a U.S. phenomenon, either-the track cracked the Top 10 in various countries, proving that this evolving flow had global appeal.
In the same year, Cardi B released "Bodak Yellow," a track that didn't just dominate charts - it made history.
And last, 2020 is, of course, not only a year that will go down in history for its global upheavals - it also offered key developments in rap flow that can't be overlooked.
Let's start with Lil' Baby and his reflective track "The Bigger Picture."
It’s at around this time that we couldn’t mistake Lil’ Baby for just another trap artist.
His work has made everyone reconsider what trap rap can be.
He might employ that laid-back Southern flow we've come to associate with trap, but listen closer.