| Lowend | |
|---|---|
| Other names | Low-end[1] |
| Stylistic origins | |
| Cultural origins | 2020s,Milwaukee,Wisconsin, U.S. |
Lowend is a subgenre ofMilwaukee hip-hop, which is a subgenre of Midwestern hip-hop, that originated in Milwaukee in 2020s. Defined by uptempo,metronome-like clapping rhythms, heavy bass, and snares, it was pioneered by artists such as Certified Trapper and AyooLii.[1] The genre found wider national success through the virality ofJ.P.'s songs "Juicey Ahhh" and "Bad Bitty" onTikTok in 2023 and 2024, respectively, by which point it had begun receiving attention from music-focused media outlets such asPitchfork.
Lowend is defined primarily by a steady,metronome-like rhythm of synthesizedeighth note handclaps, as well as snares on the first and third counts of its beats, rumbling bass, fast tempos, and brief runtimes, typically not exceeding two minutes in length. Lowend beats are also known for being danceable and relatively minimalistic, while lyrics in lowend songs generally focus on partying,twerking, and cars.[2][1][3][4] It takes influence from other hip-hop genres such asbounce,ratchet,hyphy, and twerk music.[5][6][7]
Following the local success ofDetroit hip-hop-influencedMilwaukeerappers like Mari Boy Mula Mar, Chicken P, and MT Twins in the late 2010s and Milwaukee rapperLakeyah's signing toQuality Control in 2020, lowend first arose in the city'slower east side, also known colloquially as the "lowends" for its street numbers being the lowest in the city.[6] Certified Trapper, who has been described as the genre's "standout star", began releasing lowend music in 2020.[5][8] "Like Yhop" by Esco and Shawn P, which heavily utilizes a sample ofNatasha Bedingfield's song "Unwritten", was released in March 2021 and became one of the first notable lowend songs.[6] Big Wan, an early figure in lowend, was shot and killed in November 2021 at 19 years old.[5]
Lowend first rose to popularity onTikTok with the viral success ofJ.P.'s lowend song "Juicey Ahhh" in 2023. His 2024 lowend song "Bad Bitty" was described by Piet Levy of theMilwaukee Journal Sentinel as "the biggest hit from a Milwaukee-based rapper since 2001, and possibly ever" and preceded his signing toRoc Nation. Other lowend artists, including SteveDaStoner, 414BigFrank, and AyooLii, all of whom became popular on TikTok through dance and comedy videos, and women rappers such asMyaap, Lonni Monae, and Yonaa have also been considered instrumental to its rise.[9][7][10]
Lowend began receiving media attention in late 2022 and early 2023, with articles fromRolling Stone and onPitchfork discussing its merits. By 2023, lowend artists became known for their extensive and rapid musical outputs.[5] In early 2024, Nadine Smith wrote forThe Fader that lowend had become "one of the most inventive and hyper-active rap scenes in the country", while Alphonse Pierre ofPitchfork called it "low-stakes, low-budget, high comedy dance rap" that was "heavily rooted it is in specific, hyperlocal Milwaukee sounds of the past".[11]
Artists like Certified Trapper and AyooLii are becoming cult favorites with distinctive vocals over minimalist beats with frenetic production.
