cloud rap
subgenre of hip hop music
Cloud rap envelops you in a hazy soundscape, merging ethereal beats with introspective lyrics. It feels like drifting through a dream, where bright synths and slow, bass-heavy rhythms create an atmosphere that's both relaxed and slightly surreal. This genre balances a sense of tranquility with an undercurrent of vulnerability, making it the perfect backdrop for late-night drives or moments of reflection. Artists often lean into ambient textures, allowing their words to float effortlessly over the production.
Emerging in the early 2010s, cloud rap finds its roots in the underground scenes of cities like Houston and Atlanta. It was a reaction against the polished sounds of mainstream hip-hop, aiming instead for a raw, unfiltered aesthetic. The genre is closely associated with influential figures like Lil B, whose mixtapes laid a foundation for what would become a wave of atmospheric rap. Artists like A$AP Rocky and Yung Lean further shaped the genre, weaving emotional depth into their flows while drawing inspiration from a diverse range of musical styles.
For newcomers eager to dive in, start with Lil B's "God's Father," which showcases his improvisational style and unique lyricism. A$AP Rocky's "Live.Love.A$AP" offers a blend of catchy hooks and moody beats that perfectly encapsulate the cloud rap vibe. Don't miss Yung Lean’s "Unknown Death 2002," an album that immerses you in the genre's dreamy aesthetics. Lastly, explore Bones' extensive discography; his prolific output has significantly influenced the sound's evolution. As you navigate cloud rap, keep an ear out for its connections to ambient music and alternative R&B — there's a whole world waiting beyond the clouds.
68 artists in the catalog.
Guides for cloud rap artists
Top cloud rap albums
See essentials
All cloud rap artists
Lil Tracy
SoundCloud rap, alternative rock
Ken Carson
Southern hip-hop, rage
Lil Xan
SoundCloud rap, West Coast hip-hop
PNL
French hip-hop
070 Shake
alternative hip-hop, hip-hop
Lance Butters
hip-hop
Dark Polo Gang
hip-hop, trap music
RIN
hip-hop, pop rap
Thaiboy Digital
experimental pop, hip-hop
Freeze Corleone
French hip-hop, drill
Lucki
hip-hop, trap music
Elena Temnikova
Europop, Russian pop
Pharaoh
emo rap, hip-hop
Tatarka
Maes
conscious hip-hop, dancehall
Bones
emo rap, hip-hop
About cloud rap
What is cloud rap?
subgenre of hip hop music
Where should I start with cloud rap?
Start with "Let's Start Here" by Lil Yachty. It captures what makes cloud rap worth exploring.
What are the best cloud rap albums?
The cloud rap albums worth hearing first: "Let's Start Here" by Lil Yachty, "Music" by Playboi Carti, "Luv is Rage" by Lil Uzi Vert, "Lil Uzi Vert vs. the World" by Lil Uzi Vert and "1017 vs. The World" by Lil Uzi Vert.
How many cloud rap artists are there?
northsound.fm covers 68 cloud rap artists, each with a recommended starting album and listening path.