Sleep Deprivation: A Trap For Creative Minds

Sleep traps are a controversial game mechanic that can cause players to lose their progress without a chance to respond. The phrase don't sleep, it's a trap is reflected in the lyrics of the song Sleep In a Trap by Trizz, and in a quote by Rohit Bagui. Sleep traps can also refer to literal traps that target sleeping people, such as in the game Shiren the Wanderer. Sleep traps are also represented in dream catchers, which are believed to trap dreams.

Sleep traps in video games

Sleep traps are a mechanic in video games that can be frustrating for players. In the game Barony, for example, there is a sleep trap that spews out in four directions in the later levels of the game. If a player is hit by this trap, they are unable to escape, use a scroll of Teleportation, or become immune through a magic resistance ring. Some players have called this trap "game-breaking" and "bad game design".

Another game that features sleep traps is Shiren the Wanderer. In this game, the only counter to sleep traps is to slash every cell you walk through, which can be tedious, or to find an insomnia bracer. Players have complained that this trap can cause them to lose a run through no fault of their own, and that it is a "horrible design oversight".

However, not all players agree that sleep traps are a negative feature of video games. Some have argued that they add an element of challenge and encourage players to be more strategic in their gameplay.

Trap music and its origins

Trap music is a subgenre of hip-hop that emerged in the early 1990s in the Southern United States, particularly in the poorest neighbourhoods of Atlanta, Georgia. The term "trap" refers to a place where drugs are sold and used, derived from the Atlanta slang "trap house". The music is known for its aggressive lyrical content and sound, characterised by heavy bass lines, fast-paced hi-hats, layered synthesizers, and "cinematic" strings.

Trap music is a mutation of gangsta rap, which itself is a transformation of original hip-hop. Gangsta rap emerged in the 1990s and focused on the violent lifestyle of disadvantaged neighbourhoods, moving away from the political and poetic discourses of early rap. Artists like N.W.A., UGK, Three 6 Mafia, and Master P are associated with this shift.

Trap music, as a distinct genre, began to take shape in these drug-dealing locations, with rappers like Cool Breeze, Dungeon Family, Outkast, Goodie Mob, and Ghetto Mafia among the first to use the term in their music. The term "trap rapper" was later applied to artists whose primary lyrical topic was drug dealing.

Trap music's aggressive and dark sound, combined with its focus on street culture, resonated with audiences both within and beyond the Southern United States. The genre gained momentum in the early 2000s, with local Southern rappers like T.I., Gucci Mane, and Young Jeezy helping to expand its popularity. It was also influenced by earlier Southern producers such as Lil Jon, Mannie Fresh, and DJ Paul, who created a sound that drew from jazz, soul, R&B, gospel, and funk.

Trap music's rise coincided with the increased accessibility of music technology and social media, allowing artists without traditional resources to reach a wide audience. This contributed to its global success, as the lyrics often resonated with social classes disadvantaged by economic issues, regardless of their location.

By the 2010s, trap music had crossed over into the mainstream, with artists like Drake, Kendrick Lamar, Future, and Migos achieving commercial success and topping the Billboard charts. The genre has since influenced various other music styles, including pop, R&B, reggaetón, and K-pop.

Trap music's influence on non-hip hop artists

Trap music, a subgenre of hip-hop that originated in the Southern United States, has had a significant influence on non-hip-hop artists. Its impact can be seen in various musical genres and has helped to shape the sound of modern pop, R&B, and even K-pop.

Trap music is characterised by its minimalistic production style, with simple, rhythmic beats, synthesised drums, and lyrical content that often revolves around drug use, urban violence, and street life. The term "trap" itself refers to a house used exclusively to sell drugs, reflecting the street culture of cities like Atlanta.

One notable way trap music has influenced non-hip-hop artists is through its incorporation into pop music. Artists like Ariana Grande, Beyoncé, and Miley Cyrus have all experimented with trap elements in their songs, blending pop melodies with the rolling, hypnotic sound of trap beats. This fusion of genres has resulted in massive commercial successes, such as Ariana Grande's "7 Rings" and "Old Town Road" by Lil Nas X featuring Billy Ray Cyrus. These collaborations between pop and trap artists have introduced trap music to a broader audience and expanded its reach beyond the hip-hop genre.

Additionally, trap music has left its mark on R&B. Beyoncé, for example, incorporated trap influences into several songs from her 2013 self-titled album, including "Drunk in Love" and "Flawless." American dance-pop singer Lady Gaga also ventured into trap with her song "Jewels 'n Drugs" from the album "Artpop," featuring rappers T.I., Too Short, and Twista. While the combination of pop and trap received mixed responses from critics, it undoubtedly left an impression on the music industry.

The influence of trap music has also reached the Latin music industry, with the emergence of Latin trap. This fusion combines the characteristic trap sound with Latin elements, focusing on themes such as 'la calle' (the streets), hustling, sex, and drugs. Artists like Bad Bunny, Maluma, and Ozuna have been key players in the rise of Latin trap, bringing a fresh perspective to the genre and attracting a global audience.

Furthermore, trap music has had a notable impact on the K-pop genre. While the specifics of this influence are not extensively detailed in the sources provided, it is mentioned that trap has influenced K-pop, indicating that its reach extends to diverse musical genres and cultures.

In conclusion, trap music's influence on non-hip-hop artists is evident in the evolution of various musical genres. Its unique sound, lyrical themes, and production style have captivated audiences worldwide, shaping the landscape of modern music and demonstrating the far-reaching impact of this Southern hip-hop subgenre.

Latin trap

In 2015, Jorge Fonseca, an A&R veteran for Sony Music Latin, noticed the emergence of Latin trap during a trip to Puerto Rico, where he heard the genre blaring from passing vehicles. This led to the release of "Trap Capos: Season 1", a compilation featuring Puerto Rican artists such as Anuel AA, Bryant Myers, and Noriel. It became the first "Latin trap" LP to reach Number One on Billboard's Latin Rhythm Albums chart.

The underpinnings of Latin trap songs will be familiar to fans of modern American rap. They typically feature a lumbering bass, yammering hi-hats tapping out 32nd-note patterns, and a clipped, stupor-inducing keyboard loop. The vocalists blend singing and rapping, delivering lusty come-ons.

To create a Latin trap beat, one can use software such as Komplete 15 Select Beats Edition, which includes tools like Battery 4, Kontakt 8, and Massive X. The process involves programming a drum part with specific clap, hat, and bass drum placements, adding Latin trap synth loops, creating an 808-style bass line, and composing a counter-melody.

Trap music's lyrical themes

Trap music is a subgenre of hip-hop that originated in the Southern United States, particularly Atlanta, Georgia, in the 1990s. The term "trap" refers to places where drug deals take place, specifically houses designated for selling drugs. The lyrical themes in trap music often revolve around life and culture in these trap houses, including drug use, drug dealing, urban violence, gang life, street life, acquiring wealth, and the artists' own life experiences.

Trap music is known for its aggressive and gritty lyrics, which paint a vivid picture of urban life and the harsh realities of street culture. The lyrics often centre around the "trap" and the dangerous lifestyle associated with it. This includes references to drug dealing, urban violence, and poverty. However, trap music also explores themes of hustling, overcoming adversity, and life experiences beyond the trap, reflecting the artists' personal stories and perspectives.

The early pioneers of trap music include artists such as OutKast, UGK, DJ Toomp, T.I., and Gucci Mane. These artists helped shape the sound and culture of the genre. T.I., in particular, is credited with coining the term "trap" with his 2003 album "Trap Muzik" and its kickoff single "24's".

In the 2010s, trap music broke into the mainstream, with artists like Gucci Mane, Waka Flocka Flame, and Fetty Wap finding commercial success. The genre has since influenced various other styles of music, including electronic dance music (EDM), Latin trap, and even Korean pop. It has also left its mark on pop culture, influencing fashion, dance, and broader cultural trends beyond its Southern US origins.

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