St. Louis Bounce

Last updated

St. Louis ("Blues") Bounce [1] [2] [3] is a hip-hop music sound made popular in the first decade of the 2000s by hip-hop artists and musical production teams in St. Louis, Missouri.

The style is distinguished primarily by melodic sing-song rapping over rhythmic bouncy beats laced with strictly-incorporated “bluesy” (or “country”) guitar-tinged riffs and chords. [4] Although St. Louis Bounce borrows pounding basslines from Southern rap styles, it is usually distinguished by fairly strict bluesy (or "country") guitar riffs and chords on top of (or around) infectious bassy or percussive beats, which are sometimes accompanied by whimsical lyrics. Guitar riffs and chords are usually more prominent than piano or keyboard. It is not to be confused with alternative rap (ex. Arrested Development) [5] or country rap.

Artists associated with the sound include Basement Beats (Jason "Jay-E" Epperson, Waiel "Wally Beamin" Yaghnam, Lavelle "City Spud" Webb and Jayson "Koko" Bridges), The Trak Starz (Alonzo "Zo" Lee Jr. & Shamar “Sham” Daugherty), The Trackboyz (Mark Williams and Joe Kent) production teams; and Steve “Blast” Wills, who claims to be the sound's originator. [6]

The hip-hop sound was most prominent on rapper Nelly's debut album, Country Grammar , which was released June 27, 2000, which was then followed by Nellyville released on June 25, 2002, and the album, Free City , released by the St. Lunatics on June 5, 2001. The sound can also be heard on rapper Pretty Willie's (Willie Moore, Jr.), Enter The Life of Suella album, released on March 26, 2002, which was produced by Willie "JL" Woods and Alex "Big Al" Henry, both of St. Louis. [7] The sound was heard prominently on the albums Jackpot, Powerballin', and Hoodstar, performed and released by St. Louis-based rapper Chingy in the early 2000s. Chingy was largely produced by The Trak Starz.

The Trackboyz's version of St. Louis Bounce used "unique beats and production that feature breathy gasps, visceral grunts, heel-pounding stomps, and wild clangs". [8] The Trackboyz often created these sounds themselves. "Then, they threw in a bit of live guitar and bass." [8] [9]

Examples

Song/TrackArtist or GroupProducer/Production Team
"Country Grammar" Nelly Jason "Jay E" Epperson* (Basement Beats)
“Roll Wit Me”Pretty WillieWillie C. Moore / Willie Woods [10]
“Wat The Hook Gon' Be” Murphy Lee (St. Lunatics) Murphy Lee & Jermaine Dupri
Nellyville Nelly Waiel "Wally" Yaghnam (Basement Beats)
"Tipsy" J-Kwon The Trackboyz
"Batter Up" Nelly Jason "Jay E" Epperson* (Basement Beats), Steve "Blast" Wills
"Na Na"Pretty WillieWillie C. Moore / Willie Woods [10]
“Cry No More”Pretty WillieWillie C. Moore / Willie Woods [10]
“Designer Love”Pretty WillieWillie C. Moore / Willie Woods [10]
Pimp Juice Nelly Jason "Jay E" Epperson* (Basement Beats)
Ride Wit Me Nelly Jason "Jay E" Epperson* (Basement Beats)
Right Thurr" Chingy The Trak Starz
"Midwest Swing"St. Lunatics featuring Nelly Jason "Jay E" Epperson* (Basement Beats)
“Bagg Up” Chingy DJ Quik
“Chingy Jackpot” Chingy The Trak Starz
Work ItNelly featuring Justin Timberlake Jason "Jay E" Epperson* (Basement Beats)
"E.I."Nelly Jason "Jay E" Epperson* (Basement Beats)
"#1"NellyWaiel "Wally" Yaghnam (Basement Beats)
One Call AwayChingy The Trak Starz
Shake Ya TailfeatherNelly ft. P. Diddy and Murphy LeeNelly & Jayson "Koko" Bridges (Basement Beats)
“Boom D Boom” St. Lunatics featuring NellyWaiel "Wally" Yaghnam (Basement Beats)
“Po’ Folks” Nappy Roots The Trackboyz
"Hood Hop" J-Kwon The Trackboyz
"30 Deep Diss"VladHQNew Wave Music Group

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Nelly</span> American rapper (born 1974)

Cornell Iral Haynes Jr., better known by his stage name Nelly, is an American rapper, singer, and actor. He grew up in St. Louis, Missouri, and embarked on his musical career in 1993 as a member of the Midwest hip hop group St. Lunatics. He signed with Universal Records as a solo act in 1999 to release his debut studio album, Country Grammar (2000). Its lead single "Country Grammar " and follow-up, "Ride wit Me",, both entered the top ten of the Billboard Hot 100. The album peaked atop the Billboard 200 and received diamond certification by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA). His second album, Nellyville (2002), spawned two consecutive Billboard Hot 100 number-one singles: "Hot in Herre" and "Dilemma", along with the top-five single, "Air Force Ones".

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Chingy</span> American rapper (born 1980)

Howard Earl Bailey Jr., known professionally as Chingy, is an American rapper from St. Louis, Missouri. He toured as an opening act with fellow St. Louis rapper Nelly in 2002, and signed with Georgia-based rapper Ludacris' record label, Disturbing tha Peace (DTP), that same year. Released in a joint-venture with Capitol Records, his 2003 debut single, "Right Thurr" peaked at number two on the Billboard Hot 100.

<i>Iron Flag</i> 2001 studio album by Wu-Tang Clan

Iron Flag is the fourth studio album by American East Coast hip hop collective Wu-Tang Clan, released on December 18, 2001, on Loud Records. It was certified gold in sales by the RIAA. Iron Flag served as the group's second lowest-selling album, as their record label, Loud, was on the verge of shutting down at the time. The album debuted at No. 32 on the Billboard 200 with 153,000 copies sold in its first week of release. It has sold over half a million copies in the United States and certified Gold by the RIAA. Rapper Ol' Dirty Bastard is completely absent from the album.

Korean hip-hop, also known as K-hip-hop or K-rap, is a subgenre of the South Korean popular music.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Right Thurr</span> 2003 single by Chingy

"Right Thurr" is the debut single of American rapper Chingy. Written alongside The Trak Starz. It was released on April 14, 2003, by Capitol Records, Priority Records, and Disturbing tha Peace as the lead single from his debut album, Jackpot (2003). The song received positive reviews from critics, who praised the production and Chingy's addictive delivery.

<i>Jackpot</i> (Chingy album) 2003 studio album by Chingy

Jackpot is the debut studio album by American rapper Chingy. It was released on July 15, 2003, by Capitol Records, The Trak Starz's Trak Starz imprint, and Ludacris's Disturbing Tha Peace. Anchored by the smash single "Right Thurr", this album also had two other hits, "Holidae In" featuring Ludacris and Snoop Dogg, and "One Call Away" featuring J-Weav. The album was produced by the Trak Starz except for "Bagg Up", which was produced by Da Quiksta. The enhanced version of the album features the uncut video of "Right Thurr".

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Holidae In</span> 2003 single by Chingy

"Holidae In" is a song by American rapper Chingy featuring Ludacris and Snoop Dogg. It was released on August 25, 2003, by Capitol Records and Ludacris's Disturbing tha Peace record label as the second single off his debut album Jackpot (2003). Produced by the duo the Trak Starz, the release garnered positive reviews from critics who praised the performances. In 2020, Entertainment Weekly wrote that the legacy of the song was that increased the "coolness factor" of Holiday Inn, hotel chain based in Atlanta, and owned by the hospitality company, Intercontinental Hotels Group.

<i>Hood Hop</i> 2004 studio album by J-Kwon

Hood Hop is the debut studio album by American rapper J-Kwon, released on April 6, 2004 by So So Def Recordings and Arista Records. The album's lead single, "Tipsy", was successful on the US, UK and Australian charts. A popular remix of the song features Chingy and Murphy Lee. The album sold 125,000 copies in its first week of release.

<i>Hoodstar</i> 2006 studio album by Chingy

Hoodstar is the third studio album by the hip hop artist Chingy, following the release of Powerballin'. Released on September 19, 2006, the disc is split into two sides with different musical styles. While the "Hood" segment has the tracks "Hands Up" and "Cadillac Door", "Star" has more uptempo and club-oriented tracks like "Brand New Kicks" and "Dem Jeans". The guest features are by Three 6 Mafia, Chopper and Chingy's cousin Young Spiffy. The album was produced by Jermaine Dupri, Timbaland, the Trak Starz, Mannie Fresh, Mr. Collipark and the dance group Hoodstarz, among others. The album entered the Billboard 200 at number 9 with first week sales of 77,000 copies in the US. It was certified Gold by RIAA for shipping over 500,000 copies in the US.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Don't Worry (Chingy song)</span> 2005 single by Chingy

"Don't Worry" is a song by American rapper Chingy with guest vocals from singer Janet Jackson, released as the second promotional single from his second album Powerballin', which sold over two million copies worldwide and served as the follow-up to his debut album Jackpot. A music video was not filmed.

The Trak Starz are an American hip hop songwriting and record production duo from St. Louis, composed of Alonzo "Zo" Lee Jr. and Shamar "Sham" Daugherty.

Chalmers Edward "Spanky" Alford was an American gospel, jazz, and neo-soul guitarist. Alford was born in Philadelphia. He was well known for his playing style, utilizing chord embellishments. He had an illustrious career as a gospel quartet guitar player in the 1960s, 1970s, and 1980s with groups such as the Mighty Clouds of Joy. His most notable contributions are to the D'Angelo album Voodoo, and his contributions to music from other popular artists including Tupac Shakur, Roy Hargrove, and The Roots.

<i>Flight 360: The Takeoff</i> 2009 studio album by Playaz Circle

Flight 360: The Takeoff is the second and final studio album by American hip hop duo Playaz Circle. It was released on June 23, 2009, on Disturbing tha Peace/Def Jam Recordings. Recording sessions took place at DB Studios in College Park, at Upstairs Studio in Atlanta, at KY Recordings, at Trak Meet Studios in St. Louis, at Milk Money Consulting, and at Solitaire Studios. Production was handled by Big Hurt, Wonder Arillo, Aktual, Brandon Casey, Brian Casey, Clarence "Kage" Holmes, Crank King, Kidz With Machine Gunz, Korleone, Larry Love, LT Moe, T-Gunnz, The Royalty, The Trak Starz, Tombstone, and Trouble Styles, with Chaka Zulu, Jeff Dixon and Ludacris serving as executive producers. It features guest appearances from Brandon Casey, Brian Casey, Bobby Valentino, CeeLo Green, Lil Wayne, Ludacris, OJ Da Juiceman, Raekwon, Sunni Patterson, Young Dro, Ivory Weems, Dunlap Exclusive and Jay Rush.

Roland Sato Lee Page, also known as Yung Ro is an American rapper. Born Roland Sato Lee Page in Houston Texas, he is an independent artist and CEO of his own record label, Black Pearl Entertainment.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Lex Luger (record producer)</span> American record producer (born 1991)

Lexus Arnel Lewis, professionally known as Lex Luger, is an American record producer. His stage name is a homage to the former WCW/WWF professional wrestler Lex Luger. He co-founded the American hip hop production team 808 Mafia with Southside. He is a member of the hip hop production duo Low Pros with A-Trak, and the VABP, a hip hop group that he founded in high school.

"Gorgeous" is a song by American hip hop recording artist Kanye West from his fifth studio album, My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy (2010). The track features a hook provided by Kid Cudi, a recording artist formerly signed to West's label GOOD Music, and a rap verse provided by the Wu-Tang Clan member Raekwon. The song was written by West, Cudi, Raekwon, No I.D., Mike Dean and Rhymefest, and was produced by West, No I.D. and Dean. It contains elements of Enoch Light and the Glittering Guitars' cover version of The Turtles' song "You Showed Me". "Gorgeous" received mostly positive reviews from music critics, who generally praised the intricacy of the production, the quality of the guest features and the rock music-inspired aesthetic of the song. Several critics cited West's verses as a highlight of the track, complimenting his lyricism and delivery.

<i>Love After War</i> 2011 studio album by Robin Thicke

Love After War is the fifth studio album by American R&B recording artist Robin Thicke. It was released on December 6, 2011, by Star Trak Entertainment in the United States. Love After War also features guest contributions by American rapper Lil Wayne.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Untitled (Hodgy Beats EP)</span> 2012 EP by Hodgy Beats

Untitled is the debut EP by Los Angeles, California rapper Hodgy Beats, member of hip-hop collective Odd Future. It was released on February 24, 2012. It is Hodgy Beats' first solo release since his 2009 debut mixtape, The Dena Tape. Announced on February 20, 2012, the EP was released on the 25th of the same month. The project features production by Juicy J, The Alchemist and Flying Lotus. Lyrically the record deals with thoughts about self-reflection, the contemplation of death, and a struggle with drugs. The EP received mostly positive reviews from music critics.

Digi+Phonics is an American hip hop production team, composed of California-based record producers Tae Beast, Sounwave, Dave Free and Willie B. They currently serve as the main in-house producers for Carson-based record label, Top Dawg Entertainment. Digi+Phonics work significantly on projects from all the members of hip hop supergroup Black Hippy, who are also signed to Top Dawg and is composed of rappers Kendrick Lamar, Jay Rock, Schoolboy Q, and Ab-Soul. Their best known productions include "Bitch Don't Kill My Vibe" by Kendrick Lamar, "There He Go" by Schoolboy Q, and "Terrorist Threats" by Ab-Soul. They frequently co-produce songs together and put the finishing touches on the projects released by Top Dawg Entertainment.

<i>Neon Icon</i> 2014 studio album by Riff Raff

Neon Icon is the debut studio album by American rapper Riff Raff. It was released on June 24, 2014, by Mad Decent. The album, which features Childish Gambino, Mac Miller, Paul Wall, Amber Coffman, Mike Posner, and Slim Thug, was produced by DJA, Larry Fisherman, DJ Mustard, Raf Riley, Harry Fraud, and executive producer Diplo. Neon Icon was supported by singles "How to Be the Man" and "Tip Toe Wing in My Jawwdinz".

References

  1. "Blues Suffuse the St. Louis Spirit of Nelly's Rap - latimes". Articles.latimes.com. 2002-06-23. Retrieved 2016-04-05.
  2. "The Best St. Louis Hip-Hop Musicians of All Time - St. Louis Magazine". Stlmag.com. 2012-06-01. Retrieved 2016-04-05.
  3. "Jet". Books.google.com. 2001-07-30. p. 32. Retrieved 2016-04-05.
  4. "The St. Lunatics Fringe | Feature | St. Louis News and Events". Riverfront Times. Retrieved 2016-04-05.
  5. "The Great Albums: Arrested Development". Jimdero.com. 2004-01-25. Retrieved 2016-04-05.
  6. "Steve "Blast" Wills". LinkedIn. Retrieved 2016-04-05.
  7. "Enter the Life of Suella - Pretty Willie | Credits". AllMusic. 2002-03-26. Retrieved 2016-04-05.
  8. 1 2 Jake Halpern (2004-04-05). "Selling the Beat". The New Yorker. Retrieved 2016-04-05.
  9. Friedman, Andrew (2013-06-12). "Meet Trackboyz, Who Produced Many Other Great Songs Besides J-Kwon's "Tipsy" | NOISEY". Noisey.vice.com. Retrieved 2016-04-05.
  10. 1 2 3 4 Jason Birchmeier (2002-03-26). "Enter the Life of Suella - Pretty Willie | Songs, Reviews, Credits". AllMusic . Retrieved 2016-04-05.