Plugg

Plugg is a subgenre of trap music that emerged in the early-to-mid 2010s, originating within the Atlanta underground music scene. It is characterized by its laid-back, dreamy, and minimalistic sound, often incorporating soft, melodic beats and a more mellow atmosphere compared to traditional hard-hitting trap. The name “Plugg” partly refers to the lifestyle and culture associated with hustling or “being plugged in,” but as a musical style, it has become a distinct aesthetic within the trap ecosystem.

Key Features of Plugg Music

1. Instrumentals:
   • Plugg beats are typically light, airy, and melodic.
   • Producers often use atmospheric synth sounds, soft keys, and dreamy textures.
   • The beats incorporate deep 808 basslines and smooth drum patterns, giving them a chilled yet hypnotic vibe.
2. Production Style:
   • Plugg beats are known for being minimal and repetitive, but still engaging.
   • The production often feels polished yet understated, intentionally avoiding the heavy, aggressive sound associated with mainstream trap.
   • Producers such as MexikoDro, StoopidXool, and PoloBoyShawty are considered pioneers of this sound.
3. Vocals:
   • Rappers on Plugg beats tend to have a more relaxed flow, often maintaining a conversational or introspective tone.
   • Lyrics can touch on topics like street life, hustle culture, lifestyle, and emotions, though the mood is usually less confrontational than traditional trap.
4. Aesthetic and Culture:
   • Plugg embodies an underground, internet-savvy aesthetic, often shared and popularized through platforms like SoundCloud and YouTube.
   • It became particularly important to a new wave of independent rappers and DIY artists who found freedom in the genre’s simplicity and versatility.

Origins and Rise

• Where It Started: Plugg emerged in Atlanta around 2013, heavily influenced by early trap music while carving out its own niche. Producers like MexikoDro and the BeatPluggz (a collective of producers) are credited with shaping the genre.
• Spread via SoundCloud: SoundCloud became the hub for the Plugg movement, allowing artists to share their music and connect with like-minded fans worldwide. This made Plugg an international underground phenomenon.
• DIY Culture: Many artists associated with Plugg are independent creators who self-produce their music. The genre’s relaxed, meditative sound made it appealing to young creatives experimenting with music.

Influence and Evolution

Plugg has had a noticeable impact on newer genres and sounds. One of the most notable evolutions of Plugg is Pluggnb, a subgenre that mixes traditional Plugg with melodic R&B elements. Pluggnb adds a smoother, more emotional layer to the dreamy Plugg sound, appealing to listeners who enjoy both trap and emotionally driven music.

Why is Plugg Gaining Popularity Now?

• Accessibility: The genre’s simplicity and dreamy aesthetic allow emerging producers and artists to easily create Plugg music and share it in online communities.
• Relatability: Plugg’s chill and introspective vibe resonates with listeners looking for something less aggressive and more emotional compared to mainstream trap.
• Unique Sound: Plugg stands out with its stripped-down yet engaging production, offering a fresh take on trap music.

Plugg encapsulates the DIY, internet-born music culture that defines the modern underground scene. It continues to flourish as a platform for creativity and experimentation in the broader world of hip-hop and trap.