Chillhop is a quite popular, yet pretty new genre of electronic music known for its relaxed and calming atmosphere. It blends elements of hip-hop, like laid-back beats and funky basslines, with smooth melodies and jazzy samples. I believe (and I am not alone with that) this combination makes chillhop perfect background music for activities like studying, working, or simply unwinding.
History in Short
Chillhop’s roots can be traced back to the early 1990s, when genres like downtempo and acid jazz laid the groundwork. Pioneering artists like Nujabes, J Dilla, and the now-iconic Lofi Girl (a popular YouTube channel known for its chillhop live streams) helped shape the genre into what it is today.
What are the Key Characteristics of Chillhop?
I believe a signature chillhop sound is all about creating a relaxed vibe. Regardless of how you achieve it.
I mean, I tend to use laid-back beats: Often featuring simple (acoustic) drum loops with a focus on creating a steady groove rather than complex percussion. Also, I make sure to lower the tempo, there is no need to rush. I rather to instrumental over featuring vocals (if so and rarely, then I use chops and snippets instead of complex and distracting vocals).
Smooth melodies: Chillhop melodies can come from various sources, like keyboards, samples, or even vocals that are chopped and looped to create a soothing effect. As mentioned above, I am in favor for keyboards as I learned them as a kid. I live using both electric piano and organ chords to boost the vibe.
Lastly, jazzy samples: Samples from jazz records are a staple in chillhop, adding a touch of sophistication and warmth to the music. Essentially, be mindful from a copyright perspective!
Chillhop Subgenres
Chillhop has spawned a variety of subgenres, each with its own twist. They are commonly mixed up due to not too many differences (in my point of view). But again, the further we go in and more artists feature and produce more beats, the more clear these lines will become.
A few (sub-)genres to mind in connection with chillhop:
Lofi: This subgenre incorporates elements of lo-fi aesthetics, often characterized by a slightly muffled or “dusty” sound.
Jazzhop: As the name suggests, jazzhop leans even heavier on jazz influences, incorporating more complex harmonies and improvisation.
Downtempo: This subgenre focuses on slower tempos and a more chilled-out atmosphere.
Hip-hop & Electronic: These subgenres emphasize the respective influences more prominently, creating a sound that’s closer to traditional hip-hop or electronic music with a chillhop twist.
Click on the links above to read my articles on the different genres. I promise I am doing my best to broaden the list of “wiki” type articles in the future.
Summing it up: chillhop’s versatility and ability to create a calming atmosphere make it a popular choice for background music. With its diverse subgenres and ever-evolving sound, chillhop is sure to continue captivating listeners for years to come.
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