Significance of "Lean" in Trap Culture

Also known as Purple Drank, Sizzurp, Dirty Sprite, or Syrup, Lean is a mixed drink that was popularized by rappers from the "Dirty South", namely Houston, Texas, started in the early 90's. DJ Screw from Houston, Texas is most notably the man who made lean famous, who died in 2000 from a Lean OD. Pimp C, who also helped to popularize Lean, died in 2005 from a Lean OD as well. Lil Wayne is also notorious for always sippin' a styrofoam cup whenever and wherever. Now-a-days, Lean is still widely renown among the Trap/Southern Hip-Hop Culture of the US.

Lean is a mixture of the following formula:

Promethazine/Codeine Cough Syrup (only obtained by a Rx)

Original Sprite

"and jolly ranchers at the bottom!" - A$AP Rocky - Kissin Pink

All in a styrofoam cup -- double cup it to add some style! 

The Purple in "Purple Drank" comes from the Cough Syrup in the mixture. Codeine, an addictive, opioid substance, is responsible for the feeling associated with drinkin' lean. Effects include warm euphoria, mind slowing down, drowsiness, lethargy, and dissociative feeling from the body. 

There has been some controversy on what "lean" actually is. Swerve, commonly confused with lean, is Robotussin containing DXM. One rule: lean must contain Promethazine cough syrup with codeine.

This addictive substance has been glamorized by modern trap artists and rappers. Rappers condoning the use of a particularly addictive substance is controversial, and many kids look up to these rappers. They got millions in the bank, livin' the hottest lives, got the baddest chicks, and are drinkin' lean while doing it! Lil' Wayne was recently hospitalized due to a Lean OD, but he's still sippin'. Rappers like Lil' Wayne, Mac Miller, A$AP (Crew), 2 Chainz, and practically most rappers in the modern game glamorize lean as a lifestyle. 

"I got codeine in my cup! You bet your ass I'm sippin" - Mac Miller - Loud

Put it all in a styrofoam cup and enjoy. The codeine is mainly responsible for the euphoric feeling after drinking lean. Promethazine causes motor skill impairment, lethargy, extreme drowsiness, as well as a disassociative feeling from all other parts of the body, specifically the stomach and digestive system. If it doesn't have promethazine w/ Codeine, it isn't real sizzurp. 

Lean music in trap usually tries to emulate the slowed down feeling they get - bpm is usually 70-110bpm in these songs, most trap songs are around 130-150bpm. These songs are more experimental, less "in-your-face", more singing, transformed lower voices.

From a young dude's perspective on the stance of lean in trap music, the lust for lean definitely outweighs the controversy that it deserves. Many kids look up to these rappers' success, and attempt to emulate their style and sip lean, potentially getting addicted to the substance. Though I don't fully agree on sippin' lean all day, I love what it has done to the creative side of trap culture, and some of my favorite songs are solely inspired by sippin' lean. 

Elements of Trap

(Lex Luger, a famous Trap producer)

Trap music is my favorite type of Hip Hop. The way most trap hip-hop songs are produced are very similar in instrument selection, structure, and substance.

Trap-Hop originates from the "Dirty South" from the likes of Pimp C, Young Jeezy, T.I., UGK, Three Six Mafia, and Gucci Mane in the early 2000's. Trap originates from Southern Hip-Hop, or "Crunk" music. Trap used to be literally about life in "the trap", drug dealing, and the struggle to rise out of the trap. It is the only way these people knew how to live - deal drugs and be a part of gangs. Since around 2011, trap evolved to be more of a part of pop culture, and less about the real struggle of being in the trap. Trap really blew up a few years ago.

Producers like Lex Luger, 808 Mafia, Southside, Young Chop and Mike Will Made It revolutionized trap production to be catchy for most people who listen to it. These producers use sped-up hi hats, 808 sub-bass drums, synthesizers, orchestral instruments (horn section, violin section), and hard-compressed electronic snares. Production variety in trap is what I love about trap. There are countless ways to make a trap banger.

Structure revolves around the chorus, and verses leading up to the chorus. Bass-drops to add anticipation, and does not usually have a bridge. Sometimes rappers in the verses, and singers in the chorus.

Vocals in trap are usually about how "I am better than you". The song "Started from the Bottom" by Drake is pretty much the epitomy of what trap is about. Or gang stuff. Or about getting the ladies. Or anything you want it to be. Usually not very sophisticated, however.

The unique thing about trap is there is no limit to instrument selection in the production process. I can't think of any instrument that a trap song hasn't included. 

Trap Lord Drops!

The long-awaited trap tape from one of A$AP's main crew members, A$AP Ferg, was finally released on August 20th after being delayed for 6 months. Featuring popular singles such as "Shabba" and "Work", many popular trap artists like A$AP Rocky, French Montana, Schoolboy Q, Waka, and Trinidad James spit on Ferg's first studio album.

Although the name of this album is "Trap Lord", Ferg states that "I feel like it’s not just me that represents “Trap Lord.” I feel like A$AP Rocky is a “Trap Lord.” I feel like Nast is a “Trap Lord.” Wale just posted a picture on his Instagram wearing a Trap Lord sweatshirt. DJ Enuff be sending me pictures of his sons wearing Trap Lord stuff. You gonna see a lot of different new faces that represent the brand—not only the brand, but where we come from. A Trap Lord is basically the struggle to do better. It’s almost like the theme of Always Strive And Prosper (A$AP). Trap don’t necessarily mean you selling drugs. You could be selling clothes, watches, fake watches, gold teeth, hats—anything. You just trapping. And you a Lord of it."

"Trap Lord" can be characterized from its trap-style beats, obviously. Slowed down tempo, with deep subsonic electronic bass, triplet hi-hat electronic drums, synthesizers, extremely emphasized rhythms, anticipating bass drops, and  "hard" vocals about the struggle of the thug-life pretty much sums up what the basic modern trap sound is.

Before this album, Ferg only featured on songs. He has never released an album, tape, or demo for anything to listen to; that means this album is a must-listen. Ferg devoted all his heart into this record, and will be an influential classic down the road.

I find it too easy to "crunk" (a common type of dance to trap music, basically bangin' your head, moving your arms simultaneously up and down, and swaying back and forth) to this record.  Ferg made sure to carry on the legacy of A$AP with Trap Lord.