tm juke

The Jukebox Joint: A History of TM Juke

TM Juke, or “trap music with a juke influence,” isn’t a neatly defined genre, but rather a sonic melting pot. Think of it as a party where trap’s heavy 808s and booming bass bump into juke’s breakneck speed and syncopated rhythms. It’s a clash of sonic cultures, creating a sound both familiar and thrillingly new.

Roots in the Underground:

• Juke’s Beginnings: Juke music, born in the early 90s in Chicago, emerged from the ashes of the house music scene. DJs like DJ Spinn and DJ Rashad, armed with samplers and turntables, created a unique sound characterized by heavy bass, chopped-and-screwed vocals, and relentless breakbeats. Think “Chicago footwork” on steroids.

• Trap’s Rise: While juke was bubbling underground, trap, originating in Atlanta in the early 2000s, was finding its own legs. It took hip-hop’s traditional storytelling and blended it with hard-hitting, synthesized beats and the hypnotic “trap snare.” Think T.I. and Gucci Mane laying down the blueprint.

The Collision:

• The Blending: By the mid-2010s, the two sounds started to merge. Producers like RL Grime, Baauer, and Hudson Mohawke began incorporating juke’s breakneck tempos and rhythmic complexities into trap beats, creating a new sound that resonated with audiences who craved something more experimental and energetic.

• The Sound: TM Juke is a sonic Frankenstein: trap’s heavy 808s and bass meet juke’s relentless breakbeats, creating a wild, kinetic sound that feels like it’s constantly on the verge of exploding.

Funny Facts:

• The “Juke Jawn” Dance: Juke music is synonymous with a unique, almost athletic dance style known as “juke jawn”. It’s a mix of complex footwork and intricate hand movements, and you’ll see it in everything from underground raves to music videos. It’s not for the faint of heart!

• DJ Rashad and the “Yo! I’m a Juke DJ” Song: The legendary juke DJ Rashad was so passionate about the genre, he created a song called “Yo! I’m a Juke DJ” that featured the phrase “I’m a juke DJ, I’m a juke DJ, I’m a juke DJ.” Talk about dedication!

• Baauer’s “Harlem Shake” and the Global TM Juke Explosion: The 2013 viral sensation “Harlem Shake,” a track by Baauer that blended juke and trap influences, took the world by storm, catapulting the genre into the mainstream and making it a household name.

The Future:

TM Juke, with its energetic, boundary-pushing sound, continues to evolve and inspire new generations of producers and DJs. It’s a testament to the power of music to fuse seemingly disparate styles, creating something completely new and exciting.

This is just a glimpse into the vibrant and ever-evolving world of TM Juke. So put on your dancing shoes, crank up the volume, and get ready for a sonic journey you won’t forget!