When the internet's jokes become bangers. 84–118 BPM.
Meme Rap is a subgenre of hip-hop that uses internet memes, viral sounds, and humorous lyrics as its foundation. Originating in the late 2000s with tracks like 'Numa Numa' and evolving through platforms like YouTube and TikTok, it often features sped-up samples, heavy bass, and ironic or absurdist themes. Key artists include Lil Nas X, Yung Gravy, and Pink Guy.
The defining artists of Meme Rap — the names that shaped the sound. Tap to hear on Spotify.
The classic anthems and current essentials that define Meme Rap.
Meme Rap typically features energetic, sample-heavy beats with tempos ranging from 84 to 118 BPM. Vocals are often delivered in a playful, exaggerated style, sometimes using pitch-shifting or autotune for comedic effect. Rhythms are straightforward, with heavy bass and crisp drum machine patterns that make tracks danceable and meme-friendly.
Common elements include sudden beat drops, repetitive hooks, and sound effects lifted from viral videos. The production is often lo-fi or intentionally 'bad' to mimic internet aesthetics, but can also be surprisingly polished. The genre's sound is constantly evolving as new memes emerge, keeping it fresh and unpredictable.
Meme Rap emerged in the late 2000s as internet culture collided with hip-hop, with early examples like 'Numa Numa' (2004) and 'Chocolate Rain' (2007) gaining viral fame. The genre exploded in the 2010s through platforms like YouTube, SoundCloud, and TikTok, where creators repurposed memes into full tracks.
Its evolution saw a shift from simple joke songs to polished productions, with artists like Lil Nas X blending meme-driven hooks with mainstream appeal. The genre often parodies rap tropes while embracing absurdity, from 'Old Town Road' to 'It's Everyday Bro'.
Culturally, Meme Rap reflects the internet's role in music discovery, where virality trumps traditional gatekeeping. It thrives on remix culture and inside jokes, often crossing into other genres like trap, EDM, and pop. Despite criticism for being novelty, it has produced chart-topping hits and influenced modern hip-hop's embrace of humor.
How Meme Rap is built — drum pattern, swing, and the sounds you need.
When producing Meme Rap, start with a sample or sound from a popular meme—think Vine audio, TikTok phrases, or iconic video game noises. Chop and pitch-shift the sample to create a catchy loop. Use a drum machine (like the 808) for punchy kicks and snares, keeping the BPM between 84 and 118 for a head-nodding groove. Add heavy bass to give it weight, and layer in comedic sound effects (e.g., airhorns, record scratches) for meme authenticity.
Swing is minimal—straight rhythms work best to keep the beat predictable for meme timing. Focus on a simple, repetitive structure: intro, verse, chorus, drop. The key is to make the track instantly recognizable and shareable. Experiment with autotune and vocal chops to emphasize the meme's punchline. Remember, the goal is to balance humor with musicality—too silly and it's a joke, too serious and it loses the meme spirit.
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