Lil Peep, the late rapper, singer, and songwriter, left an indelible mark on the music industry with his unique sound and style. While his talent and charisma are undeniable, there were other crucial elements that contributed to his success – his producers. The question on many fans’ minds is, who made Lil Peep’s beats? In this article, we’ll delve into the world of producers who worked behind the scenes to create the iconic soundscapes that Lil Peep’s fans have grown to love.
The Early Days: Smokeasac and Horsehead
Lil Peep’s early career was marked by his association with two producers, Smokeasac and Horsehead. These two producers played a significant role in shaping Lil Peep’s sound, which was characterized by its dark, emotive, and often melancholic tone.
Smokeasac, whose real name is Dylan Mullen, was one of the first producers to collaborate with Lil Peep. He produced several tracks on Lil Peep’s debut mixtape, “Lil Peep Part One,” including “Star Shopping” and “The Song They Played (When I Was in the Hospital).” Smokeasac’s production style, which often features dreamy, atmospheric soundscapes and heavy, distorted basslines, heavily influenced Lil Peep’s early sound.
Horsehead, on the other hand, was responsible for producing several tracks on Lil Peep’s breakout mixtape, “Crybaby.” Horsehead’s production style is often described as dark, aggressive, and experimental, which complemented Lil Peep’s emotional and often provocative lyrics. Tracks like “Crybaby” and “Ghost Girl” showcase Horsehead’s ability to create haunting, atmospheric soundscapes that perfectly complemented Lil Peep’s vocal style.
Rising to Prominence: nedarb and Yung Gud
As Lil Peep’s career gained momentum, he began to collaborate with other producers who would play a crucial role in shaping his sound. Two producers who stood out during this period were nedarb and Yung Gud.
nedarb, whose real name is Nick Guzman, was responsible for producing several tracks on Lil Peep’s debut studio album, “Come Over When You’re Sober, Pt. 1.” nedarb’s production style often features a blend of hip-hop and rock elements, which added a new layer of complexity to Lil Peep’s sound. Tracks like “Benz Truck” and “The Brightside” showcase nedarb’s ability to create anthemic, hard-hitting beats that perfectly complemented Lil Peep’s energetic flow.
Yung Gud, whose real name is Carl-Mikael Berlander, was another producer who made significant contributions to Lil Peep’s sound. Yung Gud’s production style often features a blend of hip-hop and electronic elements, which added a new level of depth and complexity to Lil Peep’s music. Tracks like “Awful Things” and “The Brightside” showcase Yung Gud’s ability to create dark, atmospheric soundscapes that perfectly complemented Lil Peep’s emotive vocals.
The Influence of Trap and Cloud Rap
Lil Peep’s sound was heavily influenced by the trap and cloud rap genres. Producers like Southside, Metro Boomin, and Zaytoven, who are known for their work in the trap genre, heavily influenced Lil Peep’s early sound. The atmospheric, dreamy soundscapes and heavy, distorted basslines that are characteristic of trap music can be heard throughout Lil Peep’s early work.
Cloud rap, a subgenre that emerged in the 2010s, also had a significant influence on Lil Peep’s sound. Producers like Clams Casino and RAFi EL, who are known for their work in the cloud rap genre, heavily influenced Lil Peep’s sound. The dreamy, ethereal soundscapes and often slow-paced tempo that are characteristic of cloud rap can be heard throughout Lil Peep’s music.
The Role of Music Blogs and Online Platforms
Music blogs and online platforms played a significant role in promoting Lil Peep’s music and helping him gain a following. Websites like SoundCloud, Noisey, and Pigeons & Planes, which focused on underground and emerging artists, provided a platform for Lil Peep to showcase his music. These platforms allowed Lil Peep to connect with fans and gain exposure, which ultimately contributed to his success.
| Producer | Notable Tracks | Description of Production Style |
| — | — | — |
| Smokeasac | “Star Shopping”, “The Song They Played (When I Was in the Hospital)” | Atmospheric, dreamy soundscapes with heavy, distorted basslines |
| Horsehead | “Crybaby”, “Ghost Girl” | Dark, aggressive, and experimental with a focus on haunting, atmospheric soundscapes |
| nedarb | “Benz Truck”, “The Brightside” | Blend of hip-hop and rock elements with anthemic, hard-hitting beats |
| Yung Gud | “Awful Things”, “The Brightside” | Blend of hip-hop and electronic elements with dark, atmospheric soundscapes |
Conclusion
Lil Peep’s beats were the result of collaborations with several talented producers who played a crucial role in shaping his sound. From Smokeasac and Horsehead, who were instrumental in crafting his early sound, to nedarb and Yung Gud, who contributed to his later work, each producer brought their unique style and perspective to the table. The influence of trap and cloud rap, as well as the role of music blogs and online platforms, also cannot be overstated. As we look back on Lil Peep’s legacy, it’s clear that his producers were an integral part of his success, and their contributions will continue to be felt for years to come.
Who was Lil Peep?
Lil Peep was an American rapper, singer, and songwriter. He was born Gustav Elijah Åhr on November 1, 1996, and tragically passed away on November 15, 2017. During his short but promising career, Lil Peep gained a massive following and critical acclaim for his unique blend of emo and hip-hop sounds.
His music often dealt with themes of depression, anxiety, and substance abuse, resonating deeply with a generation of young people who felt seen and heard through his art. Lil Peep’s influence can still be seen in the music industry today, and his legacy continues to inspire new artists and fans alike.
What made Lil Peep’s sound so unique?
Lil Peep’s sound was a fusion of different genres, combining elements of hip-hop, rock, and emo music. He drew inspiration from artists like Kurt Cobain, The Cure, and Gucci Mane, creating a distinctive sonic landscape that was both Heavy Metal and hip-hop. His music often featured aggressive, distorted guitars, pounding drums, and introspective lyrics that explored themes of mental health, relationships, and mortality.
The raw emotion and honesty in Lil Peep’s music helped to create a strong connection with his listeners. His ability to blend different styles and genres allowed him to stand out in a crowded music scene and garner attention from fans of different musical backgrounds. Lil Peep’s innovative approach to music helped pave the way for a new wave of artists who continue to push the boundaries of what is possible in hip-hop and alternative music.
Who were the unsung heroes behind Lil Peep’s beats?
The unsung heroes behind Lil Peep’s beats were a group of producers and collaborators who worked closely with him to create his music. These individuals included producers like Smokeasac, Horsehead, and 4 Door, who were instrumental in shaping Lil Peep’s sound and style. They often worked behind the scenes, providing the sonic backdrop for Lil Peep’s lyrics and melodies.
These producers and collaborators were essential to Lil Peep’s creative process, helping him to bring his vision to life. They worked tirelessly to craft beats that complemented Lil Peep’s unique style and energy, often working long hours in the studio to perfect the sound. Without their contributions, Lil Peep’s music might not have had the same impact, and their behind-the-scenes work deserves recognition and appreciation.
What was Lil Peep’s creative process like?
Lil Peep’s creative process was highly collaborative and often involved working with his producers and collaborators to craft beats and melodies. He would often come into the studio with ideas and lyrics already written, and then work with his team to develop the instrumental backing and overall vibe of the track. Lil Peep was known for his prolific output, and he often recorded multiple songs in a single session.
Lil Peep’s creative process was also marked by a sense of urgency and intensity. He was known to pour his heart and soul into his music, often drawing from his own experiences with depression, anxiety, and addiction. This emotional honesty helped to create a sense of authenticity in his music, and fans responded to the raw emotion and vulnerability that he brought to his songs.
How did Lil Peep’s music impact his fans?
Lil Peep’s music had a profound impact on his fans, many of whom felt seen and heard through his lyrics and message. His music provided a sense of comfort and solace to those struggling with mental health issues, addiction, and feelings of isolation. Lil Peep’s fans often credit his music with helping them through difficult times, and his legacy continues to inspire and uplift new generations of listeners.
The emotional connection that fans had with Lil Peep’s music was deep and personal. Many fans felt like they were part of a community that shared a common bond through his music. The sense of community and belonging that Lil Peep’s music created helped to alleviate feelings of loneliness and disconnection, and his fans continue to celebrate his life and legacy through music and art.
What is Lil Peep’s legacy in the music industry?
Lil Peep’s legacy in the music industry is profound and far-reaching. He helped to pave the way for a new wave of emo-rap artists, and his influence can be heard in the work of artists like XXXTENTACION, Juice WRLD, and nothing,nowhere. Lil Peep’s music also pushed the boundaries of what was possible in hip-hop, incorporating elements of rock and emo to create a unique sound that continues to inspire new artists.
Lil Peep’s legacy also extends beyond his music. He was an advocate for mental health awareness and suicide prevention, and his music often addressed themes of depression, anxiety, and addiction. His message of hope and resilience continues to inspire fans, and his legacy serves as a reminder of the importance of prioritizing mental health and well-being.
How can fans continue to support Lil Peep’s legacy?
Fans can continue to support Lil Peep’s legacy by celebrating his music and artwork, as well as supporting the mental health initiatives and charities that he cared about. Fans can also support the producers and collaborators who worked with Lil Peep, as well as the new artists who are continuing his legacy in the music industry.
Additionally, fans can continue to share Lil Peep’s music and message with new generations of listeners, helping to keep his legacy alive and thriving. By doing so, fans can help ensure that Lil Peep’s music and art continue to inspire and uplift people for years to come, and that his legacy serves as a reminder of the impact that one person can have on the world.