How to make Trap music with creative constraints

Stuck on a Trap track? Pull a random Trap creative constraint, accept the brief, and ship a sketch. 4 Trap prompts from the ComposerDeck deck.

Trap constraint cards

• Style Emulation Contemporary R&B Production Create a track with modern R&B production characteristics: atmospheric textures, trap-influenced beats, vocal processing effects, and sophisticated harmonic language.
• Rhythm Triplet Feel Groove (Hip Hop) Establish a strong triplet subdivision in your hi-hats, kick/snare pattern, or main groove (e.g., 12/8 feel over 4/4, or explicit triplets). Create a swung or trap-influenced feel.
• Production Prominent 808 Bassline with Glide/Pitch Bends Make the main bass element a tuned 808 sound, focusing on its sub-bass frequencies, decay, and incorporating pitch glides/bends. Create an expressive bass voice.
• Production Abstract Vocal Chops as Rhythmic/Melodic Elements Use short, processed vocal samples (chops, stutters, pitched phrases) as rhythmic or melodic elements, not necessarily forming coherent words. Transform the human voice into musical material.

Keep going

• Advanced chord progressions
• Modal interchange
• Working with creative constraints