On Thursday (5/12), the well-known artist and trapper light was the guest of Nikos Hatzinikolaou on the show “Enopios Enopio”.
light emphasized that it is a good opportunity to have a “debate”, a public discussion as he said to finally clarify what a trap is and to eliminate the prejudices that exist. “I am given the opportunity to represent the rest of the artists in the area. Trap is demonized in Greece. I am here to show that we are nothing more than people, artists and family men“, he said typically.
When asked what differentiates rap from trap, he replied that hip hop is the base. “Trap comes from rap from street music. in Greece, the impression was created that it is a matter of matter, but it is not. It is a matter of rhythm, of the beat, as we say.The issue isn’t the content, it’s the rhythm, the beat,” Light said typically and added that the essence of rap is that a creator writes lyrics over a beat. The rest are subcategories of rap. all,including a trap. “In greece, the impression has been created that the issue is thematic“, he emphasized.
Pointing out that trap artists are mostly known for their collaborations wiht popular artists and that melody is an crucial element that makes a rapper stand out, Light replied that he has written ballads and has a song that says “What are you afraid of?“, which can only be described as a ballad.
Referring to the boxes… that music and artists fit into,Light revealed that he is an artist who does the full spectrum of music. “Yes, I’m a musician. It’s a matter of putting artists into little boxes. It will be expected that more emphasis is placed on the melody. Many hits you don’t understand what they say. For exmaple, “Mamma” by Sin Boy was one of the biggest hits in Greece, collecting 50 million views».
Why don’t they play trap songs on the radio?
When asked why radio stations and producers do not play trap music, Light did not hesitate to answer that – in his opinion – the main reason for the culture of their music comes from the streets, so ther is profanity . “It is an answer that they are afraid of the verse. But there is a solution to this too”, he emphasized and cited the example of the foreign country were the so-called mute is when the verse contains the horror, so that the swearing is not heard.
“We have to understand that radio is a consumer medium. The easy answer is that rap contains adult content and desires and topics that cannot be played on the radio. I say what the producers say. The solution has been provided abroad for many years. They take a song and change the swearing, they make it blank”, he said and added: ”Though, the real answer is that on the radio and among the producers there is a ‘cartel’. And because our music,trap,is changing without their help since the mainstream media doesn’t play it,they wont to keep a cover.”
he did not hesitate to make excuses even for “kickbacks” that some producers – as he said – could take. “I know from the inside that it is happening and I am 100% sure,” he emphasized.
Actually, he did not fail to address the issue of attracting young audiences to radio, even suggesting a possible solution: “Play youth music and young people will come to the radio, as now they don’t they. ‘T listen to music from the so-called traditional media. “To say that young people don’t listen to the radio, so there’s no need to play music for young people, criticizes us for not putting young people on the radio,” he said.
How has trap music influenced youth culture and social movements in Greece?
Interview Between Time.news Editor and Trap Music Expert
Editor: Welcome to Time.news! Today, we have a special guest to discuss teh intricate world of trap music and its cultural implications. Joining us is [Expert’s Name], a musicologist and expert in contemporary music genres. Recently, the artist known as Light highlighted the need for a public debate about trap music in Greece. What are your thoughts on this?
Expert: Thank you for having me! Light’s appearance on “Enopios Enopio” was indeed meaningful. Trap music has been heavily criticized and frequently enough misunderstood in Greece. It’s crucial to engage in open discussions to clarify what trap actually represents, both as a musical genre and as a cultural movement.
Editor: Absolutely. Light mentioned that trap is demonized in Greece. What do you think he meant by that, and why do these prejudices exist?
Expert: The demonization stems from a lack of understanding. Trap, like any genre, showcases diverse narratives—frequently enough reflecting the artist’s reality, struggles, and societal issues. In Greece, ther’s a tendency to associate trap with negative behaviors or lifestyles, which overlooks the artistic expression involved. Light wants to represent his community, emphasizing that these artists are human beings, not just performers.
Editor: Representation is key.Light pointed out that he’s glad to have this opportunity to debunk myths about trap. What role do you think public discussions like this play in changing perceptions?
Expert: They are vital. Public debates can dispel misconceptions and foster a more nuanced understanding of the genre. When artists like Light express thier views on a platform,it allows audiences to see trap music authentically,as storytelling that resonates with local and global themes. it’s about bridging gaps between cultural expressions and societal stereotypes.
Editor: How do you see the evolution of trap music in Greece? Has it started to gain more acceptance?
Expert: Yes, I believe its gradually gaining acceptance. as more artists embrace the genre and incorporate it into mainstream media—like collaborations with pop artists—it’s creating a broader audience.Trap’s influence on the youth culture is undeniable. They relate to the rhythm, the style, and the vocal delivery, which is gradually shifting perceptions.
Editor: Light’s mention of family and community in his narrative is striking. In your view, how does trap music contribute to social narratives, especially among younger demographics?
Expert: trap often serves as a voice for the marginalized. It communicates real-life experiences—struggles with social inequality, identity issues, and more. For many young people, it becomes an outlet for self-expression and a way to connect with others who share similar experiences. This kind of relatability can provide comfort and a sense of belonging.
Editor: It sounds like trap is more than just music; it’s a movement.For those who might still be skeptical, what would you say are some of the key elements that define trap music?
Expert: At its core, trap is characterized by specific beats, often heavy 808 bass lines, and hi-hats. Lyrically,it tends to address themes like struggle,resilience,and sometimes luxury or excessive lifestyle. Yet, it’s important to listen beyond the beats. The narratives matter, and that’s where the richness of trap truly lies.
Editor: Thank you for your insights,[Expert’s Name]. It’s clear that trap music in Greece has a significant narrative role. We appreciate the conversation and hope for more open dialogues like the one light is advocating for.
Expert: Thank you for the opportunity! Let’s continue to support artists and the conversations they inspire. Music, after all, has the power to unite us and drive change.