About Me

My name’s William, and I'm the founder of Trapped and Screwed, a hip-hop review blog focusing on trap, Chopped and Screwed rap, melodic rap, and Southern-rooted hip-hop, alongside select drill, UK, and crossover projects, from the 1990s to the present day, including new releases. My blog will review albums both in terms of personal enjoyment and regarding their broader place within an artist’s career, as well as within hip-hop and music history. I examine albums from legacy and quietly influential artists to global stars, with an emphasis on albums and mixtapes that mark turning points, experiments, or overlooked chapters in an artist’s journey. I review both new releases and older projects, with a focus on subgenres which I enjoy in trap and Southern rap more generally, drill, or anything that piques my interest! I won’t be reviewing subgenres like jazz rap, boom-bap, and West Coast inspired rap simply because that isn’t really my taste, just to set expectations!

Despite having virtually defined the mainstream hip-hop sound of the 2010s and 2020s, and heavily influencing other genres like pop and R&B, trap music is still looked down upon. A brief survey of social media sites will reveal how many argue that trap rappers lacks artistic value compared to more “lyrical” or mainstream artists, both within and outside hip-hop. But trap, drill, and their related genres have had great richness and depth, and whilst influential, the story of trap music and its origins are much more than that which it has influenced. I write about these stories, from key projects in the history of Southern hip-hop, to underrated gems from lesser-known artists, or early projects of global superstars. 

On a personal note, I’m British, mixed-race, and for my day job, I’m a PhD researcher, which this blog serves as an excellent break from!

I release weekly reviews every Friday, though possibly with additional reviews if there's mid-week news or releases. 

Please reach out to trappededitorial@gmail.com for any inquiries.  

It's important to note that my review for a particular project is a reflection of my opinion regarding its sound and quality; it is not an endorsement of the artist's personal life, legal history, or character.