cloud rap
what it is
Cloud rap refers to a form of hip hop, whose distinguishing features include ethereal, dreamlike beats (which often use wordless vocal samples, wherein singers harmonize or hold long notes, to produce a majestic effect) and abstracted, sometimes deliberately absurd lyrics. The mannerisms of cloud rap vocalists have produced several catchphrases, which listeners commonly associate with the genre, such as the interjection "swag" and references to being "based". The term "cloud rap" is based on an anecdote involving Lil B, a pioneer of the genre, who once expressed a desire to make music that sounded like a castle floating in the clouds.
✦ start here: albums
✦ who's making it, level by level
level 1 · mainstream
the pop everyone knows
level 2 · the door
big names with a sharper edge
level 3 · one step out
cult favorites and indie darlings
level 4 · further
art pop, hyperpop, and the underground
level 5 · all the way
deep experimental
✦ make cloud rap a playlist
turn these 40 artists into something you can press play on.
✦ nearby genres
questions
What is cloud rap?
Cloud rap refers to a form of hip hop, whose distinguishing features include ethereal, dreamlike beats (which often use wordless vocal samples, wherein singers harmonize or hold long notes, to produce a majestic effect) and abstracted, sometimes deliberately absurd lyrics. The mannerisms of cloud rap vocalists have produced several catchphrases, which listeners commonly associate with the genre, such as the interjection "swag" and references to being "based". The term "cloud rap" is based on an anecdote involving Lil B, a pioneer of the genre, who once expressed a desire to make music that sounded like a castle floating in the clouds.
What are good cloud rap albums to start with?
Try Unknown Memory by Yung Lean, 333 by Bladee, FLASH DESIRE by YABUJIN, and GODS FATHER by Lil B.
Who are some women making cloud rap?
musicisforgirls.com/genres/cloud-rap/girls lists women, non-binary artists, and bands with women making cloud rap, from mainstream to underground.
genre notes from last.fm listeners · artists and albums from last.fm, updated 2026-10-20