Umair Gaines
Electro, a genre of electronic music, has seen several new branches emerge in recent years, including Electrocore from Florida and Skweee from Nordic countries. The genre has also influenced techno, ghettotech, breakbeat, drum and bass, and electroclash. Electro's history dates back to the 1980s, with songs like Al-Naafiysh (The Soul) by Hashim and Planet Rock by Afrika Bambaataa, and continues to evolve with new releases in 2025 by artists like Stereolab. Apple Music's New in Electronic playlist offers 75 songs, regularly updated, featuring fresh sounds from Brooklyn to Berlin, spanning club, techno, house, and more.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of Songs | 75 |
| Genre | Club, Techno, House, Experimental, Electro-pop, Indie Fringe |
| Artists | Stereolab, Kraftwerk, Herbie Hancock, Afrika Bambaataa, Cybotron, 坂本龍一 (Ryuichi Sakamoto), Yellow Magic Orchestra, etc. |
| Songs | "Instant Holograms On Metal Film", "Al-Naafiysh (The Soul)", "Hip Hop, Be Bop", "She Blinded Me With Science", "Planet Rock", "Riot in Lagos", "Sexual Healing", "Clear", "Rockit", "Feels Good", "You're the One for Me", "Thanks to You", "On A Journey (I Sing The Funk Electric)" |
| Sub-genres | Electrocore, Skweee, Electroclash |
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What You'll Learn
Electro hip-hop
One of the foundational artists in the electro movement is Afrika Bambaataa, a producer based in the Bronx, New York. His 1982 track "Planet Rock" is widely regarded as a turning point in the genre, bringing together elements of Kraftwerk's "Trans-Europe Express" and "Numbers" with distinctive TR-808 beats. "Planet Rock" is considered the genre's most important song, pushing electro into the commercial mainstream and influencing various subgenres. It was an instant hit with New York City breakdancers and became an anthem played in clubs.
Another foundational artist is Man Parrish, a Brooklyn native who worked as a songwriter, vocalist, and producer. His track "Hip Hop, Be Bop" is considered his most impactful production, featuring in movies such as "Shaun of the Dead" and video games like "Grand Theft Auto: Vice City". It also influenced Hashim's influential 1983 electro-funk tune, "Al-Naafiysh (The Soul)", which became Cutting Record's first release that year.
Other notable electro hip-hop artists and groups from the early 1980s include Warp 9, George Clinton (Computer Games), Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five, Tyrone Brunson, The Jonzun Crew, Whodini, and Stetsasonic. The lead single from Stetsasonic's 1986 debut album "On Fire" was "Just Say Stet", co-produced by Eric Calvi and Robin Halpin. Electro hip-hop was at its peak in the 1980s, but by the mid-decade, the genre began to shift, incorporating harder beats and rock elements, as seen in the work of groups like Run DMC.
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Female rappers
Nicki Minaj
Born Onika Tanya Maraj, Nicki Minaj is one of the most acclaimed female rappers in the industry. Her unique voice modulation abilities, edgy lyrics, and flamboyant persona have carved a niche for herself. Discovered by rapper Lil Wayne, Nicki's debut album, "Pink Friday," was a commercial success, and her lead single, "Super Bass," established her as a global star. She has since solidified her position with multiple albums and chart-topping songs.
Doja Cat
Doja Cat, whose real name is Amala Ratna Zandile Dlamini, is another leading female rapper and singer-songwriter. She rose to fame by releasing music on SoundCloud as a teenager and signed a joint record deal at just 17 years old. Doja Cat is known for her creative music videos and songs that often go viral on social media platforms like TikTok and YouTube. Since 2020, she has received numerous award nominations and won an MTV Video Music Award for Push Best New Artist.
Megan Thee Stallion
Megan Jovon Ruth Pete, known professionally as Megan Thee Stallion, is an American rapper and singer. Her music blends various styles, including hip-hop, rap, and R&B. Megan Thee Stallion has achieved significant success, with multiple platinum-selling singles and collaborations with artists like Cardi B and Beyoncé. She has also received numerous awards and accolades for her music.
Ice Spice
Hailing from the Bronx, Ice Spice has become one of the most talked-about drill rappers in recent times. Her sex appeal, gospel of female empowerment, and creative free spirit, combined with her use of SpongeBob SquarePants samples, have propelled her to viral fame. Ice Spice's aesthetic and groaned melodies on songs like "Tweakin' Together" and "FOREVER, PT. 2 (JEZEBEL)" have solidified her unique presence in the industry.
GloRilla
Gloria Hallelujah Woods, known by her stage name GloRilla, rose to prominence with her 2022 song "F.N.F. (Let's Go)," which was nominated for Best Rap Performance at the Grammys. She has also collaborated with other notable rappers, including Cardi B, Latto, and JT of City Girls. GloRilla's success showcases the impact and diversity of female rappers in the industry.
These artists represent just a fraction of the talented female rappers making their mark on the music industry. Their contributions showcase the power, creativity, and versatility that female artists bring to hip-hop and electronic music.
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Electrocore
The electro genre has evolved and diversified over the years, with male rap dominating the scene initially. Female rappers, however, have also made significant contributions, either as featured artists in groups like Warp 9 or as solo performers such as Roxanne Shante. The lyrical style associated with electro eventually gave way to the evolving realm of hip-hop music in the 1990s.
The roots of electro can be traced back to the innovative use of electronic instruments by pioneering musicians in the 1960s and 1970s. Artists like Miles Davis, Sly Stone, Herbie Hancock, and Stevie Wonder played a pivotal role in shaping this new sound. The influence of German technopop pioneers Kraftwerk, British futurist acts like the Human League and Gary Numan, and the P Funk brigade led by George Clinton, also contributed to the development of electro.
In the early 1980s, the TR-808 drum machine became integral to the electro sound, providing the distinctive staccato, percussive drumbeats. Its ability to produce extreme low-frequencies and unique percussion sounds made it a favourite among producers. Notable songs from this era that utilised the TR-808 include "Sexual Healing" by Marvin Gaye, "Clear" by Cybotron, and "Planet Rock" by Afrika Bambaataa.
Additionally, boogie played a formative role in the evolution of electro, with songs like "Feels Good" by Electra, "You're the One for Me" by D. Train, "Thanks to You" by Sinnamon, and "On A Journey (I Sing The Funk Electric)" by Electrik Funk. These tracks blended funk and boogie with technopop influences from Germany and Japan, along with inspirations from futurist themes, martial arts films, and video game music.
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Skweee
Electro has its roots in the 1970s, with its influences including German technopop pioneers Kraftwerk, British futurist acts like the Human League and Gary Numan, and a number of black musicians such as Miles Davis, Sly Stone, Herbie Hancock, and Stevie Wonder. The genre also took influence from the futurism of Alvin Toffler, martial arts films, and video game music.
In the early 1980s, electro was dominated by male rap, though female rappers like Roxanne Shante were also integral to the genre, both as solo performers and as part of groups like Warp 9. The TR-808 drum machine was widely used in electro, providing the genre's signature staccato, percussive drumbeats. The Roland TR-808 was particularly appealing to producers due to its affordability and the ability of its bass drum to generate extreme low frequencies.
In 1982, electro hip-hop songs were released by Planet Patrol, Warp 9, Man Parrish, George Clinton (Computer Games), Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five, Tyrone Brunson, The Jonzun Crew, and Whodini. The following year, Hashim created the influential electro-funk tune "Al-Naafiysh (The Soul)", which became Cutting Record's first release in November 1983.
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Electroclash
The electroclash movement was particularly prominent in New York City, with venues like The Limelight and Club Luxx hosting dedicated nights for the genre. Internationally, it gained traction in cities like London, Berlin, and Tokyo, influencing local music scenes and fostering a sense of community among fans and artists.
Despite its cultural impact, electroclash has also faced criticism and debates surrounding its legitimacy as a distinct genre. Some argue that it is merely a marketing term or a passing fad. However, its influence can be seen in the work of subsequent artists who incorporate elements of the genre into their own unique blends of electronic and pop music.
Over time, the electroclash genre evolved and diversified, with artists experimenting with different sounds and styles. While the initial wave of electroclash had a significant impact on the early 2000s music scene, it also laid the foundation for new hybrid genres and continued to influence the work of emerging artists and producers.
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Frequently asked questions
Some early examples of electro music include "Feels Good" by Electra, "You're the One for Me" by D. Train, "Thanks to You" by Sinnamon, and "Riot in Lagos" by Ryuichi Sakamoto.
Some examples of electro hip-hop songs from the 1980s include "Hip Hop, Be Bop" by Man Parrish, "She Blinded Me With Science" by Thomas Dolby, and "Planet Rock" by Afrika Bambaataa.
The TR-808 was used in many popular songs in the early 1980s, including "Sexual Healing" by Marvin Gaye, "Clear" by Cybotron, and "Planet Rock" by Afrika Bambaataa.
Some modern offshoots of the electro genre include "Electrocore", which originated in Florida, "Skweee", which developed in Nordic countries, and "Electroclash", which fuses electro with techno and new wave.
