Description
Rare Phonk is a subgenre of Phonk that takes the gritty, lo-fi, and raw aesthetic of OG Memphis rap and polishes it into something that feels both nostalgic and modern. While traditional Phonk leans heavily on unfiltered samples, cassette-like distortion, and dark, menacing tones, Rare Phonk retains these core elements but refines them for a smoother listening experience.
Where did it come from?
The modern Phonk movement began on SoundCloud around 2011. SpaceGhostPurrp's "NASA Gang" mixtape (2011) marked a turning point, blending Memphis rap samples with cleaner production. Artists like PURPDOGG and Soudiere popularized jazz and funk sampling techniques in tracks like "Classic Phonk" (2012) and "Phonk Tape Vol. 1" (2015). The term “Rare Phonk” emerged as a descriptor on SoundCloud tags around 2013, highlighting tracks that used lesser-known Memphis samples or unique production styles. This era defined a smoother, more modern aesthetic while maintaining ties to the gritty roots of OG Phonk.
Defining Features
• Funk and soul samples layered with modern trap beats.
• Cleaner and less gritty production compared to OG Phonk.
• Inclusion of more contemporary rap acapellas.
