Born from mid-2010s online communities and shaped by producers like MexikoDro and the BeatPluggz collective, Plug blends heavy 808s, video-game soundtrack textures and effortless flows. Over time, the sound has expanded into more emotionally charged and melodic territories. Even a subgenre like ‘pluggnB’, carried by a new generation of artists pushing its boundaries.
Following Plug for a while now, redkoffee has often slipped the sultry sonics into her DJ sets and on her regular NTS show ‘Imagine Soundtracks.’ As well as on stations such as Kiosk. In this article, she breaks down the rise and evolution of Plug and shares an exclusive Valentine’s Day Plug mix for true lovers.
So, first of all, what is Plug?
Redkoffee: “Plug is a subgenre of Hip-Hop closely connected to Trap, but way more laid-back.
It’s defined by spacey, minimal beats, video game soundtracks, heavy 808s and relaxed, effortless Rap flows. The sound was influenced by producers like Zaytoven, early Trap legends such as Gucci Mane or Future and Snap Rap pioneers like D4L.”
Who’s behind the Plug sound?
“Around the mid 2010’s, the plug sound really started taking shape online. Producers MexikoDro and StoopidXool founded the BeatPluggz collective and shared their beats with artists across Atlanta – PoloBoyShawty and BeatPluggTwo among them – and beyond. Many of these producers used the signature “Plug!” tag in their beats, which eventually gave the genre its name.
After online success, Plug reached the mainstream with artists like Playboi Carti, Lil Yachty and Kodak Black. Many other artists were popping in the scene, such as Diego Money, Thouxanbanfauni, Uno The Activist and way more. Over time, Plug has evolved in different ways. Some artists pushed the genre toward a more melodic, emotional, R&B-influenced sound, now called ‘pluggnB.’
A particularly well-known collective from this subgenre was Slayworld, including artists like Summrs, Autumn! and Kankan. They worked a lot with producer XanGang, a key figure of the scene who remained close to the original Plug sound. My favourite artists from the genre are Boofpaxkmooky from North Carolina, 10KDUNKIN from Atlanta, 1600J from New York and North Jersey native Texako. What I love about their music is that it’s super versatile, nonchalant, playful and sensual.
So if you want to indulge today, I made a little Valentine’s Day Plug mix, available on Mixcloud. What’s the relationship between Plug and Valentine’s Day? Plug can be super sensual, cute and romantic.”