Nu blues is a global musical form originating in the urban centers of the United States during the first part of the 21st century. The genre developed from roots in African-American musical traditions. The form is ubiquitous across hip-hop and r&b music and is characterized by rapping, singing, and futuristic sonic-scapes. Blue notes and minor keys are an essential part of the sound. Deep basslines derived from or inspired by the Roland TR-808 drum machine, and rapid-fire, sprinkler-like high-hat patterns reinforce the underlying, syncopated, trance-inducing rhythms to form a repetitive effect known as the groove. The lyrical content is often about love and loss and/or aligns with the #BlackLivesMatter movement, cast against the backdrop of #Trumpism in America.
