6ix Pop

Published: Tuesday, July 7, 2026 at 4:00 am

Regional dance rap is finding new life and reaching wider audiences thanks to platforms like TikTok and Instagram Reels. These platforms are showcasing a diverse range of regional sounds, from Dallas boogie choreography to Jersey club beats. This trend allows listeners to explore the lineage of these genres, tracing connections from Milwaukee lowend to early 2010s Milwaukee banging, and further back to 2000s Louisiana jig. Similarly, contemporary artists like BunnaB are blending futuristic rap with influences from mid-aughts snap music and Atlanta bass. Other artists, such as TisaKorean and Cash Cobain, are known for their dispersed, collagist party beats. This exploration of regional rap's roots and evolution is a captivating aspect of contemporary music discovery, especially when paired with compelling tracks.

One such artist making waves is Twentythree, a Toronto-based artist whose latest project, "6ix Pop," captures a specific party energy. His self-produced music draws from West Coast ratchet sounds, infused with EDM rave pop and a mood reminiscent of post-OVO "in-love-with-an-Instagram-model" music. The project features nine short tracks, designed for loud playback, that evoke the experience of late-night parties, casual encounters, and the blurred lines of intoxication. The music is less about being background party noise and more about the immersive feeling of being at a party until dawn, engaging in hushed conversations amidst heavy bass.

Twentythree's approach shares similarities with early UK jerk-rap, but with a distinct vibrancy. While many tracks on "6ix Pop" might sound similar on a casual listen, closer attention reveals intricate details. For instance, the track "IG Model" incorporates disparate sonic elements beneath its synths, suggesting different moments of a night: a fire alarm-like horn, police sirens, and a turntable scratch mimicking a busy dancefloor. "Couple MS" blends a Crystal Castles-esque bassline with dulled handclaps and chants, reminiscent of Milwaukee lowend for after-hours settings. "Bimbo" features a digital hyphy bounce alongside Canadian lifestyle raps, creating an indecipherable buzz that emphasizes the instrumental's energetic feel over lyrical clarity.

While most of the project is cohesive, a few tracks deviate. "Break It Down" lacks the personal production touch, opting for a more generic ratchet sound. "Too Greezy" initially echoes older jerk loosies before shifting to electro freecar beats, a style Twentythree utilizes in his work as a beatmaker for Too Many Strikers. "Queen St" stands out with its noise frequency reminiscent of Toronto pop-rap and a chorus that captures the feeling of being stuck in a prolonged pre-game. This track gained significant traction on social media, soundtracking numerous dance clips and memes, and has amassed tens of millions of streams. This success, while potentially algorithmic, highlights the power of these platforms to introduce listeners to unexpected musical discoveries.

BNN's Perspective: The resurgence of regional dance rap, amplified by social media, is a testament to the enduring appeal of localized music scenes and their ability to connect with a global audience. Artists like Twentythree are skillfully blending diverse influences to create sounds that are both nostalgic and forward-looking, offering a compelling soundtrack to contemporary youth culture. The project's focus on immersive party experiences, rather than just lyrical content, speaks to a broader trend in music where atmosphere and energy take center stage.

Tags: regional dance rap, TikTok, IG Reels, Dallas boogie, Jersey club, Milwaukee lowend, Louisiana jig, snap music, Atlanta bass, TisaKorean, Cash Cobain, Twentythree, 6ix Pop, West Coast ratchet, EDM rave pop, post-OVO, UK jerk-rap, DJ Mustard, IG Model, Couple MS, Bimbo, hyphy, Break It Down, Too Greezy, electro freecar beats, Queen St, Toronto pop-rap

Full Story