Don’t stop! Turn it Up! Trap is officially back!
Known for its electric build-ups, high-energy drops, and hip-hop-infused beats, trap music, led by artists Flosstradamus, RL Grime, Bro Safari, and more dominated the 2010s EDM culture and festival scene.
Among that early class of trapstars, resided the acclaimed producers Ookay and Bailo. Now, together, in 2024, they’re leading the resurgence of trap with their new duo, TRICKSTAR.
Launched in the spring of 2024, the idea of a duo came to fruition after realizing their chemistry during a b2b set in Houston.
“The idea to form a duo “started with a show in Houston where we went B2B and realized we were more compatible after that,” TRICKSTAR explained in an interview with The Daily Frequency. “Bailo was holding on to the name TRICKSTAR for a project and it kinda just went from there.”
Introducing their new project to the world, with an electrifying mix, JOKES ON YOU [VOL 1], TRICKSTAR immediately became a force to be reckoned with. From releasing their debut single, Jump in late June to flipping Liquor & Cigarettes by Chase & Status, the duo stepped up to the plate swinging!
Aside from dropping heaters, the stage is where TRICKSTAR shined the brightest. Whether it was their debut Brownies & Lemonade performance in LA or throwing down at the Skyway Theatre in Minneapolis, it became clear a new era of trap was looming in the air.
“It felt right. Like we were doing exactly what we were supposed to at that moment. So cool to be able to showcase all our new music to such a captive audience and we can’t wait to do it on tour with Tape B in 2025.”
As the summer transitioned into fall, the TRICKSTAR hype ascended to even greater heights thanks to a massive release with DJ Snake’s alias THE OUTLAW and a string of shows, including a legendary pop-up at Fat Sal’s Deli in Culver City.
But, that’s not all. Showing no signs of slowing down, the trap legends capped off their inaugural year with two absolute bangers in Bad Boys featuring Marshmello & Lil John in November and MONEY COUNT in December.
“We are just grateful,” they noted. “We saw none of this coming to be honest – it’s all been so organic and we’ve just kept cooking. It’s been a crazy busy year of making music but it’s just cool to see it coming out and everyone loving it!“
With their latest tune, MONEY COUNT, the OG producers linked up with the rising phenom Golden Child resulting in a game-changing fusion of unfiltered nostalgia and modern trap innovation.
“The vocal stood out to us and Golden Child brought so many sick ideas to the table too. We reached out to him after he had previously connected with us on wanting to work with TRICKSTAR. From there it just spit itself out, to be honest. It was a seamless transition. I don’t think any of us knew what we had till we saw all these big acts playing it out.”
With a fury of drippy melodies, punchy vocals, and gritty drops of bass, the track is not only a powerful festival weapon but serves as a testament to the return of trap music.
“The song is about making money which we like to do. We wanted to keep that trap essence but also tap into the new-age bass sound.”
For TRICKSTAR the new trap revolution wouldn’t be possible if it wasn’t for the new generation of artists, like Golden Child, pushing the boundaries of bass music.
“Coming from the OG side, it’s awesome to see the younger audience is also attracted to it and bringing their own flavor. Trap is in such a good place, and it really stems from all the new guys bringing their own sound and flavor to the scene. We just want to help continue that wave. Trap is back!”
However, while trap is alive and thriving the duo sees the new era as a different animal of the same beast.
“The biggest difference is technology. Clarity in sound design is more prevalent than ever. Back in the 2010s a lot of the sound was based on the big room wave and a lot of that super saw synth sound. Now you see a lot more of the experimental bass and drum and bass influences in the genre.”
Now with almost a year under their belt, the formation of TICKSTAR didn’t just push the envelope of trap music but ignited a new flame for Bailo and Ookay, as both a duo and in their solo endeavors.
“Being able to separate sounds has a huge weight off our shoulders. We are able to focus each project on their most distinct sounds and it has let us be more creative and experiment more across the board.”
With 2024 under wraps, TRICKSTAR has set the stage for an even bigger year in 2025. From touring with the likes of Tape B to new music, and more, it’s safe to say they’re about to take over the scene.
“SOOOOO MUCH MUSIC!” they exclaimed when asked what was next. “EPs. Singles. Tour dates. Pop-ups. Merch drops. Literally anything and everything!