For years when I thought of the music of Trinidad, what came to mind was the feel-good rhythms of soca, steel pans, carnival, and backyard parties. But, like dancehall in Jamaica, popular music there has only grown more eerie, a reflection of the widening wealth gap, increased political corruption, and inflamed gang culture that is happening all over the world. Since roughly 2018, Trinibad—a blend of the brooding dancehall folks like Squash intensified in Jamaica, hearty Southern pain rap, and Trindadian zess—has been defined by thrilling musical highs and devastating lows. It’s a polarizing genre, but emotionally striking and melodically intoxicating music keeps coming out of the scene, especially from Kman 6ixx. His first single of the year, “Bring It,” is a gothic mood piece, kicking off with bone-chilling hums and nihilistic chest-puffing in the style of drill. The tinny, atmospheric beat escalates the wickedness, like a party that ends with a seance. It’s as hypnotic as it is unsettling, which tends to be the effect of Trinibad as the sound’s creators continuously push into darker territory.
