Trappin Ain’t Dead

“Trappin Ain’t Dead” is the debut album by Chicago rapper Fredo Santana, released on October 31, 2013, through his Savage Squad Records label.

The story

Fredo Santana emerged alongside Chief Keef during the early rise of the Chicago drill movement. He announced the album on Twitter with a Halloween release target and revealed the tracklist the day before it came out. The 17-track project featured a notable guest list for a street-level release, including Kendrick Lamar, Chief Keef, Lil Herb (later known as G Herbo), Gino Marley, Capo and Peewee Longway.

Sound and production

The album draws on the dark, heavy trap and drill production that defined Chicago in that era. Producers included Young Chop, Lex Luger, Murda Beatz, DJ Kenn and others. The lead and only single, “Jealous,” featuring Kendrick Lamar, arrived on the same day as the album and drew attention for pairing Santana with one of rap’s fastest-rising names.

Legacy

“Trappin Ain’t Dead” debuted at No. 45 on Billboard’s Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart, spending one week there. It remains Fredo Santana’s best-known full-length release and a document of the period when drill artists were moving from local YouTube buzz toward national recognition.

Released October 31, 2013. More from hip hop in 2013.