What’s LoFi music anyway? If you’ve been on the internet at all in the past year or so, you’ve probably come across LoFi Hip Hop in some form or another. This new genre of music has taken the internet by storm, with millions of people streaming and listening to it every day.

First of all, what exactly is LoFI? LoFI stands for Low Fidelity, and it’s a type of music that intentionally sounds “worse” than traditional music. It’s usually produced with cheap or old equipment, which gives it a distinctly lo-fi sound.

So why are people so obsessed with this type of music? There are a few reasons. Firstly, it’s incredibly relaxing and chill. It’s the perfect background music for studying, working, or just chilling out. Secondly, it often has a nostalgic feeling to it, as if you’re listening to an old mixtape from the 90s.

Finally, and perhaps most importantly, it’s unique. In a world where everyone is trying to sound as polished and perfect as possible, LoFi Hip Hop stands out as something different. It’s a breath of fresh air in a genre that can often feel quite stale.

Let’s dig deeper into what makes this genre of music so special.

What is Lo-Fi Hip Hop Music?

Lo-Fi hip hop is a new genre of music that started as an alternative to traditional hip hop. Characterized by its chill, laid-back vibes, Lo-Fi hip hop has gained popularity among people who are looking for something different from the mainstream hip hop sound.

The term “Lo-Fi” comes from the music’s low fidelity, or low quality, sound. This is usually achieved by using lower-quality equipment to produce the music, such as LoFi Girl cassette tapes or old radios.

Why is Lo-Fi Hip Hop So Popular?

There are a few reasons why Lo-Fi hip hop has become so popular in recent years.

Some people want a different, chill atmosphere to unwind or study in. Classical or soft jazz was the go-to music for this in the past, but now Lo-Fi hip hop has become a popular choice. The music is usually pretty slow and doesn’t have too many distractions, making it perfect for focusing or relaxing.

Another contributing factor to the popularity of Lo-Fi hip hop is the aesthetic. Many Lo-Fi songs are produced by home recording hobbyists, and you can tell. There’s something about the music’s gritty, DIY feel that sets it apart from others and makes it fascinating. In addition, the artwork associated with a lot of Lo-Fi hip hop is often very minimalist, which adds to the calm vibe of the music.

Also, it could be the soothing background music to a lot of ASMR videos on YouTube. If you don’t know what ASMR is, it stands for an autonomous sensory meridian response, and it’s basically a tingling sensation people feel in their heads when they hear certain sounds. A lot of people find it relaxing, and what’s more relaxing than some nice, calm Lo-Fi beats.

And lastly, I think people are just drawn to the nostalgic feel of the music. Lo-Fi hip hop often uses samples from old songs or movies. This can give the listener a feeling of comfort and familiarity.

So, when YouTube took down LoFi Girl in July, a lot of people were pretty upset. LoFi Girl was and still is, one of the most popular Lo-Fi channels on YouTube. The channel has over 11 million subscribers and amassed over 1 billion views before it was taken down.

Luckily, YouTube reinstated the channel a few days later, but the whole incident just goes to show how popular Lo-Fi hip hop has become.

Why Are We So Obsessed Over It?

The reason is obvious: the aesthetic of Lo-Fi is defined by its imperfection. The songs are rawer, less perfect, real, and therefore more relatable.

In a world where we are constantly inundated with highly-produced and often inauthentic content, lo-fi hip hop offers a sense of comfort. It’s the audio equivalent of your favorite worn-in t-shirt.

So the next time you’re feeling stressed, try putting on some Lo-Fi hip hop and relax. Who knows, you might just find your new favorite genre.