What is electro? The history of the genre, iconic tracks, key artists, and its influence on hip-hop, techno, and EDM — from the TR-808 to the cyberpunk sound of 2025.
Electro is one of the most influential and instantly recognizable electronic music genres. Cold synthetic textures, robotic vocals, sci-fi samples and precise mechanical beats laid the foundation for hip-hop, techno and EDM. Electro is the sound of the future imagined back in the 1980s.
History of Electro
The genre emerged in the early 1980s in the USA, at the crossroads of funk, hip-hop and electronic music. Inspired by the work of Kraftwerk, producers began using drum machines (especially the Roland TR-808) and synthesizers to design a completely new sound.
Key early anthems include:
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Afrika Bambaataa & The Soulsonic Force – “Planet Rock” (1982)
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Hashim – “Al-Naafiysh (The Soul)” (1983)
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Newcleus – “Jam on It” (1984)
Main characteristics of Electro
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Tempo: 110–135 BPM
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Mechanical breakbeat-style drums
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Heavy use of the Roland TR-808 drum machine
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Robotic or vocoder-treated vocals
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Synthesizers with a distinctly sci-fi sound design
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Minimalism, cold atmospheres, futurism
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Lyrics often revolve around robots, technology and outer space
Subgenres and influence
Electro gave rise to a wide range of styles:
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Electro Funk – danceable, funk-driven grooves (Zapp, Egyptian Lover)
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Electro Hip-Hop – early hip-hop built on electronic beats
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Miami Bass – faster, bass-heavy party sound
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Electroclash (2000s) – a fusion of electro and synth-pop (Miss Kittin, Fischerspooner)
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Techno & Electro Tech – influence on projects like Underground Resistance, Drexciya
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Modern Electro – darker, more mechanical aesthetics (Anthony Rother, Helena Hauff, Umwelt)
Iconic artists
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Afrika Bambaataa
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Cybotron (Juan Atkins)
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Egyptian Lover
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Mantronix
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Drexciya
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Model 500
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Anthony Rother
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Aux 88
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The Hacker, Miss Kittin, Umwelt, Helena Hauff
Fun facts
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Electro played a key role in shaping hip-hop culture, especially breakdancing.
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The genre helped launch Detroit techno.
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The TR-808 became a legendary tool across countless genres.
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Electro frequently appears in game and film soundtracks, including titles like Grand Theft Auto and Cyberpunk 2077.
Where to listen
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Spotify playlists: “Electro Essentials”, “Classic Electro”, “Electro Breaks”
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YouTube channels/labels: Funk Fusion, Kraftjerkz, Clone Records
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Compilations: Electro Funk Gems, Clone Aqualung Series, International Deejay Gigolos
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Minatrix.FM: Electro music section
Conclusion
Electro is pure electronic retro-futurism: a sound that became the backbone of dozens of genres and still feels relevant today. It continually returns to the underground, inspiring new producers and listeners with its unique aesthetics and forward-thinking spirit.
