Crunk is a type of hip hop music, originating in Memphis, Tennessee,[citation needed] in the early 1990s. Crunk is classified as a subdivision of Memphis rap, Dirty South, Southern rap,[citation needed] Miami bass and Electro music are its seeds.

Traditionally, crunk meant a hoarse, harsh cry.[1] The term is often used as slang to mean intoxicated. Folk etymology suggests the modern usage of crunk originated as a portmanteau of the words "crazy" and "drunk", or of "chronic" and "drunk", referring to the state of being both drunk from alcohol and high on marijuana, at the same time. Lil Jon defines crunk as a "state of heightened excitement". Crunk is also said to mean high on cocaine and being drunk at the same time[citation needed].