Phonk
Phonk is a subgenre of hip-hop and trap that draws heavy inspiration from 1990s Memphis rap, characterized by lo-fi aesthetics, distorted 808 bass, and chopped-and-screwed vocal samples. It often features prominent cowbell melodies and a dark, atmospheric, and nostalgic soundscape, frequently associated with drift culture and late-night urban driving.
Origin: Evolved from the online appreciation of 1990s Southern U.S. Memphis rap, later expanding into the 'drift phonk' subgenre popularized by Russian producers on SoundCloud and YouTube.
Era: Originated in the early 2010s, with a significant global surge in popularity during the mid-to-late 2010s through internet platforms.
