Who Will Lead Hip-Hop Next? Gen Z Listening Data Points to Rage Rap and Phonk

If one were to survey the complete history of hip-hop, Nas is undoubtedly one of the genre’s first modern leaders. His 1994 debut album, Illmatic, defined the burgeoning culture with precise vocal delivery, sample-driven beats, and a relevant depiction of the Black youth experience on the streets of New York City. The album now sits in the Library of Congress for being “culturally, historic