What is phonk?

Phonk is a subgenre of hip hop and trap music that emerged in the early 2010s, largely on the internet. It's characterized by a dark, lo-fi aesthetic and heavy reliance on samples, particularly from Memphis rap of the 1990s.

Key elements of phonk include:

• Cowbell: A prominent, often distorted, cowbell sound is a signature element.
• Chopped and Screwed Vocals: Vocals are frequently pitched down and manipulated using the "chopped and screwed" technique, creating a slowed and distorted effect.
• Lo-Fi Sound: Phonk embraces a raw, unpolished sound quality, often incorporating intentionally degraded or noisy samples.
• Dark Atmosphere: The music often evokes a sense of dread, darkness, and aggression through its sound design and lyrical content (when present).
• Sampling: Heavy use of samples, especially from classic Memphis rap artists. Common samples include Memphis rap acapellas.
• Drifting: More recently, a sub-style of phonk called drift phonk has emerged, often associated with car culture.