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Phonk Dominates YouTube: Slxughter Surpasses Swift and Bunny

2/23/2026

38 3 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

In February 2026, Slxughter surpassed Taylor Swift and Bad Bunny on YouTube, reaching 981 million unique users.
Phonk blends electronic dance music, hip-hop, and trap, and has become the dominant soundtrack for social media.
The genre originated in the late 1980s Memphis rap scene and surged in the 2010s with lo-fi productions.
Kevin Meenan, a music trends manager, noted Slxughter's success reflects the genre's growing influence.

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Story summary

In February 2026, Slxughter surpassed Taylor Swift and Bad Bunny on YouTube, reaching 981 million unique users.
Phonk blends electronic dance music, hip-hop, and trap, and has become the dominant soundtrack for social media.
The genre originated in the late 1980s Memphis rap scene and surged in the 2010s with lo-fi productions.
Kevin Meenan, a music trends manager, noted Slxughter's success reflects the genre's growing influence.