: Lyrical themes frequently delved into alienation, depression, and loneliness, resonating deeply with Gen Z audiences. A Darker Narrative
The film focuses on the "SoundCloud era," roughly from the mid-2000s to today, highlighting artists like , Smokepurpp , Bhad Bhabie , and the late Lil Peep and XXXTentacion . These artists characterized a "new wave" fueled by: American Rapstar
: The New York Times pop music critic provides a running commentary, observing that "what young people want out of pop culture isn't what old people want". highlighting artists like