Yo, just been thinking a lot lately about how much hip hop has evolved. For those of us who grew up on the late 90s/early 2000s classics, what elements truly defined that sound? Was it the sample usage, the lyrical complexity, or certain beat structures? What specific production techniques or lyrical styles really stick out when you think about that golden age compared to today's sound? Would love to hear everyone's take on what made those tracks hit different back then