Cultural evolution involves the selection of cultural elements, or memes, which can follow trajectories independent of or even in opposition to the biological evolution of genes.

“cultural evolution is about selection not for genes, but for uh the elements of culture, which are often called memes. So, you get selection for for different memes, and the forces but the selective forces that act on memes aren't necessarily the same ones that act on genes. They can go in different”

Hip-hop's transition into the most popular genre globally is a validation of its longevity and cultural significance.

“It's the biggest biggest genre in the world, man. And uh it's just amazing for people of you and I, you know, our age to see this and go because because I I remember in high school this kid in my Spanish class said hiphop ain't going to be around in 3 years.”