Kurt Cobain represented the grunge movement, which emerged in the early 1990s. His music with Nirvana captured the feelings of disillusionment and alienation among youth during a time of economic uncertainty and cultural turmoil. Cobain's raw and authentic expression in lyrics resonated with a generation seeking to break free from commercialism and embrace authenticity. As an icon, he highlighted the struggles against mental health issues and the challenges of fame, making him a complex figure in the music industry and a symbol of a shift towards a more subversive artistic expression.