Alternative rock emerged from the independent music scene in 1984, with bands like R.E.M. and The Smiths inspiring new artists in the 1980s. The release of Nirvana's hit single "Smells Like Teen Spirit" in 1991 caused the genre to achieve widespread popularity. In the late 1990s, the popularity of alternative rock declined due to events like Kurt Cobain's death and a lawsuit filed by Pearl Jam, though some bands like Coldplay remained mainstream. In the 21st century, alternative rock has further receded from the mainstream as new genres like R&B and indie rock have risen in popularity.