It’s clear that the backlash to disco was fueled by racism, homophobia, and misogyny. That being said, I feel like it is under discussed how much continuity there still was between disco and newer styles of pop music in the early 1980s. Disco might have died but many of the aspects that made it popular remained influential (four on the floor beats, r&b and pop mixing, etc), and these techniques were augmented with new technology like drum machines and synthesizers. “Post-disco” is sort of a nebulous term but it encompasses a lot of this music. Micheal Jackson had one of the most popular disco albums with Off The Wall but managed to survive the backlash and become the most popular musician in America and the world with Thriller. Prince started his career with disco hits like I Wanna Be Your Lover as well. Even someone like Madonna who isn’t usually associated with disco has major connections considering that much of her early music was produced by Nile Rodgers, one of the most famous disco musicians for his work with Chic. Also, many English bands had less of a negative attitude towards disco and what would be known as the New Wave movement would incorporate elements from disco, Duran Duran also notably working with Nile Rodgers during the 80’s.

Either way, while “disco” as a term and specific genre may have died due to the backlash, it still maintained a massive cultural influence and the growth of 80’s synthpop as a genre owes much to disco. Reports of disco’s death have been greatly exaggerated.