More popular sure, but I’m not sure about distinctive. Almost any trap song I listen to has the 808 kick but a cowbell signifies a very specific subgenre/period (or at least and attempt to replicate it) to me.

> a cowbell signifies a very specific subgenre

The TR-909 kick carries this distinction as well as the basis of gabber/hardstyle/etc: BAWHM BAWHM BAWHM BAWHM https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sLv5x-yduHA