Is The Weeknd responsible for the rise of trap/dark R&B?

I do not think The Weeknd is responsible for the rise of trap R&B or dark R&B. Trap music started in the early 2000's in the South of the United States. Artists that have been associated with the rise of trap music are T.I. and Young Jeezy. Three 6 Mafia, E-40, and UGK are typically referred to as the initiators of the genre, which gets its name from the dangerous neighborhoods of the South, often called "the trap".

Music from this region is true trap music. The Weeknd comes from Canada, so would not be considered an original trap music contributor.