Drill

A brief history of Drill

Drill music is a genre that originated from Chicago, Illinois in the early 2010s created by a distinctive sound, violent lyrics, and a unique culture. This sub-genre of hip-hop became prominent in the US in 2012 with its reception on the internet. Although most of its lyrics mention guns, gangs, and drugs, it is a genre of music that can be a source of inspiration for some, and sound like noise to others.

Drill music has been associated with numerous social issues, including youth violence, gang culture, gun culture, drugs, and poverty. This association has led some authorities to label the genre as dangerous and blame it for the increase in youth violence. Drill music focuses on the realities of life in inner-city America, as the lyrics often describe the harsh realities of living in poverty and in marginalized communities.

The genre’s music videos also play an essential role in its popularity, as they often feature elaborate and creative visuals. The videos are usually shot in different locations of inner-city neighborhoods and have a vengeful vibe to them. The artists wear typical streetwear with embellishments of designer clothes and jewelry, making them look stylish and wealthy, thus illustrating the luxurious allure of the streets.

Drill music did not spring out of the blue. Instead, it can be traced back to other genres, such as trap music, but its roots lie in Chicago’s hip hop music culture. Young Chicago drill artists, such as Chicago’s King Louie, Lil Durk, and Chief Keef, developed a sound that mirrors the city’s violent street way of life. In 2012, Chief Keef’s single “I Don’t Like” received viral success, contributing to helping the genre go mainstream and eventually to spread over other cities and countries.

The rise of the Drill sub-genre is closely linked to the rise of the internet and social media. YouTube, Twitter, and other social media platforms became avenues for young artists to garner a following and release their music to a broad audience. The social media platform, Instagram, is also used by drill musicians to promote themselves and share videos, showcasing their lifestyle and culture.

Drill music’s popularity has not decreased, as it maintains relevance to the Black community and pop culture in America and worldwide. Although its lyrics can be problematic to some, what it conveys is perceived to be genuine. The genre continues to evoke intrigue due to its explicitness, controversial themes, and violent undertones representing the realities of the inner-city communities where it originated.

Notable Drill artists

Chief Keef: Considered to be the forefather of Drill music, Chief Keef is an American rapper from Chicago. His music is known for its aggressive style and lyrics that depict his tumultuous life in Chicago’s South Side.

Fivio Foreign: Hailing from Brooklyn, New York, Fivio Foreign is known for his infectious flow and aggressive lyrics that often depict his experiences on the streets.

Pop Smoke: Another Brooklyn native, Pop Smoke was a rising star in the Drill scene before his untimely death in 2020. His unique voice and style made him stand out from other artists in the genre.

Lil Durk: Born and raised in Chicago, Lil Durk is one of the most successful artists in the Drill scene. He is known for his introspective lyrics and ability to blend Drill with other genres.

22Gz: Another Brooklyn Drill artist, 22Gz is known for his gritty lyrics and raw storytelling. He has a knack for turning his experiences on the streets into compelling music.

D-Block Europe: Made up of UK rappers Young Adz and Dirtbike LB, D-Block Europe is one of the most successful Drill groups in the UK. Their music often features catchy hooks and melodic flows.

Lil Tjay: Born and raised in the Bronx, Lil Tjay is known for his emotive lyrics and ability to blend Drill with other genres like R&B. His music often touches on themes of love, heartbreak, and perseverance.

Sosa Geek: A rising star in the Drill scene, Sosa Geek hails from the Bronx and is known for his smooth flow and infectious melodies. He often raps about his experiences growing up in the Bronx.

Headie One: One of the most successful Drill artists in the UK, Headie One is known for his intricate wordplay and unique flow. He has collaborated with artists like Drake and Stormzy.

King Von: Another rising star in the Drill scene, King Von was born and raised in Chicago’s South Side. His music often depicts his experiences in the streets and his rise to fame. He was tragically killed in 2020.

25 Drill records you should hear

1. “Welcome to the Party” by Pop Smoke
2. “Shotta Flow” by NLE Choppa
3. “Faneto” by Chief Keef
4. “No Suburban” by Sheff G
5. “Dior” by Pop Smoke
6. “Take Me Away” by Polo G
7. “Valuable Pain” by NBA YoungBoy
8. “Killa” by Tay-K
9. “Took Her to the O” by King Von
10. “Panicking” by YoungBoy Never Broke Again
11. “Famous Hoes” by Lil Durk
12. “War with Us” by YNW Melly
13. “Uncle” by Grimez
14. “Slice” by Yung Pooda
15. “Did What I Did” by Big Scar
16. “Ransom” by Lil Tecca
17. “U Ain’t Safe” by Young Nudy
18. “I’m Good Luv, Enjoy” by Famous Dex
19. “Wicked” by Future
20. “50 Missed Calls” by DDG
21. “Crazy Story” by King Von
22. “Long Live” by Polo G
23. “No Hook” by 22Gz
24. “Calling My Spirit” by Kodak Black
25. “Make No Sense” by NBA YoungBoy

Drill and the charts

One of the most prominent Drill artists is Chief Keef, who rose to prominence in 2012 with his hit debut single “I Don’t Like.” The song, which featured fellow Chicago rapper Lil Reese, became an instant viral sensation and helped to popularize the Drill sound. It peaked at number 73 on the US Billboard Hot 100 and has since been certified platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA).

Chief Keef followed up with several other chart-topping hits, including “Love Sosa,” “Hate Bein’ Sober,” and “3Hunna,” all of which achieved significant airplay and streaming success. He has also released numerous mixtapes and albums, many of which have been critically acclaimed and commercially successful.

Another notable Drill artist is Lil Durk, who emerged as a prominent figure in the genre in the mid-2010s. He has had several chart-topping hits, including “My Beyoncé,” which features his former girlfriend Dej Loaf, and “Laugh Now Cry Later,” which features superstar rapper Drake. He has also collaborated with several other prominent Drill artists, including Chief Keef and King Von.

King Von, who was tragically killed in November 2020, was another rising star in the Drill scene. He had recently released his debut album, “Welcome to O’Block,” which debuted at number 13 on the US Billboard 200 and has since spent several weeks on the charts.

Other notable Drill artists who have achieved chart success include Polo G, who had a massive hit with his song “Rapstar,” and Fivio Foreign, who scored a viral hit with “Big Drip.” Both songs achieved significant airplay and streaming success and helped to further popularize the Drill sound.

In addition to these individual artists, Drill has also spawned several successful collaborations and group projects. For example, the album “No Limitations” by Lil Durk and OTF features several Drill bangers, including “Hellcats and Trackhawks” and “Rules.” Similarly, the album “The Voice” by Lil Durk features collaborations with several other prominent Drill artists, including King Von, Fivio Foreign, and Polo G.

What people have said about Drill

One of the most comprehensive books on the subject is “Inner City Pressure: The Story of Grime” by Dan Hancox. Although the book focuses primarily on Grime, another popular urban music genre in the UK, it also covers the emergence of Drill and its impact on British society.

In the book, Hancox argues that Drill music is a reflection of the harsh realities faced by many young people growing up in deprived urban areas, where violence and drug crime are prevalent. He quotes rapper Unknown T, who says “Drill is a reflection of our environment. It’s real life.”

Others have expressed concern about the violent and explicit content of some Drill lyrics. In a 2018 interview with The Guardian, London mayor Sadiq Khan said “Drill music should not glamorize violence. There’s a responsibility to make sure people understand that if you carry a knife you’re more likely to be a victim of a knife crime.”

Many artists in the genre have also spoken out about the negative stereotypes associated with Drill music. In an interview with NME, LD from the group 67 said “We’re not going out there to say, ‘Everyone needs to strap themselves up, go and shoot people, go and stab people.’ That’s not the message we’re sending.”

Despite the controversy surrounding the genre, Drill has continued to grow in popularity in recent years. In early 2021, Drill rapper Central Cee’s debut mixtape “Wild West” reached number two in the UK charts, a major milestone for the genre.

Some have argued that the success of Drill represents a shift in attitudes towards urban music in the UK. In an interview with Complex, music journalist Ciaran Thapar said “I think Drill’s popularity is part of a wider trend of UK rap being taken more seriously as an art form. People are recognizing that these artists have something important to say.”

Drill in context

One of the key social factors that led to the emergence of Drill was poverty. The genre was developed by musicians who grew up in low-income neighborhoods with limited opportunities. These artists used music as a way of expressing their struggles and the harsh realities of their daily lives. Lyrics often depict poverty, gang violence, drug abuse, and police brutality.

Gang-related violence was another important factor that helped to create Drill. The genre was born out of a subculture of violence that plagued areas of Chicago at the time. The lyrics of Drill songs often reference gangs and their rivalries, and many of the artists are affiliated with the gangs themselves. The genre became a way to showcase the gang culture that was thriving in Chicago, and it quickly gained a following.

In addition to social factors, the cultural context also played a significant role in the rise of Drill. The genre was influenced by the Chicago house music scene and the local drill dance. The drill dance was a popular dance style among young people in Chicago at the time, and it involved a series of synchronized movements that mimicked shooting guns, stabbing, and other violent acts.

The technological context also played an essential role in bringing the genre to the masses. Social media platforms such as Twitter and Instagram were crucial in creating buzz around new artists and songs. Many Drill artists started their careers by posting freestyles and songs on social media, which helped to build a fan base.

Notable record labels such as Glo Gang, 300 Entertainment, Interscope Records, and Atlantic Records helped to establish Drill in the music industry. Glo Gang was founded by Chicago-based rapper Chief Keef, who is widely credited with popularizing the genre and bringing it to the mainstream. 300 Entertainment, founded by industry veteran Lyor Cohen, signed several prominent Drill artists, including Fetty Wap, Young Thug, and Keef.

Journalists and other figures also played a pivotal role in the rise of Drill. Music journalists such as Andrew Barber and David Drake helped to promote the genre by writing about up-and-coming artists and their music. Other figures, such as academics and community leaders, started paying attention to Drill and its impact on the youth culture in Chicago and other cities.

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Grime: a genre of electronic dance music that originated in London and draws influences from hip-hop, jungle, and garage. It is characterized by heavy basslines, fast-paced rhythms, and rapid-fire lyrics.

UK Drill: a genre of drill music that originated in London and draws influences from trap, grime, and other urban genres. It is characterized by dark, brooding beats and lyrics that often deal with violence, crime, and inner-city life.

Afroswing: a genre of music that fuses elements of Afrobeat, R&B, and hip-hop. It is characterized by its melodic hooks, smooth vocals, and upbeat rhythms.

Chicago Drill: a subgenre of drill music that originated in Chicago and is characterized by its heavy use of autotune, sparse beats, and lyrics that deal with inner-city violence, crime, and poverty.