Music Moose

Artists such as the late Pop Smoke and Fivio Foreign are at the helm of leading the new wave of New York rap. Nonetheless, many are starting to ask the question where did this sound originate?

The answer to that question can undoubtedly be explained when focusing on the UK Drill scene.

UK drill is hugely influenced by the early 2010’s Chicago Drill era where artists; Chief Keef, Lil Durk, Fredo Santana and Lil Bibby were the pioneers of a new rap sound that rapidly spread and changed the sound of Hip-Hop, especially in the UK where a new sub-genre was birthed. Chicago Drill swept listeners for its raw, vivid and violent lyrics depicting the reality of life in the hoods of Chicago. Notable producers like Young Chop also pushed the sound sonically due to his dark production which predominately featured the use of hi-hats, snares and bells. Chicago Drill was gangster rap rising from the dead. Whilst Hip-Hop started to become more commercial the days of N.W.A were far removed until Chicago Drill arose.

It was only a matter of time before UK artist would follow suit. This new sound had eventually managed to find its way into the UK rap scene, which was very much underground at the time. Early UK Drill started in south London circa 2014 by 67 and 150 who later stated that they were fans of Chief Keef and the Chicago Drill scene. UK Drill had its own references like “24’s” meaning all day and “ten toes” (to run), which gave the genre a more British feel whilst still including Chicago slang like ‘Opp’.

UK Drill had reached its first feat in 2016 when Brixton’s 67 had collaborated with UK rap legend Giggs to drop the classic ‘let’s Lurk’. This then saw the rise of many drill groups being formed such as Harlem Spartans, Homerton, 150 , Section Boyz and Zone 2 over several years.

However UK drill at this point was still heavily influenced by Chicago sonically and still had that trap feel until the sound had changed thanks to producers such as M1 , AXL , Carns hill , MK the plug and others. UK Drill still maintains elements of Chicago Drill but features its own interpretations due to its emphasis on distorted bass, and borrowing from other British genres like grime and garage.

This sound had eventually caught the eye of fellow Americans; Sheff G, 22gz and Fivio Foreign. Producers like 808 Melo and AXL beats’ sound was becoming a staple in the Brooklyn rap scene.

Unlike the UK and Chicago, Brooklyn drill had more of a dance feel and its lyrics were often centered around “catching a vibe”. Nonetheless, a self-assured 18 year old aspiring rapper had heard one of Melo’s beats, fast forward to 2019 the track ‘ Welcome to the Party ‘ was buzzing all over Brooklyn neighborhood’s, thus being the catalyst for a new movement. The Brooklyn Drill scene was sweeping the industry so much that Drake had got in touch with UK producer AXL on his 2019 track ‘ war ‘ after being awe-struck by his production on Fivio’s ‘Big Drip’ likewise with Travis & his collaboration with Pop Smoke on ‘ Gatti ‘.

However, it is becoming more apparent that it is only a matter of time before Americans find out who are the originators of this new sound. Drill is the UK’s most universal genre in comparison to past sub-genres like grime, garage or even our own version of rap. Moreover, drill is sonically influenced by trap and already has potential to be more relatable to an American audience than any grime track could ever be. UK drill is no longer for balaclava masked rappers as it’s commerciality in the last year has seen artists experimenting at the idea of jumping on a drill track i.e. Aitch and Tion Wayne. Within the last two years we’ve had Russ become the first drill artist to enter the UK Top Ten as well as DigDat’s ‘Airforce’ plus many others who have charted, which evidently shows the genre is gaining the right type of attention.

Artists like Headie One who released the 2019 genre defining ‘Music X Road’ or Loski’s laid back ‘Cool Kid’ flow, it’s easy to spot the crossover potential years after the drill movement has become obsolete. Currently, artist such as M24 or OFB’s Abracadabra could easily hold their own in the Brooklyn scene as they both have a unique husky tone and bars are filled with infectious ad-libs much like their Brooklyn counterparts.

Drake is one artist who is always ahead of the curve and has spotted the potential of drill, to the point he has given shout outs to M1llionz & Dutchavelli in his Instagram story. In addition, Drake and Headie One recently released their single ‘ Only You Freestyle ‘, Drake’s collaboration only adds more fire to the flame that is very much boiling. This ultimately leaves me make the bold prediction, that the next couple of years will see a drill rapper successfully be the first UK rapper to break the States after many failed attempts.