Drill music, a subgenre of rap characterized by its extreme violence and themes revolving around street life and gang warfare, emerged in Chicago during the early 2010s.
Though initially confined to Chicago, it has since spread its influence to other major cities like New York and London.
In this article, we’ll explore essential drill songs that showcase the widespread appeal and cultural movement this genre has sparked worldwide.
Over the last decade, the drill has spread its influence across continents, finding a strong foothold in cities like New York and London. Its impact on these scenes has been immense, birthing new generations of drill artists.
“Hazards” by Loski
Loski, a prominent British drill artist and member of the Harlem Spartans, gained recognition for his solo work, including the 2019 single “Hazards.”
This track showcased Loski’s lyrical prowess and cemented his position as a fixture in the UK drill scene.
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“Wassup” by Lil Reese Feat. Fredo Santana And Lil Durk
Lil Reese, a Chicago drill artist, burst onto the scene with his collaborations with Chief Keef. In 2012, he released “Wassup,” an intense and aggressive anthem reflecting the struggle of trusting others in a hostile environment.
“Dis Ain’t What U Want” by Lil Durk
Lil Durk, another prominent figure in Chicago drill music, took a unique approach by infusing smoother and more melodic elements into his music.
“Dis Ain’t What U Want” exemplifies this style, propelling him to the forefront of the Chicago drill scene while retaining the genre’s signature intensity.
“Gumbo Mobsters,” by King Louie & Bo$ Woo
Long before Chief Keef’s entrance into the mainstream, King Louie and Bo$ Woo were already pushing the boundaries of the drill with their track “Gumbo Mobsters.”
Released nearly a year before Keef’s iconic “I Don’t Like,” this song unleashed a wave of bold and bass-heavy threats, setting the tone for the drill movement to come.
While it may seem more straightforward compared to modern drill, “Gumbo Mobsters” played a pivotal role in introducing the world to the drill sound and lifestyle.
“Go In,” by Shady
In the early days of drill, the genre was predominantly male-dominated, overshadowing the contributions of female artists like Shady from the Chicago girl group Pretty N Pink.
Shady’s solo track “Go In” laid the blueprint for future drill material, showcasing her undeniable talent.
Unfortunately, the track didn’t receive the recognition it deserved, but it did leave a lasting impact on the drilling community, with Katie Got Bandz making a memorable appearance in the music video.
“I Don’t Like,” by Chief Keef featuring Lil Reese
The game-changing moment for the drill came with Chief Keef’s breakout hit, “I Don’t Like.” This track spread like wildfire, captivating hip-hop and pop culture with its simple yet powerful premise of calling out things Keef disapproved of.
With its immense success, “I Don’t Like” paved the way for Drill’s expansion beyond Chicago.
The remix by renowned artists like Kanye West, Pusha T, Jadakiss, and Big Sean further solidified the genre’s impact, transforming drill into a global phenomenon.
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“Lemme Get Dat,” by Giggs & Waka Flocka Flame
As the drill gained momentum, it attracted artists from various regions who sought to claim their stake in this burgeoning genre.
Waka Flocka Flame, an Atlanta rapper known for his straightforward and vivid style, collaborated with Giggs, a prominent figure in the U.K. drill scene, on the remix of one of his tracks.
This collaboration bridged the gap between different takes on the drill sound and contributed to the genre’s legitimacy on an international scale.
“Let’s Get It,” by Stickz
In the early days of the U.K. drill, Stickz’s “Let’s Get It” emerged, featuring a beat reminiscent of the early 2010s drill sound pioneered by Chief Keef.
While the track may lack some of the defining elements of later U.K. drill tracks, it laid the foundation for the genre’s evolution into the distinctive style it is known for today.
“Dis Ain’t What U Want” by Lil Durk
Lil Durk, another influential figure in the Chicago drill scene, took a different approach to the genre with his track “Dis Ain’t What U Want.”
While other artists focused on aggressive and hard-hitting lyrics, Durk introduced a more melodic and emotionally charged style to drill.
This innovation helped him achieve considerable success, making him a significant player in the modern Chicago drill scene.
“Kennington Where It Started” by Harlem Spartans
The Harlem Spartans played a pivotal role in popularizing drill music in the UK. “Kennington Where It Started” not only explored the genre but also adapted it to UK culture, showcasing a distinct style while paying homage to its Chicago roots.
“Slide” by FBG Duck
FBG Duck, a Chicago drill rapper, revitalized the momentum of the local scene in the 2010s with the release of “Slide.”
This track is a relentless battle cry, exuding aggression and fearlessness, which are hallmarks of drill music.
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“I Don’t Like” by Chief Keef Feat. Lil Reese
Back in 2012, Chief Keef released “I Don’t Like,” a monumental diss track that kickstarted the spread of drill music beyond Chicago.
This song attracted widespread attention, and a remix featuring Kanye West, Pusha T, Big Sean, and Jadakiss propelled it to international fame.
With the spotlight now on Chicago’s music scene, drill music started gaining recognition worldwide.
“Live Corn” by 67 LD
Hailing from the UK, rapper LD, a pivotal member of the rap group 67, is regarded as the Godfather of the UK Drill.
While influenced by Chicago’s rap scene, LD’s debut single “Live Corn” from 2014 showcased a distinct style that was unmistakably British, contributing to the evolution of UK Drill as a unique cultural expression.
“Chi-Raq” by Nicki Minaj Feat. G-Herbo
Nicki Minaj, not having any ties to Chicago, surprised the world with her 2016 drill rap “Chi-Raq,” a collaboration with Chicago native G-Herbo.
This track played a pivotal role in popularizing drill music beyond Chicago’s borders and demonstrated that the genre had a place in mainstream hip-hop.
The song’s title references a slang term for Chicago, alluding to its high murder rate.
“Us” by Lil Reese
Lil Reese had been steadily gaining prominence as a supporting act for major rappers until he dropped the 2012 track “Us.”
This song not only solidified his status as a key player in the Chicago drill industry but also secured him a record deal.
Its popularity soared even further after receiving a remix from Drake and Rick Ross, making it a classic in the drill music scene.
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“Faneto” by Chief Keef
Chief Keef, a pivotal figure in spreading Chicago drill globally, delivered “Faneto,” an unapologetic diss track targeting the state of New Jersey.
This controversial song led to riots and boycotts in the state, resulting in its ban from radio and live performances.
Despite the backlash, “Faneto” became synonymous with the raw and unfiltered nature of drill music.
“Lets Lurk” by 67
This track contributed to the rise of the UK drill as a prominent rap scene, differentiating it from the Chicago drill influence and showcasing a new exciting sound.
“Kennington Where It Started” by Harlem Spartans
Credited as one of the most iconic UK drill songs, it marked the transition towards a distinct British drill sound with slick lyricism and polished production.
“Slide” by FBG Duck
This song, with its raw energy and intense lyrics, played a significant role in reviving the Chicago drill after a period of slower momentum for the genre.
“New Apolos” by Smoove’L
New Apolos, a song by Smoove’L from 2019, was initially written with rapper Pop Smoke in mind.
When plans changed, he transformed it into a drill song that shifts the normal emphasis of the genre, which is on street violence, to a cheerful song about hooking up with a number of women in a single weekend.
The rapper nonchalantly acknowledges that he could be a sex addict, but it appears that he doesn’t mind wearing the moniker.
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“War” by Drake
The drill is a new genre that seldom ever features well-known hip-hop musicians. But it had a significant turning point when Drake became interested in it and explored the genre with his 2019 song, War.
The song has a freestyle diss track over a drill rhythm with UK influences. It would go a long way toward popularizing drill and spreading it in mainstream hip-hop.
“Big Drip” by Fivio Foreign
At the turn of the 2020s, drill music transcended its Chicago roots and found a home in Brooklyn.
Among the prominent figures leading this movement was Fivio Foreign, whose track “Big Drip” catapulted him to stardom.
This song not only became a massive hit in the drill scene but also found its way into clubs, solidifying its status as an iconic track.
“Go In” by Shady
In 2019, drill music witnessed a historic moment with the release of “Go In” by female rapper Shady. Until then, the genre had been largely dominated by male voices.
Shady’s powerful presence in the drill scene paved the way for other talented female rappers like Katie Got Bandz, breaking barriers and bringing much-needed diversity to the genre.
“Lets Lurk” by 67 Feat. Giggs
When asked about top drill groups in the UK, many fans would undoubtedly mention 67. As drill music expanded beyond Chicago, it found a new home in the London hip-hop scene.
Among the trailblazers was 67, and their 2016 hit “Lets Lurk” showcased the genre’s unique adaptation in Brixton, distinct from its origins in Chicago.
“Crazy Story” by King Von
King Von’s “Crazy Story” became a standout track in the drill scene, thanks to his authentic and raw storytelling.
Although his activity in the 2010s was limited due to multiple stints in prison, his personal experiences with street life in Chicago added a genuine and captivating element to his music.
Finally,
Drill music has undoubtedly come a long way since its inception in Chicago. It has transcended borders and cultures, impacting hip-hop scenes across the globe.
From Fivio Foreign’s “Big Drip” to King Von’s “Crazy Story,” each track has contributed to the genre’s evolution and popularity.
As the drill scene continues to evolve, we can expect more boundary-pushing artists to emerge, breaking conventions and bringing fresh perspectives to the genre. The future of drill music remains as promising as ever.
What is drill music?
Drill music is a subgenre of hip-hop that originated in the streets of Chicago. It is characterized by its intense beats and gritty, raw lyrics that reflect the realities of life in urban environments.
What impact did 67 have on the UK drill scene?
67, a UK drill group, played a pivotal role in introducing drill music to London’s hip-hop scene. Their track “Lets Lurk” showcased the genre’s unique adaptation in Brixton.
How has drill music influenced other genres?
Drill music’s influence can be seen in various genres, with artists from different backgrounds incorporating drill elements into their music.
Is drill music always associated with violence?
While some drill music does touch on violent themes, not all songs within the genre revolve around violence. Some artists use drill as a platform to address social issues and personal struggles.
What’s the future of drill music?
As a genre that continues to evolve and adapt, drill music is likely to remain relevant, influencing future generations of hip-hop artists worldwide.