- Rapper Pac Man, a native of Dro City, is credited as the first artist to reference "drill" in his 2010 single "It's a Drill," which described a shooting incident.
Drill music, a subgenre of hip-hop, emerged in Chicago's South Side in the early 2010s.
Influenced by trap music, reflecting the dark atmospheres and lyrical focus on criminal activities, drill quickly gained traction and moved from underground mixtapes to the mainstream.
The drill scene originated in Chicago, drawing inspiration from the trap music subgenre that emerged from Atlanta, Georgia. Both genres shared a penchant for dark, slow atmospheres and lyrics focused on the dangers of criminal activity.
The chaotic nature and prevalence of violence in Chicago's South Side, particularly in neighbourhoods like "Dro City" in Woodlawn, shaped the narrative and core sound of drill music.
Rapper Pac Man, a native of Dro City, is credited as the first artist to reference "drill" in his 2010 single "It's a Drill," which described a shooting incident.
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Chief Keef's breakout single, "I Don't Like," released in 2012, propelled drill music from the underground to the national spotlight. The song garnered attention and remixes from major label hip-hop artists like Kanye West, solidifying Drill's place in the mainstream.
Keef and fellow drill artists such as Lil Durk, Lil Reese, G Herbo, and the late Fredo Santana gained prominence and contributed to Chicago's drill scene.
The influence of the Chicago drill quickly spread beyond US borders, finding fertile ground in the United Kingdom and Brooklyn, New York.
UK drill, characterized by its fusion of Chicago drill, grime, and the experiences of South London neighbourhoods like Brixton, gained traction in the British charts from 2015 onwards.
Brooklyn drill, heavily influenced by UK drill, introduced notable artists like Pop Smoke, Sheff G, King Von, 22Gz, and Digga D. Collaborations between American drill artists and British drill producers further fueled the popularity of the Brooklyn drill scene.
Drill music stands out with its distinct flow and delivery. Chicago drill artists often employ a deadpan, monotone vocal style, reflecting their emotionally draining environment. Trap music's influence is apparent in using auto-tune to create a cold, emotionless quality in drill artists' rap.
However, the UK drill and Brooklyn drill showcase more expressive deliveries, with the Brooklyn drill favouring booming delivery and warmer production. Chicago drill producers like Young Chop and UK drill artists like Headie One have contributed to the unique sound and style of drill music.
Chief Keef, considered one of the first superstars of Chicago drill music, significantly impacted the genre with his hit single, "I Don't Like." His unhurried delivery and bitter lyrics set the tone for the following drill music.
Pop Smoke, a leading figure in the Brooklyn drill, gained recognition with his deep voice and rolling delivery. His posthumous debut album, "Shoot for the Stars, Aim for the Moon," topped the charts and solidified his legacy.
In Kenya, artists like Wakadinali and Buruklyn Boyz embraced drill music, depicting the struggles and violence in Nairobi's slum areas.
