The Origins of Drill Music

Explore the origins and evolution of drill music, from its roots in Chicago's Southside in the 2010s to its global influence.

Drill music, a subgenre of hip-hop, emerged from Chicago's Southside in the 2010s, echoing Atlanta's trap music with its dark production and themes of street life. Originating from crime-heavy areas like Woodlawn's "Dro City," drill's name comes from local slang for "kill." The genre features a distinctive slow tempo and ominous lyrics about street hustling.

Early Pioneers

Pac Man's 2010 track, "It's a Drill," marked the genre's inception. Though he was tragically killed the same year, his influence lingered. Early drill pioneers included King Louie, who gained attention with tracks like "What That Mouth Do" and "Too Cool," as well as Lil Durk and Lil Reese with their collaboration "L's Bitch." Chief Keef emerged as a prominent figure, achieving YouTube fame with his single "Bang."

Mainstream Breakthrough

Drill's mainstream breakthrough came with Chief Keef's "I Don't Like," which not only charted on the Billboard 100 but also attracted endorsements from major artists like Kanye West and Drake. The track's remix, featuring Kanye, Pusha T, Big Sean, and Jadakiss, further elevated its status.

Continued Success

King Louie also gained prominence, contributing to Kanye West's Yeezus in 2013 and later signing with Epic Records in 2015. Lil Bibby's success with his 2013 mixtape, "Free Crack," led to a contract with RCA Records, though he eventually shifted focus to managing artists like Juice WRLD under his Grade A label.

Decline and Spread to the UK

Chief Keef signed with Interscope but was dropped in 2014 due to drill's declining commercial appeal. Meanwhile, drill's influence spread to the UK, where it fused with local genres like grime and garage, giving rise to the UK drill scene.

New York Drill Scene

In New York, drill artists like 22Gz and Sheff G collaborated with British producers, leading to significant growth in the scene. Fivio Foreign and Pop Smoke emerged as major figures, securing lucrative record deals. Pop Smoke, in particular, became the face of Brooklyn drill with hits like "Welcome to the Party" and "Dior" before his untimely death in 2021.

Controversies and Continued Growth

Despite controversies and calls for content removal due to its violent themes, drill music continued to thrive. New York Mayor Eric Adams initially sought to ban drill content on social media but later retracted his stance, opting for a summit with artists like Fivio Foreign to address gun violence.

The New Wave

In 2023, Bronx rapper Ice Spice rose to fame with TikTok hits like "Munch (Feelin’ U)" and collaborations with artists like PinkPantheress and Nicki Minaj. UK drill artist Central Cee also achieved success with his EP "Split Decision" and collaborations with American rappers.

Global Influence

In 2024, new artists like Skilla Baby, 41, wolfacejoeyy, and BabyDrill continued to push the genre forward. Globally, drill music has permeated various countries, including Ghana, Nigeria, the Netherlands, and Australia, maintaining its influence and presence on the international stage.

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