Drill music, often referred to as 'Drill Scene,' 'Drill-hop,' 'Drill Rap,' or simply 'Drill,' is a subgenre of Hip Hop that originated on the South Side of Chicago. Emerging from the creative minds of young producers and rappers, Drill music has gained recognition for its intense, violent lyrics and drug-themed narratives. These songs often depict the gritty, everyday experiences of gang life in Chicago.
The genre remained largely a local phenomenon until 2012 when rapper Chief Keef rose to prominence with hits like '3Hunna,' 'Bang,' and the widely acclaimed 'I Don’t Like.' His success spotlighted the Chicago drill scene, leading to record deals for artists like Lil Durk and Lil Reese, who signed with Def Jam. Despite its popularity, Drill music has faced criticism for its association with Chicago's high crime rates.
History
The term 'drill' was first introduced by Chicago rapper Pacman, initially signifying retaliation, as explained by his cousin Fatzmack. According to L.E.P. Bogus Boyz, the word encompasses a broad spectrum of meanings, from intimate encounters to street conflicts. This ambiguity reflects the fluid nature of Drill music itself, which varies by artist and evolves as new musicians from across the nation infuse their styles into the genre. While violence and criminal elements feature prominently in Drill music, no single trait defines it entirely.
Gangs
Chicago's reputation for gang violence and gun culture significantly influences Drill music. Many Drill artists use their lyrics to challenge and provoke rival gangs, as exemplified by Chief Keef's diss of 'Tooka Gang,' a faction of the Gangster Disciples. Such lyrical feuds often transcend music, sometimes leading to real-world violence. A notorious example is the conflict between Chief Keef, a Black Disciples member, and Lil JoJo of the Gangster Disciples, which ended with Lil JoJo's unsolved murder—a case believed by many to be gang-related.
Reception and Criticism
Drill music often draws comparisons to gangsta rap due to its violent themes, attracting similar criticism. Critics argue that the genre negatively influences youth, potentially leading them toward criminal behavior. However, proponents of Drill music reject these claims. Lupe Fiasco, a vocal critic, expressed concern over the culture represented by artists like Chief Keef, linking it to Chicago's rising murder rates.
Despite the controversy, Drill music has been embraced by several artists as a valuable addition to Hip Hop. Notable names like Kanye West, a Chicago native, have collaborated with Drill musicians, remixing tracks such as Chief Keef's 'I Don’t Like' alongside Jada Kiss, Big Sean, and Pusha T.
Artists
King Louie is hailed as one of the pioneers of the Drill scene and among the first to secure a major record deal. Chief Keef stands out as the most successful Drill artist, having begun his career at a young age. His group, Glory Boyz Entertainment, includes artists of similar ages, such as SD. The media has criticized Drill artist Lil Mouse, who started rapping about violence and drugs at just 13.
Women
While Drill music is predominantly male-dominated, several female artists contribute to the movement. However, none have yet secured major label deals. Sasha Go Hard, a female Drill artist, notes the challenges women face in the industry, including unwanted advances from male producers.
Notable Drill Rap Artists:
| Chief Keef | Lil Durk | Fredo Santana | King Louie |
| Lil Reese | SD | Lil Herb | Sasha Go Hard |
| Lil Jay | Lil JoJo | Gino Marley | Katie Got Bandz |