Drill (music genre)

Drill is a subgenre of hip hop music that originated in Chicago in the early 2010s. It is sonically similar to the trap music subgenre and lyrically similar to the gangsta rap subgenre.[2] Early drill artists are noted for their explicit, aggressive style of lyricism and association with crime in Chicago, especially the Black Disciples and Gangster Disciples.[3][4][5] The genre progressed into the American mainstream in 2012 following the success of pioneering rappers like Chief Keef, Lil Reese, Lil Durk, Fredo Santana, G Herbo, Lil Bibby[6][7] and King Louie who had many local fans and a significant internet presence alongside producer Young Chop. Other rappers, such as LA Capone and RondoNumbaNine also contributed to the early drill scene.[8] As the audience grew, media attention and the signing of drill musicians to major labels followed.

After the initial momentum of the subgenre subsided, Chicago drill saw a resurgence in the late 2010s and early 2020s with trailblazing artists such as King Von, Polo G, Calboy and a renewed Lil Durk.[9][10][11][12][13][14] Elsewhere, regional subgenres of drill music have gained mainstream popularity. The subgenre of UK drill has influenced regional scenes around the world. Brooklyn drill also gained mainstream popularity in the late 2010s and early 2020s with artists like Pop Smoke and Fivio Foreign.[15][16][17]

Chief Keef, in particular, is considered the primary progenitor and popularizer of drill music, responsible for bringing it to the mainstream.[18][19][20][21]