Chicago Drill
tagStarted 2010Peak 2012-2016Last big hit still activeFrom Chicago, United States
Located in 1 route
The originating strain: lurching, half-time trap-derived beats with booming 808 kicks, rattling hi-hat triplets and bleak, repetitive minor-key synth or piano loops. Vocals are gruff, monotone and menacing, drawled in South Side slang over near-empty arrangements. The mood is cold and nihilistic, documenting violence with flat detachment rather than melody.
History
Born on Chicago's South and West Sides around 2010, with Pac Man coining 'drill.' Chief Keef and producer Young Chop crystallized the sound; his 2012 viral hits 'I Don't Like' and 'Love Sosa' drew an Interscope deal and a Kanye West remix, while Lil Durk, King Louie, Lil Reese, Fredo Santana and G Herbo built out the scene.
Defining artists
Essential listening
Sources
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Drill_music
- https://www.mic.com/culture/chief-keef-interscope-deal-anniversary-chicago
- https://www.complex.com/music/a/andre-gee/chicago-drill-music-rap-forced-out
- https://history.hiphop/the-origins-of-drill-music/