The UK rap-scene has been evolving in recent years, taking inspiration from its US counterpart.
Drill - a controversial subgenre of rap music - has grown in popularity in the UK, particularly London.
Known for it’s aggressive lyrics, it has proven to be a controversial introduction to the UK scene, with its roots lying in Chicago.
It is often a much faster temp on the UK than it’s US equivalent, and while those across the Atlantic tend to lean on autotune.
What is drill music?
Drill music is a hip-hop sub-genre that emerged in Chicago in the early 2010s. It's defined by its dark, menacing tone and aggressive lyrics about crime, narcotics, and gang culture.
The Guardian's Lucy Stehlik said that “nihilistic drill reflects real life where its squeaky-clean hip-hop counterparts have failed”.
Following the success of rappers like Chief Keef, Lil Reese, Lil Durk, Fredo Santana, G Herbo, Lil Bibby, and King Louie, the genre entered the American mainstream in 2012.
A UK drill scene developed in the middle of the 2010s, following the Chicago drill culture, and it has been increasing in popularity ever since.
Who are some famous drill rappers?
Central Cee
Probably the most well-known drill artist at the moment is Central Cee, whose songs Doja and BAND4BAND you might have heard on TikTok.
He rose to prominence in 2020 with the release of his singles Day in the Life and Loading.
LD
LD is regarded as the “godfather of UK drill” and was a pioneer in the UK drill scene. He emerged in 2014 with his first single Live Corn.
Digga D
Another pioneer in the drill scene is Digga D, who runs his own record label Black Money Records (BMR). He rose to fame in 2017 along with his collective CGM.
His third mixtape Noughty by Nature was released on 15 April 2022, debuting at number one on the UK Albums Chart.
OFB
OFB, also known as the Original Farm Boys, is a popular drill group and includes well-known group members Bandokay and Double LZ.
The group is based in Broadwater Farm in North London and has been around since 2016.
