Drill music

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, confrontational 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 Lil JoJo, FBG Duck, S. Dot,^[8] Edai, L'A Capone, RondoNumbaNine, SD and producer Leek-E-Leek also contributed to the early drill scene.^{[9][10][11][12][13][14]} Chief Keef, in particular, is considered the primary progenitor and popularizer of drill music, responsible for bringing it to the mainstream.^{[15][16][17][18][19]} The growing fanbase sparked major label interest, leading to deal negotiations and signings.

After the initial momentum of the subgenre subsided, Chicago drill saw a resurgence in the mainstream during the late 2010s and early 2020s with trailblazing artists such as King Von, Polo G, Calboy and a renewed Lil Durk.^{[20][21][22][23][24][25]}

Elsewhere, regional subgenres of drill music have gained mainstream popularity. Tailing the Chicago drill scene, a UK drill scene emerged in the mid 2010s and subsequently influenced some regional scenes around the world, including Brooklyn drill, which also gained mainstream popularity in the late 2010s and early 2020s with artists like Pop Smoke and Fivio Foreign.^[26][27][28]