Drill music has been a topic of controversy for several years now. Some people argue that the music genre is an expression of the harsh realities faced by young people growing up in single-parent households. Others believe that drill music glorifies violence, drug use, and other negative behaviors. In this essay, we will explore both sides of the argument and discuss whether drill music is coming out of single parenthood families.
Firstly, it is important to define what drill music is. Drill music is a sub-genre of hip hop music that originated in Chicago in the early 2010s. It is characterized by its aggressive beats, violent lyrics, and themes of gang culture, drug dealing, and street violence. The genre has since spread to other parts of the world, including the United Kingdom, where it has gained popularity among young people in urban areas.
Proponents of the idea that drill music is coming out of single-parent families argue that the genre is a form of expression for young people who have grown up in difficult circumstances. They argue that many drill artists come from low-income neighborhoods, where single-parent households are prevalent. According to a report by the Pew Research Center, more than 23% of American children under the age of 18 live with a single parent. In the UK, this number is even higher, with more than 25% of children living in single-parent households.
Growing up in a single-parent household can be challenging, and it is not surprising that some young people turn to music as a way to cope with their circumstances. Drill music provides an outlet for these young people to express their frustrations, anger, and pain. Some drill artists have spoken openly about their experiences growing up without a father figure, and how it has influenced their music.
However, critics of this view argue that drill music is not a direct result of single parenthood. They point out that many young people from two-parent households also listen to and create drill music. They argue that the genre is more of a reflection of the broader societal issues faced by young people, such as poverty, lack of opportunities, and discrimination. These issues affect young people from all types of households, not just those from single-parent families.
Studies have shown that shows that children who grow up in a single-parent family have an increased chance of committing crime. It does not matter whether the single-parent family was created as a result of a divorce or the death of a parent. What does matter is the age of the child: the younger the child is when the single-parent family arises, the higher the risk of criminal behaviour. Growing up with only a mother also increases the risk of crime, compared to growing up with only a father. This applies to both sons and daughters. Considering that many children are deprived of one parent early in their life (incarcerated father) its easy to arrive to the conclusion that both single and both parents households sons listen to and perform music but its more likely that a single parent household child will actually committ all the crimes and frauds that Drill music is famous for.