The UK drill scene has undergone a significant evolution over the years. From the early days of the genre in the early 2010s, to the current crop of artists making waves in the UK and beyond, there has been a clear shift in style, sound, and subject matter. This has led to debates about whether the old or new UK drill is better, with supporters on both sides making their case. In this article, we’ll delve into the debate, discussing the lyrics, beats, and rappers of both old and new UK drill, and providing examples of songs that have made each era famous.
One of the defining features of UK drill is its raw and gritty lyrics, which often delve into topics like violence, drugs, and street life. However, there is a noticeable difference between the lyrics of old and new UK drill.
Old UK drill lyrics tended to be more direct and unapologetic, with rappers often boasting about their gang affiliations and involvement in criminal activity. This was evident in tracks like 67’s “Skengman” and Harlem Spartans’ “Kennington Where It Started.”
On the other hand, new UK drill lyrics tend to be more introspective and self-reflective, with artists exploring the emotional toll that life on the streets can take. Headie One’s “18HUNNA” and Digga D’s “No Diet.”
The beats in UK drill are known for their ominous and hard-hitting sound, with heavy basslines and aggressive 808s. However, the beats in old and new UK drill have some key differences.
Old UK drill beats tended to be more simplistic and straightforward, with fewer melodic elements and a heavier focus on percussion. This can be heard in tracks like 410’s “Think Again” and 67’s “Let’s Lurk.”
New UK drill beats, on the other hand, often incorporate more melody and musicality, with producers experimenting with different sounds and instruments. like Central Cee’s “Commitment Issues” and Abra Cadabra’s “On Deck.”
Finally, the rappers themselves are a crucial component of the UK drill scene, with each era producing its fair share of talented artists.
Old UK drill was dominated by groups like 67 and Harlem Spartans, who were known for their aggressive and uncompromising style. These groups produced some of the most iconic tracks in the genre, such as 67’s “Take It There” and Harlem Spartans’ “Money & Beef.”
New UK drill, on the other hand, has seen the rise of artists like Headie One and Digga D, who have achieved mainstream success with their introspective and emotionally resonant tracks. These artists have pushed the genre in new directions, producing hits like Headie One’s “Ain’t It Different” and Digga D’s “Woi.”
In conclusion, the debate between old and new UK drill ultimately comes down to personal preference. Both eras have their strengths and weaknesses, with old UK drill being more direct and unapologetic, while new UK drill is more introspective and musically diverse. Ultimately, what matters most is that the UK drill scene continues to evolve and produce new and exciting music that resonates with listeners both in the UK and beyond. Some of the most famous old and new UK drill tracks include:
Old UK Drill:
- 67 – “Take It There”
- Harlem Spartans – “Money & Beef”
- 410 – “Think Again”
- 150 – “Do It”
New UK Drill:
- Headie One ft. AJ Tracey and Stormzy – “Ain’t It Different”