In recent years, the music world has witnessed the meteoric rise of Brooklyn Drill, a sub-genre that has captivated audiences around the globe. This musical movement, born on the gritty streets of Southside Chicago, has not only taken Brooklyn but the international music scene by storm, leaving an indelible mark on hip-hop culture.
Origins in Southside Chicago:
The roots of Brooklyn Drill can be traced back to its Chicago forebears, who, with their raw and unapologetic approach, gave birth to a new sub-genre. Rappers like Chief Keef, G Herbo, Lil Reese, and many others emerged from Chicago’s streets, shaping the early sounds of Drill music.
UK Influence:
However, the sub-genre took an unexpected turn when the United Kingdom embraced Drill music. UK rappers infused their vibrant style with the help of producers such as M1onthebeat, AXL Beats, and others. This modernized Drill sound resonated internationally, captivating listeners far beyond the UK’s borders, with Brooklyn at the forefront of this wave.
Brooklyn’s Dynamic Scene:
Since 2019, Brooklyn Drill has arguably become the face of the sub-genre on an international level, largely thanks to the efforts of artists like Pop Smoke, Sheff G, 22GZ, Fivio Foreign, Rah Swish, Bizzy Banks, and more. The Brooklyn Drill scene is divided into two groups: the Woos and the Choos, with each group bringing its unique style and identity to the movement.
It’s essential to note that the modern Brooklyn Drill scene didn’t merely adopt Drill from the UK. Brooklyn’s Drill movement had its beginnings in 2014 when Bobby Shmurda and Rowdy Rebel burst onto the scene with their iconic track, “Hot N***a.” This song’s sharp lyricism and energetic sound propelled it to classic status, still beloved by music fans today.
Evolution of Sound:
The modern Brooklyn Drill sound distinguishes itself from the earlier instrumentals, which mirrored Atlanta’s Trap style. “Hot N***a” was soon followed by Rowdy Rebel’s “Computers,” which drew the attention of Chicago Drill artists like G Herbo and Wooski, who remixed it. While these developments did spark discussions and social media exchanges about the origin of Drill music, they did not escalate into violence or diss tracks.
As Pop Smoke and other Brooklyn artists began making their mark, Brooklyn Drill experienced a resurgence. UK producers like AXL Beats played a crucial role in shaping the unique sound that would come to define the Brooklyn Drill scene.
Pop Smoke’s arrival on the Brooklyn Drill scene marked a turning point. His energetic and charismatic presence propelled him to international stardom. “Welcome to the Party” became an anthem and opened the door for many remixes by prominent artists, cementing Pop Smoke’s place at the forefront of the Brooklyn Drill movement.
Tragically, Pop Smoke’s untimely passing left a void in the Brooklyn Drill scene that has yet to be filled. His influence on the genre, however, remains strong. Pop Smoke’s collaborations with the UK Drill scene and international artists have opened the door for cross-continental partnerships and collaborative tracks.
Chicago-Brooklyn Alliance:
In addition to these connections, Brooklyn Drill forged an unexpected bond with the Chicago Drill scene, most notably in 2020. Artists like King Von and Fivio Foreign collaborated to produce gritty, impactful tracks that bridged the gap between their respective cities and showcased the sub-genre’s continued evolution.
Brooklyn Drill has emerged as a powerful and influential force in the music world. It started as a response to the gritty streets of Chicago and evolved into an international movement, with Brooklyn at its forefront. The legacy of early pioneers like Bobby Shmurda and the global influence of artists like Pop Smoke have left an indelible mark on hip-hop culture. The future of Brooklyn Drill is promising, as artists continue to pay homage to its roots while pushing boundaries and forming unprecedented collaborations, ensuring its continued evolution and global prominence.