Drill music has rapidly become one of the most discussed genres in UK music. Known for its aggressive beats and raw lyrics, it has gained both mainstream success and controversy. But when did drill music start in the UK? To understand its rise, it’s essential to look back at the origins, influences, and key moments that helped shape this unique subgenre of rap.
Origins of Drill Music: The Roots in Chicago
Before we dive into when drill music started in the UK, it’s important to recognize its roots in Chicago. Drill music was first coined in the early 2010s in Chicago, USA. The genre was characterized by dark, aggressive beats and lyrics that often told stories of street life, gang violence, and survival. Artists like Chief Keef, Lil Durk, and King Louie were among the first to gain attention with this style.
Although drill music’s sound was heavily influenced by Chicago’s gang culture, it quickly spread to other parts of the world, particularly the UK. By the mid-2010s, the sound and themes of drill had made its way across the Atlantic, where it began to take on its own unique form.
The Birth of UK Drill Music: Early Beginnings
UK drill music started to take shape around 2012, but it didn’t gain widespread attention until a few years later. The genre found its early roots in the London underground music scene, particularly in areas like South London. It was during this period that artists began to experiment with the distinctive “drill” sound, fusing it with the UK’s own grime and rap influences.
Early Influences and Key Artists
One of the earliest examples of UK drill music can be traced back to the 2010s, particularly with the work of artists like 67, Harlem Spartans, and Section Boyz. These crews and their respective members helped to popularize the genre in the streets of London. They were heavily inspired by the Chicago drill movement but adapted it with their own regional twist.
67, for example, was a key figure in the development of UK drill. The group from South London helped create the gritty, hard-hitting sound that would come to define the genre in the UK. The crew’s early tracks like “Let’s Lurk” (2014) and “Skengman” laid the foundation for future drill artists.
Another notable figure in the early days of UK drill was the Harlem Spartans. Their tracks, such as “Energy” (2015) and “Horn” (2016), were crucial in establishing drill’s presence in the UK music scene. The Harlem Spartans’ sound was much more raw and street-influenced compared to earlier rap subgenres in the UK, and it resonated with the youth in cities like London.
The Rise of UK Drill: 2015–2018
By 2015, UK drill music began to make waves in the broader music industry. The genre’s style was heavily defined by its use of trap-style beats and rapid-fire flows, combined with dark, ominous synths and heavy basslines. At this point, drill music was firmly rooted in London, particularly in neighborhoods like Brixton, Peckham, and Tottenham.
Increased Popularity and YouTube Explosion
Around 2016, UK drill music experienced a surge in popularity, particularly through YouTube. Many drill artists began to upload their music and music videos to the platform, which quickly went viral due to the genre’s raw, unfiltered nature. The drill music community on YouTube was buzzing, and tracks with intense lyrics and catchy beats began to gain significant traction.
One of the key tracks from this period was “No Hook” by the artist 67. Released in 2016, this track became an anthem for UK drill, and it was among the first to cross over into mainstream attention. It wasn’t long before other artists, including headliners like Skengdo x AM, Digga D, and Loski, began to gain recognition for their drill music contributions.
The Role of Social Media
The rise of social media, particularly platforms like Instagram and Twitter, played a key role in the spread of UK drill music. Artists frequently used these platforms to share their music and interact with fans, further fueling the genre’s popularity. In fact, drill music quickly became synonymous with the youth culture in parts of London and other urban areas, with many seeing it as an outlet for expression.
By this time, drill music’s themes were not just about life on the streets but also reflected broader social issues. Drill lyrics often dealt with topics like poverty, violence, crime, and survival, resonating deeply with young people in the UK.
UK Drill’s Mainstream Breakthrough: 2018 And Beyond
By 2018, UK drill had firmly cemented its place in mainstream music. The genre had gone from being an underground movement to one that was being played on national radio and featured in charts. This period saw some major breakthroughs for drill artists, with songs like “Woi” by Digga D and “Body” by Russ Millions charting in the UK.
The Controversy Around Drill Music
Despite its popularity, UK drill faced significant backlash from some quarters. Authorities and lawenforcement began to take issue with the genre due to its association with violence and gang culture. In fact, drill music was often blamed for inciting violence in certain parts of London, and several high-profile drill artists had their music videos taken down or were banned from performing live due to safety concerns.
The genre’s links to street violence and gang culture have made it a lightning rod for criticism. In 2018, the UK Metropolitan Police even requested that YouTube remove drill music videos from the platform, arguing that they contributed to violence and criminal activity.
The Rise of Key Artists
Despite the controversy, drill music continued to thrive. Artists like Headie One, SL, and M Huncho helped bring the genre to new heights in the late 2010s. Headie One’s “18Hunna,” featuring Dave, was one of the first drill songs to make it into the mainstream, reaching the top 10 on the UK charts in 2018. This track helped further establish drill as a legitimate force in the UK music scene.
Another significant development came with the growth of artists like Stormzy, who, although not strictly a drill artist, helped mainstream UK rap and paved the way for drill’s acceptance in the broader music scene. In this sense, the success of drill artists was tied to the broader rise of UK rap.
Drill Music in 2020s: Global Impact and Evolution
As we moved into the 2020s, UK drill continued to evolve. Its influence has spread beyond the UK, with drill-influenced music becoming popular in countries like the United States and even Australia. The sound of drill has also been incorporated into genres like pop and grime, demonstrating its versatility.
In recent years, there has also been a growing trend toward melodic drill, where artists blend traditional drill elements with more melodic and harmonious structures. Artists like Central Cee and J Hus have been exploring these new directions, bringing drill into a more accessible realm for mainstream audiences.
Drill’s Lasting Impact
Today, UK drill is a global phenomenon. It has expanded well beyond its London roots, influencing the UK music scene as a whole. Drill artists continue to top the charts, and the genre’s influence can be seen in mainstream pop, rap, and grime music. Whether loved or hated, drill music has undeniably reshaped UK music and created a new voice for the youth.
Conclusion
UK drill music officially started to emerge around 2012, with its roots in Chicago drill but adapted for the UK’s unique cultural and social landscape. From underground beginnings to mainstream recognition, drill has become one of the most influential genres in modern UK music. While its rise has not been without controversy, drill continues to shape the sound of urban music both in the UK and globally. Whether you view it as a reflection of the harsh realities of life on the streets or as a form of artistic expression, drill music has undeniably left a lasting impact on the music world.
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