Drill

Drill emerged from Chicago in the early 2010s from a burgeoning local street rap scene influenced by Atlanta’s Trap music, particularly the brass-heavy melodies and rattling percussion of Atlanta producer Lex Luger. The style is broadly characterized by its complex, energetic rhythms, typically delivered by upbeat hi-hats and counter snares. Drill is often coupled with, and is often defined by, the gang-oriented, street-conscious, and violent lyricism popularized by rappers in the early Chicago Drill scene. Chicago drill exploded onto the Hip Hop mainstream in the early 2010s through the emergence of rappers like Chief Keef, Fredo Santana, G Herbo, Lil Durk, and Lil Reese who often worked with producers like DJ Kenn, DJ L, and Young Chop. At this time, Chicago producers developed on the rattling, crash-heavy, and warlike trap styles introduced from Atlanta music. DJ L is credited with distancing Chicago drill production from its trap roots by introducing more rhythmically-syncopated, Footwork- and Juke-influenced percussion to the genre. Bop, a dance- and party-oriented counter-movement to drill born in Chicago’s West Side, additionally incorporates the bright, poppy synths and carefree nature of Atlanta’s Futuristic Swag.