Drill rap has a reputation for being abrasive, violent, and aggressive. The music, usually sung over ominous drum beats and soul samples, often reflects life in the streets, where the artists who make it can be linked to gang violence and murder. The genre sprang from Chicago, where young rappers like Chief Keef, G Herbo, Lil Durk, and Fredo Santana have used it to express their inner-city fears and anxieties. But it wasn’t until a Brooklyn rapper named 22Gz discovered an AXL Beats instrumental online, and recorded the song “Suburban,” that the subgenre started to get noticed. The beat’s dramatic production laid out the blueprint for what would become the defining sound of Brooklyn drill.

Drillers use a distinctive rhythm, which is usually built on a combination of ominous orchestral instruments and a thumping Roland TR-808 kick drum. The tempo is moderate, at 60 to 70 beats per minute. This slower tempo allows rappers to deliver their rhymes in an unhurried manner. It also makes the beats more accessible to producers without a formal musical education.

While drill lyrics are often harsh and violent, the genre is not explicitly about gang violence or murder. The most successful drill rappers, such as Chief Keef and King Louie, have found mainstream success by showcasing their talent for wordplay and lyrical prowess. Unlike many other gangsta rap artists, drill rappers don’t shy away from explicit language or depicting scenes of drug dealing and robbery.

The genre has expanded far beyond its original home in Chicago, influencing rappers from London and New York City. British rapper 67 and his group 67 Sj are perhaps the most influential in the UK drill scene. The group’s members LD, Monkey, Dimzy, and Liquez all hail from different parts of the country and each bring their own unique flow to the mix. They’ve even collaborated with a number of top hip hop artists.

Meanwhile, in New York, the style has dubbed itself “sample drill.” The genre takes its name from the fact that samples are frequently used in these songs. Sample drill’s biggest names are mostly from Brooklyn, and include rappers such as Flock & Lovee, Big Yaya, Shawny, and Yellow Tape Boyz member Pop Smoke. These rappers use a variety of different samples and lean into their flows to differentiate themselves from one another, creating a distinct, visceral sound.

In terms of sonic diversity, the most important figure in the evolution of sample drill is probably Atlantic-based producer Lex Luger. Luger is known for his steadfast adherence to Atlanta’s trap sound, but he has also added to the vocabulary of street rap with his use of brass instruments and ominous orchestral arrangements.

The first major sample drill event took place on February 16 at Brooklyn’s Kings Theatre. The concert, headlined by Fivio Foreign and Sheff G, was the first time Brooklyn drill was given a proper showcase outside of the internet. While some of the performers had to cancel due to NYPD interference, the evening still represented a significant moment for the scene.drill rap radio