Drill rap is a subgenre of hip-hop that emerged in the early 2010s, primarily in Chicago. Characterized by its gritty, raw lyrics and dark, aggressive beats, drill rap quickly gained popularity and spread to other cities like London and New York. Here's a deep dive into what drill rap is and how you can produce your own drill rap tracks.

The Origins and Characteristics of Drill Rap

Drill rap originated on the South Side of Chicago, with artists like Chief Keef, Lil Durk, and King Louie pioneering the genre. The term "drill" itself is street slang for doing violent acts, which is reflected in the genre's lyrical content. Drill rap often discusses the harsh realities of street life, including violence, crime, and poverty.

Key Characteristics:

1. Lyrical Content: The lyrics are often stark, raw, and explicit, focusing on themes such as gang life, street violence, and survival.

   
   

2. Beat Production: Drill beats are typically dark and menacing, with a tempo around 60-70 BPM (or 120-140 BPM when doubled). They often feature heavy 808s, sliding basslines, and sparse, eerie melodies.

   
   

3. Flow and Delivery: The delivery in drill rap is usually straightforward and aggressive, often with a monotone flow that matches the dark beats.

The most recent and already populair Drill Rap beat in the scene is the collab between Central Cee & Lil Baby called 'BAND4BAND'.

Producing Drill Rap

Producing drill rap involves several steps, from beat-making to writing lyrics and recording. Here's a step-by-step guide to get you started.

Creating the Beat

• Drum Patterns: Start with a hard-hitting kick and snare pattern. Drill beats often use syncopated hi-hats and snare rolls to create a tense, driving rhythm.

  
  

• 808 Bass: Incorporate deep, sliding 808 basslines. Use pitch bends and glides to give the bass a unique, menacing feel.

  
  

• Melodies: Add dark, minimal melodies using instruments like pianos, strings, or synths. Keep the melodies simple and repetitive to maintain the genre’s gritty atmosphere.

  
  

• Sound Effects: Enhance the beat with sound effects like gunshots, sirens, and other urban sounds to add to the track's intensity.

Writing the Lyrics

• Themes: Focus on themes related to street life, struggles, and survival. Authenticity is crucial in drill rap, so write about experiences and stories that are true to you or your environment.

  
  

• Flow: Develop a flow that complements the beat. Drill rap often features a straightforward, steady flow, but don’t be afraid to experiment with different rhythms and cadences.

  
  

• Hooks: Create a catchy, memorable hook. The hook should encapsulate the main theme of the song and be easy to remember.

Jay Cactus is one of the most popular producers on YouTube when it comes to Drill Rap production. He created a video on 'How To Make Hard UK Drill Beats For Central Cee & Lil Baby'. He shows some gems that will teach you some very powerful lessons and key points about Drill Rap production.