You may think the drill scene is dominated by one or two major names. However, we would like to introduce you to 41, if you haven’t heard them already. The Brooklyn trio consisting of Kyle Richh, TaTa, and Jenn Carter has been on a tear this year dropping party banger after party banger. 2023 was when they really broke through, thanks to their hit single “Bent.” That landed on their second project from that 12 month stretch, 41 World: Not The Album. It’s probably their most important song of their careers so far, as it’s gotten them recognition from hip-hop’s biggest stars. Additionally, a lot of collaborations have been sparked because of it, with Cash Cobain, NLE Choppa, Fivio Foreign, and Lola Brooke being a few of them.
Also, aiding their ever-flourishing success is the fact that the group’s members are dropping solo material. In doing so, they are following the footsteps of hip-hop’s most legendary formations like Migos, OutKast, and more. That’s only going to increase their exposure and continue to earn them more and more respect amongst their peers and fans. This weekend though, Kyle, Jenn, and TaTa are reuniting for their latest single, “Split.” It also brings on Detroit’s Skilla Baby, who has also been tearing it up. Typically, a drill beat would be the template, but in this case, it’s more a Midwest trap beat. It allows for Skilla Baby to fit more comfortably into the equation, but 41 doesn’t fall behind. Their fiery and aggressive flows and bars match the energy of all of the other elements in tow. Check out “Split” with the link below.
Kay Flock has been making waves within the New York drill scene for the last three years or so. He’s got multiple hits in his brief but still growing catalog to show for it. Songs like “PSA”, “Is Ya Ready”, and “Being Honest” are all RIAA Gold-certified. You can’t also forget about “Not In The Mood” with Fivio Foreign and “Shake It” with Cardi B, Dougie B, and Bory300 either. Sadly, though, his run has sort of been clipped by his run-ins with the law. For quite some time now, Kay Flock has been behind bars on charges of racketeering, murder, attempted murder, and more. He’s been updating his fans on his progress while in custody, but there’s a chance he could be locked up for good.
His legal team has tried to get him out on bail, offering up $1.4 million and to go through house arrest instead. However, it seems like prosecutors are going to move forward with a trial. Reports in late February pointed to a possible start date of sometime in September. So far, though, there haven’t been any updates. What we can tell you, however, is that Kay Flock is back with new music. It comes in the form of a five-track EP featuring a slew of NY talent. Make America Flock Again sees him work with past collaborators such as Lil Tjay on the fine opener “Fed Up”, as well others like AC Zoe, B-Lovee, and more.
With drill music being a prominent subgenre in all corners of the geographic market, there seems to be a new artist looking to waves. One of those talents hails from New York City and his name is Sugarhill Ddot. He’s been dropping some singles and EPs for the last two years or so, but he had yet to drop an album or mixtape in that frame. Well, Sugarhill Ddot is fulfilling the former item on his checklist with 2 Sides of the Story. On the teenager‘s debut, he had some things he wanted set straight going forward for the rest of his career.
In a press release, Ddot says, “2 Sides Of The Story shows my growth as an artist. I’m from Sugarhill but there’s more to me than just that. “I spent the last year working on this debut album [and] I want people to see the two sides of me. I can do street records but also smooth melodic records”. He certainly delivers on that front throughout the healthy 18-song set. Ddot sometimes sounds like some of his guests, particularly the posthumously featured PnB Rock, especially on the more lowkey cuts. However, this is something that a lot of artists work through early on, so it isn’t too much of a concern. Overall, there are some solid drill bops and some big-ticket names both on the mic and behind the board. Give 2 Sides Of The Story a spin with the links below.
Chief Keef emerged from Chicago’s South Side to become one of the most influential figures in modern hip-hop. His raw lyricism and distinctive delivery played a pivotal role in popularizing the drill music genre. Born Keith Cozart, the rapper’s work reflects the harsh realities of his upbringing and reshaped contemporary rap’s soundscape. Chief Keef’s breakout tracks have consistently showcased his unique ability to translate Chicago’s street life’s gritty, unfiltered essence into compelling music. This has also helped earn him a dedicated following and critical acclaim.
Further, Keef’s influence extends beyond his musical output, impacting fashion, slang, and the overall aesthetic of street culture. His rebellious persona and innovative style have earned him a place in the annals of hip-hop history. This exploration of five essential songs provides a deeper understanding of his artistic journey and the legacy he continues to build. By dissecting these tracks, we gain insight into the elements that define Chief Keef’s sound and his significant contribution to the genre.
1. “I Don’t Like” (2012)
“I Don’t Like,” released in 2012, is arguably the track that propelled Chief Keef to mainstream recognition. Produced by Young Chop, the song features a menacing beat paired with Keef’s straightforward and confrontational lyrics. The track quickly became an anthem, reflecting the frustration and defiance of youth in Chicago’s troubled neighborhoods. Its repetitive, hard-hitting chorus and raw delivery set it apart from the polished productions that dominated the charts at the time.
A high-profile remix featuring Kanye West, Pusha T, Jadakiss, and Big Sean amplified the song’s impact and further cemented its place. This remix not only brought more attention to Chief Keef and the Chicago drill scene but also showcased the growing influence of this new sound on established artists. “I Don’t Like” highlighted the stark realities of street life. It offered a gritty counterpoint to the mainstream hip-hop of its era and set the stage for Chief Keef’s continued influence in the industry.
2. “Love Sosa” (2012)
Another cornerstone of Chief Keef’s discography, “Love Sosa,” exemplifies his knack for creating catchy yet hard-hitting tracks. Released in 2012 as part of his debut studio album Finally Rich, the song’s melodic hooks and infectious energy quickly made it a fan favorite. The track opens with a memorable intro by fellow GBE member Lil Reese, setting the stage for Keef’s assertive verses. Its production, characterized by booming bass and eerie synths, perfectly complements Keef’s vocal style.
“Love Sosa” solidified Chief Keef’s reputation as a leading figure in the drill music movement. The song’s widespread appeal helped introduce Chicago’s streets’ raw and unfiltered sounds to a broader audience. Its influence extended beyond music, impacting fashion trends and street culture. With its blend of melodic elements and hard-hitting lyrics, “Love Sosa” remains a defining track in Chief Keef’s career.
3. “Hate Bein’ Sober” (2012)
Released as a single from his debut album Finally Rich, “Hate Bein’ Sober” captures Chief Keef’s unfiltered approach to music and life. The track features guest appearances from 50 Cent and Wiz Khalifa, combining street credibility and mainstream appeal. The production, driven by infectious synth lines and heavy bass, creates an anthemic vibe that complements the song’s rebellious themes.
Despite the collaborative star power, Chief Keef’s presence remains the focal point, with his delivery and candid lyrics about the struggles and escapism associated with substance use. The song’s relatable themes also resonated with a wide audience. “Hate Bein’ Sober” highlights Keef’s influence on the drill scene and showcases his ability to cross over into mainstream success while maintaining his authentic voice.
4. “Faneto”
“Faneto” is one of Chief Keef’s most iconic tracks, despite not being attached to a major album release. The song, included in his mixtape Back From the Dead 2 (2014), quickly became an underground hit. Its minimalist production allows Keef’s aggressive delivery to take center stage. The lyrics, filled with braggadocio and defiance, reflect Keef’s unyielding persona and his dominance in the rap game.
The track’s impact extends beyond its initial release, becoming an anthem at concerts and social gatherings. “Faneto” is celebrated for its role in firming Chief Keef’s status as a pioneer of the drill movement. Its enduring popularity is a testament to Keef’s influence and the song’s ability to capture the essence of Chicago’s street culture. “Faneto” remains a powerful statement of independence and resilience.
5. “Citgo”
As one of the standout tracks from his debut mixtape Bang (2011), “Citgo” demonstrates Chief Keef’s early sound and raw potential. The song’s production, with its haunting melodies and heavy bass, creates a dark, immersive atmosphere that complements Keef’s gritty delivery. His lyrics paint a vivid picture of life in Chicago’s rough neighborhoods, highlighting the struggles and the defiance that define his music.
“Citgo” showcases Keef’s ability to blend introspection with street narratives, offering listeners a glimpse into his world. The track’s haunting beat and memorable hooks have made it a lasting favorite among fans, further establishing Keef’s reputation as a pioneer of the drill genre. Its influence can be seen in the work of many following artists, making “Citgo” a crucial piece of Keef’s musical legacy.
In the early 2010s, a raw, uncompromising sound began to emerge from the streets of Chicago’s South Side. This sound defied the commercialized rap of the mainstream and captured the harsh realities of life in poverty-stricken, violent neighborhoods. A young artist named Chief Keef ignited this sonic revolution with his gritty rhymes and menacing beats, creating a new hip-hop subgenre: drill music.
Defining The Drill Sound
Born Keith Farrelle Cozart, Chief Keef’s rise to hip-hop fame is attributed to the development of the drill sound. Chief Keef’s songs, from his breakout mixtape Back from the Dead to his debut album Finally Rich, exhibited drill’s raw, aggressive lyrics accompanied by ominous beats. Chief Keef’s sound included elements that would come to define drill music. His flow was unique—a melodic, almost slurred delivery that prioritized vibe and emotion over technical proficiency. With ominous synths, hard-hitting 808s, and an intense cadence that reflected life on the streets, his beats were menacing. Moreover, Chief Keef’s music conveyed the dynamism of drill, an expression of marginalized communities’ struggles and triumphs. Often overlooked or misrepresented in mainstream media, his lyrics paint vivid pictures of the oppression he grew up in.
Shaping The Sound Of Hip-hop
The impact of Chief Keef’s pioneering work was felt almost immediately. Back from the Dead, his breakthrough mixtape launched him onto the scene in 2012. The project, which included viral hits like “Love Sosa” and “I Don’t Like,” showcased Chief Keef’s unique sound and style. The “I Don’t Like” music video offered a voyeuristic glimpse into Chief Keef’s world. In a sparsely furnished apartment, the young rapper leads a throng of friends in moments of raw authenticity.
As Chief Keef’s fame grows, Kanye West’s unauthorized remix of “I Don’t Like” is released. The remix features guest verses from Pusha T, Big Sean, and Jadakiss. Despite not being sanctioned by Chief Keef or his team, this high-profile collaboration cements his position as an emerging artist. It also sets the stage for the ongoing debate over who can truly claim ownership of the drill sound. After the drill sound gained traction, Chief Keef became the center of a bidding war among major labels. Ultimately, he signed a lucrative deal with Interscope Records, solidifying his position as the subgenre’s leading star.
Trailblazing A Genre
But Chief Keef’s influence extends far beyond the confines of the music industry. Using social media and connecting with fans directly enabled him to pave the way for internet-driven artists and the “SoundCloud rap” scene to emerge. As one of the first artists to leverage platforms like YouTube and Twitter to build a loyal following, he bypassed traditional industry gatekeepers to reach a wide audience. As the years passed, Chief Keef’s impact on the sound of contemporary hip-hop has become undeniable. His distinctive style and raw lyricism are heard in the music of artists like YoungBoy Never Broke Again, Lil Uzi Vert, Playboi Carti, as well as countless others.
The influence of Chief Keef goes beyond his music, as he also made an impact on fashion and pop culture. His dreadlocks, face tattoos, and minimalist style inspired a new wave of fashion trends. Meanwhile, his unique slang and catchphrases, such as “glow up” and “thot,” have become part of the hip-hop lexicon. Since his breakthrough, drill music has evolved and spread around the world, with scenes emerging in London, Ghana, and Australia. Listeners can feel Chief Keef’s impact in every gritty beat and raw lyric.
Influence & Legacy
In his new song “Drifting Away,” Chief Keef defiantly takes a shot at Kanye West’s perceived attempts to take credit for inventing drill music. He asserts, “Chief Sosa made drill; Kanye think he did, too.” The lyrical jab emphasizes Chief Keef’s status as the man responsible for the creation of the groundbreaking drill music movement himself. Despite West’s claim, Chief Keef’s defiant response serves as a reminder of his unwavering confidence and adamant stance as a hip-hop figurehead. A trailblazer, he subsequently helped create a musical style that continues to captivate audiences worldwide, inspiring a new generation of artists. Finally, Chief Keef’s legacy is shaped by sincerity, innovation, and dedication to voicing the harsh realities of street life. With his music, Chief Keef leaves a lasting impression on hip-hop, solidifying his status as a true originator.
Late last month, New York drill specialist Sheff G was in prison for a gun possession case, as well as an indictment. However, after about a year behind bars, the 25-year-old Brooklynite was released after posting a bail of $1.5 million. He took the time to rejoice his freedom in an animated Instagram post. “BAIL PAID SAME DAY ARE YOU DUMB, SHEFF G BACK NEW YORK. WE F***ING LITTTTT THEY COUNTED ME OUT!! THEY THOUGHT I WAS DONE, PEACE AND LOVE TO YALL LOL. ( WINNERSCIRCLE IM W THE STARS BABY. YOU CAN COME AND EAT W US YOU AINT GOTTA STARVEE BABYYYYYYY #FREETHEGUYZ #BAILOUTBOYZZZZZ.”
On top of being a free man, Sheff G was also already getting ready to drop new music. In a separate IG post, the “Weight On Me” MC shared a little teaser of a new song he was working on. “NY WE BACK EVERYTHING LITT. EVERYTHING LITT DROPPING SOON ALL NEW HEAT COMING SOOONN I PROMISE.”
That report came out on April 22, and now on May 15, we have the new Sheff G track “Everything Lit.” He raps in his husky cadence on the chorus about being back and you can tell he is indeed “lit.” “Yeah, your boy back, everything lit / Yeah, it’s lit.” Overall, this is just something to bring some more hype around his release, as he raps over a familiar woozy and dark drill beat about women and money. You can check out its accompanying music video above.
What are your thoughts on this brand-new single “Everything Lit” by Sheff G? Is this one of his stronger releases as of late, why or why not? Do you think he has a new album in the works after dropping this? Where do you rank him amongst the plethora of drill rappers? We would like to hear what you have to say, so be sure to leave your takes in the comments section. Additionally, always keep it locked in with HNHH for all of the latest news surrounding Sheff G. Finally, stay with us for everything else going on in the music world.
Quotable Lyrics:
Like Milwaukee, boy, I get bucks Woo walk when I feel litty Baby, I’m the man, W’s up We them n****s winnin’ in the city Spent a bag on a bad b**** Had to treat her good, shorty clean it up
A pretty accurate way to describe Sleepy Hallow would be a Pop Smoke lite. While you might read that as a slight, we in fact mean the total opposite. The late Brooklynite navigated drill with a grimier and darker approach. Additionally, his voice was smoky, gravelly, and had some bassy qualities to it. In the case of Sleepy Hallow, he has a deep cadence too, but not as much. Additionally, most of tracks are more on the melodic and artsy side. Unfortunately, we never got to hear a collab between these two. They would be a great yin and yang, but we can keep dreaming.
The reason we are talking about Sleepy Hallow today is because he has a new single out called “Winners In Paris.” This is the Flatbush, New Yorker’s second solo release of 2024, following up his Valetine’s Day-themed “Cupid’s Guidance.” On “Winners In Paris,” Sleepy is dealing with a woman who he really wants to get with. Unfortunately, he has a hard time changing his old ways and she is not down for the games.
“I’m still myself, ain’t give a f*** who is acceptin’ me / She want the best for me, this what she said to me,” he raps. The beat is minimal, but it gives a summer vibe and Hallow delivers an easy-to-follow flow that is catchy beyond belief. This has the potential to become another “2055” situation and we would not be surprised if it blows up.
What are your thoughts on this brand-new single “Winners In Paris” by Sleepy Hallow? Is this one of his better releases as of late, why or why not? Do you think he is hurtling toward a new album/EP in the near future? Is he the best New York drill artist going right now? We would like to hear what you have to say, so be sure to leave your takes in the comments section. Additionally, always keep it locked in with HNHH for all of the latest news surrounding Sleepy Hallow. Finally, stay with us for everything else going on in the music world.
Quotable Lyrics:
Seen n****s in Paris, she said she wanna come She said she embarrassed, a new body, I bought her one And this a Glock 17, this ain’t no water gun She said her heart got colder, she said, “It’s over” It’s easy when you high, it’s harder when you sober Like, I’m just tryna hit some shit like Sammy Sosa
Bryson Tiller has made an incredible return with his new self-titled LP. It marks his first record since 2020 with A N N I V E R S A R Y, essentially a sequel to T R A P S O U L. Both projects established his sound, which involved slow and sensual R&B with some callbacks to the 90s. With Tiller taking a large break in between albums there was a good chance that a new sonic direction was inbound. That turned out to the be case and its been paying dividends. Bryson Tiller has been winning fans over with this record, partially because of tracks like “Ciao!”
This song sees one of the many times that he experiments with a new subgenre. In this instance, Bryson is trying his hand with drill music. For us and many others, it works out for him. “Ciao!” is about Tiller moving on from toxic people, but it is mainly targeted at women. “You got a two-day trial before I take back my time and make you pay Thirty-day trial before I make my mind that it’s a waste (Yeah),” he sings on the chorus.
The beat is also a great part about this track. A few different creative minds were a part of this banger, including the album’s executive producer Charlie Heat and FNZ. With drill, the beats tend to be darker in tone. However, the instrumental is more colorful and light-hearted in a sense with trumpet sections. It comes across as a nice contrast seeing and gives off a triumphant tone as Bryson cuts ties with this woman he is over. Be sure to check it out with the link above.
What are your thoughts on this brand-new song, “Ciao!” by Bryson Tiller? Is this the best track on his brand-new album Bryson Tiller, why or why not? What is your favorite element of the track and why? Is this the best track on the project? Where do you rank this album in his catalog? Do you like Tiller on drill beats? We would like to hear what you have to say, so be sure to leave your takes in the comments section. Additionally, always keep it locked in with HNHH for all of the latest news surrounding Bryson Tiller. Finally, stay with us for the most informative song posts throughout the week.
Quotable Lyrics:
She don’t want Hallmark, she want Amex and I’m inclined Facе card valid, no, I never press dеcline (Nah) Took a month to make it to my lobby, it can’t be prime (Nah) Return policy, she can’t be mine (Nah, nah)
BabyDrill might be one of the hottest names in the game in 2024, and it looks like he wants to kick things off strong. Moreover, he just released a new single and music video, exclusively on YouTube at press time and not on streaming services, titled “What’s the Ticket.” Furthermore, it follows previous singles like “Watchin Now” and other big moments from the rapper’s breakout 2023, which hopefully translates into better material moving forward. This new cut is a solid indicator of that reality, displaying his penchant for warbled but charismatic flows. Not only that, but the Atlanta MC makes sure to pace himself appropriately throughout his verses to break up their progression.
Meanwhile, the instrumental on “What’s the Ticket” is a dark and menacing one with ghostly synth pads, a very faint and simple melody building off of them, and a hardened Southern trap drum pattern. It doesn’t evolve or go in any significantly new direction, so you know it’s meant to emphasize BabyDrill’s verse and wordplay. On that front, his lines are more vivid and impactful than anything else, but he still has sharper ones in the bag. “The city full of lollipops, stay away from suckers,” the “WHAT’S THE MOVE?” spitter warns after the first chorus. With eclectic ad-libs, lyrical focuses on street proficiency and larger success than his rivals, and a very light additional synth melody for the chorus, this song will make you feel untouchable on a late night drive.
BabyDrill’s “What’s The Ticket”: Stream & Watch The Music Video
Meanwhile, it will be exciting to see where DelQuristo Wilson goes from here considering his career, particularly his collaborative history. He crafted the banger “Issa Party” in support of Latto last year and also popped out on Young Nudy’s “Duntsane” in 2022. Hopefully this knack for chemistry and team-ups is a skill that keeps going up as this year draws on. If you haven’t heard BabyDrill’s “What’s the Ticket” yet, check out the music video above and peep some standout bars down below. Also, as always, check back in with HNHH for more great music releases around the clock.
Quotable Lyrics Hold on, all them n***as dead, Whoever spoke on my brother, whoever spoke on me instead, Whoever dissed the gang, whoever went against this s**t, Who ever claim they bigger? Swear to God they acting kid, that’s on my momma
“TEACH ME HOW TO DRILL” by Lil Mabu featuring Fivio Foreign is the most self-aware track the white drill rapper’s done so far. In it, he acknowledges his privilege and lack of connection to the genre he plays in with one of its leaders in the New York scene right now. It’s an overall cheeky track to varying degrees of success, but at least the Upper East Side native’s leaning into it rather than trying to come off more hardened. However, this collaboration also addresses the “N-word” and how Mabu can’t say it, which prompted Fivio to “say it for him,” as they rap. Since his line and the B.I.B.L.E. artist’s ad-libs appear so close to one another, many thought that he actually said it.
Then, Lil Mabu acknowledged outlets reporting this as such and asked fans to defend him. “Someone please defend me [raised white fist emoji],” he commented under one of these posts. Of course, a couple of fans did, but it’s funny how a simple Genius search (or just listening to the song) could’ve avoided this conversation altogether. You can watch their music video below and call judgement for yourself; at least it’s definitely better than the material Mabu blew up with.
Lil Mabu & Fivio Foreign’s “TEACH ME HOW TO DRILL”: Stream
Furthermore, this is far from Lil Mabu’s first experiences with hot tracks, controversies, or making strides in the wider rap world. For example, he and Chrisean Rock linked up for “MR. TAKE YA B***H,” which actually ended up charting and finding a lot of success among listeners. In addition, this also involved the Baddies star’s ongoing feud with her ex and baby daddy Blueface, with which Lil Mabu also sought some smoke. In fact, there were even rumors that Mabu and Rock were dating, although that seems to have gone nowhere as of writing this article… if it was ever real.
Meanwhile, Fivio actually dropped plenty of other material for this holiday season. One of those is a classic flip of the track “Last Christmas” with Lil Tjay, which gives the Wham! original a nice drill spin. We’ll see if these artists’ next releases cause a similar gut reaction from listeners about the authenticity and respect of their craft. For more news and the latest updates on Fivio Foreign and Lil Mabu, log back into HNHH.
NEW YORK. WE F***ING LITTTTT THEY COUNTED ME OUT!! THEY THOUGHT I WAS DONE, PEACE AND LOVE TO YALL LOL. ( WINNERSCIRCLE IM W THE STARS BABY. YOU CAN COME AND EAT W US YOU AINT GOTTA STARVEE BABYYYYYYY #FREETHEGUYZ #BAILOUTBOYZZZZZ.”