The Revolution is in 808

By Simmone Ahiaku

Drill is a subgenre of rap that originated in Chicago, characterised by its dark, nihilistic lyrical content over ominous and melodic beats. It does not get the credit it deserves for its storytelling, relatability and its stark portrayal of Black British and working class life.

In this way, drill acts as a periscope, showing us the inconspicuous ways people are surviving in this system- picking up multiple jobs, working outside of the taxed system and working from early teenagehood to support the household. “Drill highlights the consequences of austerity,” Adèle explains. “We have been living in 20 years of this, 14 under Conservative leadership.”

In those 14 years, I have lived through multiple financial crises, housing crises, healthcare crisis, university fees skyrocketing, low wages, high cost of living, stifling inequality, a hostile environment, increased police power, reduced state support and generally people feeling more hopeless about what the future brings.

What drill artists are doing is narrating the fallout of social deprivation and poverty.

The Revolution is in 808

By Simmone Ahiaku