NYC Drill Resurgence

#BrooklynDrill emerged 2019 as New York’s adaptation of UK drill, spearheaded by Pop Smoke whose deep voice and UK-influenced production revitalized NYC street rap before his tragic 2020 murder at age 20.

Sound

UK drill production (sliding 808s, dark melodies) + NY grit; 808Melo (UK producer) crafted signature sound; Pop Smoke’s baritone vocals became instantly recognizable.

Key Artists

Pop Smoke - “Welcome to the Party” (2019): Breakthrough

Fivio Foreign, Sheff G, Sleepy Hallow, 22Gz, Coach Da Ghost

Pop Smoke’s Impact

Albums: Meet the Woo (2019), Shoot for the Stars, Aim for the Moon (2020 posthumous, #1 Billboard 200)

Murder (February 19, 2020): Home invasion robbery, Los Angeles; age 20

Legacy: Posthumous album debuted #1; established Brooklyn drill globally

Mainstream Adoption

Features: Travis Scott, Lil Tjay, Quavo, 50 Cent collaborating with drill artists

Commercialization: Once-underground sound became mainstream NYC rap

The hashtag marks Brooklyn drill’s brief but impactful run, defined by Pop Smoke’s star power and tragic end.

Sources:
https://www.nytimes.com/2020/02/19/arts/music/pop-smoke-dead.html
https://www.complex.com/music/2019/10/pop-smoke-interview-brooklyn-drill