In just over a decade, drill has become a global phenomenon. Originating on the South Side of Chicago in 2010, it represented the changing tides of rap music as a whole. Less a testament to your wordplay, and more to your confidence to tell it how it is. The early drill music of pioneers like Chief Keef, Lil Durk, Lil Bibby, and more was dark and in-your-face, narrating the tales of their adverse realities without restraint. It was at times nihilistic, but also hopeful, as their art became a vehicle to propel out of struggle, and speed onto a road of greener pastures.
Flashing forward to now, the drill blueprint is a creation device all around the world, with each subculture of hip-hop adding its flavour. In South London, rap group 67 helped shape the sound of UK Drill, which took the framework of the genre and amplified it with wobbling 808s and a sped-up tempo influenced by the city’s sounds of grime and garage. This formula then hopped back over to the states with the bubbling sounds of New York drill, as artists like the late Pop Smoke, Fivio Foreign, and Sheff G polymerised the blistering 808s of the UK, with the eeriness of the genre’s Chicago origins. It has become such a phenomenon, that it would be hard to find an area in the world without a grassroots movement embedded in the sound.
This leads us to our home turf; Australia. In a sense, drill has reinvigorated our national rap scene. Traditionally, it’s been hard for Australian rappers to make a dent across the pond, from the glossy, pop-sprinkled sounds of radio-heavy Australian hip-hop you’d hear at family barbecues, to the grimy, R-rated lyricism of the ‘gutter rap’ scene that was simply too localised to make the leap. But with the sounds of drill becoming universal, Australian creatives are blossoming beyond a best-kept local secret. In this piece, we’ll break down the 5 quintessential Australian drill acts you need to know, and instantly add to your personal playlist.
ONEFOUR
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ONEFOUR easily is the most renowned group in the Australian drill scene, and most likely a name you already know. Hailing from Mount Druitt in Western Sydney, they captured the attention of the internet with their videos for singles “The Message” and “Spot The Difference” in 2019, with both amassing over 10 million views on YouTube. The production style of ONEFOUR’s music derives heavily from the UK’s scene, thriving in the high-octane energy of the smashing snares and bellowing 808s. But it’s garnished with the slang and personality of the West Sydney area, and the Pacific Island background of the members.
Since their come-up, ONEFOUR has put together a solid discography that showcases the versatility and growth of the group. They’ve released tracks like “Welcome to Prison”, which showcases the more introspective and conscious side, reflecting on the adversity they’ve faced and continue to tackle. “Say It Again” saw them link up with ASAP Ferg, combining the sounds of Sydney and Harlem in the form of a club-ready banger. In November of 2020, they released their debut EP Against All Odds, which saw them implement a more melodic approach to their signature style. And this year, they’ve released “Street Guide (Part 1)” and “Breaks & Caddy’s”, reiterating the fact that they’re still the giants of griminess.
Lisi
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Hailing from Goodna Queensland, Lisi has quickly become a fan-favourite within the Australian rap scene. But his sound isn’t limited to drill; he seamlessly traverses elements of trap, R&B, and more. The consistent occurrence is the bars, which convey a message of hope, inspired by his own experiences and struggles.
Due to his versatility, there’s a Lisi song suited for every playlist. He came out the gate with “Say Less”, a drill song that cuts with viscosity and a deep, baritone delivery. This was followed by soul-infused tracks like “The Come Up”, motivational anthems like ‘Got This’, and party-ready earworms like “The Good Life”, all different moods, but consistent. His latest single “Dreams” is a hard-hitting reflection on his rise, separated from the flock with his unique triplet flows.
Real Deal Skeng
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Real Deal Skeng are upcoming prospects hailing from Cranbourne in South East Melbourne, using their experiences in the area to fuel a distinctive, in-your-face take on the drill sound.
Spearheaded by members YDK Tha Faceless, 77Dippa, and 2Trappy, the group harnesses their African and Pacific Islander backgrounds in their output, as they hit the beat with different flows, cadences, and personalities. The melting pot means that at every second, Real Deal Skeng are hitting you with a different look, without any intensity withering. Singles like “Game Over” are embedded in the gloomy sounds of drill but enhanced by an autotuned melody on the hook. “FTO” finds each member letting off their best bars over a warped synth, backed by a video of them popping wheelies on dirt bikes. Their latest track “Stop Us” is arguably their hardest yet, with drum patterns excelling in pandemonium, and back-to-back raps that take the song on a one-way train into flames. Real Deal Skeng may not be on your radar yet, but this is a blip you shouldn’t miss.
HP Boyz
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No Australian drill recommendations are complete without a shoutout to HP Boyz, the fiery rap heirs of Hampton Park, Melbourne. Their style is a little smoother than the traditional sound, with their breakout track “Engineers” standing out due to vibrant guitar strums. Their different approach has seen them become a titan-like presence in the Australian scene, and constantly evolving in their creativity.
Much like Lisi, HP Boyz have a track for every and any moment. This is exemplified by their 2020 EP 6 To The World, with the title track’s soul sample adding a sense of warmth to their wordplay, and others like “Get 2 The Bag”, “Block Party”, and “Out Here” with Keziah Feterika tackling everything from hard-hitting trap to radio-ready R&B and flamenco-inspired chords. Their latest single is last year’s “Loyalty”, an optimistic ode to unity that further solidifies them as a different yet satisfying flavour in Australia’s drill smorgasbord.
CG Fez
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CG Fez’s open-book approach has seen him clock lighting speed success in only a year. He may only have five singles to sample but, hey, when the music is special, it’s special.
His tracks “Take 1” and “Take 2” explore both the chaos and consequences of his Western Sydney environment, conveying both sides through the contrasting sounds of in-your-face trap and a somber stream of consciousness. He continues to dissect his upbringing and experiences with transparency and wisdom through his singles “4:30” and “Like When?”, taking the listener on a journey through the inner turmoil and reflections of his thoughts. His newly-released anthem “On Sight” showcases that he’s only begun to reveal the depths of his talent, commanding the gliding 808s with soaring melodies. While we’re still only at the starting point of CG Fez’s trajectory, it’s a journey you’re going to want to hike with him.
