Raw streets, relentless beats — Brooklyn's drill cuts deep. 137–148 BPM.
Brooklyn Drill is a subgenre of drill music originating in Brooklyn, New York around 2010. It is characterized by aggressive 808 bass, rapid hi-hat patterns, and dark synth melodies, with lyrics often depicting street violence and urban life. The genre gained mainstream attention through artists like Pop Smoke and Fivio Foreign.
The defining artists of Brooklyn Drill — the names that shaped the sound. Tap to hear on Spotify.
The classic anthems and current essentials that define Brooklyn Drill.
Brooklyn Drill is defined by its menacing, high-energy production. The tempo typically ranges from 137 to 148 BPM, with a heavy emphasis on the 808 bass that often slides between notes. Hi-hats are rapid-fire, usually in triplet or sixteenth-note patterns, while snares or claps land on the third beat of each bar. Synths create dark, eerie melodies, often using minor keys and dissonant intervals. Vocals are delivered with a aggressive, monotone flow, occasionally switching to a melodic cadence.
The rhythm is syncopated and driving, with a 'bouncy' feel that encourages head-nodding. The overall sound is sparse yet powerful, leaving space for the bass and vocals to dominate. Tracks often feature ad-libs and call-and-response elements, adding to the raw, live energy.
Brooklyn Drill emerged in the early 2010s in the Brooklyn borough of New York City, evolving from Chicago drill and UK drill influences. It was pioneered by local artists and producers who blended the raw energy of Chicago drill with New York's distinct hip-hop swagger, creating a darker, more minimalist sound.
By the late 2010s, Brooklyn Drill exploded into the mainstream, largely thanks to Pop Smoke's breakout hits like 'Welcome to the Party' and 'Dior.' Producers like 808Melo and AXL Beats crafted the signature sound: sinister synth leads, sliding 808s, and syncopated hi-hats. The genre became synonymous with Brooklyn's street culture, often referencing specific neighborhoods and rivalries.
Culturally, Brooklyn Drill reflects the harsh realities of urban life, with lyrics about violence, poverty, and survival. It has faced controversy for its graphic content but also serves as a voice for marginalized youth. The genre's influence has spread globally, inspiring drill scenes in the UK, Australia, and beyond, while continuing to evolve with new artists like Sleepy Hallow and Sheff G pushing its boundaries.
How Brooklyn Drill is built — drum pattern, swing, and the sounds you need.
To produce Brooklyn Drill, start with a tempo between 137-148 BPM. The drum pattern is crucial: use a kick on beats 1 and 3, a snare on beat 3 (with occasional ghost notes), and hi-hats in rapid 16th or 32nd notes with slight swing. The 808 bass should slide between notes, often using a pitch envelope to create a 'wobble' effect. Layer a simple synth melody using sawtooth or square waves, processed with distortion and reverb for grit.
Samples are less common; most producers create original synth patterns. Use minor keys (e.g., D minor) and focus on a single, repetitive hook. Sidechain compression on the bass to the kick is essential for punch. Keep the arrangement minimal: intro, verse, chorus, verse, chorus, outro. The mix should be aggressive, with the 808 and kick hitting hard, and vocals sitting slightly above the beat.
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