British rap duo Krept & Konan have released their brand new single ‘Ban Drill’ accompanied by a 12-minute cinematic video. They first teased the trailer to Instagram last week, which included a caption announcing that an album is in the works. This short film sees a star-studded line-up of cameo appearances from fellow British rappers Unknown T, Scribz, Abra Cadabra, Big Tobz, Young Adz, Headie One plus many more.
The new album will be the first body of work from Krept & Konan since their 2017 double album ‘7 Days & 7 Nights’. The duo has definitely kept busy though, opening their restaurant Crepes & Cones in Croydon, South London last year to hosting their own Beats 1 show on Apple Music, Play Dirty Radio.
With the current complex political climate, ‘Ban Drill’ manages to convey a message concerning Britain’s class inequalities and takes aim at the countries’ decision makers for being oblivious to the realities of the wider demographic – Krept raps “Where we’re from you know how hard it is to better yourself? Upper class won’t understand ‘cos you inherited wealth.” Whilst addressing the consequences of banning drill music, the duo has also started a petition to stop police silencing musicians in the U.K. In a recent interview with The Guardian Konan states “These bans stop our communication with the severely disadvantaged youth of our society. Yes, drill contains violent language but the solution isn’t, and should never be, censorship.”
A very important moment for uk music
Krept & konan – Ban Drill directed by @realrapman Out Now https://t.co/YztJA0baMI
(We have also started a petition to STOP the police silencing musicians and i would love if you could share and sign it) Thankyou #BanDrill pic.twitter.com/HLtmu5bJid
— TALLY (@kreptplaydirty) 13 June 2019
‘Ban Drill’ is narrated with lyrics by Krept & Konan and follows the life of Jayden (played by Gerrome Miller), an inner-city adolescent raised in a poverty-stricken neighbourhood who ends up caught in a life of crime. He eventually finds his musical talent in prison and uses it as hope for life after bars, vouching to pursue his dream once released.
Jayden is then shown in the booth of a recording studio, a friend interrupts after noticing that his previous video had been taken down following a government crackdown on drill music. This leads Jayden back to a life of crime as a means of financial support, inevitably ending badly.
In an alternate ending where drill hasn’t been banned, Jayden is interrupted in the studio again, only this time letting him know that his video has reached 1 million views. Ecstatically wanting to utilise this positive energy, he senses success is near and decides to resume the recording session. This ultimately sees his would-be killers frustratingly leave the scene, consequently saving his life.
‘Ban Drill’ is directed by Rapman, the artist behind the viral 3-part rap drama series ‘Shiro’s Story’. His first feature film ‘Blue Story’ based on his 2014 trilogy by the same name, will be developed and co-financed by BBC Films alongside worldwide distributors Paramount and is set to be released later this year.