Drill rappers Tion Wayne and Russ Millions made history in the UK with their single ‘Body’ topping charts in the UK last week (6 May). This is the first drill song to reach number one in the UK. It became popularized as audio for a trend on social media, namely TikTok. According to The Guardian, Millions said, “I think drill music will get respected a lot more and people will listen to it. Maybe this will show that drill isn’t about negativity. It’s about having fun, dancing, enjoying yourself.”

@tionwayne9Re create this ##tionwayne ##russmb original sound – T WAYNE 9

Drill is a style of trap music that originated in Chicago, most easily recognized by its dark and distorted 808 bass patterns. Because the lyrical content and background of many of its rappers is rooted in very realistic experiences with violence and anger, it has often been criticized for inciting criminal behaviour. Metropolitan Police Commissioner Dame Cressida Dick attempted to take down drill videos on social media back in 2018, claiming they encourage violence. People involved in the UK drill scene, however, see it very differently.

Austin Deboh, executive Vice President of Atlantic Records explains, “Drill music gives a voice to the youth, and it’s an outlet for them to express themselves.” And now that ‘Body‘ is at the top of the charts, the landscape of drill in the UK is forever changed. The appreciation for the genre is more evident, and it doesn’t appear to be dwindling any time soon. Martin Talbot, chief executive of Official Charts Company, sees the importance of this shift as “a brand new high point for drill and perhaps the beginning of a new era for the official singles chart.”

You can watch the full video of ‘Body’ below.