What is ATL Drill?

Youtube/Baby Kia - ON SIGHT

Every city has its own variation of drill music, from New York to Detroit to Chicago. There are even variations across the pond, with the UK boasting a prevalent drill scene. However, within the last year, one city's scene has skyrocketed to extreme popularity: Atlanta. In the past year, Atlanta drill has infiltrated everyone's playlist, explore page, and consciousness. So, what exactly is Atlanta drill?

With artists like Waka Flocka paving the way and originating the subgenre in Atlanta, this genre is not new to us. However, it flew under the radar for some time after the mid-2010s until recently. Artists like Baby Kia, L5, Antidamencace, and more have stepped into the scene, shaping the subcategory into what we know it as today. The most notable characteristic of Atlanta drill artists being how they often scream/yell their lyrics, a departure from the typical style found in most rap genres, is what helps set this genre apart. With its distinctive sound, flow, and gritty lyrics, these elements have helped Atlanta drill become a popular subgenre of rap seemingly overnight.

However, the question arises: will this genre solidify itself or fade into the background? After speaking with A&R Shareef Stratford, the representative responsible for helping prominent Atlanta drill artist Baby Kia get discovered, he believes that Baby Kia and other similar artists in the genre will not go unnoticed as more artists are trying to emulate several key components of the subgenre that he and other artists do. Nonetheless, one thing remains undeniable, and that is the captivity and uniqueness of this subgenre. 

What are your thoughts on Atlanta Drill?