drillstyle

Drillstyle, also known as drill or drill music, is a subgenre of dancehall music that originated in the late 1990s in Jamaica. It is characterized by its heavy use of drum machines, particularly the Roland TR-808 and TR-909, which create a distinctive, repetitive drum beat. This genre is often associated with the use of the term "drill" in the lyrics, which can refer to both the music and the violence associated with gang activity in Jamaica.

Drillstyle is known for its fast tempo, often around 140 beats per minute, and its use of auto-tune and other electronic effects to create a smooth, almost robotic vocal delivery. The lyrics often focus on themes of violence, crime, and street life, reflecting the harsh realities of life in some urban areas.

The genre gained international attention in the early 2000s, with artists like Vybz Kartel and Popcaan becoming prominent figures. However, drillstyle has also been criticized for its violent content and its association with gang activity. Despite these controversies, drillstyle continues to be a significant part of Jamaican music and has influenced other genres, including trap music in the United States.

Drillstyle is not to be confused with drill music, a genre that originated in the United Kingdom in the early 2000s. While both genres share a similar name and use of drum machines, they have distinct characteristics and origins.