SOTB is still here–even though I’ve admittedly been slacking on posts (life comes at you fast sometimes). As you all know, I usually pass on drill tracks. That’s mainly because there’re a lot of sites more equipped to discuss the subgenre. That said, I make exceptions for tracks that don’t glamorize violence and instead use the genre to speak on the darkness within the lifestyle.

G Herbo’s “Drill,” which featured on Herbo’s 25 album, understood the assignment to get me to notice the track. Yes, the song’s gritty and feels right at home with other recent Chicago and NYC drill tracks. Makes sense, especially when you consider folks like Herbo were some of the first artists to get on radars with the Chicago drill sound. However, underneath the darkness, there’s a story of “I did this because I had to and so y’all don’t have to do this just because.” Plus, the song’s a bop, even with its dark overtones (please note I never said I hate drill tracks, just that I usually don’t post about them).

The track features Rowdy Rebel and the visuals feature a guest appearance by Jim Jones. Sonically, in addition to being gritty and dark, the track eschews more modern drill sounds and doesn’t focus on a sample; everything sounds original here and it helps the song stand out to me. Check out the visuals below and support dope music in all its forms.