Just a year ago, Pop Smoke, superstar rap artist, and international drill music influencer, was murdered during a home invasion. Pop Smoke was taken far too soon, but still, his influence spreading drill music was seen by the art sprouting up in Ireland, Italy, Australia, and even other foreign shores.
The American rapper was killed by 4 masked men after being seen with his pal in the car holding ‘a fortune in bills.’
Still, Pop Smoke’s influence was immensely felt during his short duration on Earth.
His Jamaican and Trinidadian roots, and then the fact that his name was adopted from Middle Eastern customs, made Pop Smoke one of the most recognized international drill music artists.
International drill music was directly influenced by Pop Smoke
Pop Smoke burst into the international drill music scene years ago then by rapping predominantly 808Melo beats.
This way, he was able to balance the aggression and also the compassion adherent to the genre. And this thus allowed him to prove his versatility and gain the respect of the audience and industry.
Also, he saw what NY’ers Young M.A., Sheff G, and 22 G’z were doing with drill music and parlayed off of that in a magnetic manner.
Thus, it is pivotal to focus on the lasting legacy and impact that this international drill music artist left on us.
Here are some of the international drill music artists who have taken notice of the “Pop Smoke Blueprint” and then tried to replicate his drill style.
Ink (86 Gang Dublin, Ireland)
Ink is recognized as the “Godfather of Irish Drill.” Instead of trying to adopt a London accent (like most Irish living in London do), he embraces his heritage.
Thus, Ink has used his platform to expand his popularity as an Irish drill music artist.
Rondodasosa (Milan, Italy)
This man is the one garnering all the hype. Rondodasosa is the most recent international drill music artist out still making waves.
His woo-walking has taken the internet by storm and it is clear that he has been inspired by Pop Smoke in a myriad of ways.
In his most recent video, RondoDaSosa is seen holding bricks of cash having a neighborhood block party and stepping much like ‘The Woo’ would do.
Dubzeno (86 Gang Dublin, Ireland)
Another international drill music artist everyone should be aware of is Dubzeno.
He comes across as your everyday Irish chap. But, he is recognized for spitting radically-aggressive lyrics and who they might affect.
In fact, his group often uses disclaimers to avoid their videos being removed fromYouTube.
J.B2 (Athlone, Ireland)
This Irish drill artist has done a lot to differentiate himself from other overseas drill artists by adopting an off-kilter flow. He mixes in a fresh accent with a jumpy and choppy type delivery that is unorthodox.
J.B2 utilizes drill music as a way to express his emotions and truly vent on the track. For him, drill music is a way to harness negative energy and prove doubters wrong.
Other Irish drill musicians worth mentioning are: Chuks, Cubez, and Jug Jug.
ONEFOUR (Sydney, Australia)
Finally, ONEFOUR, the international music drill artist from Australia. This man is a transatlantic connector.
ONEFOUR has proven to be one of the most intriguing drill music prospects.
In fact, many consider him a direct descendant of Pop Smoke. The technical rampages he has proven his ability to resonate on his home turf as well as overseas.
Pop Smoke’s influence on international drill music will be felt for generations to come
Violence and jealousy are as cruel as the grave itself. And hence it is a damn shame that Pop Smoke left us in the manner in which he did.
Still, his lasting legacy and intangible impact in every encounter cannot be undermined.
It is evident through his ability to transcend cultural borders as his dance styles, smooth approaches and drill lyrics have reached multiple new provinces around the globe.