In the ever-evolving world of hip-hop, few subgenres have had a meteoric rise quite like Brooklyn drill. With its roots in the gritty streets of Brooklyn and its soul in UK drill production, this genre created a distinctive sound that reflects the raw, unfiltered experience of urban youth in New York. Aggressive beats, lyrical intensity, and street realism define this subgenre that came to national and even global attention thanks to its pioneering figures like Pop Smoke, Fivio Foreign, and Sheff G.
But who are the Brooklyn drill artists responsible for this cultural phenomenon? From 2021 through 2025, the genre has flourished with both legendary and emerging names. This article explores their music, background, age, birthdays, and more—highlighting the stars who’ve shaped and are still shaping Brooklyn drill.
The Origins of Brooklyn Drill
Brooklyn drill is a fusion of UK drill’s fast-paced, bass-heavy beats and New York street rap. The early sounds were largely inspired by UK producers like 808Melo, whose work on Pop Smoke records laid the foundation for the genre.
The subgenre came into prominence around 2017–2018, with artists like Sheff G and 22Gz releasing music that gained viral attention. But it was the late Pop Smoke who brought Brooklyn drill to the mainstream.
Who Is Pop Smoke? The Icon of Brooklyn Drill
Pop Smoke’s Background
- Real Name: Bashar Barakah Jackson
- Birthday: July 20, 1999
- Birthplace: Canarsie, Brooklyn, New York
- Height: 5 ft 10 in (178 cm)
- Died: February 19, 2020 (age 20)
Pop Smoke’s breakout single, “Welcome to the Party,” took over the streets of New York in 2019. His deep voice, gritty delivery, and the iconic drill beat fused into something new, energetic, and undeniably Brooklyn. Follow-up hits like “Dior” and “GATTI” propelled him to national stardom.
Though tragically killed in 2020, Pop Smoke’s legacy lives on. His posthumous albums, including Shoot for the Stars, Aim for the Moon, kept Brooklyn drill in the spotlight and inspired a new wave of artists.
Brooklyn Drill Artists 2021: The Foundational Wave
The year 2021 saw a host of artists stepping into the limelight, many of whom were friends or collaborators of Pop Smoke.
Sheff G
- Real Name: Michael Kyle Williams
- Birthday: September 23, 1998
- Age (2025): 26
- Notable Song: No Suburban
As one of the earliest Brooklyn drill artists, Sheff G’s 2017 track No Suburban was a direct response to 22Gz’s Suburban, and it set a tone for street rivalry within the drill community. His music balances street tales with melodic delivery, making him a standout.
Fivio Foreign
- Real Name: Maxie Lee Ryles III
- Birthday: March 29, 1990
- Age (2025): 35
- Key Tracks: Big Drip, City of Gods, Off the Grid
With a magnetic personality and infectious ad-libs like “Bow!”, Fivio Foreign took Brooklyn drill global. His collaborations with Kanye West, Drake, and Alicia Keys showed his mainstream potential.
22Gz
- Real Name: Jeffrey Mark Alexander Jr.
- Birthday: November 29, 1997
- Age (2025): 27
- Famous Tracks: Suburban, Sniper Gang Freestyle
22Gz is often credited with releasing one of the first Brooklyn drill songs, setting the blueprint with Suburban. He’s known for his gritty lyrics and aggressive flow.
Brooklyn Drill Artists 2022: Expanding the Scene
In 2022, the scene diversified. Artists began incorporating new flows, melodic elements, and introspective lyrics. Several newcomers rose to prominence.
Dusty Locane
- Real Name: Reginald Miot
- Birthday: June 11, 1999
- Age (2025): 26
- Breakout Song: Rollin n Controllin Freestyle
Dusty Locane drew early comparisons to Pop Smoke due to his voice and sound, but he carved his own lane with emotionally charged lyrics and street narratives.
Rah Swish
- Real Name: Rahlique Devawn Wilks
- Birthday: December 4, 1997
- Age (2025): 27
- Collabs: Brush Em (with Pop Smoke), Feel Like Pop
A close friend of Pop Smoke, Rah Swish was part of the Woo movement. He carried the torch with bangers that stayed true to Brooklyn drill’s street roots.
The New Generation: 2023–2025
While 2021 and 2022 laid the foundation, the new wave of Brooklyn drill artists came with unique energy and Gen-Z charisma.
Kyle Richh, TaTa, and Dee Billz (41 Collective)
- Age Range: Early 20s
- Key Songs: Bent, Notti Bop, 41 Cypher
These rappers, often grouped under the “41 Collective,” brought chaotic energy, humor, and lyrical dexterity to the genre. Their viral moments (especially Notti Bop) made them TikTok and YouTube sensations.
Sha EK & B-Lovee
- From The Bronx but tightly connected to the Brooklyn scene.
- Helped further merge Bronx and Brooklyn drill.
While traditional Brooklyn drill leaned heavy on UK beats, the newer artists started blending Latin samples, melodic hooks, and fast hi-hat drills, giving the genre new life.
Brooklyn Drill Songs That Shaped the Genre
Whether from the early 2020s or recent years, the following tracks are seminal Brooklyn drill anthems:
- Pop Smoke – “Welcome to the Party”
- Pop Smoke – “Dior”
- Fivio Foreign – “Big Drip”
- Sheff G – “No Suburban”
- Dusty Locane – “Rollin n Controllin Freestyle”
- 22Gz – “Suburban”
- Rah Swish – “Brush Em”
- Kyle Richh, TaTa, Dee Billz – “41 Cypher”
- B-Lovee – “My Everything”
- Sha EK – “D&D”
These songs were pivotal in expanding Brooklyn drill’s appeal beyond New York. From clubs to radio to TikTok, their influence is massive.
Brooklyn Drill Artists’ Age and Birthdays Summary
| Artist | Birthday | Age (2025) |
|---|---|---|
| Pop Smoke | July 20, 1999 | Deceased |
| Sheff G | Sept 23, 1998 | 26 |
| Fivio Foreign | Mar 29, 1990 | 35 |
| 22Gz | Nov 29, 1997 | 27 |
| Dusty Locane | June 11, 1999 | 26 |
| Rah Swish | Dec 4, 1997 | 27 |
| Kyle Richh | est. 2002–2003 | ~22–23 |
| TaTa | est. 2003–2004 | ~21–22 |
| Dee Billz | est. 2003–2004 | ~21–22 |
These young artists, many in their early 20s, are proof that Brooklyn drill remains a youth-driven movement.
The Influence of Pop Smoke’s Height and Image
While Pop Smoke’s height (5 ft 10) might seem like a minor detail, it’s part of the larger-than-life image he built. Tall, stylish, and confident, he helped make drill fashion, confidence, and charisma inseparable from the sound. Whether through his fashion line, stage presence, or Dior cologne endorsements, Pop Smoke was more than a rapper—he was a cultural symbol.
Conclusion: The Future of Brooklyn Drill
Brooklyn drill began as an underground sound of defiance and storytelling. Over the years, it has become a dominant force in hip-hop, spawning platinum hits, viral challenges, and fashion statements. From Pop Smoke’s immortal legacy to 41’s Gen-Z antics, Brooklyn drill proves that the borough is still at the heart of rap’s most exciting trends.
As of 2025, the sound continues to evolve with new beats, more polished visuals, and global collaborations. But at its core, Brooklyn drill remains a raw reflection of life in the borough—unapologetic, energetic, and constantly reinventing itself.
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