How Do You Make Sex And Party Music For An Era Uninterested In Both?

Sexy Drill: Party Music for a Generation That Doesn’t Party

As a Southerner, and specifically a Floridian, I grew up on party rap music: the booty bass of Uncle Luke and 2 Live Crew, the cocaine energy of South Florida jook, the state’s freak-flag fliers like T-Pain, Trick Daddy, Trina, Jacki-O, Khia, Plies, and Pretty Ricky. As the Spring Break state,partying and sex are all over our culture,and—controversial opinion—I enjoy both activities.Watching an increasingly isolated and antisocial society devalue the two has been disheartening. When watching the constant anxiety attacks that are social media and the news, it’s evident how much the culture could use a lot more partying and sex.

Enter sexy drill, a curious NYC rap scene comprised of young rappers making club records and sex jams about the typically toxic relationships of 20-somethings, usually set to productions that recall ’90s/’00s R&B, rap, and reggae. The scene’s ostensible leader is Cash Cobain, who has essentially blueprinted this sound wiht his production work. It also features fun and charming, if not always consistent, rappers like Vontee the Singer, Bay Swag, Baby Osama, Chow Lee, and 2300. On Valentine’s Day, Lee and 2300 dropped the EP Girls Cum First!, which gets directly at what’s most appealing about the sound.

New York’s overall drill scene is both distinctly local and a Frankenstein’d collage that takes bits from various subgenres from all over the map:

• Chicago’s drill is the most central inspiration
• Jersey club music is also present
• New Orleans bounce finds its way in
• There are a lot of post-Drake ghostly ethereal production flourishes

Not all of it is meant only for sweaty basement parties; a lot of it is great for driving around at night. And of course, there’s also a large nostalgia factor. That’s the aspect that can be the hardest to evaluate.I tend to be suspicious of anything built too much on references to the past—it’s often a way of cheating yourself into an audience,and it can be hard to differentiate whether the appeal is in how somthing old has been reworked into something new or if it’s purely about the old thing and your own personal associations with it.

But what I do love about sexy drill, and what I find most engaging, is how it addresses the question of how to make party music for a generation that doesn’t party like before. Not even 10 years ago, records like “Dunk Contest” and “Favorite Lady” would’ve gone crazy in clubs, happy hours, and brunch spots all over the country. I don’t want to be another person who presumes that no young people go out anymore, as I really can’t say. But what is clear about Gen Z is that its culture doesn’t reflect much of an interest in partying. Outside of a space like a strip club, I don’t know where or how often the 20-somethings are coming across sexy drill out in the world, where it’s clearly meant to be enjoyed.What’s the temperature in the room when it comes on? What is the youth’s relationship to the samples and references to older traditions compared to mine? hearing “Fisherrr” in a Brooklyn bar when it first came out and seeing the reaction to it was a good rush. We all could use more of it.

It’s an interesting social commentary wrapped in a catchy sound, and I, for one, will be keeping my eye (and ear) on this scene.

How does Cash Cobain feel sexy drill simultaneously reflects a desire for escapism while acknowledging the reality of a generation restricted from customary partying?

Sexy Drill: Party music for a Generation That Doesn’t Party

An Interview with Cash Cobain, Producer & Pioneer of Sexy Drill

archyde: Cash Cobain, thanks for taking the time to speak with us today.You’re often credited with blueprinting the ‘sexy drill’ sound coming out of New York City.How would you describe it for those who might not be familiar?

Cash cobain: Thanks for having me. Sexy drill is a blend of Chicago drill, Jersey club, New orleans bounce, and ’90s/’00s R&B and rap influences. It’s essentially party music for a generation that’s not going out like they used to. We’re keeping the vibe alive, but in a way that reflects our time.

Inspiration and influences

Archyde: The influences are diverse, from Chicago drill to Drake’s post-808s & Heartbreak era.What initially sparked this unique sound for you?

Cash Cobain: Growing up in NYC,I was always around different music scenes. but living in the era of social distancing and constant anxiety, I wanted to create something that felt escapist and uplifting. I looked to the past for inspiration, but what’s exciting about sexy drill is how we’re making it fresh for today’s generation.

The Struggle of Partying Without Parties

Archyde: One fascinating aspect of sexy drill is that it’s party music for a generation that, by and large, isn’t going out to parties like they used to. What’s your take on that?

cash Cobain: It’s a challenge, without a doubt. but it’s also an chance.We’re not just making music for the club; we’re making music for the car rides, the late-night drives, the lonely apartments. We’re trying to bring that party feeling to wherever our listeners are.

Nostalgia vs. Innovation

Archyde: Some might argue that sexy drill is purely nostalgia-driven. How would you respond to that?

Cash Cobain: I think it’s a mix. We’re definitely drawing from the past, but what I love about our sound is how it’s evolving. It’s not just about the samples and references; it’s about what we’re doing with them. It’s still new, still unique, still exciting. And that’s what keeps me, and I hope others, coming back.

What’s Next for Sexy Drill?

archyde: With ‘Girls Cum First!’ just out, what’s next for you and the sexy drill scene?

Cash Cobain: We’ve got a lot more music on the way. collaborations, remixes, even some live performances, hopefully.We’re not just about the records; we want to bring this energy to a stage near you. As for me,I’m always working on new production and trying to evolve the sound.

Archyde: Before we wrap up, one last thought-provoking question: If sexy drill could have its own theme park, what would it look like?

Cash Cobain: (Laughs) That’s a fun one. It would have to be a blend of all the influences – a bit of Chicago,a bit of New Orleans,a bit of ’90s R&B nostalgia. Think rollercoasters that look like huge iPod headphones, rides that take you through scenes from classic videos, and a lot of neon lights.It’d be a place where you can escape, have fun, and maybe even find someone special. Just like the music.

Archyde: That sounds like a place we’d all like to visit. Thanks for your time, Cash.

Cash Cobain: Anytime. Keep supporting the music.