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Chicago Sun-Times
Chicago Sun-Times
Environment
Evan F. Moore

Chicago drill scene, violence to be discussed on FX’s ‘Hip Hop Uncovered’

“Hip Hop Uncovered” contributor Debra “Deb” Antney, an Atlanta-based entertainment manager and the mother of rapper Waka Flocka Flame, assisted in launching the careers of Nicki Minaj, Gucci Mane and French Montana. | FX Networks

Chicago’s drill scene — and the city’s ongoing issues with violence — are one of the talking points in an episode this week of the FX six-part docuseries “Hip Hop Uncovered.”

The Friday night series, which premiered earlier this month, provides context behind hip-hop’s major storylines through the eyes of the genre’s lesser-known movers and shakers — Eugene “Big U” Henley, Haitian Jack, and Debra “Deb” Antney, among others — with the overarching theme of how street life continues to have an influence on hip-hop.

Malcolm Spellman, who produced the Chicago-shot Fox series “Empire” for three seasons, is a member of the series’ executive production team who is also interviewed on the show.

Drill is a subgenre of Chicago hip-hop known for dark and violent lyrics. The music has been tied to threats and even murders that played out on social media.

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