An 18-year-old rapper drew Eminem comparisons on Twitter after his single blew up on YouTube. The rapper is Slim Jesus and his video “Drill Time” is dividing fans and critics across the Internet leading to his becoming a national trend.
Here’s what you need to know about Slim Jesus:
1. Slim Jesus Is Quick to Stress That the Illegal Items in His Video Are Just Props
(YouTube)
His video begins with the disclaimer that all of the illegal materials in the video are “props.” By illegal materials, it’s likely that Slim Jesus means all of the guns that he and his crew wave around. Some even have laser sight. The phrase “Drill Time” means it’s time to shoot somebody in modern rapper parlance. It’s also the genre given to a style of rap coming out of the south side of Chicago. The song’s chorus goes like this:
Got a couple shooters and they ride with me
And they down to shoot when it’s drill time
Pull up and we get to drumming
Let thirty shots out that Glock nine
Got a couple shooters and they ride with me
And they down to shoot when it’s drill time
Pull up and we get to drumming
Let thirty shots out that Glock nine
The song goes on to make references to Twitter, clothing brand True Religion and popping Molly. The song was promoted on Twitter by drill artist Lil Bibby.
2. Twitter Is Divided About the Song
Dewey from Malcolm in the Middle decided he was about that action and turned into drill rapper Slim Jesus http://t.co/YgRh3NJ5io
The Twittersphere seems divided as to whether-or-not Slim Jesus is a bona fide star or poser. Here are some of the best tweets reflecting the buzz:
3. Despite His Image, He’s From Ohio, Not Chicago
(YouTube)
According to an interview Slim Jesus did with Complex, “Drill Time” is the first song he’s had that took off. Though he’s been making music for years. Slim Jesus adds that he’s a native of Hamilton, Ohio, not Chicago, where most drill rap originates.
4. In May 2015, He Said ‘F**k Bill O’Reilly’
Fuck Bill O’Reilly
Like many of his contemporaries, Slim Jesus is extremely active on Twitter. He regularly writes about taking Molly and smoking weed. Jesus said in January 2015 that he’s about to “start tweeting 500 times a day and take over Twitter.” Then in May 2015, he took aim at Fox News anchor Bill O’Reilly, quite simply saying “F**k Bill O’Reilly.” That mimics a similar remark made by Snoop Dogg on Dutch TV show some years ago.
5. Drill Rap Is Still on the Rise in America
Drill proponent Chief Keef. (Twitter)
Drill rap music has been in the mainstream since late 2012 when rappers from the scene were collaborating with Kanye West, Rick Ross and Drake. In 2013, Kanye cited the scene as an inspiration for his mega hit-album, Yeezus. Chief Keef was one of the contributing artists to the effort. Though Chicago rapper, Lupe Fiasco has previously spoken about how the drill scene scares him saying “Chief Keef scares me. Not him specifically, but just the culture that he represents … The murder rate in Chicago is skyrocketing, and you see who’s doing it and perpetrating it—they all look like Chief Keef.” Keef responded by threatening Fiasco on Twitter.