A Conversation with Young Chop

Young Chop, one of the architects of the burgeoning Chicago “Drill” hip-hop movement, sat down with us recently to discuss an assortment of things happening in his career. The man is responsible, sonically, for the careers of acts like Chief Keef and the GBE movement, so we had to pick his brain on how things all came about and then some. He tells us his definition of the word “drill,” discusses the possibility of a GBE compilation album, and also touching on his involvement with AraabMuzik’s new project, Trap vs. EDM vs. Drill. Read below, we hope you enjoy.

How would you define the term “drill hip-hop?”
What drill hip-hop is, I really don’t call it drill to be honest. I just call it music. Back to what you said though, drill hip-hop music, I could give you some words about what it means. It’s young kids wilding out to heavy 808s and just partying, drinking and smoking. That’s really what drill music is about. Unfortunately, drill also originates from violence in the city. So some artists put that influence in their music – the same thing what you rap about, like street-orientated lyrics.

Will there be a GBE compilation anytime soon?
Of course, we have been trying to work on that! But you know, label affairs. Keef’s signed to Interscope while the other kids are not signed. This makes the whole label situation a little bit more complex and difficult. It’s like a politics type of thing, but it’s going to be okay. We’re still going do it though, it has to happen! Even if it’s a mixtape or an album, we will eventually drop it probably next year. I’m gonna push the envelope on everybody so we can get in the studio and do it.

Araab’s new project is Trap vs. EDM vs. Drill, how did you get involved with it?
My good friend Gustavo connected me with Araab, and Araab like fu-, I mean messes with me, so you know.

You can swear.
Oh OK, he was fuckin’ with me and um the rest is just history, we just put a project together and shit, everyone love it (laughs).

What was the concept behind it?
The main concept we approached was to do an EDM record which is based off trap music — off like hard 808s. We combined everything into one big trap, drill, EDM cocktail. I created some drill beats that were laced with EDM sounds and effects — like arps and all that crazy stuff. That’s basically how the project came together.

If HYPETRAK were to go to Chicago, what would you recommend for a good time?
First, I’ll take you through my hood where I grew up at, just to let you see what it is like where I grew up. Second, I would take you downtown to a restaurant called Grand Lux, that’s next level. Third, I’d take you clubbing if you would like to. However, I can’t take you everywhere though. There’s a lot of gang-banging and other type of craziness going on.

Do you have a favorite song right now?
Yes. I listen to this 2 Chainz song a lot, on his Boats II album. It’s called “Live and Learn” featuring Pusha T and Alley Boy. I like that shit, that shit hard.

What’s next for Young Chop?
Bigger and better things. I’m trying to close up this partner deal with an indie label. Other than that. I’m trying to push all new artists and working on some beats and really trying to make big things happening.

Trap vs. Drill vs. EDM is available now through iTunes.

Photography: Verena Stefanie Grotto