P005 — Life on the Farm
2023–2024In collaboration with:Laurens Van Hoorick & Roemer Spakman
From the concrete towers of Broadwater Farm Estate in Tottenham, London, emerges a sound that’s shaken the British music scene to its core. Original Farm Boys (OFB), one of the leading groups in the drill rap genre, has birthed superstars like Headie One, Bandokay, and Abra Cadabra. Their raw talent and unflinching lyrics have not only dominated the drill scene but have left an indelible mark on British rap. When tasked with creating a fanzine centred on a London-based subject, the choice was obvious. Our publication delves into OFB’s history, the estate that shaped them, and the legacy of drill they’ve built upon.
Drill music has faced intense scrutiny in recent years, often linked to violent incidents and graphic lyrics. This notoriety has thrust the genre and its artists into the crosshairs of mainstream media and pundits alike. We chose to play with these stereotypes, using them as a tool to shock, entertain, and ultimately, educate. Our fanzine employs bold visuals and provocative content to draw readers in. The colour scheme – blood red and police blue – serves as a stark contrast, while references to knives and stabbings are deliberately excessive. This in-your-face approach isn’t merely for shock value; it’s a vehicle to expose the harsh realities of estate life and the systemic oppression faced by working class youth across the UK.
Behind the veneer of stereotypes, we reveal drill as an artistic outlet and a form of expression for young people in these communities. The zine takes aim at the status quo, challenging readers to confront the root causes of the issues often associated with drill music. As a final twist, we’ve produced the fanzine in Dutch. This decision serves a dual purpose: addressing the lack of drill coverage in our native language and reaching a new audience, further expanding the conversation around this misunderstood genre. Through this project, we aim to challenge perceptions, provoke thought, and celebrate the raw talent and cultural significance of OFB and the drill scene they represent.