Deeping It: Colonialism, Culture & Criminalisation of UK Drill

Deeping It explores the fight against moral panic and the fraught relationship between drill music and the police and political authority in the UK, tracing its production and criminalization across borders and eras of the British Empire. It argues that the criminalization of UK drill cannot be disentangled from histories, technologies, and realities of colonialism and consumerism.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 112 pages
Publication date: 20 July 2023
Publisher: 404 Ink

Deeping into the fight against moral panic and its complex relationship with the police and political authority in the UK, the film explores the fraught dynamics between drill music and the broader societal context. This exploration is exemplified by the constant censorship, racism, and instances where drill artists have faced legal consequences for simply performing their songs.

Policing, policy, and criminalization form the pillars of colonial suppression, while art, self-expression, and collective action serve as beacons of resistance. Deeping It categorically positions drill within the latter realm, tracing its production and criminalization across borders and eras of the British Empire. It delves into the artistic uniqueness of drill while also acknowledging its inherent threat as a Black artform in a world that prioritizes whiteness.

Intervening in this discourse steeped in anti-Blackness, the film delves into how the criminalization of UK drill cannot be disentangled from the histories, technologies, and realities of colonialism and consumerism. It sheds light on the ways in which drill music has become a tool for resistance and empowerment, particularly among marginalized communities.

Through its powerful storytelling and insightful analysis, Deeping It offers a critical perspective on the dynamics between drill music, social justice, and the ongoing struggle for cultural representation and recognition. It serves as a reminder of the importance of art as a means of resistance and the power of collective action in the face of systemic oppression.

Dimension: 175 x 120 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781912489787