The Jacksonville Police Department has paid special attention to the activities of many local rap groups involved in the drill rap scene. This overwhelming scrutiny is in an effort that will help curb gang violence, abortion, and other ills often illuminated by these rap songs and music videos. It’s a subgenre of hip-hop—drill rap—most famous for its aggressive lyrics and frequent references to gang rivalries and violence. It is, over the years, beginning to take a foothold in Jacksonville, where artists such as Yungeen Ace, Foolio, and Ksoo have commanded immense attention.
Jacksonville’s drill rap scene is not just about music; it often overlaps with real-world gang conflicts. The police have identified several drill rappers as gang affiliates, and their songs frequently include taunts directed at rival gangs, sometimes mentioning real individuals who have been victims of violence. For instance, songs like “Who I Smoke” by Yungeen Ace and “When I See You” by Foolio have gone viral, partly due to their controversial and provocative content.
The Sheriff’s Office of Jacksonville has been very categorical in stating that it will not put up with any acts of revenge or retaliatory violence related to these gangs. As far as officials with the police are concerned, people involved in such activities should mend their ways, lest they face dire legal consequences, which can include spending their entire lives being incarcerated. This forms part of a broader campaign encompassing the crackdown on gang-related activities throughout this city.
This response of the authorities is not limited to monitoring and arresting suspects associated with gang violence activities but also their music. Operations like “Rap Up” have targeted gang members gloating about violence in songs and social media posts, resulting in arrests and the handing out of decades-long prison sentences for some notable figures in the local rap scene.
