Meet PS Hitsquad, the UK drill pioneer from Peckham, London, who has been making waves in the music scene with his unique sound. As a member of the collective Zone 2, he has been instrumental in pushing UK drill into the mainstream.
Looking back, the dark and claustrophobic brand of UK drill pioneered by Zone 2 in the late 2010s is miles away from the more commercial offshoots of the genre that have blown up in recent years. With members facing prison sentences and others fading into obscurity, the group burned bright and fast, but their influence is undeniable.
Where PS Hitsquad Came From
As a member of Zone 2, PS Hitsquad has been part of a group that has gained millions of views and streams through their music on YouTube and streaming platforms. The group has a notable rivalry with Moscow17, which has resulted in various stabbings and murders between the two gangs.
PS Hitsquad’s experiences as a member of Zone 2 have had a significant impact on his music, with tracks like {“Induction”} and {“Glorified Gangster”} vividly articulating his experiences inside and outside of prison.
PS Hitsquad’s Sound and Style
PS Hitsquad’s recent creations, dubbed post-drill, take centre stage on his debut album, Life on License. The album weaves in the suffocating menace that defined early beats by pioneering UK drill producer Carns Hill, adds bumpy percussive club elements, and at times lightens things with nods to the crowded, pitched-up textures favoured by new gen rappers.
With the help of indie label House Anxiety and an ambitious team, PS Hitsquad was intent on creating a cohesive and thoughtfully constructed LP that addresses the scarcity of such projects in UK drill. You can learn more about the UK drill scene and its pioneers on Wikipedia.
What strikes me about PS Hitsquad’s music is the sharp, crisp vocal tone and the commitment to powerful, emotive storytelling. His drive to make the best of a tumultuous situation is clear, and his music is a testament to his experiences and growth.
