The track 'Demons' by Drake featuring Fivio Foreign and Sosa Geek is a dark and aggressive dive into the experiences and lifestyle associated with the Brooklyn drill music scene. It incorporates UK drill production and touches on themes of fame, street credibility, and the tough realities of inner-city life. It joins a growing trend of collaborations between American artists and the UK drill genre, emphasizing the global influence of hip-hop music.
The opening of 'Demons' sets a tone of bravado and invincibility with Drake asserting dominance in collaboration with his fellow artists. There's a powerful, almost intoxicating energy as they flaunt their success and street prowess. This mood of swagger and confidence is prevalent in the chorus, marked by the influential presence the artists command both online ('viral') and in their communities ('movie').
As the lyrics progress, there's a hardened edge to the emotional journey with verses depicting a life of constant vigilance and danger ('Skrrt 'round there in your ends, whole southside on ten'). Drake's words paint a picture of a lifestyle where loyalty is paramount and the stakes are perpetually high, almost as if every move in this urban chess game could lead to checkmate.
Fivio Foreign steps in, adding a stark complexity to the emotional narrative. His verse conveys an aggressive stance against adversaries and a relentless attitude toward survival and power. The bold, raw energy he brings to 'Demons' punctuates the battle-ready spirit of the song, meshing seamlessly with the tough exterior both he and Drake project.
The track culminates with darkest tones in Sosa Geek's verse, presenting an unapologetic and confrontational persona. The mood here is tinged with nihilism and fatalism, as the life described accepts violence and betrayal as the norm, and any softness or vulnerability seems out of place.
"Skrrt 'round there in your ends, whole southside on ten"
The term 'ends' is often used in UK slang to mean 'neighborhoods' or 'areas'. Drake uses it to describe moving aggressively within an area, showing his alignment with the UK drill scene and its lingo.
"My TD Bank is on what? My TD Bank is on Kylie"
Here, Drake is making a reference to his vast wealth by comparing his bank account to Kylie Jenner, known for her significant net worth and status as a young billionaire.
"I'm in the court like 'I'm sorry, your honor'"
Fivio Foreign refers to being in a courtroom, likely in response to legal troubles, which is a common reality for many involved in the street lifestyle depicted in the song.
"Ball in the summer like Drew League"
The Drew League is a well-known pro-am basketball league in Los Angeles that features both local talent and NBA stars during the off-season, drawing a parallel between their on-court dominance and the artists' own prowess.