Krept and Konan slam police targeting of ‘Drill’ musicians in U.K. parliament

British rap duo Krept And Konan slammed the police for targeting young black musicians during a meeting in Britain’s parliament on Tuesday (18Jun19).
The grime stars were invited by Shadow Home Secretary Diane Abbott to address a meeting discussing politicians and police officials’ condemnation of ‘Drill’ music, a British rap subgenre that often features violent lyrics and has been linked to gang culture.
Krept, real name Casyo Johnson, told an audience of young people from Abbott’s Hackney North and Stoke Newington constituency that police action against Drill artists is counterproductive.
“There was violence before Drill,” he said. “If we stop Drill right now, is it going to end? Drill is being used as a scapegoat. We need to tackle the situation with alternative routes. We need support. We need to invest in our communities.”
Konan, real name Karl Wilson, a former gang member himself, added that music can offer youngsters an alternative to a life of crime.
“We know what it’s like to be in it and want to escape it, and what it feels like to be out of it. I’ve seen my mum get shot, I’ve seen my stepdad die. I’ve been in jail, I’ve been in gangs,” he explained. “Once you step out of it you know that this is not what you are meant to be doing. We want to give people a platform to escape.”
Drill musicians Skenga and AM, who were handed suspended jail sentences in January (19) for playing music prosecutors claimed incited violence, were also present for the discussion.
Krept and Konan have highlighted the issue with their new track, Ban Drill, and an accompanying short film. They have also launched a Change.org petition asking Crown Prosecution Service officials to stop the police officers from prosecuting Drill artists.