Early Career and Breakthrough:
Kyle began his career by recording and releasing tracks independently. He gained a local following through social media platforms like YouTube and SoundCloud, where he would release freestyles and music videos that reflected the street culture and life in his neighborhood. His early work resonated with fans of drill music due to its authenticity and unpolished sound, capturing the real-life struggles of growing up in Brooklyn’s toughest areas.
One of Kyle’s major breakthroughs came when he started collaborating with other rising stars in the Brooklyn drill scene. Drill music had become a cultural force in New York around this time, with major figures like Pop Smoke, Fivio Foreign, and Sheff G putting the city on the map for the genre. Although Kyle Richh wasn’t as mainstream as these artists in the early stages of his career, his music began to pick up traction in the underground scene. His connection with other local drill artists helped him build credibility and expand his reach.
Key Collaborations and Songs:
In 2021, Kyle Richh’s career started gaining more momentum. He frequently collaborated with other New York drill artists, which further amplified his presence. His collaborations, often part of the larger drill scene’s collective culture, allowed him to reach a wider audience. One key factor in his rise was his involvement with the 41 Collective, a drill crew consisting of other popular artists in the scene like Jenn Carter and TaTa. Together, they formed a strong presence in the New York drill movement, often appearing in each other’s songs and videos.
Kyle Richh’s breakout hit came with the song “41 Cypher”, released in 2022, which became a street anthem and significantly boosted his profile. The track features him alongside other members of the 41 Collective and showcases his fierce delivery and ability to hold his own in a group of talented drill rappers. His success with this track helped him build a larger fan base and marked his entry into the broader hip-hop conversation.
Another notable track is “Notti Bop,” which stirred significant controversy within the drill scene for its references to street conflicts and the tragic death of fellow drill artist Notti Osama. The song became viral on TikTok, contributing both to Kyle’s fame and notoriety. While the song’s success led to more eyes on Kyle Richh, it also highlighted the tensions and violence sometimes associated with the drill music scene, a recurring theme in his career.
The Rise on Social Media:
Social media played a pivotal role in Kyle Richh’s career growth. His music and freestyles circulated widely on platforms like TikTok, where short clips of his tracks would go viral, often accompanied by drill dances or trends that amplified his visibility. Platforms like YouTube were also instrumental in his rise, with many of his music videos accumulating millions of views, particularly because they offer fans a raw, unfiltered look at Kyle and his neighborhood.
“41 Cypher” became one of his most viewed videos on YouTube, solidifying his place in the drill scene. His presence on TikTok also contributed to the rapid spread of his music, especially among younger audiences who were drawn to his energetic style and the viral nature of the songs.
Style and Impact:
Kyle Richh’s music stands out for its gritty, aggressive tone that reflects his experiences growing up in Brownsville. His style is deeply rooted in drill music, featuring dark, hard-hitting beats and lyrics that touch on themes of loyalty, street violence, and survival. His flow is sharp and often fast-paced, allowing him to fit a lot of emotion and narrative into his tracks.
Though his career is still in its early stages, Kyle Richh’s music has already made an impact on the Brooklyn drill scene. He is known for his ability to balance the heavy subject matter of drill music with catchy, viral hooks that resonate with younger audiences. His rise in the drill community is also indicative of the broader influence of social media in shaping the careers of independent artists, especially within niche subgenres like drill.
Challenges and Controversies:
Like many artists in the drill scene, Kyle Richh has faced his share of controversies. Drill music is often criticized for its connection to violence, with some songs serving as direct responses to street conflicts. Tracks like “Notti Bop” have drawn criticism for their explicit references to real-life events, and Kyle has been caught in the middle of debates about the role of drill music in escalating violence in communities like Brooklyn. Despite these controversies, Kyle has maintained a focus on his music, using it as both an outlet for personal expression and a way to address the struggles faced by people in his environment.
