Exploring the Divide: The Impact of OneFour, Trailblazers of Drill Music in Australia

Australian hip-hop group, OneFour, has been battling against the perception that they are a gang rather than a music group. The group, whose members hail from one of Sydney's poorest postcodes, uses their explosive sound to give a voice to marginalized youth. However, the police have labeled them a threat to community safety and have prevented them from performing at home, arguing that their music incites violence. OneFour's lyrics focus on their experiences growing up in a Sydney suburb known for struggle and unemployment, shedding light on the social issues faced by their community. Despite their success, the group has faced repeated raids on their homes and pressure from authorities. OneFour maintains that their music is a form of social commentary and not a crime. Criminologists argue that the correlation between music and criminal behavior is unsubstantiated, and that the police's approach to the group is counterproductive. The struggle faced by OneFour highlights a larger debate about storytelling and who is allowed to share their experiences in Australia. Despite the challenges they have faced, the group remains determined to prove themselves as artists and musicians rather than as criminals.