Can a drill group's music be a soundtrack to violence or a tool for survival?
In short: From the streets of Mount Druitt to the top of the charts, Onefour represents a raw, often controversial side of Australian culture. While police claim their lyrics incite gang warfare, criminologists and the artists themselves argue they are simply documenting a life of struggle and transformation.
Originating from the Western Sydney suburb of Mount Druitt, Onefour emerged as pioneers of Australian drill music following a series of viral hits in 2019. The group's identity is deeply rooted in their local community, with members sharing a background in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and a sound that blends UK-inspired production with a distinct Australian accent. By blending gritty rap bars with calming, gospel-style singing, their sound mirrors the intricate contradictions of their youth.
The group's history is marked by significant legal turbulence. In 2018, a violent pub brawl in Rooty Hill led to the imprisonment of several members. Dahcell 'Celly' Ramos received a reduced sentence of eight years for his role in the incident, while Salec 'Lekks' Su’a was later deported to New Zealand. These events, alongside intense scrutiny from NSW Police units like Strike Force Raptor, have frequently disrupted their career, leading to cancelled tours and cancelled performances due to safety concerns regarding local rivalries.
Despite the controversy, Onefour has achieved significant commercial success. Their debut EP, 'Against All Odds', reached number 7 on the Australian ARIA Charts, and their 2025 debut album, 'Look At Me Now', featured collaborations with international artists like Headie One and Central Cee. While authorities have expressed concerns that their lyrics reference gang-related violence and 'postcode wars,' researchers suggest that the music serves as a therapeutic outlet for disenfranchised youth rather than a catalyst for crime.
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- Summary by Intellect · source: Onefour
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