Toronto rapper Lexxicon releases his highly anticipated and long awaited new album Drill Sergeant which positions him as a fast-rising, critical voice on the drill scene. The 1o track album features a potent blend of hardcore beats, urgent rhymes, and key features by an all-star cast of Toronto area wordsmiths and vocalists including DOLOTHEGIFTED, Chizzy Bashment, and EVERYTHINGOSHAUN. Deriving influence from his travels to Paris (France), Lisbon (Portugal) and time spent living in London (UK), New York City (USA) and Toronto (Canada), Drill Sergeant acts as an artistic opus of sorts for this buzzing artist who took a break from music and almost gave up on his dreams. "In October of 2022 after almost losing a close friend to suicide, I decided if I was ever going to leave this world, I owe it to myself to give it my all and go out swinging," says Lexxicon, who's strong Jamaican cultural background bleeds through his new music video "Ride Pon It" directed by Fatty Soprano. "On my break from making music, I was listening to all kinds of music from around the world and the one sound that really got me excited was Drill. Inspired by Russ Millions, Pop Smoke, and Ivorian Doll, I started creating new music with a strong drill influence. That's why the energy on this album is unreserved, direct and passionate." He adds: "Growing up in a Christian Jamaican home I was always taught to turn the other cheek. But I’m no longer turning, I’m striking back. I felt ashamed for having sexual desires, thoughts and feelings. But I am no longer holding my tongue or feeling any shame. I’m fully confident in where I am going, and my mission, and I’m blazing a path full steam ahead. Drill Sergeant is me taking back control of my life, image, narrative and my dark side."
