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By: Mike McLaughlin
Published Sep 1, 2023
Drill music has taken the world by storm, a genre originally hailing from Chicago and making its way to New York, London, and beyond. It's characterized by its gritty lyrics and cinematic beats, offering a stark window into urban life. While often controversial, there's no denying its impact on popular music culture. With that said, let's take a closer look at the 25 best songs that have defined drill music over the years.
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25. Chief Keef - "Yes Sir"
Year of Release: 2021
Another jewel from Chief Keef, "Yes Sir" offers a different type of energy, incorporating a quicker tempo and showcasing Keef's adaptability within the drill landscape. He deserves a lot more credit than he's gotten for influencing this phenomenon that's changed the landscape of modern hip-hop.
24. Ron Suno - "WHAT THEY GON SAY"
Year of Release: 2021
Ron Suno adds a layer of complexity to drill music with "WHAT THEY GON SAY," which is full of unpredictable twists and turns, both lyrically and musically.
23. Shawny Binladen - "Wockhardt" (feat. Bizzy Banks)
Year of Release: 2020
The song captures the essence of drill music while weaving in more experimental elements, highlighting Shawny Binladen's artistic versatility. For some reason, it's beyond addicting: try listening just once... you can't help but go on to repeat it again.
22. DThang and TDot - "Bunny Hop"
Year of Release: 2020
"Bunny Hop" adds a bouncy rhythm to the drill genre, offering a danceable track without sacrificing its streetwise authenticity.
21. King Von - "Crazy Story"
Year of Release: 2018
"Crazy Story" by King Von boasts narrative depth, a defining characteristic that sets it apart from other drill music entries. The song provides a cinematic experience through its storytelling and intricate lyricism.
20. Drake - "Demons" (feat. Fivio Foreign and Sosa Geek)
Year of Release: 2020
This Drake collaboration blends different rap styles into a drill framework, resulting in a song that's as versatile as it is impactful. Fivio and Sosa Geek both officially stepped into the limelight with this one.
19. Sleepy Hallow - "Molly" (feat. Sheff G)
Year of Release: 2020
This collaboration delivers a high-energy performance that embodies the essence of drill music, with both artists bringing their A-game to the table.
18. Kanye West - "Off the Grid" (feat. Playboi Carti and Fivio Foreign)
Year of Release: 2021
Though not a conventional drill track, "Off The Grid" by Kanye West incorporates elements of the genre, demonstrating its influence on even the most mainstream of artists. The legendary song from Donda features not only Fivio Foreign, who had arguably the best verse on the song, but the most talked-about rapper in the world at the time, Playboi Carti.
17. B-Lovee - "IYKYK"
Year of Release: 2021
With its dynamic beat and addictive vocal elements, "IYKYK" by B-Lovee is yet another NYC talent who's proved that drill music can also have mass appeal while staying true to its roots.
16. Kay Flock - "PSA"
Year of Release: 2021
Kay Flock's "PSA" stands out for its unapologetic lyrics and compelling storytelling, elements that elevate it within the drill genre.
15. Central Cee - "Doja"
Year of Release: 2022
"Doja" by Central Cee perfectly encapsulates the gritty realism and unfiltered emotion that makes drill music so compelling to its audience.
14. Lil Uzi Vert and Nigo - "Heavy"
Year of Release: 2022
Off of the compilation album for Steven Victor's Victor Victor brand, "Heavy" offers a high-energy track with stellar production quality, representing a unique intersection of drill and mainstream rap. Yes, this is the same legendary Nigo that you should know well from BAPE.
13. Pop Smoke and Bizzy Banks - "30"
Year of Release: 2021
The collaboration between Pop Smoke and Bizzy Banks on "30" offers an irresistible blend of two unique voices in drill music, making it an instant hit. Pop had co-signed Bizzy early on in both of their careers, which said a lot about their respect for each other's craft. This song was a demonstration of the chemistry of their dynamic.
12. Shawny Binladen - "Whole Lotta Wickery" (feat. Bizzy Banks)
Year of Release: 2021
Shawny Binladen's "Whole Lotta Wickery" brings a new angle to drill, with its intense, yet calming sonic aesthetic and intricately layered sample-based production elements.
11. Fivio Foreign - "Big Drip"
Year of Release: 2019
"Big Drip" by Fivio Foreign is a song that unapologetically celebrates the exuberance and vibrancy of life, bringing a different flavor to drill music's often-grim narrative. Just like Pop Smoke, Fivio was a primary contender in the NYC drill scene at its infancy.
10. Bizzy Banks - "Don't Start"
Year of Release: 2019
This song from Bizzy Banks was a crucial step to his rapid growth in the early stages of the New York City drill scene's development. His bars say it all - take a listen for yourself.
9. Drake and Central Cee - "On The Radar Freestyle"
Year of Release: 2023
This epic joining of forces between Drake and Central Cee took place in the most optimal of settings: On The Radar, which has become a global music sensation, though its roots are in NYC. The two somehow manage to keep upping their skills throughout the song.
8. Headie One and Drake - "Only You Freestyle"
Year of Release: 2020
A blend of UK and North American influences, "Only You Freestyle" shows how drill music can be an international language, spoken fluently by artists from different corners of the globe.
7. 22Gz - "No Suburban, Pt. 2"
Year of Release: 2019
A sequel that surpassed its predecessor, "No Suburban, Pt. 2" employs piercing lyricism and a pulsating beat, encapsulating the spirit of New York's burgeoning drill scene.
6. Ice Spice - "Munch"
Year of Release: 2022
Ice Spice's "Munch" offers a unique sonic palette, setting itself apart with its distinctive flow and beat. Ice Spice's originality catapulted the song (and her career) into a global phenomenon.
5. Pop Smoke - "Dior"
Year of Release: 2019
"Dior" by Pop Smoke is more than a song; it's a cultural phenomenon. It has transcended the boundaries of drill music to become a mainstream hit, all without losing its authentic roots. Pop Smoke made innovation look easy.
4. Pop Smoke - "Welcome to the Party"
Year of Release: 2019
This track was pivotal in ushering the drill genre into mainstream awareness. "Welcome to the Party" took over New York City quickly in the summer of 2019, and from there, it spread globally at an even faster rate.
3. Chief Keef - "Don't Like" (feat. Lil Reese)
Year of Release: 2012
A powerhouse collaboration, "Don't Like" by Chief Keef and Lil Reese, this song serves as an anthem for the genre of drill music. It's impactful, leaving an unforgettable impression on anyone who hears it.
2. Bobby Shmurda - "Hot N*gga"
Year of Release: 2014
At the number two spot on our list is "Hot N*gga" by Bobby Shmurda, a track that essentially became a cultural milestone. It encapsulates everything that drill music is about: compelling beats, audacious lyrics, and an energy that's contagious.
1. Chief Keef - "Love Sosa"
Year of Release: 2012
"Love Sosa" is one of Chief Keef's most iconic songs and an important cornerstone for drill music. The track's incredibly memorable nature and legendary introduction have made it a staple in the genre.
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