35 Best Drill Songs Ever

Drill music has officially gone international. Birthed in Chicago a decade ago, this hip-hop subgenre spread to the U.K. before rekindling NYC’s famed rap culture in recent years. Today, artists from as far away as Nigeria and Ghana are participating in the frenzy.

Here are some of the best drill songs ever!

“I Don’t Like” by Chief Keef X Lil Reese

Song year: 2012

We begin our drill selection with Chief Keef, the genre’ accredited founder. As a teenager living with his grandmother in Chicago, Keef produced one of the 2010s’ most impactful drill songs.

Spitting his lyrics in a confident cadence on “I Don’t Like,” everybody desired Keef’s slickness. Even now, numerous upcoming rappers cite this track as inspiration. The lyrics are bitter, as Keef lists out everything he hates, including false True Religion, snitches, and his haters.

“Welcome to the Party” by Pop Smoke

Song year: 2019

Drill’s definitive “star-making” moment. Not long after Pop Smoke’s 2019 debut track dropped, he became New York’s biggest musical export since 50 Cent.

In terms of influence, “Welcome to the Party” was a huge banger at the point when the New York drill developed a distinctive sound that could propel into the mainstream.

In terms of fame, the song made Pop Smoke an irresistible force till his death in 2020. He reigned over New York for two years, elevating drill to its pinnacle.

“Big Drip” by Fivio Foreign

Song year: 2020

Fivio Foreign’s “Big Drip” introduced him to the world as the new face of Brooklyn drill music. But before this 2020 anthem, Fivio had other great songs.

However, “Big Drip” eventually became an unstoppable force in dance halls, vehicle stereos, and the music charts, particularly after featuring Quavo and Lil Baby on the remix.

A feature on Kanye West’s “Off the Grid’ and the massive success of his debut album “B. I.B.L.E.” ensure that you cannot mention Brooklyn drill without putting his name.

“Go In” by Shady

Song year: 2011

Even before Keef’s arrival, a swarm of women had already contributed significantly to the rise of drill music. Shady’s “Go In” became an instant hit on the streets.

Director D Gainz honed his frenetic, handheld filming approach in the music video, catching all the females of the neighborhood as they frolicked in the local mayhem.

Shady makes two points in this song; the threats she utters are serious, and she’ll look good if she follows through on them.

“Wassup” by Lil Reese ft. Fredo Santana & Lil Durk

Song year: 2013

After Chief Keef’s trend, we witnessed tremendous drill talent come from Chicago. Keef’s pals Fredo Santana and Lil Reese executed their rhymes with his characteristic style and sluggish yet confident tempo.

However, Lil Durk has a smooth drill verse with flawless flow and ad-libs. Listening to this track’s bumpy beat will make you feel like the real O.G. This trio made a masterpiece with this track.

“Know Better” by Headie One ft. RV

Song year: 2018

Few British drill musicians have been as inventive as Headie One. The blockbuster track “Know Better,” which was part of the mixtape “One,” propelled Headie to the spotlight of the U.K. music scene.

This drill song was a staple of every teenage rap enthusiast at every college lunchroom, party, and shopping mall. Fans in the United States may not be familiar with him, but they’re familiar with his style and sound thanks to Drake, who’s borrowed it several times. What a visionary!

“Dior” by Pop Smoke

Song year: 2019

East London producer 808Melo’s “Dior” is primarily a club hymn that doesn’t conform to the central tenets of drill music, according to drill enthusiasts. Even so, it makes no difference. Pop Smoke songs hit differently, and “Dior” marked the climax drill’s mainstream success.

The Brooklynite’s infectious hooks and husky delivery drew drill fans around the globe to the blossoming Brooklyn rap scene. Pop Smoke was on the brink of becoming the greatest star in the history of drill and one of the top acts in music.

“Let’s Get It” by Stickz

Song year: 2013

Probably among the first U.K. drill tracks ever, Stickz disses Chicago’s loud instrumentals. South London’s Stickz provided forthright U.K. rhymes that were quite revolutionary. Although contemporaries like Sneakbo produced standard U.K. rap, he stuck out from the pack.

“Let’s Get It” misses several of the genre’s present production trends. In Stickz’s bare-bones banger, however, you may detect the influences of early Chicago drill and U.K. grime.

“Live Corn” by 67 LD

Song year: 2014

The U.K. is home to a few drill groups considered ‘pioneers’ (such as 150, currently referred to as C.B.G.). However, if you’re searching for a group that created the subgenre with its distinct vibe apart from Chicago- inspired by U.K. garage and grime, you should turn to 67.

Fans claimed 67’s sound was identical to Chief Keef, so the group experimented with laid-back flows.

Even though songs like “Skengman” were giving them street recognition, the inclusion of L.D. was their missing ingredient. His first solo effort, “Live Corn,” is as spectacular as anything in this genre.

“Battle Cry” by Polo G

Song year: 2019

After Chief Keef, Polo G is the most recognizable drill rapper. He has accomplished this through his disciplined and self-critical compositional style and his fondness for softer pianos.

“Battle Cry” is a testament that drill didn’t climax when Keef signed his record deal in 2012, as many believed. Rather, the subgenre has become an integral part of rap culture and inspires younger generations.

“No Rules” by Section Boyz

Song year: 2014

Before achieving popularity with rap classics like “Trapping Ain’t Dead” and “Lock Arff,” this U.K. group released several drill songs. They later won two MOBO awards and rebranded, making them one of the pioneers in U.K. drill music.

“No Rules” was the perfect blend of Drill bits with bits of U.K. grime. The fast-paced beat and quick rhymes make for a good Drill track to jam to. Play this song on repeat; the punchlines in between will slap even harder every time.

“Let’s Lurk” by 67

Song year: 2016

“Let’s Lurk” by 67 was a pivotal milestone in the history of the U.K. drill. As Chicago drill’s early popularity started to wane, the U.K. drill became the genre’s central focus.

67 had defined themselves as a trailblazing group. However, “Let’s Lurk” saw them teaming up with U.K. great Giggs for a tune that’d mark a decisive stage in U.K. hip-hop/rap history.

In his 2017 parody of “Man’s Not Hot,” Big Shaq sampled the song, showing how big the track influenced U.K. drill.

“Moscow March” by LooseScrew X #Moscow17 GB X Tizzy T

Song year: 2017

U.K. drill subculture became increasingly prominent in U.K. rap starting in 2016. With its new take on the Chicago drill music and jargon, drill music quickly became an iconically British style.

Turbocharged and infectious, “Moscow March” by #Moscow17 GB X LooseScrew X Tizzy T was a summertime staple at all parties that year. If you’re in the mood to flaunt your ego or want a feel-good drill track, this should make your playlist.

“Crazy Story” by King Von

Song year: 2018

Throughout most of the 2010s, it was simple to disregard drill music as merely another hip-hop subgenre that informed listeners about street violence. This contrast made “Crazy Story” by King Von so surprising.

Von added dramatic storytelling to the scene’s characteristic drill sound. It was both artistic and moving. Von had been exposed to drill since inception through his relationships with Lil Durk and Chief Keef. In 2020, he was rising as an artist before his tragic murder.

“Kennington Where It Started” by Harlem Spartans

Song year: 2017

When you think of the distinctive sound of the U.K. drill, you probably think of Harlem Spartans’ legendary anthem.

While retaining its trademark hard-hitting Chicago vibe, “Kennington Where It Started” sounded more polished and featured the precise lyrics that would serve as the foundation for future U.K. drills.

The track cemented Harlem Spartans as one of the scene’s prominent crews (together with 67) and ushered in the next phase of the subgenre. Notably, Loski, one of Drizzy Drake’s favorite drill musicians, is a member of this particular group.

“Slide” by FBG Duck

Song year: 2018

“Slide” by FBG Duck emerged when the drill cultures in Brooklyn and the U.K. flourished. Nevertheless, this 2018 single serves as a reminder that Chicago is always the drill capital.

Duck hones a whisper voice on the track while filming a conventional drill video showing hooded individuals brandishing weapons at the lens.

Eventually, Duck’s life symbolizes the link between drill and gang violence. August makes most of the aggressive lines on “Slide” unsettling because masked gunmen killed him in 2020.

“2 Times” by Famous Dex

Song year: 2015

Before falling from grace as a leader in the Chicago drill scene, Famous Dex dropped a series of great singles. Unlike the traditional monotone of drill, Dex’s rapping on “2 Times” is more character-based.

Later in his career, Dex’s personality made him a natural choice for up-and-coming music video director Cole Bennett.

Dex’s videos were instrumental in kicking off the Lyrical Lemonade world, which has since produced viral hits for artists like Blueface, Lil Pump, and Lil Tecca. Early tunes like “2 Times” connected the SoundCloud era and the Chicago drill.

“Next up (Part 1)” by C.G.M. Sav’O X T.Y X Digga D

Song year: 2017

Ladbroke Grove’s C.G.M. (previously known as 1011) demonstrate their notoriety on the “Mixtape Madness” with a menacing beat. “Next Up (Part 1) is a classic U.K. drill song, with the artists puffing out their chests with lyrical barbs.

Digga D features clever wordplay, and T.Y. got the famous opening phrase. Unfortunately, this is among the numerous videos brought down by a misdirected effort to reduce knife and gang crime by London’s Metropolitan Police. Nevertheless, it’s still the ideal drill tune.

“Look Like You” by Grizzy and M Dargg

Song year: 2013

Stickz wasn’t the only person close to Sneakbo who fell in love with the Chicago sound. M Dargg and Grizzy also penned some rhymes in response to these furious beats.

Even if the most popular version of “Look Like You” is probably the Afropop remix, this tune is one of the singles that paved the way for London’s shift from “street rap” to drill music.

Characteristic drill, the lyrics are all about bashing your haters and boasting of how superior you are to them.

“Kill Shit” by Lil Hear and Lil Bibby

Song year: 2012

Currently, one might claim that these two aren’t drill music legends. However, G Herbo and music label executive Lil Bibby also began their careers slowly. The duo helped to further the drill craze with “Kill Shit,” which is truly one of the best groundbreaking drill tunes.

Lil Bibby and Lil Herb’s performance on this track is high-octane but emotionless, as though the grim tales they describe are so routine that anyone could tell them with a yawn.

The two teenagers sound like middle-aged men with deep, raspy, rapping voices, but they still somehow manage to preserve an aura of innocence. We get a glimpse of their tough upbringings without compromising their flairs.

“Homerton B” by Unknown T

Song year: 2018

“Homerton B” by Unknown T breaks all the standards set by drill songs that preceded it. With this U.K. drill masterpiece, which climbed to Number 48, Unknown T was the inaugural drill musician to break through the U.K. charts.

Later, the song was certified Silver, suggesting it sold over 200,000 copies. As everybody made videos dancing to this song over the entire summer, “Homerton B” was the beginning of the genre’s unjustly criticized commercial triumph.

“De Pijp” by 7even 3

Song year: 2019

Just when haters thought that drill couldn’t get any more international, the Dutch popped into the scene, blasting U.K. drillers out of the water.

The Dutch drill scene is well-represented by  Amsterdam’s 7even 3, whose choices of industrious drillers could compete with the finest from the U.K.

The group’s most successful single, “De Pijp,” depicts Holland’s unrelenting side of unruly youth. Their style is characteristic of cadence and engaging flows, making you want to play the track repeatedly.

“The Message” by ONEFOUR

Song year: 2019

In 2017, the first Australian drill band, hailing from the Sydney suburb of Mount Druitt, released their debut album. However, the banger “The Message” elevates the country to the ranks of the world’s most fascinating drill areas.

Unlike most of the best drill songs that primarily talk about street violence, the lyrics on this track are clean. The delivery is well-structured to ensure listeners catch every rhyme and flow. This track is for you if you’d like a drill song with nice sing-along bars.

“Back 2 Back” by B10 X KG970

Song year: 2019

As the 2010s came to a close, the drill became more intense and widespread. The new Spanish drill in 2019 was a rapid adrenaline surge. The nation filled with naturally quick-witted speakers provides a double dosage of the U.K.’s frantic tone, and 970 Block demonstrates this brilliantly.

The Spanish lyrics are perfect for the bumpy beat. You’ll love how the two rappers switch between their verses to give you a unique blend of Española and a U.K.-inspired drill vibe. 

“Drill FR 1” by GAZO

Song year: 2019

While France has long had a thriving rap culture, drill is relatively new. The nation’s best rappers do justice to this U.K.-produced instrumental in joining the international frenzy, making “GAZO” the breakout drill tune in France.

Undeniably, hearing French blend with a drill beat is quite wonderful. The transitions and pauses between verses give the song a chilled mood, perfect if you want some little hype during your chill time.

“Dis Ain’t What U Want” by Lil Durk

Song year: 2013

Lil Durk incorporated a more conventional rhythm to drilling on his 2013 mixtape “Signed to the Streets.” For some time, “Dis Ain’t What You Want” was the Chicago drill anthem.

Everything about Lil Durk’s style exemplified the genre’s highest standards. Whereas his contemporaries concentrated on raw aggressiveness, Durk introduced harmony to the subgenre, forecasting the current drill form by nearly a decade.

“Killa” by Young Pappy

Song year: 2014

The deceased Young Pappy was the underdog of drill. Perhaps it was that he was from Chicago’s Northside, an unusual origin for a drilling rapper, or that his demonic-voiced style felt like a development for the subgenre.

Young Pappy’s 2014 run defined the unbridled aggressiveness and anguish that later influenced artists such as Tay-K. “Killa” is Pappy’s key song, where the artist utters the worst stuff he could think of over a distorted vocal sample and the iconic drill drum set.

“Play for Keeps” by L’A Capone & RondoNumbaNine

Song year: 2013

The initial vibrations of Chicago drill evoked a sense of controlled mayhem, at least in comparison with what was to follow. “Play for Keeps” by L’A Capone and RondoNumbaNine began a wave of new rappers introducing violent lyrics with extremely horrifying music videos to the industry.

Sadly, like most other Chicago drill musicians, their story had a tragic ending. Gunmen killed Capone in 2013, and RondoNumbaNine received a 39-year prison sentence for a different murder three years thereafter.

“Big Opps America” by Jezz Gasoline X Paparazzi Pop X Kj BallaX Elz Tay X Ace NumbaFive

Song year: 2017

When tracing the roots of Brooklyn drill, it doesn’t take long to reach legendary posse cuts such as “Gang Gang Gang” by Dah Dah or the even more vicious “Big Opps America.” This song is so aggressive that some radio stations have banned it.

Community leaders and politicians used the song, which disses singer 22Gz’s Blicky gang, as a rallying cry against the impact of drills on gang violence.

However, this didn’t keep fans from playing “Big Opps America,” which amassed massive YouTube views and streams. It’s still one of the most highly acclaimed songs among Brooklyn drill enthusiasts.

“Faneto” by Chief Keef

Song year: 2014

Chief Keef’s contribution to establishing the Chicago drill as a popular hip-hop staple cannot be overstated. “Faneto” could be his most popular song and a contemporary example of the irreverent style of drill.

The self-produced single is loaded with classic Keef highlights, such as his ongoing beef with the whole state of New Jersey. The song was so vicious that it was banned in New Jersey because it incited violence. For some people, this might be the ultimate drill.

“Lemme Get Dat” by Giggs & Wacka Flocka

Song year: 2012

Waka Flocka Flame’s crunk-infused and head-banging rap was an early form of drill. And on “Lemme Get Dat,” featuring Giggs from London, Waka set out to prove it. This song was released during a murky, genre-less period of U.K. rap, but after its release, things began shifting.

Giggs’ street rapping style provided the foundation for the U.K. drill, and “Lemme Get Dat” was one of the earliest instances of the drill going international.

Numerous U.K. rappers admired Chief Keef’s style, which Georgia’s Waka mastered, and executed brilliantly. Also, most aspiring rappers looked up to Giggs as the “street rap” progenitor.

“Drill Time” by Slim Jesus

Song year: 2015

Let’s return to the United States to uncover Ohio’s Slim Jesus. Slim carried the hard-hitting beat of drill music from the state capital of Illinois into his small town in this lackluster tune.

The blazing, breakthrough music video of the 18-year-old started to make waves across the Internet.

Complex and other websites even nabbed the video after garnering popularity on Twitter. However, after the release of “Drill Time,” neither Slim Jesus nor the Ohio drill culture took off as predicted by his initial hype.

“Bars at the Sesh” by Mr. Affiliate

Song year: 2018

In 2018, there wasn’t much drill music in any other part of the globe except for the U.S. and U.K. Although the “Bars At The Sesh” quickly became a meme due to people making fun of it, Mr. Affiliate was the very first name to come from Ireland’s drill scene.

Mr. Affiliate has a distinctive flow almost comparable to what London’s Russ MB used for his Top 40 hit “Gun Lean.” All in all, this drill track demonstrates that Ireland, too, possesses talent.

“No Suburban” by Sheff G

Song year: 2017

Rivalries amongst groups will always be a defining characteristic of drill music. However, it’s also an integral aspect of the artistic structure of the subgenre.

In 2016, 22Gz launched “Suburban.” Sheff G responded to the diss track by releasing the song “No Suburban.” The two songs were pivotal in establishing Brooklyn drill as a major force in New York’s musical landscape by the decade’s close.

“Us” by Lil Reese

Song year: 2012

Lil Reese rose to prominence with his appearance on Chief Keef’s “I Don’t Like.” However, he had songs that rocked Chicago’s drill scene, notably “Us.”

This track landed Lil Reese a contract with Def Jam. The upbeat beat is matched by well-crafted lyrics, delivered with a calm flow and flair. So perfect was this track that Drake and Rick Ross decided to hop onto the remix. 

Top Drill Songs, Final Thoughts

Drill is a hip-hop subgenre that emerged from the South Side neighborhood of Chicago in the early 2010s. Although most drill songs have violent lyrics, other tracks have a positive vibe and even slight melodious touch. Irrespective of your taste, you’ll find some good songs from this comprehensive list of the best drill songs ever.