Drill music is a subgenre of rap that originated in Chicago, IL, in the early 2010s. 

This music genre is characterized by extreme violence and topics surrounding gang warfare and street life. 

Although drill music was initially confined to Chicago, it has become very popular in other places like London and New York. 

We’ve rounded up the 40 best drill songs to be released so far! 

1. “I Don’t Like” by Chief Keef ft. Lil Reese

Our drill selection starts with Chief Keef, who is recognized as the founder of the genre.

He created one of the most influential drill songs of the 2010s while living with his grandmother in Chicago as a teenager. 

His confident delivery of lyrics on “I Don’t Like” was admired by everyone for its fluency.

Even today, many aspiring rappers consider this track to be a source of inspiration.

In the song, Keef expresses his bitterness by listing the things he dislikes, such as snitches, fake True Religion, and his adversaries.

2. “Us” by Lil Reese

Lil Reese gained fame after being featured on Chief Keef’s “I Don’t Like,” but he also made a significant impact in Chicago’s drill scene with his songs, including “Us.”

This particular track was so impressive that it led to Lil Reese securing a deal with Def Jam.

The song’s lively beat complements the expertly crafted lyrics, which are delivered with a smooth flow and style.

3. “Killa” by Young Pappy

Young Pappy was an unlikely figure in the drill music scene.

This is perhaps because of his origin in Chicago’s Northside, which was unusual for a drill rapper, or his distinctive demonic-voiced style that represented a new direction for the subgenre.

During his run in 2014, Young Pappy’s music defined the unrestrained aggression and anguish that would later influence artists like Tay-K.

The key song that epitomizes Pappy’s style is “Killa,” where he spits out the most heinous things he could think of over a distorted vocal sample and the iconic drill drum set.

4. “Welcome to the Party” by Pop Smoke

Pop Smoke’s debut track, “Welcome to the Party,” is considered one of drill music’s defining moments. 

This song made him a big star, and he became New York’s most famous music star after 50 Cent.

“Welcome to the Party” had a massive influence on the development of the New York drill, creating a unique sound that could propel it to the mainstream.

Pop Smoke’s fame skyrocketed after this song’s release and continued to reign over New York’s music scene until he died in 2020.

5. “No Rules” by Section Boyz

Section Boyz gained public attention for their drill music before becoming famous for iconic rap tracks like “Trapping Ain’t Dead” and “Lock Arff.”

Their success was further cemented by winning two MOBO awards, after which they rebranded to become one of the most famous groups in the U.K. drill music scene.

“No Rules” represents a perfect fusion of drill and U.K. grime, featuring a fast-paced beat and quick rhymes that make it an ideal track to groove to.

6. “The Message” by ONEFOUR

ONEFOUR, the first Australian drill group, released its debut album in 2017, and “The Message” is the standout track from this album. 

Unlike many popular drill songs that focus on street violence, the lyrics in this song are clean.

Moreover, the well-organized delivery of this song guarantees that listeners can easily pick up on every rhyme and flow.

If you are looking for a drill song with catchy and easy-to-sing-along bars, “The Message” is the one for you.

7. “Big Drip” by Fivio Foreign

Fivio Foreign became known as the fresh face of Brooklyn drill music after releasing “Big Drip.”

Although he had previously released other fantastic songs, “Big Drip” eventually became popular and successful.

The song’s remix, which featured Quavo and Lil Baby, helped boost its popularity even further.

Now, whenever people talk about the Brooklyn drill, Fivio Foreign’s name will surely come up.

8. “No Suburban” by Sheff G

One of the defining characteristics of drill music is the rivalries among drill rappers. 

However, this rivalry is an essential part of the artistic nature of drill music. 

22G released his track “Suburban” in 2016, and Sheff G responded to this track by releasing “No Suburban.”

These songs played a significant role in solidifying Brooklyn Drill as a dominant player in New York’s music scene. 

9. “Live Corn” by 67 LD

If you’re looking for a group that created a distinct subgenre that deviates from the Chicago drill style and takes inspiration from the U.K. garage and grime, then you should check out 67 LD.

Despite being compared to Chief Keef, fans believed that 67 LD had a unique sound, leading the group to experiment with more relaxed flows.

67 LD’s debut solo track, “Live Corn,” is just as impressive as anything in this genre.

10. “Moscow March” by LooseScrew ft. #Moscow17 GB & Tizzy T

The U.K. witnessed a surge in the popularity of the U.K. drill subculture at the beginning of 2016, which offered a unique twist on the Chicago drill music and vocabulary.

As a result, drill music quickly became an iconic British genre.

One of the songs that exemplified this trend was “Moscow March” by LooseScrew ft. #Moscow17 GB & Tizzy T. 

This song has a fast-paced and infectious sound and has become a staple at summertime parties. 

If you’re looking for a drill track that boosts your confidence or simply puts you in a good mood, “Moscow March” should be on your playlist.

See also: Best UK Rappers

11. “Kennington Where I Started” by Harlem Spartans

If you consider the unique sound of U.K. drill music, the iconic anthem of Harlem Spartans probably comes to mind.

However, “Kennington Where It Started,” while still embodying the hard-hitting Chicago vibe that characterizes the genre, showcases a more polished sound and precise lyrics. 

This song solidified Harlem Spartans’ status as one of the leading crews in the scene, alongside 67, and marked the beginning of a new era for the subgenre.

12. “Look Like You” by Grizzy ft. M Dargg

Stickz isn’t the only artist close to Sneakbo who became a fan of Chicago drill.

Other artists like Grizzy and M Dargg also wrote music in response to the furious beats released by Sneakbo. 

“Look Like You” is one of the songs that paved the way for London’s transition from street rap to drill music. 

The song’s lyrics are about criticizing your haters and boasting of your superiority over them. 

13. “Go In” by Shady

It’s not only men who have increased the popularity of drill music; women have also significantly impacted the popularity of this genre. 

One of these women was Shady, whose song “Go In” quickly became a hit immediately after its release.

The music video for the song was directed by D Gainz, who used a fast and shaky camera style to capture the neighborhood women having fun amid all the chaos.

In the song, Shady makes it clear that her threats are serious and that she’ll also look good while carrying them out.

14. “Bars at the Sesh” by Mr. Affiliate

Drill music was mostly restricted to the United States and the United Kingdom, with no other parts of the world showing much interest.

However, despite being the target of mockery due to his track “Bars at the Sesh,” Mr. Affiliate emerged as the pioneer of Ireland’s drill music. 

His unique rapping style is similar to London-based Russ MB’s “Gun Lean,” which made it to the Top 40 chart. 

This drill track indicates that Ireland also has exceptional talent in this genre.

15. “War” by Drake

Although drill is still a relatively new music genre, it seldom features established hip-hop artists.

However, this genre reached a significant milestone when Drake took an interest in it.

His 2019 track “War” showcases a freestyle diss track set to a UK-inspired drill beat.

The song’s popularity helped introduce drill to a broader audience and bridge the gap between the genre and mainstream hip-hop.

16. “Kill Shit” by Lil Herb & Lil Bibby

Lil Herb and Lil Bibby are popularly known for their groundbreaking tune “Kill Shit.”

The performance on this track by Lil Bibby and Lil Herb is intense and devoid of emotion as if the dark stories they recount are so commonplace that anyone could tell them with a yawn.

Despite their young age, the duo’s voices are deep and raspy, resembling those of middle-aged men, yet they still maintain an air of innocence.

Their tough upbringings are hinted at without compromising their unique styles.

17. “2 Times” by Famous Dex

Famous Dex, who was once a prominent figure in the Chicago drill scene, released a string of impressive singles before his fall from grace as a leader.

Rather than the typical monotone style of a drill, Dex’s rapping on “2 Times” focuses more on his unique personality.

Dex’s music videos played a crucial role in launching the Lyrical Lemonade World, which has produced viral hits for artists such as Blueface, Lil Pump, and Lil Tecca.

The early tracks, such as “2 Times,” served as a link between the SoundCloud era and the Chicago drill movement.

See also: Best Chicago Rappers

18. “Drill FR 1” by GAZO

Although France has had a successful rap culture for a long time, drill music is a relatively recent addition.

However, the top French rappers have embraced this UK-produced music genre and made “Drill FR 1” the breakout drill hit in France, contributing to the global drill music trend.

Listening to French lyrics paired with a drill beat is undoubtedly enjoyable.

The song’s transitions and pauses between verses create a chilled atmosphere perfect for those seeking some hype during their downtime.

19. “Drill Time” by Slim Jesus

Slim Jesus brought the forceful, powerful beats of drill music from the Illinois state capital to his small hometown in this unremarkable track.

The music video for the 18-year-old’s song was a viral sensation that generated a significant buzz across the internet and social media platforms.

However, despite the initial hype, neither Slim Jesus nor Ohio’s drill culture gained the predicted momentum after the release of “Drill Time.”

20. “Know Better” by Headie One ft. RV

Headie is one of the most creative drill musicians from Britain.

He rose to fame in the U.K. music scene following the release of his hit “Know Better.”

This particular drill song became popular among young rap enthusiasts in different settings, such as college lunchrooms, parties, and shopping malls.

Although Headie may not be that popular in the United States, his unique style and sound have been widely adopted by other artists, including Drake, who has drawn inspiration from him multiple times.

Headie’s creativity and influence in the industry cannot go unnoticed.

21. “Crazy Story” by King Von

For much of the 2010s, drill music was often dismissed as another hip-hop subgenre depicting street violence.

However, “Crazy Story” by King Von broke this stereotype by introducing a dramatic storytelling element to the typical drill sound.

Von’s approach was both artistic and emotionally stirring.

With his connections to Lil Durk and Chief Keef, Von had been immersed in the drill scene from its beginning.

By 2020, he was gaining popularity as an artist in his own right before his untimely and tragic death.

22. “Homerton B” by Unknown T

Unknown T’s “Homerton B” defied the norms of previous drill songs and set a new standard.

This U.K. drill masterpiece became the first of its kind to break through to the U.K. charts, reaching Number 48.

The song’s success was further cemented by its Silver certification, indicating that it sold over 200,000 copies.

Throughout the summer, “Homerton B” became a viral sensation, with people creating videos of themselves dancing to it.

This unjustly criticized commercial triumph marked the start of a new era for the genre.

23. “Dior” by Pop Smoke

Drill enthusiasts claim that “Dior” is a club anthem and deviates from the fundamental principles of drill music.

However, this does not make any difference.

Pop Smoke’s music hits differently, and this track served as a high point for the genre’s mainstream breakthrough.

The artist’s captivating hooks and distinctive vocal style attracted fans of drill music from all over the world to the burgeoning rap scene in Brooklyn.

He was poised to become one of the greatest stars in the history of drill music and a top performer in the music industry.

24. “Slide” by FGB Duck

The track “Slide” by FBG Duck was released when drill music was flourishing in Brooklyn and the U.K. 

Despite this, the song released in 2018 serves as a testament that Chicago always remains the heart of the drill genre.

In the music video, Duck showcases a traditional drill video portraying individuals wearing hoodies and wielding weapons while also using his whisper-like vocals on the track.

However, Duck’s life story ultimately represents the connection between drill music and gang violence.

25. “Play For Keeps” by L’A Capone & RondoNumbaNine

At the outset of the Chicago drill, there was a feeling of organized mayhem, although relatively mild compared to what was to come.

“Play for Keeps” by L’A Capone and RondoNumbaNine was one of the songs that sparked a new wave of rappers using violent lyrics and extremely disturbing music videos in the industry.

Unfortunately, like many other Chicago drill musicians, their stories ended tragically.

In 2013, Capone was killed by gunmen, while RondoNumbaNine was sentenced to 39 years in prison for murder three years later.

26. “Let’s Get It” by Stickz

Stickz is believed to have released one of the earliest U.K. drill tracks. 

He delivered revolutionary U.K. rhymes that stood out from his peers. 

Stickz’s track “Let’s Get It” may not incorporate some of the current production trends of drill music.

However, this track reveals the influence of the early Chicago drill and U.K. grime.

27. “Big Opps America” by Jezz Gasoline ft. Paparazzi Pop, Kj Balla, Elz Tay & Ace NumbaFive

When delving into the origins of Brooklyn drill music, it’s not difficult to stumble upon renowned group collaborations like Dah Dah’s “Gang Gang Gang” or the more ferocious “Big Opps America.”

The latter is so intense that certain radio stations have banned it.

Despite being used by community leaders and politicians to condemn the influence of drill music on gang-related crimes due to its dissing of 22Gz’s Blicky gang, fans of the genre continue to play “Big Opps America.” 

The track has garnered thousands of views and streams on YouTube and remains one of the most highly regarded songs among Brooklyn drill aficionados.

28. “Battle Cry” by Polo G

Polo G has become the second most prominent drill rapper after Chief Keef, thanks to his self-critical and disciplined approach to music composition and his preference for soft piano sounds.

His track “Battle Cry” demonstrates that the drill subgenre did not peak with Keef’s record deal in 2012, as perceived by most people.

Instead, it has become an essential aspect of rap culture and a source of inspiration for upcoming drill artists.

29. “Lemme Get Dat” by Giggs & Wacka Flocka

Waka Flocka Flame’s rap style, infused with crunk energy and head-banging beats, is considered an early manifestation of drill music.

His collaboration with London-based Giggs on “Lemme Get Dat” was an attempt to prove this.

The song was released when the genre lines of U.K. rap were unclear, but it had a significant impact on the scene.

Giggs’ street-influenced rap style laid the groundwork for the U.K. drill, and “Lemme Get Dat” was one of the earliest examples of the drill music genre spreading globally.

Many U.K. rappers were inspired by Chief Keef’s style, which Waka from Georgia had mastered and expertly executed in the song.

Furthermore, upcoming rappers looked up to Giggs as the originator of “street rap.”

30. “De Pijp” by 7even 3

The emergence of the Dutch drill has taken the international drill game to a new level.

With their selection of industrious drillers, Amsterdam’s 7even 3 is a strong representative of Dutch drill music.

Their most popular track, “De Pijp,” showcases Holland’s wild and rebellious youth.

The group’s signature style is characterized by its engaging cadence and flow, which make the listener want to hit the replay button repeatedly.

See also: Best Dutch Rappers

31. “Next Up (Part 1)” by C.G.M. Sav’O ft. T.Y & Digga D

“Next Up (Part 1)” is a typical U.K. drill track, where the artists boast with verbal rhymes.

Digga D exhibits clever wordplay in this song, and T.Y. delivers the well-known opening phrase.

Regrettably, this music video was one of many taken down due to a misguided attempt by London’s Metropolitan Police to reduce knife and gang-related crimes.

Nonetheless, it remains an excellent example of a drill song.

32. “Faneto” by Chief Keef

It’s impossible to overstate Chief Keef’s impact on popularizing the Chicago drill as a staple of hip-hop music.

“Faneto” is perhaps his most well-known track and a modern-day embodiment of the irreverent drill style.

The single, which Keef produced himself, is brimming with classic Keef elements, including his ongoing feud with the entire state of New Jersey.

The song was deemed so aggressive that it was prohibited in New Jersey for inciting violence.

But for most people, “Faneto” is considered a typical drill song.

33. “Let’s Lurk” by 67 

“Let’s Lurk” by 67 marked a pivotal moment in the history of U.K. drill music.

As the early popularity of the Chicago drill began to fade, the U.K. drill emerged as the genre’s primary focus.

67 had established themselves as trailblazers within the scene, but “Let’s Lurk” represented a significant milestone in the evolution of U.K. hip-hop/rap.

Collaborating with U.K. legend Giggs, the group produced a track that would leave a lasting impact on the U.K. music scene.

The song’s influence was further highlighted when Big Shaq sampled it in his 2017 parody of “Man’s Not Hot,” underlining the significant role “Let’s Lurk” played in shaping U.K. drill music.

34. “Dis Ain’t What U Want” by Lil Durk

In his 2013 mixtape “Signed to the Streets,” Lil Durk brought a more conventional rhythm to drill music. 

His track “Dis Ain’t What You Want” became the anthem for the Chicago drill for a while.

Lil Durk’s style embodied the highest standards of the genre, distinguishing himself from his peers who focused on raw aggression.

Instead, he incorporated harmony into the subgenre, anticipating the current form of drill music by almost a decade.

35. “Fly Oota” by 26AR

26AR has become a beloved figure among fans of the Brooklyn drill genre.

His confidence, skill, and star power make him an artist worth keeping an eye on.

“Fly Oota,” his single produced by Emerald, is a standout track that features an enjoyable sample of Eiffel 65’s “Blue (Da Ba Dee),” making it one of the best sample flips of the year.

26AR delivers self-assured lyrics about being the hottest artist in the city, which creates an electric atmosphere. 

Even though the song is not available on streaming platforms, the video on YouTube has already amassed over 500,000 views.

36. “When I See You” by Foolio

Drill music follows the long-standing hip-hop tradition of utilizing samples from various genres.

However, it has become a sort of test for artists to see how creative they can be with their samples.

One instance of this was when Foolio, a drill artist, collaborated with a track that sampled Vanessa Carlton’s “A Thousand Miles.”

In response, Foolio crafted a diss track by utilizing the melody of Fantasia’s “When I See U.”

Despite the upbeat nature of the sample, the track is filled with intense and over-the-top ranting that has paved the way for the emergence of Florida drill as a genre.

37. “Gumbo Mobsters” by King Louie ft. Bo$$ Woo

You could label it as proto-drill since it was released during the initial years of the genre.

Gumbo Mobsters’ album was released one year before King Louie’s breakthrough track “I Don’t Like.”

The collaboration between King Louie and Bo$$ Woo on that album illustrates how far drill music has progressed.

It doesn’t incorporate several of the more developed elements of the sound that would become prevalent in the subsequent decade.

Despite this, the album is a clear forerunner of the genre and an indication of the exciting developments ahead.

38. “Chi-Raq” by Nicki Minaj ft. G-Herbo

Once Chief Keef and other artists helped bring drill music to the mainstream, it was inevitable that well-known artists outside the genre would want to participate.

This has been evident in recent years with the involvement of popular artists such as Drake and Kanye West. 

However, Nicki Minaj’s “Chi-Raq” was particularly significant.

Not only did it introduce Chicago drill star G Herbo (then known as Lil Herb), but it also demonstrated that drill music could have a lasting presence in the mainstream.

39. “Ambush” by OFB

OFB has emerged as one of the most prominent groups in the UK drill scene, and the trio is taking the genre in a slightly different direction.

Their track, “Ambush,” released in 2019, is undoubtedly influenced by drill, but it explores a level of complexity beyond just pure aggression.

The song gained traction in the UK and suggested that, at least in that country, the future of the genre may involve a softer approach.

40. “New Apolos” by Smoove L

This song was originally written for Pop Smoke. 

However, when the plan changed, the track was converted into a drill song that deviated from the genre’s typical emphasis on street violence.

Instead, the upbeat tune is about hooking up with several women in a single weekend.

The rapper candidly acknowledges that he may have a sex addiction, but he appears comfortable with embracing that label.

Best Drill Songs – Final Thoughts

Although drill music is associated with violent lyrics, some songs have a soft melodious touch and a positive vibe. 

So, regardless of your taste, you’ll find some exciting tracks from our list of the best drill songs ever. 

You may also like: Best Rap Songs of All Time