Brooklyn drill is a subgenre of drill music that has recently gained immense popularity, not only in New York City but worldwide. Originating from Chicago, drill music evolved through various regions, and Brooklyn added its own distinctive flavor, infusing the sound with unique elements that have resonated with both hip-hop enthusiasts and new listeners alike. Brooklyn drill is characterized by its aggressive beats, hard-hitting bass, and often gritty, street-influenced lyrics. The genre’s popularity has skyrocketed in the past few years, with many young and talented artists making their mark with hit songs that have become anthems of the streets.
The Brooklyn drill scene has seen the rise of numerous artists who have taken this genre to new heights. Its roots in the New York City streets are deeply intertwined with the energy and struggles of urban life, making it a powerful form of expression for many young people. The heavy use of 808 basslines, sharp hi-hats, and haunting melodies creates an intense listening experience that complements the raw energy in the lyrics. In this article, we will take a deep dive into some of the most notable Brooklyn drill hits that have helped define the genre and made it a dominant force in modern hip-hop.
12 Featured Brooklyn Drill Hits Recommended
1. Pop Smoke – “Welcome to the Party” (2019)
Pop Smoke is undoubtedly one of the pioneers of the Brooklyn drill movement. His hit single “Welcome to the Party” is one of the tracks that truly introduced the world to Brooklyn drill’s signature sound. The song features a heavy bassline, rapid hi-hats, and Pop Smoke’s signature deep, gritty voice. His ad-libs, mixed with the infectious energy of the track, created a sound that was unlike anything that had come before it. The lyrics, which are a mix of street bravado and party energy, helped cement Pop Smoke as the face of Brooklyn drill. The success of “Welcome to the Party” not only boosted Pop Smoke’s career but also solidified the genre’s place in mainstream hip-hop.
2. Fivio Foreign – “Big Drip” (2019)
Fivio Foreign is another key player in the Brooklyn drill scene. “Big Drip” is one of his most successful tracks, showcasing his unique style and flow. The song’s production features hard-hitting beats, layered with dark melodies that create a dramatic atmosphere. Fivio Foreign’s delivery is energetic and confident, matching the intensity of the instrumental. The lyrics focus on themes of luxury, success, and street life, all wrapped up in a catchy hook that has made it a fan favorite. “Big Drip” helped Fivio gain recognition beyond Brooklyn, cementing his place as one of the genre’s leading artists.
3. Sheff G – “No Suburban” (2018)
Sheff G is known for his distinctive voice and delivery, which helped define the sound of Brooklyn drill in its early days. “No Suburban” is one of his standout tracks, capturing the raw energy of the streets. The production is minimalistic but powerful, with a heavy emphasis on 808 bass and haunting melodies. Sheff G’s lyrics speak to the struggles of growing up in Brooklyn, with references to the dangers of street life and the fight for survival. The track’s grim tone and aggressive flow quickly made “No Suburban” a standout in the Brooklyn drill scene, and it remains one of Sheff G’s most iconic songs.
4. 22Gz – “Suburban” (2019)
22Gz is one of the key artists in the drill movement, known for his unique flow and gritty lyrics. His track “Suburban” is a perfect example of the Brooklyn drill style, with its heavy bass and menacing atmosphere. The song’s production features dark, eerie melodies paired with a pounding beat, giving it a haunting vibe. 22Gz’s delivery is sharp and intense, with lyrics that reflect on his upbringing in Brooklyn and the hardships that come with it. “Suburban” resonated with fans for its authentic portrayal of life in the streets, while its catchy hook made it an anthem for the drill scene.
5. Lil Tjay – “Brothers” (2019)
Lil Tjay, known for blending drill elements with melodic rap, has become one of Brooklyn’s rising stars. “Brothers” is a perfect example of his ability to merge the aggressive drill sound with introspective and emotional lyrics. The track features a mix of haunting melodies and hard-hitting drums, with Lil Tjay’s melodic flow bringing an emotional depth to the song. “Brothers” is about loyalty and the struggles of growing up in a tough environment, making it both relatable and impactful. The song’s success helped Lil Tjay gain widespread attention and solidified his place in Brooklyn’s drill scene.
6. Sleepy Hallow – “Deep End Freestyle” (2020)
Sleepy Hallow is known for his smooth delivery and ability to blend drill with melodic elements. “Deep End Freestyle” became one of his breakout hits, showcasing his unique sound and versatility. The song features a mellow yet hard-hitting beat, with Sleepy Hallow’s calm flow contrasting the aggression typically found in drill music. The track’s lyrics touch on themes of survival, loyalty, and the struggles of navigating life in Brooklyn. “Deep End Freestyle” became a viral hit, garnering millions of streams and establishing Sleepy Hallow as a prominent figure in the Brooklyn drill scene.
7. Bizzy Banks – “Talk My Shit” (2020)
Bizzy Banks has made a name for himself with his unique sound and aggressive delivery. “Talk My Shit” is one of his most well-known tracks, capturing the essence of Brooklyn drill with its hard-hitting beats and gritty lyrics. The production features a dark and eerie melody, which complements Bizzy Banks’ intense flow and confident delivery. The song’s lyrics focus on themes of street life, with Bizzy Banks rapping about his rise in the rap game and the challenges that come with it. “Talk My Shit” quickly became a fan favorite, solidifying Bizzy Banks as a rising star in the Brooklyn drill scene.
8. Cico P – “Swerve” (2020)
Cico P’s track “Swerve” is another excellent example of Brooklyn drill’s signature sound. The song features a fast-paced beat with heavy bass, accompanied by Cico P’s aggressive delivery. “Swerve” is about navigating the streets of Brooklyn, with lyrics that reflect on the challenges and dangers of street life. Cico P’s flow is sharp and energetic, matching the intensity of the instrumental. The track’s catchy hook and energetic vibe made it a hit among drill fans, further contributing to the rise of Brooklyn drill as a dominant force in hip-hop.
9. Jay Gwuapo – “All The Way” (2020)
Jay Gwuapo has been gaining traction within the Brooklyn drill scene with his melodic flow and street-oriented lyrics. “All The Way” is one of his standout tracks, showcasing his ability to blend drill’s aggressive sound with a more melodic delivery. The song features an upbeat instrumental with a catchy hook, paired with Jay Gwuapo’s introspective verses about the struggles of growing up in Brooklyn. His ability to merge catchy melodies with drill’s harsh energy has made “All The Way” a hit, and it has helped Jay Gwuapo gain a loyal following in the drill community.
10. Rah Swish – “Chopper” (2020)
Rah Swish’s “Chopper” is a hard-hitting track that embodies the aggressive energy of Brooklyn drill. The song’s production is filled with heavy bass and eerie melodies, creating a menacing atmosphere that matches Rah Swish’s flow. His delivery is fast and intense, and the lyrics reflect the challenges and dangers of street life. “Chopper” became an instant favorite among drill fans for its raw energy and catchy beat, cementing Rah Swish’s place as one of the leading artists in the Brooklyn drill scene.
11. Pop Smoke & Lil Tjay – “Mood Swings” (2020)
“Mood Swings,” a collaboration between Pop Smoke and Lil Tjay, combines the best elements of both artists’ styles. The track blends Pop Smoke’s deep voice and drill influence with Lil Tjay’s melodic flow, creating a sound that resonates with fans of both rap subgenres. The production features a smooth instrumental with a catchy hook, while the lyrics explore the emotional ups and downs of relationships. “Mood Swings” became one of the most successful tracks from both artists, helping further popularize Brooklyn drill and showcasing the genre’s ability to merge different musical styles.
12. 5ive – “No Hook” (2020)
5ive’s “No Hook” is a track that epitomizes the raw energy and emotion of Brooklyn drill. The song features a hard-hitting beat with minimalistic production, allowing 5ive’s delivery to take center stage. His flow is aggressive, and his lyrics reflect the struggles and harsh realities of street life. “No Hook” is relentless, with 5ive rapping without a chorus, allowing the intensity of the verses to build throughout the track. This unfiltered approach helped the song gain attention within the drill community and solidified 5ive as a force in the genre.
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Conclusion
Brooklyn drill has rapidly become one of the most influential subgenres in modern hip-hop. From the early days of Pop Smoke and Sheff G to the rise of newer artists like Sleepy Hallow and Bizzy Banks, Brooklyn drill has proven its ability to evolve and dominate the rap scene. The aggressive beats, hard-hitting basslines, and street-influenced lyrics create a sound that is both thrilling and raw, capturing the struggles and triumphs of life in Brooklyn. As this genre continues to grow, these artists and their hits will undoubtedly remain at the forefront of the drill movement, influencing the future of hip-hop for years to come.
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