UK drill music, a subgenre of hip-hop that originated in the streets of London, has taken the global music scene by storm. With its heavy, hard-hitting beats and raw, unapologetic lyrics, drill has found a dedicated following not just in the UK but around the world. This genre is known for its unique production style, fast-paced delivery, and gritty realism, often reflecting the challenges and experiences of young people living in urban areas.
In this article, we will take a look at the 10 best popular UK drill songs that have made an impact on the genre. From the pioneers to the new wave of drill artists, these songs have captured the essence of the movement and remain significant in the evolution of UK drill.
1. “Air Force” – Digga D
One of the standout tracks in the UK drill scene is “Air Force” by Digga D. Released in 2020, this track solidified Digga D’s place as one of the genre’s most influential figures. With its menacing production and Digga’s signature flow, “Air Force” quickly became a fan favorite.
The song features a mix of catchy hooks and street-savvy lyrics, showcasing Digga’s skill at crafting memorable hooks while staying true to the raw storytelling that drill music is known for. The track’s success helped Digga D gain widespread attention, and it remains one of his most iconic hits to date.
2. “No Censor” – M Huncho
M Huncho is often recognized for blending melodic elements with the aggressive beats of drill. “No Censor,” released in 2019, is a great example of this fusion. The song stands out because of its smooth, auto-tuned vocals combined with the dark and menacing drill production.
What makes “No Censor” unique is its ability to balance vulnerability and toughness. M Huncho’s introspective lyrics reflect on his life experiences, while the track’s gritty instrumental pushes the boundaries of traditional drill. The song’s catchy refrain and atmospheric vibe have earned it a place among the best UK drill tracks.
3. “Loading” – Central Cee
Central Cee is one of the leading figures in the UK drill scene today, and “Loading” is one of his breakout hits. Released in 2020, the song captures Central Cee’s lyrical skill and his ability to tell stories with depth. “Loading” features a haunting beat that complements Central Cee’s energetic flow.
The track is an anthem for anyone looking to rise above adversity, with lyrics that reflect themes of ambition and resilience. “Loading” quickly became a staple of the UK drill scene and remains one of Central Cee’s most popular songs.
4. “Keisha & Becky” – Russ Millions & Tion Wayne
“Keisha & Becky” is a classic UK drill track that brings together two of the genre’s biggest stars: Russ Millions and Tion Wayne. The song was released in 2020 and immediately gained attention for its infectious beat and humorous, catchy lyrics.
The track is known for its playful tone, as both artists joke about their interactions with women named Keisha and Becky. While the song’s subject matter is lighthearted, its production is heavy, and the drill elements are unmistakable. “Keisha & Becky” became a huge hit, quickly garnering millions of views on YouTube and securing its place as one of the best UK drill songs.
5. “Ladbroke Grove” – AJ Tracey
While AJ Tracey is known for his versatility, “Ladbroke Grove” remains one of his most well-loved tracks. Released in 2019, the song blends elements of drill with UK grime, creating a unique sound that helped redefine the UK drill scene.
The track’s infectious beat and catchy chorus make it a fan favorite, and AJ’s energetic delivery ensures that it stands out among other drill songs. “Ladbroke Grove” also offers insight into AJ’s West London roots, capturing the energy and vibe of the area.
6. “Woi” – Unknown T
Unknown T is another artist who has contributed significantly to the evolution of UK drill. His track “Woi,” released in 2018, was a groundbreaking moment for drill music. Known for its distinctive, deep bass and energetic flow, “Woi” helped solidify drill’s presence on the mainstream stage.
The song’s signature drill beat and Unknown T’s captivating delivery make it a standout hit. “Woi” is full of catchy lines and is one of those tracks that encapsulates the essence of UK drill with its unapologetic energy and street-oriented lyrics.
7. “Funky Friday” – Dave feat. Fredo
“Funky Friday” is a collaboration between UK rap heavyweights Dave and Fredo. While the track blends elements of drill, it also incorporates a more commercial sound, making it one of the more mainstream-friendly drill songs.
Released in 2018, “Funky Friday” was a chart-topping hit and received critical acclaim for its lyrical content and its fresh take on the drill genre. The song’s upbeat tempo contrasts with its introspective lyrics, and both Dave and Fredo showcase their lyricism and chemistry on the track. “Funky Friday” is widely considered a crossover hit for UK drill.
8. “Back to Back” – Chip
Chip has long been one of the key figures in the UK rap scene, and “Back to Back” is one of his most celebrated tracks. While the song is more grime than drill, it still incorporates drill elements, making it a key track in the genre’s evolution.
Released in 2020, “Back to Back” is a response to rival rappers and showcases Chip’s battle rap skills. The song is filled with witty wordplay and hard-hitting bars that demonstrate Chip’s ability to dominate the mic. “Back to Back” remains one of the best drill-influenced tracks of recent years.
9. “Buss Down” – K-Trap
K-Trap is one of the prominent drill artists whose name has been rising steadily in recent years. “Buss Down,” released in 2020, is one of his standout tracks. The song features a menacing beat and K-Trap’s signature laid-back delivery, making it a prime example of UK drill’s versatility.
The track’s grimy production and the rawness of K-Trap’s lyrics have earned it a place as one of the top drill songs. “Buss Down” captures the essence of the streets, with K-Trap’s reflective yet tough approach to drill lyricism.
10. “The Plug” – D-Block Europe
D-Block Europe’s “The Plug” is a collaboration that features the group’s signature blend of melodic hooks and drill elements. Released in 2019, the song showcases the group’s versatility and ability to create tracks that can both vibe with listeners and reflect street realities.
“The Plug” stands out for its catchy hook and smooth transitions between rap verses and melodic choruses. While it may not be as raw as some of the other drill songs on this list, it reflects the evolving sound of UK drill as it integrates more elements of trap and grime.
Conclusion
The UK drill scene continues to grow, with new artists and songs emerging every year. From the aggressive, raw energy of tracks like “Air Force” to the more melodic styles seen in “No Censor” and “Funky Friday,” UK drill offers a wide range of sounds and experiences. These 10 songs represent the best of what the genre has to offer, each capturing a unique moment in the evolution of drill music. As drill continues to evolve and inspire global artists, these tracks will likely remain classics for years to come.
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