Elle Jones
- Jan 1, 2022
- 4 min read

THE TOP 20 NY DRILL SONGS OF 2021

So many drill records were released this year as the growing genre continues to takeover the NY music scene. As a proud advocate of the drill music scene, NYC"s #1 culture critic Elle Jones has hand picked the TOP 20 NY drill songs of 2021. These songs shook the streets up and displayed the true essence of NY. From production to lyrics to energy, these drill tracks had it. See below for the top 20 list and head over to @iam.ellejonesmedia on Instagram to let us know what you think.

1. SQUEEZE : FIVIO FOREIGN

Fivio Foriegn’s 2021 has been pretty remarkable. After being released from jail in July of 2021, the Brooklyn rapper went full throttle, booking major performances including Meek Mill’s concert at MSG, Hot 97’s Summer Jam and Rolling Loud. Fivi even earned himself a cosign from one of the biggest names in music, Kanye West. The track “Off the Grid” with Kanye, Playboi Carti, and Fivio Foreign was featured on Ye’s most recent album, DONDA. The internet flooded with different opinions of the collab with some fans calling it one of the best verses from Fivio. WIth no sign of slowing down, Fivio continued to drop heat including “Story Time”, which showed us how much further Fivio could push his pen. “Squeeze” released in November 2021 and sealed the deal. Fivio teased the idea of dropping a single every Friday for what he calls #FiviFridays and that might be a great idea. This pocket that he’s in is awesome and quantity creates quality. The more he drops, the better the songs will get. There was no question that one of the leading drill pioneers wouldn’t be number one as the top drill song of 2021.

2. FLY OOTA : 26AR

26ar is a fan favorite in the Brooklyn drill scene. His cocky demeanor paired with his talent and star quality has made him an exciting artist to watch. His single "Fly Oota", produced by Emerald, featured a fun sample of Eiffel 65’s Blue (Da Ba Dee) was one of best sample flips we got all year. 26 walks the beat with pompous bars about him being the hottest in the city which makes for great energy. Although the song isn’t available on digital streaming platforms, the video on Youtube is currently at over half a million views.

3. 30 : POP SMOKE FT. BIZZY BANKS

Pop Smoke posthumous album 'Faith' was highly anticipated upon its release. The album was filled with features including The Dream, Pusha T, Kanye West, and more. But Track #, ’30’ featuring Bizzy Banks was the best feature on the album. The chemistry between Bizzy and Pop was undeniable this making 30 a hit. There are rumors that the two have more music together in the vault but fans will just have to wait and see.

4. TWIRLANTA : 22GZ

22Gz ability to remain at the top of his class despite the politics is commendable. 22 has had an amazing year, with his latest accomplishment including earning himself a gold plaque for Suburban pt 2. The release of his project 'The Blixky Tape 2' did well featuring hit drill records like 'Twirlanta'. With major controversy surrounding other rappers stealing his style, 22 set the record straight as one of the best voices in drill on this track. The production and composition of this song might be the best we’ve heard all year. The song builds up, almost with suspense as 22 effortlessly flows on the beat. 22’s clear cadence sounds like a match made in heaven against the beat. Like him or not, this song definitely deserves to be mentioned on this list of top 20 drill songs of the year.

5. BANDEMIC : BIZZY BANKS

Bizzy told us he was top 5 on his debut project 'GMTO Vol 1' so it's only right his hit record 'Bandemic' is number 5 on the list of the top 20 NY Drill songs of the year. Released at the top of 2021, Bizzy’s Bandemic set the tempo for the rest of the year. The sampled beat, produced by ALoud on the Beat, was not only perfect timing in context of the world being shut down due to Covid-19 but was ahead of its time with sample drill now being a common sound in NYC. The single was featured on Bizzy’s latest project 'Same Energy' and the video has over 2 million views.