Pop Smoke’s influence on modern hip-hop remains undeniable, with his distinctive Brooklyn drill sound continuing to shape the music landscape years after his tragic passing. Born Bashar Barakah Jackson, the Brooklyn rapper rose to fame with his breakout singles that introduced the world to his unique style. This comprehensive guide explores the 20 best Pop Smoke songs that showcase his evolution from street anthems to melodic masterpieces, including tracks from his posthumous releases that continue to demonstrate his artistic range. Whether you’re a longtime fan or discovering his music for the first time, these tracks represent the very best of what made Pop Smoke one of hip-hop’s most promising talents.
“Welcome to the Party”
“Welcome to the Party” stands as Pop Smoke’s breakthrough hit that set the tone for his entire career, with its eerie beat and his deep voice immediately grabbing attention. Released on April 23, 2019, this track was produced by 808Melo and became his breakout single. The song’s haunting production paired with Pop Smoke’s commanding presence made it an instant classic that introduced the world to Brooklyn drill’s newest king. It became an anthem for Brooklyn’s drill scene and introduced the world to Pop Smoke’s raw talent, establishing him as a force to be reckoned with in the hip-hop landscape.
“Dior”
Few songs capture Pop Smoke’s essence as perfectly as “Dior,” a track that transformed his fascination with designer brands into an unforgettable anthem. The brash “Dior” embodies exactly what made Pop Smoke special, with his unique ability to turn his fascination of designer brands into his own catchphrase combined with his signature growl. “Dior” became his first posthumous solo hit, peaking at number 22 on the Billboard Hot 100 and number 33 on the UK Singles Chart. The track’s infectious energy and Pop Smoke’s confident delivery made it a party-starter that resonated far beyond Brooklyn’s borders, showcasing his ability to craft street anthems with mainstream appeal.
“For the Night” (feat. Lil Baby & DaBaby)
This star-studded collaboration represents Pop Smoke at his most melodically ambitious, featuring two of hip-hop’s biggest names. The album’s track “For the Night” featuring Lil Baby and DaBaby debuted and peaked at number six, giving Pop Smoke his first top-10 hit in the US. The song demonstrates Pop Smoke’s versatility as he effortlessly switches between his signature growl and more melodic passages. It’s an infectious banger, with each artist delivering memorable verses over a hypnotic beat, proving that Pop Smoke could hold his own alongside established superstars while maintaining his unique Brooklyn drill sound.
“What You Know Bout Love”
Perhaps no other Pop Smoke track showcases his emotional range quite like “What You Know Bout Love,” where vulnerability meets street credibility. The album’s fifth single “What You Know Bout Love” ended up peaking at number nine on the Billboard Hot 100, giving Pop Smoke his second top-10 hit in the US. The track finds Pop Smoke exploring themes of love and relationships with surprising tenderness, demonstrating his ability to connect with listeners on a deeply personal level. This track shows Pop Smoke reflecting on love and relationships, showcasing his softer side and emotional depth, proving that his artistic palette extended far beyond drill’s aggressive tendencies.
“Mood Swings” (feat. Lil Tjay)
On “Mood Swings,” Pop Smoke collaborates with fellow New York artist Lil Tjay to create a track that perfectly balances melody and menace. Pop Smoke’s versatility shines on “Mood Swings,” where he effortlessly switches between singing and rapping, with the song’s melodic chorus and smooth production making it a standout track. The chemistry between the two Brooklyn natives is undeniable, as they trade verses over lush production that allows both artists to showcase their melodic capabilities. This collaboration highlighted Pop Smoke’s ability to adapt his sound while maintaining the authenticity that made him a street legend.
“The Woo” (feat. 50 Cent & Roddy Ricch)
With executive producer 50 Cent and chart-topping sensation Roddy Ricch, “The Woo” represents a perfect meeting of different hip-hop generations. On “The Woo,” Pop Smoke sounds remarkably similar to 50 Cent, who served as both a feature and executive producer of the album. The track showcases Pop Smoke’s ability to hold his own alongside established legends while creating something entirely fresh. The production combines elements of classic New York hip-hop with modern drill sensibilities, creating a sound that feels both nostalgic and forward-thinking. This collaboration demonstrated Pop Smoke’s potential to bridge generational gaps in hip-hop.
“Hello” (feat. A Boogie wit da Hoodie)
This collaboration with fellow New York artist A Boogie wit da Hoodie showcases the chemistry between two of the city’s brightest talents. “Hello” is a collaboration with fellow New York rapper A Boogie wit da Hoodie, with their chemistry shining on this melodic and catchy track, showcasing the best of both artists. The song finds both artists in their element, trading melodic verses over production that perfectly complements their respective styles. This track serves as a celebration of New York’s hip-hop renaissance, with both artists representing the city’s new generation of stars who aren’t afraid to experiment with melody and emotion in their music.
“Got It on Me”
In “Got It On Me,” Pop Smoke pays homage to 50 Cent’s classic “Many Men” while infusing his unique drill flavor into the mix. The track features haunting production that perfectly complements Pop Smoke’s commanding delivery, creating an atmosphere of tension and triumph. “Got It on Me” samples 50 Cent’s classic “Many Men” and features Pop Smoke’s unique twist on this iconic track. This song demonstrates Pop Smoke’s respect for hip-hop history while showcasing his ability to reinterpret classic sounds for a new generation, proving that innovation and reverence can coexist in powerful ways.
“Gangstas”
Few tracks capture the raw essence of Brooklyn drill quite like “Gangstas,” where Pop Smoke delivers an unflinching portrait of street life. “Gangstas” embodies the tough essence of Brooklyn drill, with Pop Smoke delivering a raw and unflinching portrait of street life, with the dark, bass-heavy beat setting a menacing tone. The track allows Pop Smoke’s deep, gravelly voice to shine through with an intensity that captivates listeners from the first bar. This song represents Pop Smoke at his most authentic, crafting verses that serve as both warning and invitation to his world. The production’s minimalist approach ensures that Pop Smoke’s commanding presence remains the focal point throughout.
“Element”
“Element” stands as one of Pop Smoke’s most unique offerings, showcasing his willingness to experiment beyond traditional drill boundaries. Element fits perfectly at the start of lists because it almost doesn’t fit with the rest of his music, serving as the clearest rebuttal to arguments that all of Pop’s music “sounds the same”. The track features unexpected production choices that highlight Pop Smoke’s versatility as an artist, proving that he was constantly evolving and pushing creative boundaries. This song serves as evidence of Pop Smoke’s artistic growth and his refusal to be boxed into a single sound or style, demonstrating the limitless potential that was tragically cut short.
“Shake the Room” (feat. Quavo)
The collaboration with Migos member Quavo resulted in one of Pop Smoke’s most energetic and club-ready anthems. “Shake the Room” combines Quavo’s melodic trap sensibilities with Pop Smoke’s drill intensity, creating a track that works equally well in nightclubs and on the streets. The song’s infectious energy and memorable hook made it a fan favorite, showcasing how Pop Smoke could adapt his sound to work with artists from different hip-hop subgenres. This collaboration highlighted Pop Smoke’s growing influence and his ability to attract high-profile features from rap’s elite, positioning him as one of the genre’s most promising young talents.
“30” (feat. Bizzy Banks)
“30” represents Pop Smoke’s connection to Brooklyn’s drill scene, featuring fellow Brooklyn rapper Bizzy Banks in a display of local unity. “30” is a dark and brooding track that delves into themes of betrayal and loyalty. The track’s ominous production provides the perfect backdrop for both rappers to showcase their technical skills and street credibility. Songs like “30” feature fellow Brooklyn drill rappers Bizzy Banks, highlighting Pop Smoke’s signature style. This collaboration demonstrates Pop Smoke’s commitment to elevating his peers while maintaining the authenticity that made Brooklyn drill a force in contemporary hip-hop.
“Invincible”
Working with legendary producer Swizz Beatz, Pop Smoke created “Invincible,” an anthemic track that radiates confidence and determination. On “Invincible,” Pop Smoke collaborates with producer Swizz Beatz, resulting in an anthemic track that oozes confidence and serves as a tribute to his resilience and determination. The song’s triumphant production perfectly complements Pop Smoke’s commanding delivery, creating a track that feels like a victory lap. This collaboration with a hip-hop legend showcases the respect Pop Smoke had earned within the industry, proving that his talent transcended age and experience levels in gaining recognition from established icons.
“Demeanor” (feat. Dua Lipa)
One of Pop Smoke’s most unexpected collaborations came with pop superstar Dua Lipa on “Demeanor,” a track that bridges hip-hop and pop seamlessly. “Demeanor” is a surprising collaboration with pop sensation Dua Lipa, with their chemistry being undeniable on this track, which combines elements of hip-hop and pop seamlessly. The album includes “Demeanor,” the collaboration with pop powerhouse Dua Lipa who teased the song on her socials. This track demonstrates Pop Smoke’s crossover appeal and his potential to reach audiences far beyond traditional hip-hop demographics, showcasing his versatility as an artist capable of adapting to different musical contexts while maintaining his unique identity.
“Woo Baby” (feat. Chris Brown)
The collaboration between Pop Smoke and R&B superstar Chris Brown resulted in “Woo Baby,” a smooth and sensual track that highlights both artists’ versatility. “Woo Baby” is a smooth and sensual track featuring Chris Brown, serving as a testament to Pop Smoke’s ability to blend genres and create memorable collaborations. The song showcases Pop Smoke’s melodic abilities while allowing Chris Brown to complement the Brooklyn rapper’s style with his signature vocals. Songs like “Woo Baby” spotlight the agile melodies Pop Smoke was beginning to employ. This track represents Pop Smoke’s evolution toward a more mainstream sound without sacrificing the authenticity that made him special.
“Mr. Jones” (feat. Future)
Pop Smoke’s collaboration with Future on “Mr. Jones” creates a hypnotic track that combines both artists’ strengths in creating atmospheric hip-hop. The song features Future’s signature melodic approach alongside Pop Smoke’s commanding presence, resulting in a track that feels both ethereal and grounded. This collaboration demonstrates Pop Smoke’s ability to work with artists who operate in different sonic territories while finding common ground that enhances both of their styles. Compare earbuds to ensure you hear every detail of Pop Smoke’s intricate vocal delivery and Future’s melodic contributions.
“Coupe”
From his posthumous album “Faith,” “Coupe” captures Pop Smoke’s signature drill sound with pounding bass and aggressive delivery. “Coupe” is a high-energy track that captures Pop Smoke’s signature drill sound with pounding bass and aggressive delivery, making it a standout on “Faith”. The track serves as a reminder of the raw energy that made Pop Smoke a standout in Brooklyn’s drill scene, featuring the menacing production and confident bars that defined his early work. This song proves that even in his posthumous releases, Pop Smoke’s authentic drill sound remained as powerful and influential as ever.
“AP”
“AP” showcases Pop Smoke in full braggadocious mode, flaunting his success and style over infectious production. “AP” is a braggadocious banger where Pop Smoke flaunts his success and style, with the catchy hook and energetic flow making it a must-listen. The track’s confident energy and memorable hook demonstrate Pop Smoke’s ability to create anthems that celebrate success while maintaining the street credibility that made him authentic. This song represents the aspirational aspect of Pop Smoke’s music, showing how he could inspire listeners to pursue their own dreams while staying true to their origins.
“Something Special”
“Something Special” reveals Pop Smoke’s romantic side, featuring melodic production that allows his versatility to shine. “Something Special” is a romantic and melodic track that highlights Pop Smoke’s versatility, serving as a departure from his typical sound but showcasing his ability to experiment successfully. The song demonstrates Pop Smoke’s emotional range and his willingness to explore different themes beyond street life and success. This track shows how Pop Smoke was evolving as an artist, incorporating more personal and intimate themes into his music while maintaining the authenticity that made him special to fans worldwide.
“Merci Beaucoup”
From the “Faith” album, “Merci Beaucoup” stands as a somber and reflective track that showcases Pop Smoke’s introspective abilities. From the posthumous album “Faith,” “Merci Beaucoup” is a somber and reflective track with Pop Smoke’s introspective lyrics and smooth delivery making it a standout on the project. The perfect concluding track, “Merci Beaucoup,” exudes the astral feel of lofi hip-hop melodies with an infectious UK drill-style bassline, arguably the best track on the album. The song finds Pop Smoke in a contemplative mood, delivering bars that reveal his depth as both an artist and individual. This track serves as a beautiful example of how Pop Smoke could balance vulnerability with confidence, creating music that resonates on multiple emotional levels.
Pop Smoke’s Legacy in New Music
Pop Smoke’s influence continues to shape contemporary hip-hop, with new artists drawing inspiration from his innovative approach to Brooklyn drill. Pop Smoke’s posthumous releases, including the “Faith” album, continue to showcase his artistic range and influence on modern hip-hop. His unique voice and production choices have influenced a new generation of artists who incorporate drill elements into their music. Artists can now access professional audio equipment to achieve the crisp sound quality that Pop Smoke’s productions demanded, ensuring his influence continues in modern music production.
The Brooklyn drill pioneer’s impact extends far beyond his own discography, with his style influencing artists across different regions and subgenres. Recent releases from various artists show clear Pop Smoke influences, from vocal delivery techniques to production choices that echo his innovative approach to drill music. His legacy lives on through both his posthumous releases and the countless artists who continue to draw inspiration from his groundbreaking work.
Pop Smoke’s music catalog represents one of hip-hop’s most promising careers cut tragically short, yet his influence continues to grow with each passing year. From his breakthrough singles that introduced Brooklyn drill to the mainstream to his more experimental posthumous releases, Pop Smoke’s discography showcases an artist who was constantly evolving and pushing boundaries. These 20 tracks represent the best of what Pop Smoke offered to hip-hop culture, serving as a testament to his lasting impact on music. Whether you’re exploring his greatest songs for the first time or revisiting familiar favorites, Pop Smoke’s music continues to inspire and influence artists and fans around the world, ensuring his legacy remains vibrant in contemporary hip-hop culture.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was Pop Smoke’s biggest hit song?
Pop Smoke’s biggest hit songs include “For the Night” and “What You Know Bout Love,” both of which reached the top 10 on the Billboard Hot 100. “Dior” was also hugely influential, becoming his first posthumous solo hit and reaching number 22 on the charts. These tracks showcased his versatility and helped establish his lasting influence on hip-hop culture.
What made Pop Smoke’s music style unique?
Pop Smoke pioneered Brooklyn drill by combining UK drill’s minimalist and aggressive instrumentation with New York’s distinctive attitude and slang. His deep, gravelly voice and ability to seamlessly blend street authenticity with melodic elements set him apart from other drill artists. His unique approach helped reintroduce drill music to American audiences with a fresh Brooklyn perspective.
How many posthumous albums did Pop Smoke release?
Pop Smoke released two major posthumous albums: “Shoot for the Stars, Aim for the Moon” in 2020 and “Faith” in 2021. Both albums debuted at number one on the Billboard 200, making him the first artist to have his first two albums posthumously debut at the top of the charts. These releases showcased unreleased material and collaborations with major artists.
Which artists frequently collaborated with Pop Smoke?
Pop Smoke collaborated with numerous high-profile artists including 50 Cent, Lil Baby, DaBaby, Chris Brown, Future, Dua Lipa, and many others. His collaborations often featured fellow Brooklyn drill artists like Lil Tjay and A Boogie wit da Hoodie, showing his commitment to supporting local talent. These collaborations helped bridge different hip-hop subgenres and expand his audience reach.
What is Brooklyn drill music and how did Pop Smoke influence it?
Brooklyn drill is a subgenre that Pop Smoke helped popularize, drawing from UK drill’s aggressive, minimalist production style while incorporating New York’s distinctive energy and slang. Pop Smoke’s breakout success with tracks like “Welcome to the Party” and “Dior” brought Brooklyn drill into the mainstream spotlight. His influence helped establish Brooklyn as a new center for drill music innovation and inspired countless artists to adopt similar styles.