Kodak Black has carved out a distinctive space in modern hip-hop with his unmistakable raspy delivery and raw, unfiltered storytelling. The Pompano Beach native emerged from Florida’s vibrant rap scene to become one of the most polarizing yet undeniably talented voices of his generation. His music captures the grittiness of street life while showcasing surprising vulnerability and melodic sensibility. From explosive trap bangers to introspective melodic cuts, Kodak’s catalog demonstrates remarkable range and authenticity that resonates with millions of listeners worldwide.
His ability to blend pain with braggadocio, paired with his unique vocal tone, creates an instantly recognizable sound that’s influenced countless artists. Whether you’re experiencing his music through quality headphones that capture every vocal inflection or bumping it in the car, Kodak’s emotional intensity cuts through. Let’s explore the essential tracks that define his career and cement his legacy in contemporary rap.
ZEZE (feat. Travis Scott & Offset)
This 2018 smash hit remains Kodak’s biggest commercial success and arguably his most polished mainstream moment. Produced by D.A. Doomie, the track features an infectious, hypnotic beat that perfectly complements Kodak’s melodic flow alongside heavyweight features from Travis Scott and Offset. The song peaked at number two on the Billboard Hot 100, showcasing Kodak’s ability to craft radio-friendly hits without sacrificing his authentic edge. The chemistry between all three artists is undeniable, with each bringing their distinct style while maintaining cohesion throughout the track. The production features layered synths and crisp percussion that create an atmospheric yet hard-hitting soundscape, making it a staple on playlists even years after release.
Tunnel Vision
“Tunnel Vision” became Kodak’s breakout mainstream hit in 2017, peaking at number six on the Billboard Hot 100 while he was incarcerated. The Metro Boomin and Southside production provides a menacing, bass-heavy backdrop for Kodak’s street narratives and determination-fueled verses. What makes this track exceptional is how Kodak’s raspy vocals cut through the minimal but powerful instrumentation, creating an urgent, almost claustrophobic energy that matches the song’s title perfectly. The song’s success while Kodak was behind bars added to its mythos and demonstrated his undeniable connection with fans. It’s the kind of track that demands to be played loud, with the sub-bass frequencies truly shining when experienced through proper audio equipment.
Roll in Peace (feat. XXXTENTACION)
This collaboration with the late XXXTENTACION showcases Kodak’s melodic capabilities over John Wicks’ production. Released in 2017, the track blends introspective lyrics with a smooth, almost hypnotic instrumental that allows both artists to explore their vulnerabilities while maintaining street credibility. The chemistry between Kodak and X is palpable, with both artists sharing Florida roots and similar emotional authenticity in their approach. The song’s hook is incredibly catchy, with Kodak’s delivery capturing a weary resignation that contrasts beautifully with the track’s laid-back groove. It became a fan favorite and remains a poignant reminder of X’s talent, making it emotionally resonant beyond just its musical merits.
No Flockin
The song that started it all, “No Flockin” introduced the world to Kodak’s raw talent in 2014 when he was just a teenager. Produced by VinnyxPWC, this track features Kodak rapping over a sparse, ominous beat with a confidence and lyrical ability that belied his young age. The song went viral and caught the attention of Drake, who freestyled over the beat, giving Kodak unprecedented exposure. What stands out is the unpolished, almost demo-like quality that actually enhances its authenticity—you can hear the hunger and determination in every bar. The minimalist production allows Kodak’s voice and storytelling to take center stage, establishing the blueprint for his early sound.
Expeditiously
From his 2018 “Dying to Live” album, “Expeditiously” became a cultural moment with its quotable hook and aggressive energy. The Cubeatz production features menacing piano keys and hard-hitting drums that create an intense atmosphere. Kodak’s delivery is commanding and forceful, with the titular word becoming a viral catchphrase that extended the song’s reach beyond just music. The track showcases his ability to create memorable moments through repetition and emphasis, with his distinctive pronunciation making simple phrases instantly iconic. It’s a testament to Kodak’s personality bleeding through his music, turning what could be a standard trap banger into something distinctly his own.
Transportin’
This 2017 track demonstrates Kodak’s storytelling prowess over production by Mike WiLL Made-It and C-Clip. The song details the realities of drug trafficking with vivid imagery and a matter-of-fact delivery that makes the narrative feel documentarian rather than glorifying. The production features atmospheric synths and a bouncing rhythm that creates movement, living up to the song’s title. Kodak’s flow switches seamlessly between melodic passages and more aggressive, staccato deliveries, showing his technical versatility. The mixing allows his voice to sit perfectly in the pocket, with every adlib and vocal inflection clearly defined when listening through quality audio gear.
Calling My Spirit
One of Kodak’s most emotionally raw offerings, “Calling My Spirit” strips away much of the bravado for genuine introspection. Released in 2017, the track features Kodak singing more than rapping over melancholic production that highlights his vulnerability. The song addresses his struggles with fame, legal issues, and personal relationships with a sincerity that’s sometimes absent in mainstream rap. The production is relatively minimal, allowing space for Kodak’s emotional delivery to resonate fully. It’s tracks like this that reveal the depth beyond the controversial headlines, showing an artist genuinely grappling with his demons and circumstances.
Pimpin Ain’t Eazy (feat. Kodak Black)
Kodak’s feature on this track showcases his ability to elevate collaborations with his distinctive presence. His verse demonstrates his melodic sensibilities while maintaining the street edge that defines his style. The chemistry he creates with featured artists often results in memorable moments that become highlights of any project. His contribution features the kind of quotable bars and memorable delivery that makes listeners rewind repeatedly. The production provides the perfect canvas for Kodak to showcase both his singing and rapping abilities, blending the two seamlessly in a way that feels effortless and natural.
Super Gremlin
Released in 2021, “Super Gremlin” marked Kodak’s triumphant return to form and became one of his biggest hits in recent years. The track samples “Eye of the Tiger” but transforms it into something completely fresh and contemporary through clever production. Kodak’s performance is confident and charismatic, balancing street narratives with the kind of hooks that dominate streaming platforms. The song peaked at number five on the Billboard Hot 100 and reminded everyone why Kodak remains relevant despite numerous setbacks. The energy is infectious, with production that feels both nostalgic and modern, creating crossover appeal while maintaining hip-hop authenticity.
Patty Cake
This track showcases Kodak’s playful side while still maintaining his signature sound. The production features bouncy, melodic elements that create an almost whimsical atmosphere contrasted against Kodak’s street-focused lyrics. His vocal delivery incorporates sing-song elements that make the track incredibly catchy and memorable. The mixing is clean and polished, allowing every layer of the production to shine through while keeping Kodak’s voice as the focal point. It’s the kind of song that demonstrates his versatility and willingness to experiment with different sounds and approaches.
Skrt
“Skrt” combines hard-hitting production with Kodak’s aggressive delivery for a certified street anthem. Released in 2017, the track features the kind of menacing energy that made Kodak’s early work so compelling. The production is bass-heavy and minimalist, allowing Kodak’s voice and flow to dominate the sonic landscape. His delivery is forceful and confident, with adlibs that punctuate each bar effectively. The song became a favorite for fans who appreciate Kodak’s more confrontational, unapologetic approach to rap music.
Testimony
From his “Painting Pictures” album, “Testimony” offers deep introspection as Kodak reflects on his journey and struggles. The production features soulful elements that create an emotional backdrop for Kodak’s confessional lyrics. He addresses his legal troubles, family relationships, and the weight of fame with remarkable honesty. The vocal performance feels particularly genuine, with Kodak’s raspy voice conveying weariness and determination simultaneously. It’s tracks like this that separate Kodak from artists who only focus on surface-level content, showing his capability for meaningful self-reflection and storytelling.
Wake Up in the Sky (with Gucci Mane & Bruno Mars)
This unexpected collaboration brought together Kodak, Gucci Mane, and Bruno Mars for a melodic banger that crossed genre boundaries. Released in 2018, the track features Bruno Mars handling the hook with his signature polish while Kodak and Gucci provide street-certified verses. The production is lush and layered, with the mixing showcasing how different vocal styles can complement each other when properly arranged. Kodak holds his own alongside these established stars, delivering a memorable verse that fits the song’s uplifting vibe. The track demonstrated Kodak’s versatility and ability to adapt to different musical contexts while maintaining his identity.
Senseless
This introspective cut showcases Kodak’s ability to create atmospheric, mood-driven music. The production is ethereal and haunting, with Kodak’s vocals drifting over the instrumental in a way that creates a dreamlike quality. He addresses violence, loss, and the seeming futility of street life with genuine emotion that resonates beyond just wordplay. The song’s title perfectly encapsulates the themes explored throughout, with Kodak questioning the cycles of violence he’s witnessed and participated in. It’s a powerful example of his artistic growth and willingness to tackle difficult subjects with nuance.
There He Go
One of Kodak’s earlier hits, “There He Go” helped establish his melodic approach before it became commonplace in hip-hop. Released in 2015, the track features Kodak blending singing and rapping over atmospheric production that was ahead of its time. The hook is incredibly infectious, with Kodak’s unique vocal tone making it instantly memorable. The production allows his voice to shine, with careful mixing that highlights both his lyrical content and melodic sensibilities. For those exploring his catalog through platforms like GlobalMusicVibe’s songs section, this track represents an essential piece of his early development.
Codeine Dreaming (feat. Lil Wayne)
This collaboration with Lil Wayne on Kodak’s “Dying to Live” album showcases mutual respect between generations of rap talent. The production is melancholic and spacey, creating the perfect backdrop for both artists to explore themes of excess, pain, and ambition. Kodak holds his own alongside Wayne, a testament to his growth as an artist and performer. The chemistry between the two creates genuine moments of musical magic, with Wayne’s technical prowess complementing Kodak’s raw emotional delivery. The mixing is particularly impressive, balancing two distinct vocal styles while maintaining clarity and impact throughout.
If I’m Lyin, I’m Flyin
This track demonstrates Kodak’s commitment to authenticity and his willingness to stake his reputation on his words. The production is hard-hitting and aggressive, matching the confrontational energy of Kodak’s delivery. He addresses critics and doubters with the kind of confidence that’s become his trademark, backing it up with specific details and vivid imagery. The song structure allows Kodak to build momentum throughout, with his flow becoming increasingly intense as the track progresses. It’s the kind of performance that sounds best when experienced through high-quality headphones that can capture every vocal nuance and production detail.
Like Dat
“Like Dat” became one of Kodak’s signature songs, combining his melodic approach with street narratives. Released in 2016, the track helped solidify his position as a rising star in hip-hop. The production features bouncy, melodic elements that create an infectious groove, while Kodak’s delivery balances singing and rapping seamlessly. The hook is particularly memorable, showcasing his ability to craft earworm melodies that stick with listeners long after the song ends. The song’s success on streaming platforms demonstrated his growing mainstream appeal while maintaining his core fanbase.
Christmas in Miami
This track finds Kodak reflecting on success and the lifestyle changes that come with fame. The production has a celebratory feel, with lush instrumentation that evokes the titular setting. Kodak’s performance shows growth in his songwriting, with more complex narrative structures and thematic cohesion. The mixing allows all the production elements to shine while keeping his vocals prominent and clear. It’s the kind of track that works equally well as background music for gatherings or focused listening through quality earbuds that reveal all the production layers.
From the Cradle
One of Kodak’s most personal tracks, “From the Cradle” explores his upbringing and the circumstances that shaped him. The production is stripped back and emotional, allowing his storytelling to take center stage. He details his early life with vivid specificity, painting pictures of poverty, violence, and resilience. The vocal delivery is raw and unfiltered, with Kodak’s voice cracking with emotion at certain points, adding to the song’s authenticity. It’s essential listening for anyone wanting to understand the experiences and environment that created Kodak Black as an artist and individual.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Kodak Black’s biggest hit song?
“ZEZE” featuring Travis Scott and Offset is Kodak Black’s biggest commercial hit, peaking at number two on the Billboard Hot 100 in 2018. The song achieved multi-platinum status and has accumulated billions of streams across platforms, making it his most successful mainstream moment. However, “Tunnel Vision” and “Super Gremlin” also achieved massive commercial success and cultural impact, both reaching the top ten on the Billboard Hot 100.
What was Kodak Black’s breakthrough song?
“No Flockin” released in 2014 was Kodak Black’s breakthrough track that first brought him widespread attention. The song went viral and caught the attention of Drake, who freestyled over the instrumental, significantly boosting Kodak’s profile. This track established his distinctive sound and storytelling ability that would define his career, despite him being only a teenager when he recorded it.
Who has Kodak Black collaborated with?
Kodak Black has collaborated with numerous high-profile artists including Travis Scott, Offset, XXXTENTACION, Lil Wayne, Gucci Mane, Bruno Mars, and many others. His ability to work with artists across different styles while maintaining his authentic sound has been crucial to his longevity in the industry. These collaborations have helped expand his reach while introducing his unique style to different audiences.
What makes Kodak Black’s vocal style unique?
Kodak Black’s raspy, distinctive voice and his ability to seamlessly blend singing with rapping sets him apart from his contemporaries. His vocal tone is instantly recognizable, and his melodic sensibilities combined with street-focused lyrics create a unique sonic signature. The emotional rawness in his delivery, whether he’s being aggressive or vulnerable, adds authenticity that resonates with listeners and has influenced a generation of younger artists.
What album is “Super Gremlin” from?
“Super Gremlin” was originally released as a single in 2021 and later included on Kodak Black’s fourth studio album “Back for Everything” in 2022. The track became one of his biggest comeback songs, reaching number five on the Billboard Hot 100 and reestablishing his commercial viability. The song’s success demonstrated that Kodak maintained his fan base and artistic relevance despite various legal issues and time away from music.