The best Skrillex songs represent a seismic shift in electronic music history, transforming an underground genre into a mainstream phenomenon. Born Sonny John Moore, Skrillex emerged from post-hardcore roots to become the undisputed pioneer of dubstep’s global explosion. His innovative approach to sound design, incorporating crushing bass drops and intricate production techniques, has influenced countless artists across multiple genres. From groundbreaking classics that defined an entire generation to cutting-edge recent releases pushing electronic music’s boundaries, this comprehensive guide explores the essential tracks that showcase Skrillex’s evolutionary artistry.
Bangarang (feat. Sirah)
This explosive track stands as arguably Skrillex’s most iconic creation, delivering an infectious energy that perfectly encapsulates the dubstep revolution. The collaboration with rapper Sirah brings a fierce vocal presence that complements the track’s crushing bass lines and playful synth work. Released as part of the Bangarang EP in 2011, this anthem earned triple platinum certification in the United States and accumulated over half a billion YouTube views, cementing its status as a generational classic.
The song’s title references the battle cry from the 1991 film “Hook,” with Sirah’s vocals shouting out to “all my lost boys” throughout the verses. This Peter Pan reference adds a layer of nostalgic rebellion that resonates with listeners seeking escapism through electronic music. The track’s structure follows a traditional verse-chorus format while incorporating Skrillex’s signature production techniques, making it accessible to mainstream audiences without sacrificing its underground edge.
Scary Monsters and Nice Sprites
Widely regarded as the track that brought dubstep to mainstream consciousness, this groundbreaking single changed the trajectory of electronic music forever. The song began as a test for the Native Instruments synthesizer FM8 when Skrillex was staying with Dutch electronic trio Noisia in May 2010. Its contrasting elements start with a high-pitched, serpentine melody and fragmented vocal samples before unleashing devastating bass bombs at the forty-second mark. The track won Best Dance Recording at the 54th Grammy Awards and achieved double platinum certification in multiple countries.
The production showcases Skrillex’s mastery of tension and release, building anticipation before delivering one of electronic music’s most influential drops. Critics noted how the track “practically made ‘the drop’ a mainstream term,” establishing a template that countless producers would emulate. The song samples speed-stacking champion Rachael Nedrow, whose vocal became an integral part of dubstep’s sonic palette and helped popularize competitive cup stacking as a cultural phenomenon.
Summit (feat. Ellie Goulding)
This ethereal collaboration demonstrates Skrillex’s versatility beyond aggressive dubstep, creating a stunning chillstep masterpiece that closes the Bangarang EP. Ellie Goulding’s angelic vocals float over Skrillex’s own chopped and auto-tuned voice work, creating a dreamy atmosphere that feels like standing atop a snow-capped mountain. The track’s emotional depth and nostalgic qualities have made it a fan favorite, often associated with memories of youth and living in the moment. This song showcases Skrillex’s ability to craft melodic, introspective pieces that complement his more aggressive productions while maintaining his distinctive sound design approach.
First of the Year (Equinox)
This politically charged anthem tackles serious social issues while delivering crushing dubstep production that defined the genre’s aggressive side. The track’s controversial music video addresses child abuse, demonstrating Skrillex’s willingness to use his platform for social commentary. Musically, the song features some of his most intense sound design work, with screeching synths and bone-rattling bass drops that create an almost violent sonic landscape. The production techniques employed here influenced countless producers and helped establish the “brostep” subgenre that dominated festival circuits throughout the early 2010s.
Cinema (Remix of Benny Benassi)
Skrillex’s transformation of Benny Benassi’s house track into a dubstep monster showcases his remix prowess and creative vision. This remix became a significant hit and helped establish Skrillex’s reputation for reimagining existing tracks. The original’s progressive house elements are completely reconstructed around Skrillex’s aggressive bass design and intricate percussion programming. Gary Go’s original vocals are chopped and manipulated to create new melodic phrases that complement the dubstep arrangement. This remix exemplifies how Skrillex could take familiar material and transform it into something entirely new while respecting the source material’s emotional core.
Rock ‘n’ Roll (Will Take You to the Mountain)
Opening the legendary Scary Monsters and Nice Sprites EP, this track serves as a perfect introduction to Skrillex’s sound while paying homage to classic rock traditions. The production cleverly disguises glitched-out swagger within disco-sampling electro-house, creating a Trojan horse effect that draws listeners into unfamiliar territory. Electronic arcade-style elements combine with subtle rock influences to create what many describe as “drugged-up Daft Punk” vibes. The track’s accessibility made it an ideal gateway for rock fans transitioning into electronic music, while its sophisticated production techniques satisfied electronic music purists.
Kyoto (feat. Sirah)
Named after Japan’s ancient capital, this track possesses the steely precision of a samurai sword with its sharp, cutting sound design. The collaboration with Sirah brings fierce vocal delivery that complements the track’s aggressive Eastern-influenced melodies. Production-wise, the song creates an atmosphere reminiscent of being dropped into the middle of an epic samurai battle or high-stakes spy thriller. The track’s relentless energy and cinematic qualities made it a favorite for action movie soundtracks and video game placements, further expanding Skrillex’s cultural influence beyond traditional music contexts.
Kill Everybody
Despite its provocative title, this track serves as an electro-house dance anthem with strategic dubstep elements sprinkled throughout its structure. The song was included as the third track on the critically acclaimed Scary Monsters And Nice Sprites EP. Its mischievous melody contrasts with the darker lyrical themes, creating a playful tension that defines much of Skrillex’s work. The production features creepy, menacing build-ups that give way to flip-floppy, extremely danceable dubstep explosions. This dichotomy suggests the track’s metaphorical meaning: channeling anger and frustration into positive energy through music and dance.
With You, Friends (Long Drive)
This introspective track showcases Skrillex’s emotional range and ability to create deeply personal electronic music experiences. The song’s title perfectly captures its nostalgic, road-trip atmosphere, evoking memories of late-night drives with close friends. Its sweetly melodic approach contrasts sharply with his more aggressive productions, hinting at the surprising artistic directions he would explore throughout his career. The track’s emo influences reflect his post-hardcore background while demonstrating how electronic production techniques can enhance emotional songwriting. This balance between accessibility and experimentation became a hallmark of Skrillex’s most memorable compositions.
Make It Bun Dem (with Damian Marley)
This reggae-dubstep fusion demonstrates Skrillex’s ability to respectfully incorporate diverse musical traditions into his electronic framework. The collaboration with Damian Marley, son of reggae legend Bob Marley, brings authentic Jamaican influences to the dubstep template. The track was featured in the video game Far Cry 3, significantly expanding its cultural reach. The production cleverly balances reggae’s laid-back groove with dubstep’s aggressive energy, creating a unique hybrid that influenced numerous artists to explore similar cross-genre collaborations. This track exemplifies how electronic music can serve as a bridge between seemingly disparate musical cultures.
Breakn’ a Sweat (with The Doors)
This unprecedented collaboration pairs Skrillex’s electronic production with surviving members of The Doors, creating a bridge between classic rock and modern electronic music. The track represents Jim Morrison’s famous prophecy that future music would be made by “one man and a computer”. Robby Krieger and John Densmore’s contributions provide authentic Doors elements while Skrillex reimagines their classic sound through contemporary production techniques. The track serves as both homage and innovation, demonstrating how electronic music can honor rock traditions while pushing them into new territories. This collaboration opened doors for numerous rock-electronic crossover projects throughout the following decade.
Reptile
This menacing track showcases some of Skrillex’s most innovative sound design work, creating alien-like textures that truly sound reptilian in nature. The production employs unconventional samples and synthesis techniques to craft an atmosphere that feels both organic and futuristic. Its aggressive energy and unique sonic palette made it a favorite among hardcore dubstep fans who appreciated its uncompromising approach. The track’s influence can be heard in countless modern bass music productions that prioritize creative sound design over commercial accessibility. This dedication to pushing sonic boundaries exemplifies Skrillex’s role as an innovator rather than simply a hitmaker.
Would You Ever (with Poo Bear)
This melodic track represents Skrillex’s pop sensibilities while maintaining his distinctive production style throughout its structure. The collaboration with songwriter Poo Bear brings polished vocal work that elevates the track’s emotional impact. The production balances accessible melodies with subtle electronic manipulation, creating a sound that appeals to both mainstream listeners and electronic music enthusiasts. This track demonstrates how Skrillex can create radio-friendly material without abandoning his artistic identity. The song’s success helped establish him as a versatile producer capable of working across multiple genres and commercial contexts.
Recess (feat. Kill The Noise, Fatman Scoop & Michael Angelakos)
The title track from Skrillex’s 2014 debut album showcases his ability to create festival anthems that unite massive crowds in shared musical experiences. The song peaked at number six on the Bubbling Under Hot 100 chart. Fatman Scoop’s commanding vocal presence combined with Michael Angelakos’s distinctive voice creates multiple layers of vocal interest throughout the track. The production employs every tool in Skrillex’s arsenal, from crushing bass drops to intricate percussion programming. This track exemplifies his mastery of festival-ready compositions that work equally well through massive sound systems and personal headphones.
Ragga Bomb (with Ragga Twins)
This explosive collaboration brings authentic UK sound system culture to Skrillex’s American dubstep framework through the legendary Ragga Twins’ vocals. The track’s relentless energy and aggressive ragga vocals create an intense listening experience that captures both artists’ strengths. The song achieved moderate chart success across multiple European countries. Its production techniques influenced numerous artists to explore similar combinations of electronic music with traditional reggae and dancehall elements. This cross-cultural collaboration demonstrates how electronic music can serve as a universal language that connects diverse musical traditions and geographic regions.
Purple Lamborghini (with Rick Ross)
This hip-hop collaboration demonstrates Skrillex’s ability to create beats that complement rap vocals while maintaining his distinctive electronic edge. Rick Ross’s commanding presence provides a perfect foil for Skrillex’s aggressive production style, creating a track that appeals to both hip-hop and electronic music audiences. The song’s cinematic qualities made it a natural fit for the Suicide Squad soundtrack, exposing Skrillex’s music to broader mainstream audiences. The production cleverly balances hip-hop’s rhythmic requirements with electronic music’s sonic possibilities, creating a template for successful genre crossover collaborations.
Where Are Ü Now (with Jack Ü and Justin Bieber)
This massive crossover hit demonstrates how Skrillex’s Jack Ü project with Diplo could transform pop vocals into electronic masterpieces. The track helped revitalize Justin Bieber’s career while introducing millions of pop fans to electronic music. The production employs tropical house influences alongside traditional electronic elements, creating a sound that feels both familiar and innovative. This collaboration’s commercial and critical success proved that electronic producers could work with mainstream pop artists without compromising artistic integrity. The track’s influence can be heard in countless pop-electronic collaborations that followed its release.
Ease My Mind (feat. Niki & The Dove)
This emotionally resonant track showcases Skrillex’s ability to create touching electronic music that connects with listeners on a personal level. Niki & The Dove’s ethereal vocals provide a perfect complement to the track’s gentle electronic production. The song’s introspective qualities offer a welcome respite from more aggressive dubstep material while maintaining Skrillex’s distinctive sound design approach. This track demonstrates how electronic music can convey complex emotions and create intimate listening experiences despite its often technological nature. Its inclusion in various media placements helped introduce Skrillex’s softer side to broader audiences.
Dirty Vibe (with CL, Diplo & G-Dragon)
This international collaboration brings together Korean pop, American hip-hop, and electronic music in a groundbreaking fusion that predicted K-pop’s global dominance. CL and G-Dragon’s contributions provide authentic Korean pop elements while Diplo’s presence adds hip-hop credibility to the electronic framework. The track’s multicultural approach demonstrates how electronic music can facilitate international collaborations that transcend language barriers. Its success in multiple markets helped establish Skrillex as a global artist capable of working with diverse international talent. This collaboration’s influence can be seen in numerous subsequent East-West musical partnerships.
Red Lips (Skrillex Remix of GTA)
Skrillex’s transformation of GTA’s original track showcases his remix skills and ability to elevate existing material through creative reinterpretation. The remix combines soothing elements with aggressive dubstep, creating a dynamic listening experience. The production maintains the original’s core appeal while adding layers of complexity that reward repeated listening. This remix demonstrates how electronic producers can respectfully reimagine other artists’ work while adding their own distinctive voice. The track’s success helped establish remixing as a legitimate art form that can equal or surpass original compositions in creative merit.
Rumble (with Fred again.. and Flowdan)
This collaborative single earned Skrillex his ninth Grammy Award in February 2024. The track represents his continued evolution and willingness to explore new collaborative partnerships within the electronic music community. Fred again..’s melodic sensibilities combine with Flowdan’s grime influences to create a unique hybrid that showcases modern electronic music’s diversity. The production demonstrates how contemporary electronic artists can build upon dubstep’s foundation while exploring new sonic territories. This track’s critical and commercial success proves Skrillex’s continued relevance in electronic music’s rapidly evolving landscape.
Taka (with Ahadadream and Priya Ragu)
Released in March 2024, this track fuses gqom, UK funky, and R&B elements within a South Asian-influenced framework. The collaboration showcases Skrillex’s commitment to exploring diverse cultural influences and working with artists from different backgrounds. The song drew inspiration from South Asian heritage and portrayed a vivid celebration of South Asian culture. This track demonstrates how electronic music can serve as a platform for cultural exchange and celebration while maintaining artistic integrity. The production techniques employed here show Skrillex’s continued growth as a producer interested in global musical traditions.
LA NOCHE (with Chris Lake and Anita B Queen)
This tech house collaboration was released in 2025 and marks Skrillex’s first release since his April album. The track demonstrates his ability to work within different electronic subgenres while maintaining his distinctive production approach. The collaboration with Chris Lake and Argentine-Korean artist Anita B Queen creates a track that manages to be both menacing and fun. This recent release shows Skrillex’s continued evolution and willingness to explore new musical territories. The track’s success proves his lasting influence and ability to remain relevant in electronic music’s constantly changing landscape.
VOLTAGE
This mythic track that fans have chased since its early teases in 2011 was finally officially released on the 2025 album. The long-awaited official release demonstrates Skrillex’s commitment to satisfying longtime fans while attracting new listeners. Even in tender moments, the track reminds listeners that Skrillex remains electronic music’s architect of the collision between clarity and chaos. This release represents both nostalgia and innovation, showing how classic unreleased material can feel fresh when properly presented. The track’s journey from unreleased snippet to official release exemplifies the unique relationship between electronic artists and their dedicated fan communities.
SAY GOODBYE (feat. NJOMZA)
This track features a spellbinding lyrical performance from NJOMZA, whose vaporous voice drifts like mist over Skrillex’s hypnotic production before fracturing under a guttural dubstep drop. The collaboration demonstrates Skrillex’s continued ability to find new vocal talents and showcase them within his distinctive production style. The track represents moments of tortured beauty amid pandemonium, embodying the duality that defines the album. This song showcases how contemporary dubstep can incorporate emotional depth while maintaining the genre’s aggressive energy. The production techniques employed here influence a new generation of electronic producers exploring similar emotional territories.
RECOVERY (with Space Laces)
This long-awaited collaboration between Skrillex and fellow production savant Space Laces takes dubstep to the bleeding edge. The track represents the meeting of two innovative minds within electronic music’s most experimental circles. Both producers bring their distinctive approaches to sound design, creating a track that pushes the boundaries of what dubstep can achieve. This collaboration demonstrates how established artists can continue evolving by working with like-minded innovators. The production techniques showcased here will likely influence electronic music for years to come.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Skrillex’s most popular song?
“Bangarang” featuring Sirah stands as Skrillex’s most commercially successful and culturally impactful song. The track achieved triple platinum certification in the United States and has accumulated over half a billion YouTube views since its 2011 release. Its combination of accessible structure and aggressive dubstep elements made it a crossover hit that introduced millions of listeners to electronic music while satisfying hardcore fans of the genre.
How did Skrillex change dubstep music?
Skrillex revolutionized dubstep by bringing the underground UK genre to mainstream American audiences through innovative production techniques and memorable songwriting. His breakthrough track “Scary Monsters and Nice Sprites” popularized “the drop” as a central element of electronic music structure, influencing countless producers worldwide. He also pioneered the “brostep” subgenre, characterized by aggressive bass design and festival-ready arrangements that dominated electronic music throughout the 2010s.
What are Skrillex’s latest releases in 2025?
Skrillex’s most recent releases include “LA NOCHE” with Chris Lake and Anita B Queen, marking his return to releasing new music after his comprehensive 2025 album. His surprise album “Fuck U Skrillex You Think Ur Andy Warhol but Ur Not!! <3” represents his final release for Atlantic Records before going independent. This 34-track opus features collaborations with artists like 100 Gecs’ Dylan Brady, Starrah, and Boys Noize, showcasing his continued evolution as an artist.
How many Grammy Awards has Skrillex won?
Skrillex has won nine Grammy Awards throughout his career, with his most recent win coming in February 2024 for “Rumble,” his collaboration with Fred again.. and Flowdan. His first Grammy wins came at the 54th Annual Grammy Awards, where he won Best Dance/Electronic Album, Best Dance Recording, and Best Remixed Recording for his work on “Scary Monsters and Nice Sprites.” These accolades cement his status as one of electronic music’s most critically acclaimed artists.
Which songs showcase Skrillex’s versatility beyond dubstep?
Several tracks demonstrate Skrillex’s range beyond aggressive dubstep, including “Summit” with Ellie Goulding for its chillstep approach, “With You, Friends (Long Drive)” for its emotional introspection, and “Where Are Ü Now” with Justin Bieber for its tropical house influences. His collaboration with The Doors on “Breakn’ a Sweat” shows his ability to work with classic rock, while “Make It Bun Dem” with Damian Marley demonstrates his reggae fusion capabilities. For those looking to compare different audio equipment for enjoying these tracks, check out our comprehensive compare earbuds and compare headphones guides. These versatile productions prove that electronic music can successfully incorporate elements from virtually any genre when approached with creativity and respect for source material. Visit our songs category for more in-depth analyses of electronic music’s most influential tracks.