The Toronto duo 88Glam carved out a distinctive lane in the trap music landscape, blending atmospheric production with melodic sensibilities that set them apart from their contemporaries. Derek Wise and 88 Camino created a sonic universe that’s instantly recognizable—hazy, luxurious, and introspective all at once. These are the 20 best songs of 88Glam that showcase why they became one of the most exciting acts to emerge from Canada’s thriving hip-hop scene.
Bali
The track that introduced many listeners to 88Glam’s signature sound remains one of their most compelling works. “Bali” floats on ethereal production that feels like drifting through clouds, with Derek Wise and 88 Camino trading verses over shimmering synths and subtle 808s. The chemistry between the two MCs is immediately apparent—they complement each other’s flows without ever competing for space in the mix. This song established the template for their atmospheric trap approach, where mood matters as much as bars, and the production creates an immersive listening experience that rewards repeated plays, especially on quality headphones that can capture the layered instrumental details.
12
Opening their self-titled 2017 debut project, “12” serves as a perfect mission statement for what 88Glam represents sonically. The production here is minimal but effective, creating space for the duo’s melodic delivery to shine through crystal-clear mixing. What makes this track particularly memorable is how it balances braggadocio with vulnerability—a duality that would become central to their artistic identity. The beat switches and tonal shifts keep listeners engaged throughout, demonstrating production sophistication beyond typical trap fare.
It’s A Flex
From their sophomore album 88Glam2, this track finds the duo leaning into their confident side with infectious energy. The title says it all—this is pure flexing set to a bouncy, head-nodding beat that demands replay value. 88 Camino’s hook work shines particularly bright here, crafting a chorus that burrows into your brain and refuses to leave. The production features crisp hi-hats and a memorable melodic loop that creates the perfect backdrop for celebrating success, making it a staple for anyone curating playlists focused on confident, high-energy songs.
Lil Boat
The 88Glam2 era showed the duo expanding their sonic palette, and “Lil Boat” exemplifies this evolution beautifully. There’s a playful quality to this track that differs from their typically moody aesthetic, though it never abandons the atmospheric production that defines their sound. Derek Wise’s delivery here is particularly engaging, riding the beat with a rhythmic pocket that feels effortless. The mixing allows every element to breathe—from the bassline that rumbles in the low end to the melodic flourishes dancing across the stereo field.
Purple Baguettes
Luxury rap reaches new heights on this 88Glam2 standout that’s dripping with opulence and style. The title itself evokes images of extravagant jewelry, and the production matches that energy with gleaming synths and crisp percussion. What elevates “Purple Baguettes” beyond typical braggadocio is the genuine conviction in the delivery—these aren’t hollow flexes but celebrations of hard-earned success. The sonic textures here are particularly rich, rewarding listeners who experience it through high-quality audio equipment that can reproduce the full frequency spectrum.
Kyrie
Named after NBA superstar Kyrie Irving, this track from their debut project captures the essence of athletic excellence translated into musical form. The production has a fluid, almost basketball-like grace to it, with smooth transitions and a rhythmic bounce that mirrors crossover dribbles. Both MCs bring their A-game here, trading verses that showcase their individual strengths while maintaining cohesive chemistry. The engineering on this track deserves special mention—every element sits perfectly in the mix, from the punchy kick drums to the airy vocal layers.
Kitchen Witch
One of the darker, more menacing entries in the 88Glam catalog, “Kitchen Witch” showcases their ability to create tension through production choices. The beat here is sparse and haunting, with eerie melodic elements that create an unsettling atmosphere perfect for late-night listening sessions. Derek Wise and 88 Camino lean into this mood with more aggressive delivery than usual, proving they can switch up their approach without losing their core identity. This track demonstrates their range and willingness to experiment with different energies.
Big Tymers
The title pays homage to the legendary Cash Money duo, and this 2017 track carries forward that legacy of celebrating success with style. What makes “Big Tymers” special is how it balances nostalgic references with contemporary trap production—honoring the past while firmly planted in the present. The melodic hooks here are absolutely infectious, showcasing 88 Camino’s gift for crafting choruses that stick with listeners long after the song ends. Production-wise, the low-end response is powerful without overwhelming the mix, creating that perfect balance for both casual listening and serious audio enthusiasts.
Baby Bro
Loyalty and brotherhood take center stage on this emotionally resonant track from their debut. “Baby Bro” reveals the duo’s ability to tap into genuine emotion without sacrificing their cool, composed delivery style. The production features lush string arrangements layered beneath the trap drums, creating a cinematic quality that elevates the lyrical content. This is the kind of track that reveals new details with each listen—subtle background vocals, intricate percussion patterns, and thoughtful mixing decisions that reward active listening on quality earbuds that can capture those nuances.
Cake
Few tracks in the 88Glam discography hit quite as hard as “Cake,” a celebration of wealth and success wrapped in their signature atmospheric production. The beat absolutely knocks in the car, with bass frequencies that test your sound system’s capabilities while maintaining clarity across all elements. Both Derek Wise and 88 Camino sound completely locked in here, their flows interweaving seamlessly over the hypnotic instrumental. The song’s structure is deceptively simple, but the execution is flawless—proof that sometimes less is more when the fundamentals are executed perfectly.
Snow Globe
From 88Glam2, “Snow Globe” creates a winter wonderland of sound with icy synths and pristine production that feels appropriately titled. The track has a crystalline quality to its mix, with high-end frequencies that sparkle without ever becoming harsh or fatiguing. There’s a dreamy, almost hypnotic quality to how the verses flow into the chorus, creating a seamless listening experience that feels like one continuous movement. This song particularly shines during cold weather months, perfectly soundtracking late-night drives through snow-covered streets.
Racks
Money talk reaches artistic heights on “Racks,” where the duo transforms typical trap subject matter into something more contemplative and introspective. The production here features a memorable melodic loop that serves as the song’s backbone, with drums that hit with satisfying punch without overwhelming the delicate melodic elements. What distinguishes this track is the attention to sonic detail—listen closely and you’ll hear subtle background textures and atmospheric layers that add depth to the overall composition. It’s masterfully arranged, with each section flowing naturally into the next.
Memories Faded Interlude
Interludes often serve as throwaway moments on albums, but 88Glam treats them as legitimate artistic statements, and this New Mania entry proves exactly that. “Memories Faded Interlude” is brief but emotionally powerful, capturing feelings of nostalgia and reflection in under two minutes. The production is stripped back compared to their fuller tracks, allowing the vocals to take center stage with minimal distraction. It’s a palate cleanser that also stands on its own merits, showcasing the duo’s understanding of album pacing and emotional dynamics.
Five Stars
From the Heaven Can Wait project, “Five Stars” represents 88Glam’s continued evolution and refinement of their sound. The production quality here is absolutely top-tier, with pristine mixing that allows every element to occupy its own space in the frequency spectrum. The duo sounds confident and comfortable, delivering verses with the ease of artists who’ve truly found their voice. The melodic sensibilities are particularly strong here, with hook writing that demonstrates real pop songcraft beneath the trap production veneer.
On Sight
This early track from their self-titled debut showcases raw energy and hunger that defined their breakthrough moment. “On Sight” hits with immediate impact, wasting no time establishing its aggressive tone and confident delivery. The production features hard-hitting drums and a menacing bassline that demands attention, while the duo’s performances match that intensity with sharp, focused verses. It’s the kind of track that gets crowds moving at live shows, translating their studio precision into kinetic energy.
Kawasaki
Speed and precision define “Kawasaki,” named after the legendary motorcycle manufacturer and embodying that same sense of velocity and power. The beat races forward with relentless momentum, pushing the duo to deliver some of their most technically impressive performances. There’s an exhilarating quality to how the track builds and maintains energy throughout its runtime, never letting up on the accelerator. The engineering here deserves recognition—maintaining clarity at this tempo while keeping the low end powerful requires serious mixing skill.
Talk Nice
Communication and respect form the thematic core of “Talk Nice,” though the duo delivers this message with their characteristic laid-back cool rather than aggressive posturing. The production is smooth and inviting, creating a groove that makes you want to nod your head while absorbing the lyrical content. What makes this 88Glam2 track particularly effective is how the beat complements the message—everything about the sonic presentation reinforces the theme of elevated conversation and mutual respect.
Heisman
Named after college football’s most prestigious award, “Heisman” captures the feeling of being at the top of your game with undeniable confidence. The production features triumphant melodic elements layered over trap drums, creating a victorious atmosphere that perfectly matches the lyrical content. Derek Wise and 88 Camino trade verses like championship teammates, each elevating the other’s performance through their chemistry and complementary styles. The track’s energy is infectious, making it perfect for motivation playlists and pre-game rituals.
Lavish
Pure luxury drips from every second of “Lavish,” a track that lives up to its title through both lyrical content and sonic presentation. The production is lush and detailed, with layered instrumentation that creates a rich, full sound without ever feeling cluttered or overwhelming. This is 88Glam operating at peak confidence, celebrating their success with style and substance. The vocal production features interesting effects and processing that add character without distracting from the core performances.
Twin Turbo
Closing out this collection with explosive energy, “Twin Turbo” exemplifies everything that makes 88Glam special—atmospheric production, melodic sensibility, undeniable chemistry, and technical excellence. The automotive metaphor in the title translates to a track that feels turbocharged from start to finish, with production that propels the duo’s performances forward with powerful momentum. It’s a fitting conclusion that leaves listeners wanting more, showcasing why 88Glam earned their place among Canada’s most innovative hip-hop acts.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes 88Glam’s production style unique?
88Glam’s production stands out through its atmospheric, almost ethereal quality that blends melodic elements with hard-hitting trap drums. Their engineers consistently create spacious mixes where each element has room to breathe, from the deep bass frequencies to the shimmering high-end synth work. The duo favors minimalism over overcrowded arrangements, allowing their vocal melodies to serve as additional instrumentation rather than simply sitting on top of beats.
Which 88Glam album should new listeners start with?
The self-titled 88Glam from 2017 serves as the perfect introduction, featuring essential tracks like “Bali,” “Kyrie,” and “Big Tymers” that established their signature sound. This project captures their core aesthetic before later experimental expansions, making it ideal for understanding what defines the duo. However, 88Glam2 offers a more polished, refined version of their approach for those who prefer higher production values.
How did Derek Wise and 88 Camino meet?
The duo connected through Toronto’s music scene, where both were developing their individual sounds before recognizing their chemistry together. Their complementary styles—Derek Wise’s grounded delivery balancing 88 Camino’s more melodic approach—created an instant synergy that became the foundation of their collaborative work. This organic partnership feels authentic because it emerged from genuine musical connection rather than industry construction.
What audio equipment best showcases 88Glam’s music?
Their production rewards quality playback equipment that can reproduce the full frequency spectrum, particularly the sub-bass elements that anchor many tracks. Headphones or speakers with good low-end extension reveal the depth of their mixing, while clear midrange reproduction ensures their vocal melodies come through with proper presence. The atmospheric production also benefits from good stereo imaging to capture the spatial qualities engineered into their tracks.
Are Derek Wise and 88 Camino still making music together?
While the duo has pursued individual projects at various points, they’ve maintained their 88Glam collaboration with releases like Close To Heaven Far From God in 2020 demonstrating continued creative partnership. Their ability to balance solo endeavors with group work suggests a sustainable approach to their musical relationship. Fans should follow both artists’ social media and streaming profiles for updates on new 88Glam material.