Fivio Foreign has carved one of the most electrifying paths in modern hip-hop, transforming Brooklyn drill from an underground current into a mainstream force. Born Maxie Lee Ryles III on March 29, 1990, in East Flatbush, Brooklyn, he built his catalog with relentless energy, ad-lib mastery, and an authenticity that resonates hard whether you’re catching his tracks through headphones on a late-night commute or blasting them in the car with the windows down. From that first viral moment with “Big Drip” to his historic collaborations with Kanye West and Alicia Keys, every song on this list represents a chapter in one of hip-hop’s most compelling stories. These are the best songs of Fivio Foreign — ranked, analyzed, and absolutely worth your playlist space.
Off the Grid (Kanye West ft. Fivio Foreign and Playboi Carti)
If there is one song that permanently etched Fivio Foreign into mainstream hip-hop consciousness, it is this one. “Off the Grid” from Kanye West’s Donda (2021) peaked at number 11 on the Billboard Hot 100, making it Fivio’s highest-charting record to date. The production is nothing short of cinematic — a thunderous, bass-heavy drill beat that feels like it was constructed inside a bunker, letting Fivio’s explosive verse breathe and hit with maximum force. What is fascinating is the origin story: Kanye reportedly called Fivio to record in Mercedes-Benz Stadium the night before the Donda listening event, and Kanye himself praised Fivio’s verse by comparing his delivery style to Jay-Z. Listening on proper headphones, the layering of the mix is stunning — Playboi Carti’s erratic ad-libs weaving underneath while Fivio commands the front of the sonic stage. This is a career-defining moment, full stop.
City of Gods (feat. Kanye West and Alicia Keys)
Released on February 11, 2022, as the lead single from Fivio’s debut studio album B.I.B.L.E., “City of Gods” is arguably the most ambitious track of his career. The production credits alone are staggering — Kanye West, The Chainsmokers, Mike Dean, AyoAA, Dem Jointz, and several others all contributed to building this drill-pop hybrid. What Kanye brilliantly did was strip out an earlier Chainsmokers sample and replace it with Alicia Keys’ live vocal performance, giving the track an emotional grandeur that straight drill rarely achieves. The song earned a Gold certification from the RIAA and a nomination at the 54th NAACP Image Awards for Outstanding Hip Hop/Rap Song. Fivio dedicated it to his late friend Tahjay T Dott Dobson, murdered just days before the release, and that grief saturates every bar he delivers. Critics compared it to Jay-Z and Alicia Keys’ “Empire State of Mind” — high praise, and not entirely undeserved.
Big Drip
Every legendary catalog has a genesis moment, and “Big Drip” is unequivocally Fivio’s. Released June 5, 2019, and produced by Axl, it became RIAA platinum-certified and directly led to him signing with Columbia Records via Mase’s RichFish Records. Pitchfork’s Alphonse Pierre noted how Fivio drags out every line, saying more in his ad-libs than his actual verses — and listening back now, that observation holds up perfectly. The stuttering hi-hats in the production create a claustrophobic pocket that his delivery absolutely owns. Fivio himself has said he wasn’t even sure which of the four songs he dropped that day would pop — but audiences heard the energy immediately. Blasting this in the car still hits different; there’s a raw, unpolished urgency here that studio polish would have actually destroyed.
Big Drip (Remix) ft. Lil Baby and Quavo
When the remix dropped on March 13, 2020, it turned a regional banger into a national conversation. Lil Baby and Quavo both step onto a beat that was already Fivio’s sonic territory, and the result is fascinatingly competitive. Uproxx called the guest verses ferocious, and Revolt noted how both southern features effortlessly adapt to the song’s unique style — which is a testament to how strong Axl’s original production foundation really is. Quavo, often criticized for cruise-control performances, sounds genuinely energized here, and Lil Baby’s staccato flow creates an interesting contrast against Fivio’s elongated cadence. For fans exploring Fivio’s catalog through quality audio gear, our headphones comparison guide is a great resource — the low-end punch in this remix rewards good equipment.
Demons (feat. Drake and Sosa Geek)
This was the record that put Fivio on the Billboard Hot 100 for the first time. “Demons” appeared on Drake’s Dark Lane Demo Tapes (2020) and the chemistry between these two stylistically different rappers is genuinely surprising. Drake plays the melodic, introspective counterbalance to Fivio’s kinetic aggression, and the contrast works beautifully within the production’s moody atmosphere. The drill undertones in the beat feel like a deliberate nod to Fivio’s lane, while the overall sonic palette leans into Drake’s atmospheric sensibilities. Getting co-signed on a Drake project at that level is not a small thing — it signaled to the entire industry that Brooklyn drill, and Fivio specifically, had arrived at the highest tier of hip-hop conversation.
Zoo York (feat. Pop Smoke and Lil Tjay)
Few songs carry the emotional weight of “Zoo York” for longtime Fivio listeners. Released in 2020 with Pop Smoke before his tragic passing, this record feels like a time capsule of a specific, irreplaceable moment in New York drill. The production is aggressive and unapologetically New York, and the three artists — each representing a different flavor of the city’s sound — bounce off each other with real chemistry. Pop Smoke’s commanding baritone, Lil Tjay’s melodic hooks, and Fivio’s relentless energy create a sonic portrait of New York that still hits with an almost nostalgic melancholy. This track also contributed to Fivio’s first Billboard Hot 100 entries in May 2020, cementing the song’s cultural and commercial importance.
Headshot (Lil Tjay, Polo G and Fivio Foreign)
The supergroup energy on “Headshot” is undeniable. Three of New York and Chicago’s most exciting voices at the time — Lil Tjay, Polo G, and Fivio — each deliver distinct performances over production that threads the needle between melodic trap and drill. Polo G’s lyricism anchors the emotional core, Lil Tjay’s melodic instincts add accessibility, and Fivio brings that raw kinetic charge that keeps the record from ever going soft. This is a track that rewards repeat listens because you catch something different in each verse every time. It’s also a study in contrasting vocal textures — hearing these three through a good pair of earbuds, the separation between their flows in the mix is genuinely impressive.
Not in the Mood (Lil Tjay ft. Fivio Foreign and Kay Flock)
If “Headshot” is a polished showcase, “Not in the Mood” is raw New York energy at its most unfiltered. The chemistry between Lil Tjay, Fivio, and Kay Flock feels organic rather than engineered, and that authenticity translates directly through the speakers. Fivio’s verse crackles with aggression, riding the drill production’s staccato rhythm with a precision that sounds almost effortless. The way the three artists trade energy across the track creates a momentum that doesn’t relent from start to finish. For anyone looking to understand the texture and complexity of New York drill’s collaborative culture, this song is essential listening — check out more tracks like this in our songs category for deeper exploration.
Changed On Me (feat. Vory and Polo G)
From his album B.I.B.L.E., “Changed On Me” showed a more introspective side of Fivio without sacrificing his sonic identity. The track peaked at number one on the Bubbling Under Hot 100, which speaks to how resonant its emotional theme of loyalty and betrayal landed with listeners. Vory’s melodic contributions add a soulful undercurrent that elevates the production beyond standard drill territory, while Polo G delivers the kind of lyrical depth that consistently distinguishes him from his peers. Fivio’s verses here are more measured than his usual kinetic style — and that restraint actually makes them hit harder. It’s a track that sounds completely different depending on whether you’re listening actively or letting it wash over you.
What’s My Name (feat. Queen Naija and Coi Leray)
This record showed Fivio’s versatility in a major way. Pairing drill energy with Queen Naija’s R&B sensibility and Coi Leray’s buoyant, trend-aware delivery was a deliberate creative risk, and it paid off. The track peaked at number 15 on the Bubbling Under Hot 100, demonstrating genuine crossover appeal. Queen Naija’s vocal performance is warm and emotive, providing a melodic anchor that Fivio’s verses shoot off from with real contrast. Coi Leray adds a contemporary, uptempo flavor that bridges the gap between drill and pop. For fans who think Fivio only exists in one sonic lane, this track is required listening.
We Go Up (Nicki Minaj ft. Fivio Foreign)
Being featured on a Nicki Minaj single is a co-sign of a very specific magnitude, and Fivio handles the spotlight confidently. “We Go Up” is energetic, celebratory, and built for a moment — the kind of record that feels designed for arenas and highlight reels. Nicki’s command of the track is total, but Fivio holds his own convincingly, delivering a verse that complements rather than competes with her presence. The production is vibrant and festival-ready, a noticeable departure from the darker drill palette Fivio usually operates in. That adaptability is an underrated quality in his artistry — he does not just fit into beats, he reads the room.
I Am What I Am (feat. King Von)
Another collaboration shadowed by tragedy, “I Am What I Am” features the late King Von, who was murdered in November 2020. The two Brooklyn and Chicago voices represent parallel paths through similar environments, and their chemistry on this track is electric. The production is menacing and minimal, creating space for both artists to assert their personalities without crowding each other out. King Von’s storytelling ability was singular, and hearing it alongside Fivio’s raw delivery creates a dynamic tension that keeps the track compelling throughout. The track peaked at number eight on the Bubbling Under Hot 100, a commercial validation of what is genuinely one of Fivio’s most emotionally resonant collaborations.
Body (Remix)
Few remix moments in recent memory have gone as viral as this one. Fivio’s verse on the “Body” remix ignited social media and turned what was already a popular song into a bona fide cultural phenomenon. His delivery on this track is rapid-fire and relentless, riding the beat with a precision that made the clip endlessly shareable. The production — built around a propulsive, stripped-back drill rhythm — gives his flow maximum room to operate. The track peaked at number five on the Bubbling Under Hot 100, and the cultural footprint it left was significantly larger than that number suggests. This is the record that introduced Fivio to an entirely new audience, many of whom then went back and discovered the deeper catalog.
Blixky In a Box (feat. Jay Dee and Dee Savv)
This is a deep-cut that serious Fivio fans hold close. “Blixky In a Box” is pure Brooklyn street report — no crossover ambitions, no radio-friendly hooks, just raw drill authenticity with collaborators rooted in the same community. Jay Dee and Dee Savv bring genuine neighborhood credibility to the track, and the collective energy feels like an eavesdropped studio session rather than a polished product. The production leans into the darker, more minimal side of drill, letting the voices carry the weight of the record. For fans who connect most with Fivio’s pre-fame roots, this track is a reminder of where the whole journey started.
Teach Me How to Drill (feat. Lil Mabu)
The generational passing-of-the-torch energy on this collaboration is genuinely compelling. Lil Mabu, one of the younger voices in the New York drill wave, brings an earnestness to the track that Fivio’s veteran presence contextualizes perfectly. The title itself is a statement — Fivio positioning himself as an elder of the drill tradition, passing knowledge down the line. The production is aggressive and contemporary, avoiding nostalgia while still honoring the genre’s core aesthetic. It’s a record that works both as a musical collaboration and as a cultural document of how drill continues to evolve and regenerate across generations.
Trust
Among Fivio’s solo records, “Trust” stands out for its emotional directness. Stripping away the collaborative noise, this is Fivio in a more confessional mode — addressing themes of loyalty, paranoia, and survival in an environment where trust is a genuine luxury. The production creates a cinematic tension, with subtle melodic elements threading through an otherwise hard-hitting drill framework. Vocally, this is one of his more controlled performances, which paradoxically makes it feel more urgent rather than less. Sometimes restraint in delivery communicates more than raw aggression can, and Fivio clearly understood that in the making of this record.
Showin Off Pt. 2
The sequel energy on this track is earned rather than assumed. Fivio arrives on “Showin Off Pt. 2” with the confidence of an artist who knows exactly what his audience wants and delivers it with no apologies. The production is polished without being sanitized, maintaining the drill DNA while giving the track enough sheen to sound like a proper rollout single. The bravado in his delivery here is infectious — it’s the kind of record that makes you sit up straighter, which is exactly the intended effect. If you’re looking for an entry point that balances accessibility with authenticity, this is one of the better recommendations in his catalog.
Richer Than Ever (feat. Rich The Kid)
Stacking Rich The Kid alongside Fivio creates an interesting musical pairing — two artists whose lanes intersect but don’t entirely overlap. “Richer Than Ever” leans into the celebratory, aspirational side of trap, with production that is glossy and triumphant without losing its edge. Rich The Kid’s melodic approach smooths out some of Fivio’s rougher energy, and the combination creates something genuinely radio-ready while still carrying weight. The themes of financial ascension and survival are delivered with enough specificity to avoid cliche — these are artists rapping from experience, not template. For those exploring his catalog through quality audio equipment, our earbuds comparison is helpful for getting the best out of tracks like this.
Move Like a Boss (feat. Young M.A)
The combination of Fivio Foreign and Young M.A on a single track is one of the most interesting Brooklyn rap pairings of recent years. Both artists are unapologetically themselves, and that mutual authenticity creates genuine creative friction rather than a polished, safe collaboration. Young M.A’s delivery is assertive and direct, while Fivio’s ad-lib-heavy style creates a contrasting texture that makes each artist’s verse more distinct by comparison. The production is hard without being unnecessarily dark, giving both performers room to flex without drowning each other out. It’s the kind of New York record that could only come from artists who genuinely belong to the city they’re rapping about.
Fivio Forever
Closing out this list with the track that functions almost as a manifesto. “Fivio Forever” is self-aware in the best possible way — an artist who understands his place in the culture, acknowledges the journey that got him there, and declares his intention to stay. The production wraps the record in an almost cinematic warmth that feels like a victory lap rather than a boast. Lyrically, this is some of his most reflective work, acknowledging losses and doubts alongside the wins. As a final statement on this greatest hits collection, it works perfectly: a reminder that behind all the drill energy, the viral moments, and the superstar collaborations, there is a man from East Flatbush who built something real from nothing.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Fivio Foreign’s real name?
Fivio Foreign was born Maxie Lee Ryles III on March 29, 1990, in East Flatbush, Brooklyn, New York. He began performing as Lite Fivio in 2011 before changing his stage name to Fivio Foreign in 2013 and forming the 800 Foreign Side collective with his crew.
What is Fivio Foreign’s biggest hit song?
His highest-charting song to date is Off the Grid with Kanye West and Playboi Carti, which peaked at number 11 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 2021. It appeared on Kanye’s Donda album and remains the definitive commercial peak of his career.
What record label is Fivio Foreign signed to?
Fivio Foreign signed to RichFish Records, the label founded by rapper Mase, in November 2019, in a joint venture with Columbia Records. The deal came with a 5,000 dollar advance, and the partnership with Columbia gave him major distribution reach.
Did Fivio Foreign work with Kanye West on multiple songs?
Yes. Fivio Foreign collaborated with Kanye West on two major records: Off the Grid from Donda (2021), where he appeared alongside Playboi Carti, and City of Gods (2022), the lead single from Fivio’s debut album B.I.B.L.E., which also featured Alicia Keys. Kanye also served as executive producer on B.I.B.L.E.
What does B.I.B.L.E. stand for in Fivio Foreign’s album title?
B.I.B.L.E. stands for Basic Instructions Before Leaving Earth. The debut studio album was released on April 8, 2022, and debuted at number nine on the Billboard 200, accumulating 37.75 million streams in its first week.
What genre does Fivio Foreign primarily make?
Fivio Foreign is primarily associated with New York drill and Brooklyn drill, a subgenre of hip-hop heavily influenced by Chicago and UK drill, characterized by dark minor-key beats, stuttering percussion patterns, and lyrically intense street narratives. His work helped bring this sound from the underground to mainstream radio and streaming charts.