Toronto’s underground rap scene has produced countless talents, but few have captured the city’s unique sonic fingerprint quite like Lil Berete. This list of the best songs of Lil Berete showcases an artist who’s spent years refining his melodic approach to street narratives, blending introspective lyricism with production that moves seamlessly between trap influences and atmospheric soundscapes. From his breakthrough moments to his latest releases, these twenty tracks represent the essential listening experience for anyone wanting to understand why Berete’s music resonates so deeply with listeners seeking authenticity.
Northside
The track that put Lil Berete on the map, “Northside” remains his definitive statement. Released in 2018, this song captures the territorial pride and survival mentality that defines Toronto’s neighborhood culture. The production features haunting piano keys layered over hard-hitting 808s, creating space for Berete’s melodic delivery to shine through with genuine emotion. What makes this track enduring is how he balances street credibility with accessible hooks, making it equally effective whether you’re experiencing it through premium headphones that reveal every production detail or playing it loud in the car.
Ikik
From the 2021 “Icebreaker 2 (Deluxe Edition),” “Ikik” showcases Berete’s evolved sound and increased confidence as a melodic rapper. The track features layered vocal harmonies that create an almost hypnotic effect, while the lyrics address themes of loyalty and betrayal with the kind of specificity that comes from lived experience. The mixing on this record demonstrates significant growth from his earlier work, with each element sitting perfectly in the sonic spectrum without crowding the vocals.
Real
“Real” stands as one of Berete’s most emotionally raw performances. Released in 2017, this early track already displayed the vulnerability that would become his trademark. The stripped-down production allows his voice to carry the entire weight of the narrative, discussing authenticity in relationships and the streets with equal conviction. Listen closely and you’ll hear the hunger of an artist still proving himself, which gives the performance an urgency that’s genuinely compelling.
No Love
Another standout from the original “Icebreaker” project, “No Love” explores heartbreak and distrust through Berete’s characteristic lens. The production incorporates subtle guitar melodies that add a melancholic dimension to the hard-hitting drums. His vocal performance here balances singing and rapping in a way that feels completely natural rather than forced, demonstrating his understanding of melody as an emotional tool rather than just a stylistic choice.
Time Flies
Reflective and introspective, “Time Flies” finds Berete contemplating success, loss, and the rapid pace of life in the streets. The beat features a hypnotic loop that mirrors the cyclical nature of the song’s themes. What distinguishes this track is the maturity in the songwriting—instead of purely celebrating success or dwelling in struggle, Berete examines both simultaneously, creating a more nuanced portrait of his reality.
Southside
Serving as a companion piece to “Northside,” this 2018 release expands Berete’s geographic and thematic territory. The production here is slightly more experimental, incorporating atmospheric pads that create an almost cinematic quality. His delivery switches between aggressive and melodic passages with impressive control, showing his versatility as a performer. The track works particularly well for those who appreciate quality audio equipment that can reproduce the full frequency range of modern trap production.
Energy
Released as a standalone single in 2019, “Energy” captures Berete at his most confident and assertive. The title perfectly describes both the song’s content and its sonic impact—this is pure momentum from start to finish. The production features crisp hi-hats and a bouncing bassline that makes it impossible not to move, while Berete’s flow rides the beat with effortless precision. It’s the kind of track that energizes any playlist it touches.
Go N Get It
From the “1 Way Out” project, “Go N Get It” functions as a motivational anthem wrapped in street wisdom. The hook is immediately memorable, and the verses contain specific details about hustling and ambition that give the track credibility beyond typical motivational rap. The mixing allows Berete’s ad-libs to punctuate the main vocals effectively, creating additional rhythmic interest throughout the song.
100 Bricks
This track demonstrates Berete’s ability to craft songs around specific concepts while maintaining musical appeal. The production features a menacing, bass-heavy instrumental that complements the subject matter perfectly. His vocal delivery here is more aggressive than on his melodic tracks, showing range and proving he can adapt his style to match different production choices. The song builds tension effectively and maintains it throughout its runtime.
Migraines
One of the more emotionally vulnerable moments in his catalog, “Migraines” addresses the mental toll of street life and success. The title itself is evocative, and Berete delivers on that promise with lyrics that detail stress, paranoia, and the weight of responsibility. The production features reversed melodies and atmospheric elements that create a disorienting effect, perfectly matching the song’s thematic content.
Top Shotta
Released in 2021, “Top Shotta” finds Berete leaning into his aggressive side with commanding confidence. The beat is minimal but effective, built around a simple but infectious melody that gives Berete plenty of room to showcase his flow patterns. The song works as both a display of technical skill and street credibility, balancing both elements without sacrificing either.
War Ready
From “Icebreaker 2,” this track addresses conflict and preparedness with the kind of intensity that defines Berete’s harder material. The production features martial drum patterns and ominous synth work that creates an appropriately tense atmosphere. His delivery is focused and aggressive, with multi-syllabic rhyme schemes that demonstrate growth as a technical rapper while maintaining the melodic sensibility his fans appreciate.
Ride or Die
This 2020 release explores loyalty themes through both romantic and friendship lenses. The production features warm, melodic elements that contrast with typical trap minimalism, creating a more expansive sonic palette. Berete’s singing here is particularly strong, with genuine emotion conveying the weight of the commitments he’s describing. The chorus is crafted for radio appeal without compromising artistic integrity.
Water
Released in 2022, “Water” represents Berete’s continued evolution as an artist willing to experiment with different sounds. The production incorporates aquatic sound effects and fluid melodic patterns that justify the title. His flow adapts to the beat’s unconventional rhythm, showing artistic growth and willingness to step outside established comfort zones. This track particularly benefits from listening on high-quality audio systems that can reproduce its nuanced production details.
Black Heart
Another 2021 release, “Black Heart” delves into themes of emotional hardening and self-protection. The song’s production features dark, minor-key melodies and heavy bass that create an appropriately somber mood. Berete’s performance balances melody with rhythmic precision, and his lyrics contain the kind of specific imagery that makes the emotional content tangible rather than abstract.
Think Bout You
From the 2023 “EURO STEP” project, this track shows Berete exploring relationship dynamics with increased sophistication. The production features cleaner, more polished elements than his earlier work, suggesting bigger budgets and higher-profile producers. His vocal performance here demonstrates improved control and range, with melodic runs that showcase genuine singing ability alongside his established rapping skills.
Treacherous
Released in 2020, “Treacherous” addresses betrayal and distrust with raw honesty. The beat features eerie melodic elements and stuttering hi-hats that create rhythmic complexity. Berete’s delivery matches the production’s intensity, with his voice conveying genuine anger and disappointment. The song avoids clichés about betrayal by including specific details that make the narrative feel personal and authentic.
Sixteen
From “1 Way Out,” this track references both age and ammunition in its title, capturing the duality of youth and violence that characterizes much of Berete’s subject matter. The production is straightforward but effective, allowing the lyrics to remain the focal point. His flow here is particularly rhythmic, with careful attention to syllable placement that creates momentum throughout the verses.
Walking Dead
Another highlight from “1 Way Out,” “Walking Dead” uses zombie metaphor to describe emotional numbness and survival mode mentality. The production features atmospheric pads and minimal drums that create space for Berete’s melodic delivery. The song’s structure builds effectively, adding layers as it progresses to mirror the lyrical content about accumulating trauma and hardening over time.
St-End
One of Berete’s most recent releases from 2024, “St-End” demonstrates his continued relevance and artistic growth. The production incorporates contemporary trap elements while maintaining his signature melodic approach. His performance here sounds confident and refined, showing an artist comfortable with his established sound while still pushing forward. The mixing and mastering quality represents a significant step up from his earlier independent releases.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Lil Berete’s biggest hit song?
“Northside” remains Lil Berete’s most recognizable and commercially successful track. Released in 2018, this song achieved significant streaming numbers and established his presence in Toronto’s competitive rap scene. The track’s combination of melodic hooks and street authenticity resonated with audiences beyond his immediate fanbase, making it his breakthrough moment. While other songs like “Real” and “No Love” have strong followings, “Northside” continues to be the track most associated with his name.
What album should I start with for Lil Berete?
The original “Icebreaker” project from 2018 serves as the ideal entry point for new listeners. This album captures Berete’s core sound and features several of his most essential tracks including “Northside,” “No Love,” and “Time Flies.” The project showcases his melodic approach while maintaining street credibility, giving listeners a comprehensive introduction to what makes his music distinctive. After “Icebreaker,” the “1 Way Out” project from 2019 represents his next evolutionary step.
Is Lil Berete still making music in 2024?
Yes, Lil Berete remains actively recording and releasing music. His 2024 releases include “St-End” and “Up Tomorrow,” demonstrating his continued presence in Toronto’s rap scene. While he may not maintain the same release frequency as some mainstream artists, he consistently delivers quality tracks that satisfy his established fanbase while attempting to reach new listeners. His recent work shows artistic maturation and improved production quality compared to his earlier releases.
What makes Lil Berete’s style unique in Toronto rap?
Lil Berete distinguishes himself through his melodic approach to street narratives, creating a sonic middle ground between singing and rapping that feels emotionally genuine rather than trendy. Unlike some Toronto artists who lean heavily into either pure melody or aggressive delivery, Berete balances both approaches within individual tracks. His production choices favor atmospheric, haunting instrumentals that create space for his vocals rather than overwhelming them. This combination of vulnerability and street credibility creates a distinctive voice within Toronto’s crowded rap landscape.
Where can I find Lil Berete’s complete discography?
Lil Berete’s complete catalog is available on all major streaming platforms including Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube Music. His main projects include “Icebreaker” (2018), “1 Way Out” (2019), “Icebreaker 2” (2021), and “EURO STEP” (2023), along with numerous standalone singles. For the highest quality listening experience that captures the nuances of his production, streaming through lossless audio services or purchasing high-quality downloads will reveal details that compressed streaming sometimes obscures.
What are Lil Berete’s most recent songs?
Lil Berete’s most recent releases include “St-End” and “Up Tomorrow,” both from 2024. “St-End” appeared as a standalone single, while “Up Tomorrow” was featured on the “RiverBoyFarm” project. These tracks showcase his evolved sound with improved production quality and more polished vocal performances compared to his earlier work. Prior to these 2024 releases, “Think Bout You” from the 2023 “EURO STEP” project represented his sound moving into the current era of his career.