Kodak Black, born Bill Kahan Kapri, burst onto the mainstream music scene with his impactful 2014 single, “No Flockin.” This track set the stage for a career marked by both musical talent and public controversy. In 2017, he solidified his place in hip-hop with his debut album Painting Pictures, which climbed to No. 3 on the US Billboard 200 chart and featured another hit, “Tunnel Vision.” While celebrated for his distinctive sound, the South Florida rapper has also remained a figure of public interest due to legal issues and outspoken social media presence. A weapons possession arrest in 2019 led to a nearly four-year federal prison sentence, though he received an early release in 2021 thanks to a pardon from President Trump. Even during incarceration, Kodak continued to release music, including his third studio album Bill Israel in 2020. Throughout his career, Kodak Black has collaborated with major artists such as Future, Meek Mill, and DaBaby, showcasing his versatility and appeal within the rap industry.
Here’s a countdown of 10 essential songs that highlight Kodak Black’s musical journey:
10. “Patty Cake” from ‘Painting Pictures’ (2017)
“Patty Cake,” a standout track from Kodak Black’s debut album Painting Pictures (2017), finds the Florida rapper flexing about his lavish lifestyle. Producer Ness crafted the beat, initially envisioning it for artists like A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie, Chance The Rapper, or even Lil Wayne. Speaking to Genius, Ness noted its universal appeal, stating, “It’s just one of them beats that a lot of people can just freestyle on and flow.” This track exemplifies Kodak’s knack for catchy hooks and confident delivery.
9. “VOODOO” Future ft. Kodak Black from ‘I Never Liked You’ (2022)
Future tapped Kodak Black for “VOODOO,” a track featured on his 2022 album I Never Liked You. The song also incorporates vocals from R&B artist Kaash Paige, adding depth to its sonic texture. “VOODOO” is a melodic trap offering where Future delves into themes of luxury and drug use, while Kodak Black explores contrasting concepts of good and evil, referencing devils and angels in his lyrics. The collaboration proved successful, with the song reaching No. 39 on the US Billboard Hot 100, demonstrating Kodak’s continued relevance in the contemporary rap landscape.
8. “Silent Hill” Kendrick Lamar ft. Kodak Black from ‘Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers’ (2022)
“Silent Hill” marked a notable collaboration between Kendrick Lamar and Kodak Black on Lamar’s introspective 2022 album Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers. Kendrick’s decision to include Kodak on the album sparked some controversy, given Kodak’s past legal troubles. Despite the mixed reactions, the track itself is a mellow and reflective piece where both artists touch upon themes of inauthentic relationships and the trappings of wealth. Their verses unfold over a subdued beat, creating a contemplative atmosphere that contrasts with some of their more high-energy tracks.
7. “SKRT” (2014)
“SKRT,” named after the onomatopoeic sound of tires screeching during a fast turn, was initially released by Kodak Black in 2014. However, the song gained significant momentum in late 2015 after Drake shared it on social media. While this co-sign from Drake undoubtedly boosted its exposure, Kodak Black maintains that his success was self-made. In an interview with The Fader, Kodak stated, “Drake ain’t make me,” emphasizing his independent rise. “SKRT” has since been certified platinum by the RIAA, a testament to its lasting appeal and impact.
6. “No Flockin'” (2015)
“No Flockin” stands as Kodak Black’s breakthrough hit. Released in 2015, it climbed to No. 95 on the US Billboard Hot 100 in January 2017, firmly placing him on the national radar. Ironically, Kodak himself isn’t particularly fond of the track. As he explained to Genius, “‘No Flockin,’ to tell you the truth, I really don’t like that song. I was just saying anything because people was smoking flakka at that time. So I was making fun of my homeboys who started smoking that, my uncle was smoking that. I was just clowning them, but it went viral.” Despite his personal feelings, “No Flockin'” is certified double platinum by the RIAA, recognizing its massive commercial success and cultural impact.
5. “Roll In Peace” ft. XXXTENTACION from ‘Project Baby 2’ (2017)
“Roll In Peace,” from Kodak Black’s 2017 album Project Baby 2, features the late XXXTENTACION in a powerful collaboration. In this track, Kodak delves into the frustrations of his constant media attention due to legal issues and how it has overshadowed simple joys in his life. Both rappers also explore themes of relationships and personal struggles with women. “Roll In Peace” has resonated deeply with audiences, achieving triple platinum certification from the RIAA, highlighting its emotional depth and relatability.
4. “Tunnel Vision” from ‘Painting Pictures’ (2017)
“Tunnel Vision,” another key track from Painting Pictures (2017), showcases Kodak Black addressing significant societal issues alongside personal narratives. The South Florida artist raps about his experiences with incarceration and critiques the criminal justice system’s perceived bias against Black men. The music video for “Tunnel Vision” is visually provocative, featuring a burning cross, a symbol associated with the KKK’s terrorizing of Black communities, and a “Make America Great Again” hat-wearing character in a tense confrontation. Produced by Metro Boomin and Southside, “Tunnel Vision” is a six-time platinum certified hit, known for its impactful message and stark imagery.
3. “Wake Up in the Sky” Bruno Mars, Gucci Mane, and Kodak Black from ‘Evil Genius” (2018)
“Wake Up in the Sky” is a star-studded collaboration between Bruno Mars, Gucci Mane, and Kodak Black, released as a single from Gucci Mane’s 2018 album Evil Genius. This track takes a lighter, more celebratory tone as all three artists rap and sing about enjoying the “high life.” It marked Kodak Black’s first collaboration with Bruno Mars and his second with Gucci Mane, following their prior track “Vibin in This Bih” from 2016. “Wake Up in the Sky” has achieved five-time platinum certification from the RIAA, underscoring its broad appeal and cross-genre success.
2. “ZEZE” ft. Travis Scott and Offset from ‘Dying to Live’ (2018)
“ZEZE,” featuring Travis Scott and Offset, is a standout track from Kodak Black’s 2018 album Dying to Live. In this high-energy song, the trio of rappers boast about their luxurious lifestyles and material possessions. “ZEZE” debuted at No. 2 on the US Billboard Hot 100, making history as the highest-charting song title starting with the letter “Z.” It surpassed the previous record held by Bob B. Soxx and the Blue Jeans’ “Zip-a-Dee-Doo-Dah” from 1963. “ZEZE” is also certified six-times platinum by the RIAA, solidifying its status as a major hit.
1. “Super Gremlin” ‘Back For Everything’ (2022)
“Super Gremlin” originated as part of Kodak Black’s Sniper Gang label compilation album Sniper Gang Presents Syko Bob & Snapkatt: Nightmare Babies but later found a home on his 2022 album Back for Everything. The track features Kodak rapping about his relationship with his Sniper Gang associate Jackboy, and also addresses themes of betrayal from someone close to him. The music video for “Super Gremlin” went viral due to Kodak’s gremlin costume and eccentric behavior, significantly boosting the song’s popularity and chart performance, propelling it from No. 55 to No. 23 on the US Billboard Hot 100. “Super Gremlin” is certified platinum, marking it as one of Kodak Black’s most recognizable and successful songs to date.
