Phonk music, a genre once buried in the underground corners of the internet, has now risen to become one of the most streamed and talked-about styles among Gen Z listeners. A blend of Memphis rap, chopped and screwed techniques, vintage hip-hop samples, and lo-fi aesthetics, phonk emerged from the Southern United States but has taken on new life through platforms like TikTok, SoundCloud, and Spotify.
The modern phonk wave is driven by young producers from around the globe, especially Russia and Brazil, but its spiritual roots remain deeply connected to Memphis legends like DJ Screw, Tommy Wright III, and Three 6 Mafia. What makes phonk unique is its eerie, aggressive vibe mixed with nostalgic beats. The genre has evolved into two main branches: traditional, sample-heavy phonk and drift phonk—an instrumental style characterized by distorted 808s and fast-paced rhythms, often used in car videos and street racing edits online.
As phonk continues to dominate digital playlists and car speakers alike, we take a look at the 15 most popular phonk songs currently making waves in the United States.
1. "Murder in My Mind" – Kordhell
No conversation about phonk in 2025 can start without mentioning Kordhell. The British producer, also known as Mick Kenney, is one of the genre’s most consistent hitmakers. “Murder in My Mind” features distorted bass, relentless beats, and a chilling vocal sample that loops like a haunting mantra. It exploded in popularity through TikTok edits and now holds millions of plays across platforms.
2. "METAMORPHOSIS" – INTERWORLD
This high-energy drift phonk anthem has become a favorite among content creators. “METAMORPHOSIS” pairs haunting melodies with a distorted, thumping beat that pulses with tension. Its viral success online has cemented it as a staple in the modern phonk scene, especially among car enthusiasts and anime fans.
3. "NEON BLADE" – KSLV Noh
KSLV Noh has carved a niche within drift phonk, and “NEON BLADE” is his most recognized work. The track blends fast tempos, heavy distortion, and a cinematic atmosphere that feels ready for a cyberpunk chase scene. It’s a go-to soundtrack for high-speed visuals and adrenaline-fueled TikTok clips.
4. "RAVE" – Dxrk ダーク
“RAVE” brought a darker tone to phonk's typical sound. The use of intense vocal samples and an industrial-style drop turned this track into a viral sensation. It combines elements of techno and trap, making it one of the genre’s most innovative crossover hits in recent years.
5. "GOSHA" – $NOT
While not strictly a phonk track, “GOSHA” channels enough of the genre’s gritty influence to warrant inclusion. $NOT’s laid-back delivery over a haunting beat aligns well with phonk aesthetics. The song’s cool, minimalist vibe helped it become a TikTok favorite and a phonk-adjacent classic.
6. "I Got Smoke" – Freddie Dredd
Freddie Dredd is one of phonk’s most visible faces, blending horrorcore influences with lo-fi rap. “I Got Smoke” uses chilling samples and raw delivery to create a track that feels both old-school and internet-age. It’s aggressive and addictive, and it thrives on streaming platforms.
7. "SCHEMIN'" – DJ Smokey x Mr. Sisco
This track channels traditional Memphis phonk energy. With deep cuts from southern rap and a gritty underground vibe, “SCHEMIN’” is a throwback to the roots of the genre. DJ Smokey is known for preserving the original spirit of phonk, and this song showcases that perfectly.
8. "PHONKY TOWN" – Playaphonk
A remix of Lipps Inc.’s “Funkytown,” this song injects a psychedelic twist into drift phonk. It maintains a balance between retro groove and high-octane basslines. “PHONKY TOWN” is one of the more playful entries in the genre and demonstrates phonk’s versatility.
9. "Tesla" – SCXR SOUL
“Tesla” thrives on minimalism and mood. It’s the kind of song that feels like night driving through neon streets. The haunting vocal sample and pulsing bass make it perfect for background music in visual content. It’s less aggressive than other phonk tracks, but just as impactful.
10. "Night Drive" – LXST CXNTURY
As the name suggests, “Night Drive” is cinematic and atmospheric. It leans more on melody than brute force, but the phonk DNA is still strong. LXST CXNTURY uses carefully layered samples and clean production to create a smooth, moody listening experience.
11. "GET OUT" – DVRST
DVRST rose to fame quickly in the phonk world, and “GET OUT” is a perfect example of his style. With ghostly melodies and echoing vocals, the track feels haunting yet hypnotic. It’s a slow burn with immense replay value, especially for fans of traditional phonk sounds.
12. "GREATEST" – Ghostface Playa
Ghostface Playa’s name is well-known among phonk heads, and “GREATEST” continues his legacy of dark, sample-heavy production. This track uses pitched-down vocals and a gritty beat to capture the old Memphis sound with a new-school twist. It feels raw and authentic, echoing early 2000s underground rap.
13. "Bones" – Thy Slaughter
Though a bit newer on the scene, Thy Slaughter’s “Bones” showcases the future of phonk. Combining a clean mix with chaotic elements, the song walks the line between trap, hyperpop, and phonk. Its eerie vocal loops and stuttering drums are captivating and immersive.
14. "Heat" – Soudiere
Soudiere is known for staying loyal to the roots of phonk. “Heat” features boom-bap drum loops, Memphis vocal samples, and minimal distortion. It’s less aggressive than drift phonk but more intense in tone and attitude. This song speaks to long-time fans of the genre who appreciate its original flavor.
15. "Fall Asleep" – Ryan Celsius Sounds
Ryan Celsius is not just a producer but also a curator of phonk culture. “Fall Asleep” merges lo-fi, ambient, and phonk into a dreamy, introspective track. It doesn’t slam like others on this list, but it lingers in your head long after the final note. Perfect for late-night listening, it shows how wide the phonk umbrella has become.
Phonk’s Surging Popularity
Phonk’s explosion in the US can be attributed to its seamless fit with internet culture. Its aesthetic draws from nostalgic video game visuals, anime edits, retro cars, and VHS textures. On platforms like TikTok and Instagram Reels, phonk is not just music—it’s a vibe, a backdrop, a sonic identity.
The genre’s accessibility is also key. Many phonk tracks are created by independent producers using FL Studio, and platforms like SoundCloud allow them to go viral overnight. The lack of corporate oversight gives the genre a gritty, grassroots appeal. At the same time, its adaptability ensures it stays fresh.
Whether it’s blasting through car speakers during a midnight ride or quietly playing in a teenager’s room while scrolling through YouTube edits, phonk has claimed its space in the modern music landscape.
As the genre continues to grow, so does its influence across rap, EDM, and even pop. The artists mentioned here are not just making songs—they're shaping a movement. Phonk may have started underground, but in 2025, it's clear: this sound has taken over the mainstream, and it’s not going anywhere anytime soon.
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