Best collaborations

Nate Dogg’s 7 Best Collabs

by

Nate Dogg’s impact on hip-hop is undeniable. Known for his infectious melodies and his deep, velvety voice, the West Coast legend left his mark on the game before his untimely passing in 2011. Nate Dogg was notorious for his abilities as a collaborator, lending catchy R&B hooks to some of hip hop’s most iconic tracks. No matter who he collaborated with, he always stole the show. Throughout his career, he worked with some of the biggest names in hip-hop and R&B from the West Coast and beyond. Today, we will be ranking Nate Dogg’s 7 best collaborations from least to greatest. Take a look at the list below.

7. 2Pac – “All About U” (1996)

“All About U” is a standout track from 2Pac’s iconic double-disc album, All Eyez On Me. Over a relaxed G-Funk groove, Pac, Hussein Fatal, and Yaki Kadafi spit explicit verses about groupies. Snoop Dogg contributes a spoken outro on the album version and a verse on the Greatest Hits edition. A West Coast affair, one of the most memorable parts of “All About U” is Nate Dogg’s chorus. He keeps things light-hearted as he sings, “Every other city we go, every other video / No matter where I go, I see the same h*es.” He matches the breezy instrumental and the playful nature of the verses. 

6. Snoop Dogg – “Lay Low” (2000)

Snoop Dogg was one of Nate Dogg’s closest collaborators. They first teamed up on “Ain’t No Fun (If The Homies Can’t Have None)” from Snoop’s 1993 debut, Doggystyle. The two eventually linked with Warren G as 213 for 2004’s The Hard Way. Nate and Snoop Dogg created many iconic tracks together, many of which are on this list. One of their strongest tracks is “Lay Low” from 2000’s Tha Last Meal. A tough California banger produced by Dr. Dre, Snoop, The Eastsidaz, and Master P spits tough verses while Nate Dogg delivered a soulful yet vulgar hook. His appearance made the minimal beat and the gangsta rap verses even more forceful.

Read More: Snoop Dogg Revives His Classic Debut, “Doggystyle” For Its 30th Anniversary

5. Eminem – “‘Till I Collapse” (2002)

Eminem first featured Nate Dogg on “Bitch Please II,” a stellar posse cut from The Marshall Mathers LP also including Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, and Xzibit. The two then teamed up for “‘Till I Collapse,” a standout track from The Eminem Show. The song intensely builds into a motivational track where Eminem declares his devotion to hip-hop. His choppy and commanding flow in his verses is complimented by a Nate Dogg chorus. Nate’s deeply sung hook adds to the content of Em’s verses as he sings, “I’ma rip this shit ‘till my bones collapse.” While it is not as vocally dynamic as his other collaborations, Nate’s hook is perfect for the song.

4. 50 Cent – “21 Questions” (2003)

Perhaps Nate Dogg’s most famous chorus is on one of hip hop’s most classic love songs. “21 Questions” stands out as the gentle moment on 50 Cent’s iron-clad debut album, Get Rich or Die Tryin’. Both 50 Cent and Nate Dogg spend the song questioning the extent of their girlfriends’ love and loyalty for them. Between 50’s relaxed verses and the luxurious instrumental, Nate Dogg’s smooth baritone chorus brings these elements together to create one of the best blends of hip hop and R&B.

3. Dr. Dre – “The Next Episode” (1999)

“The Next Episode” is one of the most iconic hip-hop songs of all time. From the instrumental and the chorus to the verses and ad-libs, the song is filled with classic moments. Dr. Dre and Snoop Dogg’s lyrics paint a distinct portrait of California culture, but the song’s final 30 seconds undoubtedly contribute to its legacy. Nate Dogg ends the song with his very own moment. He steals the show with a short and sweet outro, finishing “The Next Episode” by exclaiming the now classic phrase, “Smoke weed every day.” While his portion is quite short, it remains one of Nate Dogg’s best collaborations.

Read More: The Best Dr. Dre Beats He’s Produced

2. Dr. Dre – “Xxplosive” (1999)

Another Dr. Dre classic, “Xxplosive’s” legendary status can be attributed not only to its pleasant instrumentation but to Nate Dogg’s show-stopping verse. Dr. Dre does not rap on the song, but Kurupt and Six-Two spit crude verses, matching the other songs on 2001. The bars certainly fit the instrumental, but Nate Dogg takes “Xxplosive” to the next level. His low vocal register amplifies the beat’s lead melody and bassline, embodying the suave persona portrayed in his lyrics. He also showcases his range with his various runs, with the instrumental building on top of his vocals. The Dr. Dre-led song is one of Nate Dogg’s brightest moments and best collaborations, working in tandem with the other rappers and the beat.

1. Warren G – “Regulate” (1994)

“Regulate” was the first single for both Warren G and Nate Dogg. To this day, it still cannot be topped as their best collaboration. One of hip hop’s greatest storytelling tracks, the song follows Warren G as he gets into an altercation before Nate Dogg comes to his rescue. Over a classic G-Funk instrumental, the two share their story from their own perspectives as they trade verses. Warren G nonchalantly spits his rap verses as he raps about getting jumped by a group of guys and Nate Dogg delicately sings about violently defending him. It is the perfect blend of rapping and singing as their exchange of verses tells a full narrative. Ultimately, “Nate Dogg and Warren G had to regulate,” resulting in Nate’s best collaboration. His first-ever single has stood the test of time as an all-time classic moment in hip hop.

[via]

The post Nate Dogg’s 7 Best Collabs appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

Stormzy’s Best Rap Collaborations: Headie One, Dave & More

by

Stormzy is officially back with his latest single, “Toxic Trait.” The song features London rapper Fredo and is produced by Dave. “Toxic Trait” is Stormzy’s first release since his last album, 2022’s This Is What I Mean. The project was a reflective opus that saw Stormzy singing for a large portion of the tracklist. Although he still rapped on many songs, the rapping on This Is What I Mean was very personal and meditative compared to the explosive bangers on Gang Signs & Prayer and Heavy Is the Head. Stormzy sang on his previous albums but fully leaned into singing on This Is What I Mean. Besides a few bars from Ms. Banks, Stormzy’s last album did not feature any rappers. Therefore, “Toxic Trait” is Stormzy’s first rap collaboration in a while. It is the first time he and Fredo have collaborated, and it marks his second song with Dave. 

The UK icon has worked with rap and grime legends throughout his career, allowing new artists to shine on his albums. Songs like “Bad Boys” with Ghetts and J Hus or “Audacity” with Headie One are perfect examples. Stormzy’s competitive spirit has allowed him to shine on songs with other skilled lyricists, like “Dead Body Part 2+3” with Little Simz and Kano or “Energy” with Avelino and Skepta. This new single with Fredo is representative of how Stormzy encourages other rappers to step up their game while they bring the best out of him. Take a look at the list of Stormzy’s Top 5 best rap collabs below, ranked from least to greatest.

5. Headie One feat. AJ Tracey & Stormzy – “Ain’t It Different” (2020)

Headie One’s debut album, 2020’s EDNA, was a star-studded event full of the UK’s biggest stars and rising names to look out for. One of the album’s significant highlights and biggest singles was “Ain’t It Different.” The song departed from Headie’s typical drill sound and samples songs from the Red Hot Chili Peppers, M-Dubs, and Lady Saw. The three approach the track with unique flows. Headie keeps his drill flow and raps about how prison has affected him, and AJ Tracey spits about his successes. Stormzy raps from a more mature perspective, reminiscing on when he first got into rapping while continuing to flex. “Ain’t It Different” saw three of the biggest names in the UK from different parts of London and is a career highlight for not just Stormzy but for Headie One and AJ Tracey as well.

4. Stormzy feat. Aitch – “Pop Boy” (2019)

Stormzy may be a lyricist who raps about personal and comments on important societal issues, but many of his most enjoyable songs are when he stunts on his peers. “Pop Boy” is an explosive banger from Heavy is the Head featuring Aitch, who was just starting to reach mainstream recognition at the time. On “Pop Boy,” Stormzy revels in his success while acknowledging criticisms that he went pop and sold out. He stands firm at the top of the UK scene and embraces his mainstream status. Aitch, now a household name in the UK, impresses with his verse as he slides over the beat with ease.

3. Ghetts feat. Stormzy – “Skengman” (2021)

“Skengman” was the second time that Ghetts and Stormzy had collaborated. Much like “Bad Boys” from 2017, the grime legend and the rap superstar brought the best out of each other on this song. The track’s instrumental sounds like a mysterious James Bond theme, creating a sinister atmosphere for Ghetts and Stormzy to spit some of their toughest bars.

The two sound calm and collected even when they rap menacing lyrics. Ghetts starts the song with a nimble rhyme pattern and ends the song with a choppy and aggressive delivery. Stormzy’s appearance in the song is its own cinematic moment as the production shifts around his verse. Ghetts and Stormzy complement each other, making for one of Ghetts’s best songs and one of Stormzy’s best rap collabs.

2. Chip & Stormzy – “Hear Dis” (2015)

Chip and Stormzy teamed up for “Hear Dis” in 2015, the year after grime had its cultural reset and propelled the genre to new heights. “Hear Dis” was a big moment for both Chip and Stormzy at the time. Chip led grime’s second generation before signing to T.I.’s Grand Hustle label and moving stateside. He then left the U.S. and set out to reconquer the grime scene. Chip did just that, reinventing himself and engaging in some of the genre’s biggest beefs. In 2015, Stormzy was just a rising name, gaining recognition with freestyles and viral hits. 

A collaboration between the two helped establish Chip as an elder statesman in grime, and his co-sign helped Stormzy gain respect in the scene. The song itself is phenomenal as Chip and Stormzy trade bars back and forth over a traditional grime instrumental from the late DJ Scholar. The two showed immaculate chemistry on the song, which unfortunately may never happen again as Chip and Stormzy beefed many years later.

1. Dave feat. Stormzy – “Clash” (2021)

“Clash” is a collaboration between two of the UK’s biggest stars in their most impeccable form. Over a drill instrumental, Dave and Stormzy rap at the highest level, approaching the song differently. Dave’s delivery is relaxed, while Stormzy’s lively verse brings nuance to the song. In addition to how they complement each other, the beat switch during Stormzy’s verse excites the listener. The sudden switch leads to the two trading verses. The song is also quite catchy, making for one of the biggest hits of both of their careers and one of the best UK rap collabs.

[via]

The post Stormzy’s Best Rap Collaborations: Headie One, Dave & More appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

Joey Bada$$ And Statik Selektah’s Best Songs

by

This past Friday, Statik Selektah released his 10th studio album, Round Trip. The Massachusetts producer’s albums tend to boast impressive guest features and collaborations from both mainstream and underground hip hop’s most notable names. “Life & Times” ft. Joey Badass stands as an immediate highlight of the project. Their history together dates back to Joey’s come-up in the early 2010s. Oftentimes, Statik serves as Joey Badass’ tour DJ but their chemistry also bleeds deep into their respective catalogs. And each time Joey Badass and Statik Selektah connect, they uphold the same high standard they developed over a decade ago.

While Joey has appeared on every Statik Selektah album since 2013’s Extended Play, Statik’s also contributed production to each of Joey Bada$$’s projects from the beginning including 1999 and Summer Knights. From there, Statik also lent his talents to the Pro Era crew and later, produced multiple songs on Joey Bada$$’s landmark debut album, 2015’s B4.DA.$$. As evidenced by Round Trip and Joey Bada$$’s 2022 album, 2000, they continue to work closely with one another.

In honor of their latest collaboration, we’ve compiled a list of Joey Badass and Statik Selektah’s best songs together. Some are tracks that solely feature vocals from Joey Bada$$ while others include the assistance of other revered MCs.

7. “Beautiful Life” (2015)

2015 was a prolific year for both Joey Badass and Statik Selektah. The Brooklyn rapper released his highly-anticipated debut, B4.DA.$$, and Statik Selektah released his Lucky 7 album, which the two both worked on together. Joey Bada$$ appears on three different songs on Lucky 7, contributing a solo track and a collaboration with Big K.R.I.T. However, the album’s lead single, “Beautiful Life” is one of the most exciting moments on Statik’s 2015 opus. The song samples Chaka Khan’s “Fate” from 1981 and is more upbeat than the average Statik beat. The instrumental is perfect for Action Bronson and Joey Bada$$ to toast to their accomplishments and celebrate their successes. The song’s triumphant vibe is accurately captured in the song’s music video, shot on a boat in Croatia.

Read More: Joey Bada$$ Showcases His Growth On New Single “Fallin”

6. “Slum Villain” (2014)

“Slum Villain” is one of two strong features that Joey Bada$$ contributes to Statik Selektah’s 2014 album, What Goes Around. The album’s production leans heavily on its jazz influence, which can be heard on tracks like “Slum Villain.” Joey has the song to himself and glides over the jazzy instrumental while Statik provides his signature scratches toward the end. 

5. “Carry On” (2014)

“Carry On” is the other song from What Goes Around that features Joey Bada$$. This time, Statik and Joey are joined by Freddie Gibbs. Much like “Slum Villain,” the instrumental is jazz-influenced and features a saxophone that provides the main melody. Joey sets things off with his skillful wordplay while Freddie incorporates different flows as he floats over the instrumental. Both verses are so strong that neither rapper gets outshined.

Read More: Joey Bada$$ “2000” Album Review

4. “Keep It Moving” (2020)

Statik Selektah’s 2020 album, The Balancing Act, featured multiple Joey Bada$$ features, both of which are arguably the album’s best moments. The album’s lead single “Keep It Moving” is a definitive highlight, featuring Joey alongside Nas and Gary Clark Jr. The two rappers go back and forth, showing that Joey is deserving of legend status while Nas proves that his skills transcend age. The instrumental is euphoric as Gary Clark Jr. provides a beautiful melody over the beat that continuously progresses throughout the duration of the song.

3. “Bird’s Eye View” (2013)

Joey Bada$$ had proven his ability to hang with the legends long before “Keep It Moving.” His first appearance on a Statik Selektah album was 2013’s “Bird’s Eye View.” Over a soulful instrumental from Statik, each rapper picks up where the previous one left off in their verse. Raekwon starts things off with his slick flow and Joey Bada$$ comes through with his choppy wordplay before Black Thought delivers a jaw-dropping verse for two minutes straight. While Black Thought’s verse takes up the majority of the song, “Bird’s Eye View” is a memorable collaboration between multiple hip-hop generations.

Read More: Statik Selektah Shares Unreleased Biggie Verse: Listen

2. “Curry Chicken” (2015)

A B4.DA.$$ highlight, “Curry Chicken” is a taste of home. The song is about Joey working to get his career going, putting in work on tour but always making time to come home for the holidays. He raps about the path he has taken and making his family proud. The Statik Selektah beat has a vintage sound to it and Joey shines lyrically.

1. “Save The Children” (2015)

The opening song on B4.DA.$$, “Save The Children” is the perfect introduction. Over a glorious instrumental produced by Statik Selektah, Joey Bada$$ is at his most charismatic. The horns on the beat and record scratches combine the retro sounds of Joey and Statik, building on already-strong chemistry. 

Read More: Curren$y & Statik Selektah Collide On Their Joint Project “Gran Turismo”

[via]

The post Joey Bada$$ And Statik Selektah’s Best Songs appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

Dave’s Best Collaborations

by

Fresh off their collaborative single, “Sprinter,” UK rappers Dave and Central Cee released a surprise collaborative EP, Split Decision. The four-song project features the aforementioned “Sprinter” as well as “Our 25th Birthday,” which continues Dave’s “birthday” song series. Central Cee is one of the most notable rising artists in the UK Drill scene, while Dave has established himself as one of the UK’s biggest rap superstars. With two critically acclaimed studio albums under his belt, he has earned the Mercury Prize and multiple BRIT Awards. Highly regarded as one of the best rappers in the UK, Dave has a knack for collaboration, of which this new Split Decision EP is a prime example. He has worked with some of the biggest UK and Afrobeats artists and has worked with Drake.

This is a list of Dave’s best collaborations, including his own songs with other artists and tracks on which he is featured. Many of these consist of Dave and other rappers from the UK. Others include songs with famous Afrobeats artists. Take a look at the list below, ranked from least to greatest. 

7. Avelino feat. Dave – “Cassius Clay” (2019)

Before working together on “Cassius Clay,” Dave and Avelino previously teamed up in 2017 for “U Can Stand Up / Royal.” The two acclaimed lyricists have mutual respect, as Dave once called Avelino “one of the best rappers [he’s] ever seen.” Over the captivating yet intense instrumental, Avelino sets the bar incredibly high by spitting one of his all-time best verses.

With immaculate wordplay, compelling metaphors, and various flows, following a verse as impressive as Avelino’s is hard. Immediately after the two-minute verse, Dave’s approach is more relaxed but still lyrically potent. He raps, “Lately I see a lot of man tryna play me / I ain’t an escort but it’s f*ck you, pay me.” Each verse is of the highest quality, making “Cassius Clay” one of Dave’s best collaborations with another rapper.

6. Dave & AJ Tracey – “Thiago Silva” (2016)

Before Dave and AJ Tracey would become two of the UK’s biggest rappers, they teamed up for “Thiago Silva,” which is historic for several reasons. Dave and AJ Tracey make UK hip hop, but “Thiago Silva” is a grime song, sampling Ruff Sqwad’s classic “Pied Piper” riddim. The two were part of a new generation of up-and-coming UK artists that made a classic grime track.

Dave and AJ Tracey trade verses back and forth on the song, showing their undeniable chemistry. Though the two moved away from making grime music, “Thiago Silva” is still historic. The song is well-known for its role in Dave’s live performances, where he invites fans, including me, onstage to perform AJ’s lyrics with him. The song notably went viral after Dave’s 2019 Glastonbury performance after he pulled a fan onstage.

5. Dave feat. Wizkid – “System” (2021)

In addition to his collaborations with other rappers, some of Dave’s best and biggest songs are collaborations with Afrobeats artists. “System” from his second album, 2021’s We’re All Alone In This Together, features Wizkid. The song’s festive production from P2J and melodic vocals from Wizkid make for a perfect summer song. In a verse, rhyming letters can often be too basic, but Dave utilizes abbreviations to make some killer punchlines. He raps, “She wanna do SMS / Not save my soul, that’s spend my savings.”

4. Dave feat. Burna Boy – “Location” (2019)

Before teaming up with Wizkid for “System,” Dave and Burna Boy created magic with “Location.” The Fraser T. Smith and Jae5-produced single is both Dave and Burna Boy’s biggest song to date. It currently sits at 4x Platinum status in the UK. The song sees the two reveling in their successes, making for a triumphant hit.

3. Giggs feat. Dave – “Straight Murder (Giggs & David)” (2020)

In 2017, Giggs’s song “Peligro” featured a show-stealing verse from Dave. Three years later, the two teamed up once again for another hook-less track. In comparison to “Peligro,” “Straight Murder (Giggs & David)” surpasses it in every way. The track is even stronger than their first collaboration as Dave spits his greatest guest verse.

While not outshining Dave, Giggs does not slouch, as his verse on “Straight Murder” is one of his best. Over a menacing instrumental, Dave raps for almost three minutes, firing some of his toughest punchlines. One of his coldest lines on the song is when he raps, “Mice, talking heavy, I’ll do my man like George and Lennie.” Giggs’s verse also almost reaches the three-minute mark, delivering his signature pause-and-resume flow with humorous pop culture references.

2. Dave feat. Stormzy – “Clash” (2021)

“Clash” is an all-star collaboration between Dave and Stormzy, two of the UK’s biggest names. Over a fiery UK drill instrumental, Dave floats over the beat with a laidback flow, while Stormzy’s verse is extremely animated. The song gets exciting when the beat suddenly changes during Stormzy’s verse, leading to a back-and-forth between the two. During this trade-off, Dave raps one of his most famous lines: “Don’t get caught for pus, don’t die for nyash.” “Clash” marks the meeting of two of the UK’s most prominent rappers and is also one of Dave’s biggest hits.

1. Dave feat. Fredo, Meekz, Ghetts & Giggs – “In The Fire” (2021)

“In The Fire” is an unprecedented posse cut between newcomers and legends alike. The song’s gospel-sampling instrumental is so gorgeous that it might give the listener chills. The beat is a highlight, but Dave recruits young talent and respected legends in the UK scene. In all five verses, each rapper takes a unique approach to being “tried in the fire,” rapping about how they overcame their respective struggles. The song is full of lyrical gems. 

Frequent Dave collaborator Fredo ends the first verse rapping about escaping through the fire escape right before Meekz raps, “Before my entrance, I took the fire exit.” The song gets even more exciting when the beat changes percussion for UK legend Ghetts’s stunning verse. He continues with the theme of making it through the fire, rapping, “So accustomed to the fire, I get shivers when I’m naked in the sauna.” Giggs joins the track for another highlight right before Dave closes the song.

The four features set the standard for Dave, but he keeps up with ease. He raps, “You can hide or glide, I could’ve been deported / That’s the definition of a ‘Fight-or-flight.’” There have not been many posse cuts of multiple generations of UK rappers, making Dave’s “In The Fire” so historic.

[via] [via]

The post Dave’s Best Collaborations appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

Beyond OutKast: Andre 3000’s Successful Solo Ventures And Collaborations

by

Andre 3000 is one of hip hop’s most famous geminis, recently celebrating his 48th birthday on May 29th. The hip-hop legend came up alongside Big Boi as one-half of Outkast. Together, they released six studio albums, spawning some of hip-hop’s most iconic records. Andre 3000’s career and legacy have been cemented by Outkast’s historic run but he has since moved on to other successful solo ventures and collaborations. He has had a prolific acting career, notably starring as Jimi Hendrix in the biopic, Jimi: All Is By My Side and the animated series, Class of 3000 on Cartoon Network. Nowadays, he can be seen in random locations playing the flute.

The closest thing to a solo album from André 3000 came in the form of the second disc on Outkast’s penultimate album, Speakerboxxx / The Love Below. The Love Below was handled entirely by Andre, including production. Still, Speakerboxxx / The Love Below was still billed as an Outkast album. Beyond Outkast, André 3000 has produced songs for other artists, including Killer Mike, Kelis, Gwen Stefani, and Kids See Ghosts. He even produced a song on Big Boi’s debut solo album. He also released a 2-song EP in 2018 dedicated to his mother. Since the last Outkast album in 2006, André 3000 has expressed that he has little desire to release a full-length album, though he tends to hop on songs from other artists and obliterate his verses. An André 3000 feature verse is rare but always a moment as he tends to outshine whoever he is on a song with.

The Top Collabs of Andre 3000’s Solo Career

This is a list of André 3000’s best solo collaborations, drawing from his work with other artists outside of Outkast. Although some of his recent contributions, such as Kanye West’s “30 Hours,” have been minimal, he’s continuously showcased his unique flare on songs in recent years, such as the remix of Chris Brown’s “Deuces.” Still, Andre 3000 has had some unexpected collabs throughout the years that showcase exactly why he’s a rare breed in hip-hop. Below is a ranking of his best guest appearances throughout the years outside of his work with Big Boi. Take a look at the list below.

11. Frank Ocean – “Pink Matter” (2012)

What makes “Pink Matter” such a special collaboration is that it goes beyond just a simple guest verse. Frank Ocean pours his heart out onto the song’s slow, melancholic instrumental. For his verse, André 3000 fits perfectly into the pockets of the production’s downbeat rhythm. His contributions aren’t limited to bars, though. He follows his short yet potent verse with a show-stealing guitar solo. Towards the end of the song, André also sings a soulful outro. Many of Andre 3000’s collabs throughout his solo career consist of a guest verse, which is rare on its own. He and Frank Ocean went above and beyond on this song.

10. Beyoncé – “Party” (2011)

Beyoncé’s “Party” is the ultimate summer block party song. The song heavily samples Doug E. Fresh and Slick Rick’s “La Di Da Di.” Beyoncé’s vocals shimmer over the song’s glamorous instrumental before Kanye West strips back the production for André’s verse. He “sets the scene” within his first line and weaves between different flows in a short verse. He approaches the song in a calm and collected manner and seamlessly flows over the beat. 

9. Erykah Badu – “Hello” (2015)

André 3000 and Erykah Badu have a strong relationship, both as co-parents and as musical collaborators. “Hello” is a reflection of both of those relationships. The song interpolates “Hello It’s Me” by The Isley Brothers. It starts with a lush instrumental and André 3000 effortlessly floats over the simple chords with impressive rhyme patterns. He handles the song’s bridge, sings a second verse, and ends the song by singing the outro with Erykah Badu. The song is a highlight in Andre 3000’s solo career.

8. Drake – “The Real Her” (2011)

“The Real Her” is one of Drake’s best collaborations, featuring Lil Wayne and André 3000. In the beautifully moody song, Drake sings about falling in love with a stripper and wanting to know who she really is. Lil Wayne continues the same sentiment when rapping about how she stands out to him even though she has met other rappers. While the two rap about their feelings toward the girl, André focuses on the girl’s experiences. Though this thinking makes him feel attached, he does not give in to temptation.

7. Jeezy – “I Do” (2011)

Throughout his career, André 3000 has appeared on many all-star collaborations, many of which are on this list. No matter who is on the song, he manages to have the best verse, and “I Do” is a prime example of that. He joins Jeezy and JAY-Z for a song that gives “Int’l Players Anthem” vibes. Much like that UGK song, the song is extremely soulful and discusses marriage, although Jeezy and Jay marry the streets on “I Do.” André however, actually expresses his love for his woman.  

6. Kanye West – “Life of the Party” (2021)

This song is the most recent addition to André 3000’s best collaborations in his solo career. “Life of the Party” comes from a deluxe version of Kanye West’s Donda album and its soulful instrumental brings fans back into the “old Kanye.” Though Kanye spits one of his best verses in recent memory on the song, it is André 3000 who steals the show before Kanye even begins. He raps about the pain of missing his mother and what he would say to her as he pens his verse. 

5. Lil Wayne – “Interlude” (2011)

The intro, interlude, and outro of Lil Wayne’s Tha Carter IV album are essentially one long posse cut split into three songs. Each song features the same beat. Lil Wayne handles the intro by himself while the outro features Bun B, Nas, Shyne, and Busta Rhymes. “Interlude” is arguably the best out of the three as Tech N9ne spits his signature chopper flow, rapidly impressing with his complex rhyming. While only having 46 seconds to rap, André 3000 comes in with a relaxed verse and nicely contrasts Tech N9ne’s with his raps.

4. B.o.B – “Play the Guitar” (2011)

“Play the Guitar” is definitely playful. The funky instrumental allows B.o.B to showcase his animated flow, making for one of his greatest rapping performances. The song is fun on its own but André 3000 steals the show and makes the song his own. Some of the songs on this list are serious rap performances or vulnerable poetry-like verses. However, André is definitely enjoying himself on “Play the Guitar” as he slides across the beat. It makes for one of the most memorable verses of André 3000’s solo career. 

3. Anderson .Paak – “Come Home” (2019)

“Come Home” is already a compelling album intro on its own as Anderson .Paak provides his signature soul to the percussive production. The 2019 track features a rare contribution from André, who spits a dazzling verse that only he could write. The verse is a masterclass in rhyme schemes as he raps at double time with tongue-twisting bars. The verse is even more magnificent as he manages to squeeze in multiple double entendres that will have you doubling back.

2. T.I. – “Sorry” (2012)

T.I. once admitted that André 3000 outrapped him on “Sorry” and it is clear why. The song is one of T.I.’s best rap performances but Andre 3000 rapped one of his best verses in his post-Outkast career. He starts his verse rapping fast but slows it down after saying, “I don’t even like rapping fast but that’s how the world comes to me.” André incorporates his different flows and cadences throughout the verse, even harmonizing part of it. He ends his verse with a bang, rapping, “all some pussy n**** on the Internet can say is, ‘That verse ain’t good.’”

1. Rick Ross – “Sixteen” (2012)

Like the majority of the collaborations on this last, André 3000 manages to make another artist’s track his own when he hops on it. Rick Ross’s “Sixteen” sounds like it was specifically designed for André to do just that. The idea of the song is that 16 bars just is not enough for a rapper to get their point across, which is articulated in the chorus. On the song, André goes above and beyond, handling the song’s hook and bridge while also rapping a 2-minute verse and playing a guitar solo at the end. 

Rick Ross curates the song with a luxurious beat from J.U.S.T.I.C.E League, rapping a clean verse, and leaving everything else to André. Ross spits 32 bars while André raps a whopping 50, reflecting on his upbringing and how it got him to his current position. An André 3000 guest verse may be rare as he has not rapped much in his solo career, but verses like these are what make them such an event.

[via] [via]

The post Beyond OutKast: Andre 3000’s Successful Solo Ventures And Collaborations appeared first on HotNewHipHop.