Collaboration can be helpful in any kind of music, but it is especially true in hip-hop and rap. Hip-hop music has been known to produce some of the most iconic collaborations in the music industry. From the early days of hip-hop to the present day, there have been numerous collaborations that have left a lasting impact on the genre. The best hip-hop music collabs of all time have featured some of the biggest artists in the industry coming together to create magic. These collaborations have been responsible for some of the most commercially successful and critically acclaimed hip-hop records ever made. Here is a list of the best collaborations of all time!
Hip-Hop: “Watch The Throne” by Jay-Z and Kanye West
One of the most legendary hip-hop collaborations is that of Jay-Z and Kanye West on their album “Watch The Throne”. Released in 2011, this album features the two rappers coming together to create an album that is both sonically and lyrically impressive. The album features production from some of the biggest names in the industry. Also, this album features guest appearances from artists like Frank Ocean and Beyonce. “Watch The Throne” went on to become a commercial and critical success and is considered one of the best hip-hop albums of all time.
“The Chronic” by Dr. Dre and Snoop Dogg
Next on our list is another iconic hip-hop collaboration by Dr. Dre and Snoop Dogg on “The Chronic.” Although, this song was released in 1992, “The Chronic” is widely considered one of the most important hip-hop albums ever! The album features production from Dr. Dre and features guest appearances from artists like Nate Dogg and Daz Dillinger. Snoop Dogg’s laid-back flow and Dr. Dre’s production skills combined to create an album that was both musically and lyrically groundbreaking. “The Chronic” is still regarded as a classic album in the hip-hop genre.
“All The Stars” by Kendrick Lamar and SZA
One of the more recent hip-hop collaborations that shook the industry is that of Kendrick Lamar and SZA on the song “All The Stars.” 2018 saw the release of this song! More interestingly, it was featured on the soundtrack for the Marvel superhero movie “Black Panther”. The song features Kendrick Lamar’s signature flow and SZA’s soulful vocals, creating a song that is both catchy and meaningful. “All The Stars” went on to become a commercial success and was nominated for several awards, including an Oscar.
Hip-Hop: “Empire State of Mind” by Jay-Z and Alicia Keys
Here is another iconic most famous hip-hop music collaboration of all time from Jay-Z and Alicia Keys. Tremendously, this song became a sensation in 2009, and it quickly became the anthem for the city of New York. The track is a perfect blend of Jay-Z’s gritty rapping style and Keys’ soulful vocals. Eventually, the song won two Grammy Awards, and it remains a fan favorite to this day.
“California Love” by 2Pac and Dr. Dre
“California Love” by 2Pac and Dr. Dre is another legendary hip-hop music collab. The track was released in 1995, and it quickly became an anthem for the West Coast hip-hop scene. The song features 2Pac’s powerful lyrics and Dre’s masterful production, and it remains a fan favorite to this day. Nevertheless, the song remains a massive hit and became an instant classic, thanks to its catchy beat and memorable lyrics. The song was so popular that it even won a Grammy Award for Best Rap Performance by a Duo or Group.
“Ruff Ryders’ Anthem” by DMX
“Ruff Ryders’ Anthem” by DMX is another hip-hop classic that features a collaboration with Swizz Beatz. The song features DMX’s aggressive flow and Swizz Beatz’s infectious beat. interestingly, it remains one of the most popular tracks in the genre.
Hip-Hop: “Love The Way You Lie” by Eminem and Rihanna
The collab between Eminem and Rihanna is another iconic collaboration that you can’t ignore. The two artists came together for the song “Love The Way You Lie,” which was released in 2010. The song was a massive commercial success, and it became an anthem for people who were struggling with toxic relationships. The song’s lyrics were raw and emotional, and they resonated with people around the world.
“Lovers and Friends,” by Lil Jon and the East Side Boyz ft. Usher and Ludacris
Lil Jon, Usher, and Ludacris work together to make hits. With Usher’s “Yes!” party song, they already had a hit on their hands. On the other hand, “Lovers and Friends” was an unexpected slow jam from the famous group. Despite the lack of a music video, the song was a massive hit on airplay.
Hip-Hop: “You” by Lloyd ft. Lil Wayne
We are wrapping this list up with a smash hit from Lloyd and Lil Wayne. In 2004, Southside, Lloyd’s first album, got mixed reviews. As a result, he needed to bring a big smash to his next endeavor. “You” was the first song on his second album, called Street Love. Lloyd expresses his desire to spend more time with someone who has attracted his attention on the Lil Wayne-assisted single. “You” was Lloyd’s first top-10 hit on the Billboard Hot 100.
In conclusion, hip-hop music collaborations have produced some of the most iconic and memorable music of all time.