10 UNFORGETTABLE MOMENTS WHEN RAP AND ROCK COLLIDED: FROM JAY Z & LINKIN PARK, TO DIDDY & ROB ZOMBIE
The fusion of rap and rock has produced some of the most groundbreaking moments in music history. These collaborations have not only pushed creative boundaries but also achieved significant commercial success. Below, we dive into 10 iconic rap-rock crossovers that have left an undeniable mark on the music industry and both rap and rock cultures.
1. Jay-Z and Linkin Park: "Collision Course" (2004)
Jay-Z and Linkin Park’s groundbreaking collaboration, Collision Course, is commercially the most successful rap-rock project of all time. The album featured mash-ups of their biggest hits, including Numb/Encore, which won a Grammy for Best Rap/Sung Collaboration at the 48th Grammy Awards.
“Collision Course” debuted at number one on the US Billboard 200 chart, selling 368,000 copies in its first week. In August 2017, the EP was certified double platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America.
2. Nas and Korn: "Play Me" (2003)
Nas joined forces with Korn on their sixth studio album, Take a Look in the Mirror, contributing a guest verse to the track Play Me. The album peaked at No. 9 on the Billboard 200, showcasing the commercial viability of rap-rock collaborations. Korn’s lead singer, Jonathan Davis, praised Nas for his lyrical depth, calling the collaboration “very heavy” and a testament to Nas’s versatility.
3. Lil Uzi Vert and Babymetal: "The End" (2023)
On his 2023 album The Pink Tape, Lil Uzi Vert collaborated with Babymetal on “The End,” blending Uzi’s melodic rap with Babymetal’s heavy metal and J-pop style. The Pink Tape marked a bold evolution in Uzi’s sound, merging rap, rock, and electronic influences, and this track further solidified his willingness to experiment with genre-crossing collaborations.
4. Method Man and Limp Bizkit: "N 2 Gether Now" (1999)
Limp Bizkit’s Fred Durst teamed up with Wu-Tang Clan’s Method Man for the 1999 hit N 2 Gether Now. Produced by legendary DJ Premier, the track became a staple of late ’90s rap-rock. Premier later revealed on his YouTube series So Wassup? that Durst’s passion for hip-hop culture convinced him to produce the track, highlighting the mutual respect between the artists.
5. Gorillaz and Del tha Funkee Homosapien: "Clint Eastwood" (2001)
Gorillaz’s debut single *Clint Eastwood*, featuring rapper Del tha Funkee Homosapien, masterfully blends hip-hop and rock. With Damon Albarn’s haunting melodies and Del’s sharp flow, the track became a global hit, peaking in the top 10 worldwide. Its innovative sound and animated visuals solidified Gorillaz as pioneers of alternative rap-rock, making *Clint Eastwood* a timeless example of genre fusion.
6. Run the Jewels and Zack de la Rocha: "Close Your Eyes (And Count to Fuck)" (2014)
Run the Jewels’ collaboration with Rage Against the Machine’s Zack de la Rocha on Close Your Eyes (And Count to Fuck) was a serendipitous moment. El-P of Run the Jewels revealed that the collaboration happened after a chance meeting in Los Angeles. The track, from their critically acclaimed album Run the Jewels 2, became a fan favorite and a standout example of rap-rock synergy.
The music video for the song gained recognition at the MTV VMAs for its socially charged content.
7. Diddy and Rob Zombie: "It's All About the Benjamins" Rock Remix (1997)
Diddy’s It’s All About the Benjaminsreceived a rap-rock makeover featuring Rob Zombie and Foo Fighters’ Dave Grohl. The remix even had its own Spike Jonze-directed music video, which was nominated for Best Video at the 1998 MTV Video Music Awards. This collaboration highlighted the versatility of hip-hop in blending with diverse rock influences.
8. Public Enemy and Anthrax: "Bring the Noise" (1991)
Public Enemy and Anthrax’s collaboration on Bring the Noise is widely regarded as the first major rap-rock crossover. The track originated after Chuck D saw Anthrax guitarist Scott Ian wearing a Public Enemy shirt in a magazine. Anthrax’s 1991 cover of the song brought rap into the metal world, with Chuck D later calling it a “total discovery” in an interview with Louder Sound.
9. Kid Cudi, MGMT, and Ratatat: "Pursuit of Happiness" (2009)
Kid Cudi’s *Pursuit of Happiness* from *Man On The Moon: The End Of Day* is a genre-defying anthem that blends hip-hop, rock, and electronic influences. Featuring MGMT on vocals and Ratatat on production, the track’s dreamy synths, pulsating beats, and introspective lyrics captured a generation. The song was certified 3x Platinum by the RIAA, showcasing its widespread appeal.
10.Tech N9ne’s Collaborations with Corey Taylor, Serj Tankian, and Chino Moreno
Tech N9ne, the Kansas City rap legend, has made his mark in the rap-rock world through collaborations with iconic rock voices. His work with Corey Taylor (Slipknot, Stone Sour) on tracks like Wither and CMFT Must Be Stopped blends Tech’s rapid flow with Taylor’s vocals. He also teamed up with Serj Tankian (System of a Down) on Straight Out the Gate and Chino Moreno (Deftones) on Starting to Turn, creating atmospheric tracks that merge rap with rock. These collaborations highlight Tech’s genre-defying influence in rap-rock fusion.
Why Rap-Rock Collaborations Matter
Rap-rock collaborations have consistently pushed musical boundaries, blending the raw energy of rock with the lyrical prowess of hip-hop. These partnerships have not only achieved commercial success but also expanded the creative possibilities for artists in both genres. As streaming data and album sales show, fans continue to embrace these innovative fusions, ensuring that rap-rock remains a vital force in music.By exploring these 10 iconic moments, we see how rap and rock have shaped each other, creating timeless music that resonates across generations. Whether it’s through Grammy-winning albums or groundbreaking soundtracks, the legacy of rap-rock collaborations is undeniable.