
When artists from entirely different musical worlds join forces, the results can be... unexpectedly fascinating.
1. Bone Thugs-n-Harmony and Phil Collins: “Home”
Bone Thugs N Harmony Feat. Phil Collins Home by Robinho68
Although Bone Thugs-n-Harmony’s track “Home,” from their fifth studio album, Thug World Order, didn’t make it onto the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 in 2003, their partnership with British artist Phil Collins achieved notable success in the United Kingdom. The Cleveland rappers built “Home” around a sample from Collins’ 1985 classic “Take Me Home,” eventually naming him an honorary member of their group and dubbing him “Chrome Bone.”
2. Weezer and Lil Wayne: “Can’t Stop Partying”
Originally part of Rivers Cuomo’s 2008 demo collection, Alone II: The Home Records of Rivers Cuomo, “Can’t Stop Partying” was later fully realized on Weezer’s seventh album, Raditude, in 2009. Produced and co-written by Jermaine Dupri, the upbeat pop track included a rap verse from Lil Wayne, with the memorable line “OK b**** it’s Weezer and it’s Weezy” encapsulating this unexpected musical fusion.
3. Lou Reed and Metallica: LuLu
Released in 2011, Lulu marked Lou Reed’s final full-length album, a joint effort with heavy metal legends Metallica. This unique collaboration originated after they performed together at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame’s 25th Anniversary Concert. The concept album combines Metallica’s intense instrumentals with Reed’s spoken-word lyrics, inspired by two plays from German dramatist Frank Wedekind. Despite largely negative critical reception, Lulu debuted at #36 on the U.S. Billboard 200.
4. The Jonas Brothers and Common: “Don’t Charge Me for the Crime”
The track “Don’t Charge Me for the Crime” appeared on the Jonas Brothers' fourth and last album, Lines, Vines and Trying Times, marking their first genuine rap collaboration (excluding their bodyguard’s cameo in “Burnin' Up”). Rapper Common joined the trio, and Pitchfork’s Tom Brelhan described the partnership as "the strangest teen-idol/credible-rapper duo since Blake Lewis and Lupe Fiasco. ... The song’s structure makes it seem like Common and the Jonas Brothers are plotting a bank heist, creating one of the most amusing mental images imaginable."
5. Public Enemy and Anthrax: “Bring the Noise”
In 1991, Public Enemy teamed up with thrash metal band Anthrax to reimagine their hit “Bring the Noise,” aiming to connect the rap and heavy metal worlds. The track was included in Public Enemy’s fourth album, Apocalypse 91...The Enemy Strikes Black, and Anthrax’s compilation, Attack of the Killer B’s. This partnership led to a joint tour, with both bands closing each show by performing the song together on stage.
“Bring the Noise” became a cornerstone of the rap metal genre, influencing bands like Korn, Limp Bizkit, and Linkin Park.
6. Jack White and Alicia Keys: “Another Way To Die”
“Another Way to Die” is a collaborative track between Garage Rock artist Jack White and R&B icon Alicia Keys. Created for the 2008 James Bond film Quantum of Solace, it marked the first duet in the franchise’s history. Despite receiving a mixed reception compared to classics like Shirley Bassey’s “Goldfinger” or Paul McCartney’s “Live and Let Die,” the song reached #9 on the U.K. Singles Chart and became Alicia Keys’ first major hit across several European countries.
7. Kanye West and Justin Vernon (Bon Iver): “Lost in the World”
Kanye West’s 2010 track “Lost in the World,” from his album My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy, featured Indie Folk musician Justin Vernon and sampled Bon Iver’s song “Woods” from their 2009 EP Blood Bank. What began as a sample evolved into a deeper collaboration, with Vernon producing 10 tracks for West’s fifth album. Vernon also contributed to West’s 2013 project, Yeezus.
8. Nelly and Tim McGraw: “Over and Over”
In 2004, rapper Nelly dropped the track “Over and Over” as part of his fourth album, Suit. Featuring country legend Tim McGraw, the song explored the emotional aftermath of a painful breakup. It achieved Platinum certification the same year and climbed to the #3 position on the Billboard Top 100. The music video showcased Nelly and McGraw in split-screen, each going through identical daily routines before boarding separate private jets.
9. Run-D.M.C. and Aerosmith: “Walk this Way”
Originally a hit for Aerosmith in 1975, “Walk this Way” lost its appeal among younger audiences by the 1980s as Glam Metal and Pop Music dominated the charts. Then came Run-D.M.C. In 1986, the rap group reimagined the track as a hip-hop anthem, collaborating with Aerosmith’s Steven Tyler and Joe Perry. Produced by Rick Rubin and Russell Simmons, the song soared to #4 on the Billboard Top 100, becoming the first hip-hop track to break into the Top 5. This collaboration not only brought hip-hop into the mainstream but also revitalized Aerosmith’s career.
10. Brad Paisley and L.L. Cool J: “Accidental Racist”
Featured on Brad Paisley’s 2013 album Wheelhouse, “Accidental Racist” included a collaboration with hip-hop artist LL Cool J. The song delved into the complexities of racism in the United States, advocating for the Confederate flag to be seen as a symbol of Southern pride. Its release sparked widespread controversy, making it one of the most debated songs of the year.
11. Eddie Murphy and Michael Jackson: “Whatzupwitu”
In 1993, Eddie Murphy teamed up with the King of Pop, Michael Jackson, for the track “Whatzupwitu.” Jackson agreed to collaborate because he believed the song carried a uplifting message. While it reached #74 on the Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart, its music video is often regarded as one of the most poorly received of all time. This wasn’t their first joint effort; Murphy had previously starred in Jackson’s 1992 music video for “Remember the Time.”