12 Unique Musical Collaborations Worth Exploring

While collaborations between rock bands and rappers feel commonplace today, in 1986, the idea of blending rap and rock was unheard of. When Rick Rubin pitched the concept of a rap-rock track to Aerosmith’s manager, the response was reportedly, “What’s rap?”

Despite initial hesitation from both sides, the unlikely partnership between a fading rock group and an emerging rap duo resulted in “Walk This Way,” a groundbreaking crossover hit that introduced rap to rock audiences worldwide and revitalized Aerosmith’s career. The track remains a timeless classic.

William Shatner faced significant ridicule for his unintentionally comedic poetic interpretations of popular songs in the 1960s. However, in 1995, he silenced his critics with the release of Has Been, a spoken-word pop/rock album created in collaboration with indie icon Ben Folds and other notable artists. This album is genuinely impressive, not as a parody or joke, but as a legitimate artistic achievement. For proof, just listen to their rendition of Pulp’s “Common People.”

Alicia Keys, a classically-trained pianist and composer celebrated for her R&B and soul music, joined forces with Jack White, a self-taught guitarist renowned for his raw rock style. Their unlikely pairing came about in 2008 when they were tasked with recording the James Bond theme “Another Way to Die.” Their contrasting styles beautifully complement each other, especially during a brief but striking moment where Keys’ soulful voice mirrors White’s gritty guitar riffs.

The collaboration between experimental rock legends The Flaming Lips and pop sensation Miley “Party in the USA” Cyrus might seem bizarre, but their unconventional take on The Beatles’ “Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds” feels like a harmonious meeting of minds (or perhaps substances). Their partnership extended to Cyrus’s track “Dooo it,” which is equally impressive and showcases their unexpected creative synergy.

Norah Jones, celebrated for her smooth, jazz-infused hits like “Come Away with Me” and “Don’t Know Why,” teamed up with Billie Joe Armstrong, the frontman of punk-rock giants Green Day, for Foreverly, an album of Everly Brothers covers. This unlikely pairing is surprising, but the result is unexpectedly compelling, especially for fans of roots-inspired music.

While John Lennon is often viewed as the avant-garde Beatle, Paul McCartney’s collaboration with Kanye West and Rihanna challenges the perception of him as merely a safe, pop-oriented artist. This partnership likely left McCartney’s older fans puzzled, wondering, “What does it mean to be 4-5 seconds from wildin’?”

“I feel fortunate that these talented artists want to work with me and believe I can contribute something unique. I enjoy diversity,” McCartney remarked about the collaboration. What a gracious and open-minded approach.

Staying on the topic of unconventional McCartney collaborations, 2000’s Liverpool Sound Collage deserves mention. This experimental electronic album brings together Paul McCartney, Super Furry Animals, and Youth from Killing Joke. Nominated for a Grammy in 2001 for Best Alternative Music Album, the project blends Beatles studio outtakes, ambient noises, and electronic sounds into something truly avant-garde. While challenging to digest, it’s undeniably one-of-a-kind.

Eminem’s 2018 album Kamikaze is fueled by conflict, with the rapper venting his frustrations at nearly everyone. Ironically, the inclusion of Justin Vernon, the soft-spoken indie folk artist behind Bon Iver, adds an unexpected layer. Vernon has since distanced himself from the collaboration, claiming he wasn’t present during the recording of “Fall” and even requested the removal of a homophobic slur from the track.

At first glance, The Mountain Goats (led by John Darnielle) and Aesop Rock seem worlds apart musically—Darnielle crafts introspective, guitar-based folk tunes, while Aesop Rock delivers intricate rap verses over hard-hitting beats. Yet, beneath the surface, they share a common thread: both are experimental, fiercely independent artists who carve their own paths. This shared spirit of defiance and creativity makes their collaborations, though few, feel both strange and perfectly aligned. I only wish there were more than the above track and this remix to enjoy.

While I admire both David Bowie and Bing Crosby, their rendition of “The Little Drummer Boy” has never resonated with me. Despite my personal aversion, this track has become a holiday staple, dusted off every Christmas like a cherished decoration. It’s undeniably intriguing to hear two legends from vastly different eras unite in a call for peace, but the choice of song and the over-the-top violin accompaniment leave much to be desired. Still, I’m likely in the minority here, so enjoy this festive oddity.

The 1993 soundtrack Judgement Night is a treasure trove of unlikely yet successful collaborations, far surpassing the quality of the film it accompanies. The album pairs Mudhoney with Sir Mix-a-Lot, Ice-T with Slayer, Dinosaur Jr. with Del the Funky Homosapien, and more. While Cypress Hill teaming up with Sonic Youth might seem the strangest match, their track feels rushed and uninspired. In contrast, De La Soul’s reflective verses over Teenage Fanclub’s lush guitar work are anything but predictable. The opening line, “Hey yo, kids! Remember when I used to be dope?” is an instant classic.

This mashup of boy band pop and classic rock comes alive in their rendition of Queen’s “We Will Rock You.” While the original track is undeniably campy, replacing Freddie Mercury’s iconic vocals with British boy band raps elevates the cheesiness to an entirely new level. Released in 2000 but dripping with 90s nostalgia, the song is irresistibly catchy, undeniably silly, and so unapologetically bold that it demands a reluctant nod of respect.