What Is a Hip-Hop Crossover?

One trend has consistently captured the imagination of listeners: the hip-hop crossover. Basically, it means hip-hop melds seamlessly with elements from another genre, be it rock, jazz, pop music, or country.

Classic examples include Aerosmith collaborating with Run-DMC on "Walk This Way" or Jay-Z's momentous union with Linkin Park for "Numb/Encore," which won a Grammy for Best Rap/Sung Collaboration. As the lines between musical styles and subgenres continue to blur, the hip-hop crossover unites diverse listeners in shared appreciation — and enhanced playlists.

What Genres Are Great for Hip-Hop Crossovers?

Rock

When diving into the world of music crossovers, rock undeniably stands out as a prime partner for hip-hop. Both genres have roots in rebellion, self-expression, and deep emotion.

The game-changing blend of Jay-Z's sharp lyricism with Linkin Park's rock essence in "Numb/Encore" showcased the magic that happens when these worlds collide. And let's not overlook the huge impact of Public Enemy and Anthrax's "Bring the Noise." Merging rock’s and hip-hop music’s raw energy often creates a perfect union.

EDM

Both hip-hop and EDM thrive on rhythm, energy, and the power to move the masses. EDM, with its pulsating beats, synthesizer-driven melodies, and festival-ready drops, brings an expansive sonic landscape to hip-hop’s energy.

Take, for example, when A$AP Rocky's style collided with Skrillex's electronic prowess in "Wild for the Night." Similarly, tracks like "Where Are Ü Now" spotlight the magic that unfolds when artists like Diplo, Skrillex, and Justin Bieber meet up sonically. When these two genres sync, it makes sense how two seemingly different art forms can actually connect.

Country

If you’re talking about creative, unexpected musical alliances, the pairing of country and hip-hop is a standout, though there are more similarities than you may think. Both genres are anchored in rich storytelling, candid expressions, and raw emotions.

Country, with its soulful melodies, acoustic instruments, and tales of love, loss, and life's challenges, complements the story-rich lyrics of hip-hop. Lil Nas X's "Old Town Road," with its twangy hooks and Billy Ray Cyrus feature, is a testament to the powerful fusion of these worlds. It's a track that rode the charts and broke music genre boundaries.

Similarly, Nelly's collaboration with Florida Georgia Line on "Cruise" showcased the magic that emerges when hip-hop meets country's harmonies. 

What Makes for Dope Hip-Hop Crossovers?

Experimentation

Experimentation is at the core of truly memorable hip-hop crossovers. Why? When Hip-Hop artists and pop frontmen step outside their comfort zones and play with unconventional sounds, rhythms, or lyrical themes, that’s when the magic happens.

The fearless blending of styles and daring dive into the unknown has birthed some of Hip-Hop’s most iconic crossover hits and unforgettable rap song remixes. 

Thoughtful Sampling

By handpicking elements from vintage tracks or lesser-known gems, artists latch on to a new level of creativity. It's not just about sampling a catchy loop — it's about understanding the essence of the original. That approach to sampling has led to some of Hip-Hop’s most profound and resonant crossovers.

The Whole Is Greater Than the Sum of Its Parts

In a great crossover, a catchy beat and compelling lyrics interact, elevate, and amplify each other. When different music genres or styles merge in a Hip-Hop track, the result isn't just a blend — it's an entirely new entity, rich with layers and depths that might not have emerged otherwise.

This synergy, where the combined impact of the components exceeds their individual strengths, has given birth to some of hip-hop's most iconic and genre-defying tracks.

What Are the Best Examples of Hip-Hop Crossovers?

Run-DMC ft. Aerosmith — “Walk This Way” (1986)

The rappers’ collaboration with rock superstars Aerosmith on "Walk This Way" in 1986 stands as a pioneering moment in hip-hop history, effortlessly blending rock and rap music into a groundbreaking track and memorable music video.

This iconic mash-up not only topped Billboard charts but also bridged musical worlds, setting a precedent for genre-fusing collaborations in the decades to come.

Jungle Brothers — “I’ll House You” (1988)

Jungle Brothers' "I’ll House You" seamlessly merged hip-hop with the burgeoning sounds of house music, crafting a dancefloor anthem that resonated across genres. The crossover track showcased the group's innovative spirit. 

Massive Attack ft. Mos Def — "I Against I" (2002)

Massive Attack's collaboration with Yasin Bey (formerly Mos Def) on "I Against I" masterfully wove the atmospheric sounds of trip-hop with the lyrical depth of hip-hop. It resulted in a hauntingly powerful track, emphasizing both artists' abilities to transcend musical confines.

Lil Nas X ft. Billy Ray Cyrus — “Old Town Road” (2019)

Lil Nas X's "Old Town Road," bolstered by a memorable feature from Billy Ray Cyrus in 2019, brilliantly married hip-hop sensibilities with country flair. The unexpected fusion not only dominated global charts but also showcased the limitless potential of genre-blending.

Kanye West — “Stronger” (2007)

Kanye West's "Stronger" artfully integrated the electronic vibes of Daft Punk's "Harder, Better, Faster, Stronger" with West's signature hip-hop production and lyricism. The merger resonated globally, further cementing Kanye's reputation for pushing musical boundaries.

Ekali ft. Denzel Curry — “Babylon” (2017)

In a great showing of electronic meets hip-hop, Ekali's collaboration with Denzel Curry on "Babylon" combined the energy of trap beats with Curry’s unbridled lyricism. 

Sources:

Don't Sleep On Ekali : An Interview With The Rising Producer | This Song Is Sick

Complete List Of Kanye West Albums And Discography | ClassicRockHistory.com