Top 10 Dream Hip-Hop Collaborative Albums

When Jay-Z and Kanye West released their collaborative album Watch the Throne back in the summer of 2011, it unleashed a new type of music. It became a reality that two big names in hip-hop could unite and create a project that is just as explosive as their solo efforts. Since then, fans have contemplated the possibilities of future collaborations, especially with all the young and up-and-coming artists. We have also been teased with possible collaborations between J. Cole and Kendrick Lamar or Nas and Common. Unfortunately, neither of those projects has come to form.

 

After a lot of though, I came up with my own dream collaborations between rappers that I admire. I thought the list would have been a little biased, so I decided to ask my friends and other hip-hop enthusiasts what they would like to hear. Together, we came up with ten of our dream hip-hop collaborations that we wish would happen. Hopefully, we predict at least one of these to come true.

 

 

 10. Rick Ross x Dom Kennedy

Rumors have been flying around that Dom Kennedy might sign to Rick Ross’s Maybach Music Group since 2009. These two haven’t collaborated on much, but when they have, they put out some of the smoothest music. Their most notable piece of work might be “Gold Alpinas” from Dom Kennedy’s The Yellow Album. If you haven’t heard it, here’s the link: Dom Kennedy Ft. Rick Ross – Gold Alpinas

 

9. Lupe Fiasco x Wale

Lupe and Wale share more in common than the fact their names rhyme. They both pushed the limits of hip-hop music by incorporating styles that many saw as unusual into their music. Although they both have changed their music to appeal to the mainstream in order to make more money, Lupe Fiasco and Wale still stick to their roots whenever possible. Lupe Fiasco was recently featured on Maybach Music Group’s collaborative album Self Made Vol. 3 on the song “Poor Decisions” with Wale and Rick Ross.

 

8. Joey Bada$$ x Madlib

Madlib seems to have no problem meshing well with other rappers. He has had notable collaborative works with MF Doom, Talib Kweli, and more recently, Freddie Gibbs. There is no reason why Joey and Madlib wouldn’t sound beautiful together. Joey even mentioned in his song “Waves” that “One day I hope I attract the likes of even Madlib.” One day, we all hope that comes true as well. Here is Joey Bada$$ on a Madlib instrumental called “Flow-ers.”

 

7. Elzhi x Royce da 5’9”

As one of their songs suggest, Elzhi and Royce can be a “Deadly Medley.” These two Detroit rappers are already quite familiar with each other. They have released numerous songs together, but maybe it’s time to take the next step and make an album together. Elzhi has previously mentioned that a project could happen in the near future, and there is no reason why it shouldn’t. I don’t think they would mind if Black Milk headed the production of it either. This is probably one of their best songs together: Elzhi Ft. Royce da 5’9″ – Glow

 

6. Andre 3000 x Cee-Lo Green

Since back in the days of Outkast and Goodie Mob, these two have always been two of the most artistic rappers in the industry. They are already familiar with one another’s impeccable talents and both have eccentric wardrobe choices. Since an Outkast or Goodie Mob reunion seems quite bleak in the near future, it would be nice of them to hold us over with a project from these two southern kings of hip-hop. If you have not heard anything with the two of them, you need to “get up, get out, and get something.”: Goodie Mob Ft. Outkast – Black Ice

 

5. Childish Gambino x Chance the Rapper

Soon after Chance debuted his unreleased verse for Childish Gambino’s song “The Worst Guys,” Childish posted to Twitter that they plan to release an EP together. Many artists plan to come out with music together, but sometimes things do not work out and projects get scrapped. There is no news on when the project will come, but hopefully it actually happens.

 

4. Drake x Phonte

Drake has said many times that Phonte is his favorite rapper. Back before Drake blew up in the mainstream, these two used to collaborate quite often. Phonte and Drake have been applauded for both their rapping and singing skills. There are no creative limits with the skill set of these two. They probably could come out with an album both your grandma and little sister would enjoy. I know they both would enjoy this: Drake Ft. Phonte & Elzhi – Think Good Thoughts

 

3. Kendrick Lamar x Ab-Soul

Now I know since Kendrick is the next big thing, everyone thinks he would sound amazing with about any other artist out there. The truth is no one has more chemistry on the microphone than his label mate Ab-Soul. These two make up half the super group of Black Hippy and have been making music together before the renaissance of west coast hip-hop. Not to mention that their lyricism is explosive together on the same track. Here is a song most of you have not heard from them: Ab-Soul & Kendrick Lamar – Rapper Sh*t

 

2. Common x Kanye West

Unfortunately, Common recently left Kanye’s label Good Music. In that case, there may not be many collaborations between them for a while seeing as both of them are starting to seek out different styles of music. Despite that, you could argue that Common and Kanye have already come out with two collaborative projects. Common’s albums Be and Finding Forever were produced almost entirely by Kanye West. I think most would agree that they would prefer to hear Kanye rap on a couple of the songs he produced for his friend Common. Whether it’s in the studio or on stage, these two rap geniuses make music that leaves you frozen in amazement. Here’s an unreleased verse from Kanye West from Common’s song “They Say.”

 

1. Nas x J. Cole

Last but not least, this is probably the most electrifying combination anyone could imagine. Nas is seen as one of the best rappers ever. People cite his debut album Illmatic as the best hip-hop album of all time (It’s also the inspiration for my username Dillmatic1000). J. Cole was once perceived as the second coming of Nas and reviving during a time when the genre was considered dead. Overall, Nas and J. Cole are seen as one of the best rappers of their respective generations. J. Cole has said that Nas is one of his biggest inspirations in hip-hop. He wanted Nas to appreciate his achievements, but he felt as if he “Let Nas Down” when he ultimately succumbed to the needs of mainstream music and released his chart topping single “Work Out.”  He actually “Made Nas Proud” for not sacrificing his art and making good music. I’m sure they would make even better music together.

—–Dillin Randolph

#ButStayWoke