Breaking Beats: Most surprising collabs
Former Republican Presidential Candidate Ben Carson just endorsed Donald Trump. Last month, loudmouthed New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie also endorsed Trump for the 2016 presidency. This came as a surprise to many, as Trump once attacked Christie for not doing his job well. This strange turn of events brought to mind all of the weird and interesting music collaborations I’ve witnessed in my life.
Some of the collaborations I choose were happy surprises, others, not so much. Get ready for a mixture of #NewMusicFriday cuts as well as some early 2000s cuts.
Macklemore & Ryan Lewis — Dance Off ft. Idris Elba and Anderson .Paak
Fresh off Macklemore’s follow up to his ultra popular, Grammy-winning debut album The Heist comes the surprisingly catchy track, “Dance Off.” As a Seattle native, I can’t help but try to hold it down for Macklemore and I think he actually accomplishes something here. The big WTF with this song is the Idris Elba feature. Who knew The Wire actor could throw down bars?
Miguel — Waves (Remix) ft. Kacey Musgraves
Miguel just dropped his Waves (Remix) EP with a bunch of dope features from Tame Impala to this country/soulful remix with Kacey Musgraves. The new wave country artist has an interesting and beautiful take on the original R&B track.
Skrillex — Dirty Vibe ft. CL and G-Dragon
For those of you who don’t know, I’m a huge K-Pop fan, so when I heard that Skrillex was going to have my favorite K-Pop star CL on a track, I freaked TF out. You wouldn’t expect the dubstep king to make K-Pop sound so cool but SURPRISE! He does it and does it well. Expect more Skrillex-CL collabs to come.
Nelly — Over and Over ft. Tim McGraw
Remember when Nelly was all over the scene? He was doing so well he thought he could start singing and doing collaborations with Tim McGraw. I guess it’s not terrible… but TBH this is just weird and gives me major awk vibes now.
Sisqo — Thong Song ft. Panic! at the Disco
I hate Jimmy Kimmel for letting this happen… Just no.
Simple Plan— Summer Paradise ft. Sean Paul
This song is probably what led to this annoying summer of 2015 song. This reggae-inspired post grunge emo crap really makes me feel uncomfortable.
Linkin Park and Jay Z — Numb/Encore
My sister bought the mash up album. This song actually won a Grammy in 2006, but how TF did they beat Ciara and Missy Elliott’s “1,2 Step?” I’m vomiting in my mouth a little.
Grimes — Venus Fly ft. Janelle Monae
Straight off of Grimes’ new album Art Angels, this club banger is a surprise collab between the synth queen and the funky Janelle Monae. The song has a crazy base beat with a super feminist message: To all the creepers on the dance floor, GTFO and stop looking at me.
Pitbull — Timber ft. Kesha
I remember that when this song came out I was very WTF, Kesha and Pitbull with a country vibe? I definitely judged people for liking this track but it’s kind of grown on me, especially the chorus. #FreeKesha!
