THE BEST RAP COLLABORATIONS OF ALL TIME
By BRIAN BOONE
History - Science
W.A.P.
When she first started writing "W.A.P.," Cardi B conceived it as a duet between herself and Megan Thee Stallion but was initially hesitant to ask; however, when she reached out, they hit it off. The song debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and is celebrated and derided by millions for its frank, clever, and blatantly sexual content.
GHETTO SUPERSTAR
When Pras was recording "Ghetto Superstar," ODB wandered into the studio, heard the backing track for the single, and liked it so much he begged to contribute a verse over it. Pras placated the rapper, planning to erase his part later; however, Pras changed his mind when it "turned out hot!"
NUTHIN' BUT A 'G' THANG
When Dr. Dre's stepbrother, who also was Snoop Dogg's friend, gave him a demo of Dogg rapping over En Vogue's "Hold On," Dre was so impressed that he featured Dogg on his 1992 single "Deep Cover." Dre also brought Dogg into rap on "Nuthin' But a 'G' Thang," which made the latter a breakout star.
BIG PIMPIN'
When Jay-Z called Bun B of UGK, or Underground Kingz, to ask him for a guest shot for "Big Pimpin'," the latter thought it was a prank call until he realized the real Jay-Z was on the line. Pimp C, the other half of the duo, begrudgingly agreed to the song that eventually hit No. 18 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 2000.
FORGOT ABOUT DRE
In a serendipitous turn of events, a tape of Eminem found its way to Dr. Dre, who loved the recording so much he signed Eminem and co-produced and co-wrote his major-label debut in 1999, "The Slim Shady LP." Eminem repaid all the favors to his mentor and champion on "Forgot About Dre," the first single from Dr. Dre's 2000 album, "2001."