Connect with us

News

Iconic Beats Rappers Should Rap On

In hip-hop, beats get passed around like colds.

A record might be sent to several artists before it finds a home and finally gets heard by the masses. There are dozens of stories of rappers passing up on beats that turned out to be hits or classic cuts. 50 Cent’s demonstrative single “Many Man” was once a Nas record before it fatefully fell into Fif’s lap. Kendrick Lamar‘s Mike Will Made-It-produced hit “Humble,” which earned a Billboard Hot 100 No. 1 position, was originally scored for Gucci Mane. Diddy had the Boi-1da, Vinylz and Frank Dukes-produced “0-100/The Catch Up” track before Drake got hands on it and turned it into a hit, which caused friction between the two artists.

Even after a record is out, there is nothing stopping other artists from rapping over the instrumental in a non-monetary fashion. Lil Wayne’s “A Milli,” Desiigner’s “Panda” and, more recently, Lil Nas X’s “Old Town Road” serve as examples of tracks that everyone and their mama hopped on.

Advertisement

There are a bunch of iconic beats that it would be dope to hear other artist spit on that we haven’t gotten the opportunity to hear thus far. Imagine if Jay-Z was given Clipse’s “Grindin” beat, as was almost the case, or how Tupac Shakur and Dr. Dre’s “California Love” would slap harder than angry grandmothers with a fresh verse from The Golden State’s golden boy, Kendrick Lamar. We can wish, can’t we?

So, XXL highlights 15 classic beats we’d like to hear someone other than the original artist rhyme over.

Advertisement
  • Clipse’s “Grindin’”

    Artist That Should Rap: Jay-Z

    Word is, Clipse’s breakout single “Grindin’” was once almost given to Hov. With that in mind, hearing Jigga spit dope boy magic over Pharrell’s iconic hustler’s anthem in the present day is the stuff street dreams are made of.
  • Tupac Shakur’s “California Love” Featuring Dr. Dre

    Artist That Should Rap: Kendrick Lamar

    2Pac’s “California Love” is one of hip-hop’s most beloved anthems, from one of the genre’s most lauded producers. Kendrick Lamar’s uncanny energy on the classic cut would be just what the Dr. ordered. Keep it rockin’.
    Advertisement
  • Mobb Deep’s “Quiet Storm”

    Artist That Should Rap: XXXTentacion

    Unfortunately, we’ll never get to see this happen no matter how bad we want it. But the late XXXTentacion‘s gloomy yet charged-up style would have fit perfect with Havoc’s dark stylings on the instrumental for “Quiet Storm.”
  • Pete Rock and C.L. Smooth’s “They Reminisce Over You (T.R.O.Y)”

    Artist That Should Rap: YBN Cordae

    By now, you should know that YBN Cordae is illy with the wordplay, as he spits like a top-notch lyricist of day’s past. Hearing the throwback spitta weave bars on a classic joint like Pete Rock’s jazz-infused “T.R.O.Y” record needs to happen.
    Advertisement
  • Wu-Tang Clan’s “Triumph”

    Artist That Should Rap: Odd Future

    Back when all the members of OFWGKTA were still gang, gang, it would have been fire to get the crew of musical misfits to rap over Wu-Tang Clan’s ultimate posse cut. Tyler, The Creator, Earl Sweatshirt, Hodgy, Left Brain, Domo Genesis and others bombing atomically over RZA magic. Yes, please.
  • Twista’s “Adrenaline Rush”

    Artist That Should Rap: Busta Rhymes

    Twista has proven time and time again that his rhymes do not follow the speed limit. While his catalog of tongue-twisting raps is not as prolific, Busta Rhymes can definitely shift into the fast and keep pace with the best of them. There are a few spittas that might be up to the task of tackling Twista’s magnum opus, but Bussa Buss gets our vote.
    Advertisement
  • Wu-Tang Clan’s “C.R.E.A.M.”

    Artist That Should Rap: Westside Gunn, Conway The Machine and Benny The Butcher

    Those Buffalo Boys get busy. With a hardbody throwback style many compare to 1990’s-era Empire State MCs, Griselda Records and Wu-Tang Clan are stylistic cousins. Westside Gunn, Conway The Machine and Benny The Butcher catching wreck over “C.R.E.A.M” is a match made in navy blue and cream Wallabees heaven.
  • Black Moon’s “I Got Cha Opin”

    Artist That Should Rap: Joey Bada$$

    Joey Bada$$ deserves a salute for staying true to his roots in an industry full of clones. A natural on boom bap production, Bad Mon Joey would go bonkers on fellow BK artists’ Black Moon’s classic banger.
    Advertisement
  • Jay-Z’s “Dead Presidents”

    Artist That Should Rap: Nas

    It’s only right. Hov sampled Nas for his early breakout track (which led to some interesting bars during their beef). But that’s all behind us now. Nas would definitely go in on the classic Ski-produced track.
  • Public Enemy’s “Rebel Without a Pause”

    Artist That Should Rap: Run The Jewels

    The seed that MCs like Chuck D planted in Killer Mike is evident. Both are good for a poignant anti-establishment anthem that will shake things up. Killer Kill and El-P should be up to the task of dropping bomb’s on Public Enemy’s “Rebel Without a Pause.”
    Advertisement
  • The Notorious B.I.G.’s “Who Shot Ya?”

    Artist That Should Rap: Rick Ross

    Can you imagine what an official Rozay and Biggie collab would have sounded like? Unfortunately, we’ll never get to hear the lyrical titans on wax together, but the next best thing would be for Ross to hop on a Frank White classic. The biggest Bawse painting pictures over the menacing “Who Shot Ya?” beat would the consummate coupling.
  • Jay-Z’s “U Don’t Know”

    Artist That Should Rap: Pusha-T

    Since Jigga turned the Just Blaze-produced “U Don’t Know” beat into an instant classic, not many people have messed with it. Probably because not many people properly can. One thing King Push definitely knows how to do is murder a track. If anyone can match Hov’s hustler’s spirit its Blowbama.
    Advertisement

    Read More: The 13 Best New Songs This Week

  • Kanye West’s “So Appalled”

    Artist That Should Rap: Kendrick Lamar

    Kanye West‘s “So Appalled” beat got shot, stabbed, murdered and left for dead by Yeezy, Pusha-T, CyHi The Prynce and Jay-Z. In our twisted fantasy, Kendrick Lamar would put his foot in it, too. Kung-Fu Kenny in “Control” mode over that instrumental? We’re totally here for it.
    Advertisement
  • Lil’ Kim’s “Queen Bitch”

    Artist That Should Rap: Megan Thee Stallion

    Lil’ Kim is the original savage and many have followed in her footsteps. She came out swinging on the memorable cut “Queen Bitch” off her debut album Hard Core. With Megan Thee Stallion currently eyeing the throne, she would be the perfect fit to hop on the bombastic banger.
  • Snoop Dogg’s “Gin & Juice”

    Artist That Should Rap: Wiz Khalifa

    We are honestly surprised this hasn’t happened yet, with Wiz’s love for gin and Uncle Snoop. It almost seems mando that Khalifa give us his kushed-out bars over Dr. Dre’s G-Funk magnum opus.
    Advertisement

Artist Spotlight

SZA’s Cheeky Take on Drake’s Kissing Skills Sparks Buzz

Honk Magazine - Sza

SZA knows how to keep her fans engaged through her heartfelt music or the rare insights into her personal life. This week, the R&B star sparked many conversations during an interview when she was asked a surprising question: Is Drake a good kisser? This question comes as people are again curious about their brief relationship from 2009.

Fans have often assumed about SZA and Drake’s connection, but she has usually stayed quiet about their past. So, when SZA was asked about Drake’s kissing skills during her interview, everyone was eager to hear her answer. With her usual calm and playful style, she smiled and replied, “Good kisser? Let’s say… Drake’s passionate about everything he does.” Her response left fans guessing what she meant.

Advertisement

As expected, social media lit up within hours, with fans analyzing every word. Was she teasing him? Complimenting him? Or just skillfully avoiding the question? Regardless of the interpretation, her answer was intriguing. SZA’s reply also shows her professionalism. She clarified that she has no intention of saying anything bad about an old friend. As for Drake, he probably won’t respond directly to her comment. He might choose to address the situation in a future song instead.

Fans of both artists are hopeful for a renewal of their friendship, either in the music studio or personally. Despite the ups and downs in their relationship over the years, their ability to create amazing music together is undeniable. Songs like “Slime You Out” and “Rich Baby Daddy” showcase their incredible chemistry, no matter the status of their friendship. Overall, SZA’s response is a great example of how to handle tricky questions with style and humor.

Advertisement
Continue Reading

Artist Spotlight

When Words Cut Deep, Flo and Amara La Negra Clash Over Colorism on Love & Hip-Hop Miami

Honk Magazine - Flo

The latest episode of Love & Hip-Hop Miami stirred up a lot of drama as Flo and Amara La Negra got into a heated argument over accusations of colorism. This intense confrontation quickly grabbed viewers’ attention and sparked discussions on social media about an important social issue. This particular clash resonated with viewers in a way that went beyond just reality TV. The fight started when Flo made comments that Amara perceived as rooted in colorism.

Amara La Negra, who identifies as Afro-Latina and speaks against racism, wasn’t afraid to defend herself. For her, this situation was personal, as she has long advocated for darker-skinned women facing discrimination. On the other hand, Flo, known for her straightforward approach and strong personality, tried to explain her perspective but received backlash both during the episode and from fans. Some viewers felt her comments were dismissive, while others thought the argument was blown out of proportion.

Advertisement

This confrontation sparked a response on social media, with clips of the argument going viral. People shared their opinions, with some praising Amara for standing her ground and others criticizing the show for seemingly sensationalizing a serious topic. The clash has allowed people to discuss the ongoing inequalities in society. It serves as a reminder of reality TV’s influence in bringing attention to cultural issues.

After the episode aired, Flo and Amara stayed active on social media. Amara continued to emphasize her commitment to fighting colorism. On the other hand, Flo hinted at her perspective, promising more details in upcoming episodes. While Love & Hip-Hop Miami thrives on drama, situations like this highlight the delicate balance between entertainment and meaningful conversation.

Advertisement

As the season progresses, fans wonder whether this intense moment will lead to understanding between the two or create more division. The argument will continue well beyond the TV screens, adding depth to the cultural conversations surrounding Love & Hip-Hop Miami.

Advertisement
Continue Reading

Video Of The Week

Trending