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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.

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.

  • 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.
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  • 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’.
  • 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.
  • 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.
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  • 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.
  • 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.”
  • 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.
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  • 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.

    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.
  • 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.
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Nike Zoom Hyperflight “Safari” Official Images Reveal Bold Print Ahead of Holiday Release

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The Nike Zoom Hyperflight is getting a bold new look, with the “Safari” colorway coming soon. We have official photos of the unique design for a closer look. The sneaker sports bright orange accents and a translucent outsold, and is expected to arrive during the holiday season at a retail price of $190.

The new version is inspired by the Safari print that is familiar from the Air Safari. That pattern covers most of the Hyperflight’s soft, molded upper, giving the basketball shoe a unique look compared with some of the model’s other recent colorways. Together, the unusual texture and pattern make the silhouette feel especially suited to the adventurous design.

The primary contrast across the shoe is orange, used in the trim and other details. The bright color pops against the speckled base without being overwhelming. Black is also present in the design, on the glossy support structure around the midfoot and the soft leather collar. The look is topped off with a see-through outsole that adds another visual element to the overall color scheme.

The sneaker will drop with style code IZ2573-010 and is expected in men’s sizing. With a retail price tag of $190, Nike, Foot Locker, and Sheikh are among the expected retailers. As for when you can expect it, it’s likely to be the holiday season, though we don’t have a solid release date.

The “Safari” colorway comes amid a busy period for the Zoom Hyperflight. This year, Nike has revived the model in several colors, bringing a new wave of attention to the silhouette through a series of releases. Another forthcoming option is the vibrant “Green Apple” pair, also scheduled for a holiday season release.

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The Hyperflight’s history also provides context for the latest return. Jason Williams wore the model in the early 2000s, linking it to a memorable era for the sneaker. That association also helps explain why new colorways can generate excitement beyond the shoe’s look, especially for those who remember it from its previous run.

The Safari design is a definitive statement that does not change the characteristic shape of the Hyperflight. Instead, it uses the familiar silhouette as a canvas for a pattern that has already become recognizable through another Nike model. The orange accents provide a bright contrast, while the black midfoot structure and collar balance it out.

Now that official images have surfaced, sneaker fans have a clearer idea of what to expect from the holiday release. The $190 price, style code, and expected retail partners have also been identified, but a specific launch date has not been confirmed.

For Nike, the “Safari” is another way to bring attention back to the Zoom Hyperflight. One of its more distinctive new looks is this returning model, featuring speckled print, orange trim, black support details, and an icy-looking translucent outsole.

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Wifisfuneral Defends Relationship With XXXTentacion’s Ex After Ski Mask The Slump God Calls Him Out

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Wifisfuneral is facing backlash after revealing that he went on a date with Genesis Sanchez, the mother of XXXTentacion’s child. The post was slammed by people who still have strong emotional ties to the rapper, including Ski Mask The Slump God, who questioned Wifisfuneral’s motives and raised a separate claim against XXXTentacion.

The drama kicked off after Wifisfuneral posted about hanging out with Sanchez. The meeting quickly became a talking point among fans and people around the late artist due to her connection to XXXTentacion. While some thought the situation was distasteful, the news hit Ski Mask especially hard.

Ski Mask responded to Wifisfuneral, who had previously attempted to use voodoo on XXXTentacion. He also made a separate allegation concerning XXXTentacion’s mother, adding another provocative claim to an already heated exchange. His comments made it clear he was unhappy about Wifisfuneral going on a date with Sanchez.

Wifisfuneral didn’t take the criticism lightly. In his response, he flatly denied ever using voodoo against XXXTentacion, stating he had no reason to do so and wouldn’t pretend to have that kind of power. He also rejected suggestions that his meeting with Sanchez was an attempt to capitalize on the late rapper’s memory or seek attention.

The rapper gave his own account of their relationship, saying he and Sanchez had known each other since they were 13 and dated until 2016. Wifisfuneral said they hadn’t spoken or been in contact for the last decade until they bumped into each other by chance. “We just picked up where we left off,” he said, adding that there was no intention of turning the meeting into a public show.

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Wifisfuneral also acknowledged he understood why the situation might not sit well with some people. But he insisted that the public interpretation did not reflect what actually transpired between him and Sanchez. “There is nothing for either of us to gain by turning the meeting into a controversy or using it for publicity,” he said.

The dispute underscores how relationships with a late artist can be particularly fraught for fans and former collaborators. For many listeners, XXXTentacion’s death is still an emotional part of his story, and the people closest to him continue to draw attention when their lives become part of the public discussion.

At this point, Ski Mask and Wifisfuneral’s claims are still competing statements. Ski Mask has questioned the rapper’s motives and alleged past wrongdoing, while Wifisfuneral has denied any wrongdoing and shared a different account of his past with Sanchez.

The exchange has heightened tensions, and there is no indication the two artists have settled their differences. For now, Wifisfuneral is standing by his explanation as backlash around the date continues.

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