20 of the Best Crossover Hip-Hop Collaborations of 2017

 

Two heads are better than one. Three heads are better than two. And the fantastic four combo from DJ Khaled's "I'm the One"—Chance the Rapper, Lil Wayne, Justin Bieber and Quavo—is certainly better than the 42-year-old producer screaming "another one" over a track for dolo.

Hip-hop, like most musical art forms, thrives on synergy. And it's been increasingly reaching outside of the genre for collaborators, a note underscored by this year's study that showed hip-hop and R&B has moved past rock and roll as the most consumed genre in the U.S. Stars of all statuses want in, and they haven't been shy about showing it.

French Montana has collaborated with just about any decent artist this year—acts like Major Lazer, Fifth Harmony, David Guetta, Maluma, Jason Derulo, and others. Ty Dolla $ign is always one call away from providing a fire feature verse and/or hook. Big-name electronic DJs have been knocking on hip-hop's door for the last few years. But let's not forget the epic pairings of hip-hop's titans on Calvin Harris' "Slide," (with Migos and Frank Ocean) or Goldlink's untouchable "Crew" (co-starring Shy Glizzy and Brent Faiyaz).

XXL looked back on the year to compile a list of the best collaborations that 2017 had to offer. Narrowing down was tough—there were a ton a choices—but we landed on the top 20 selections. From deep cuts to charting singles, these are the best hip-hop collaborations featuring rappers and crossover artists outside of the genre.

• "1-800-273-8255"

  Logic Featuring Alessia Cara and Khalid

• "All Around the World"

  Mura Masa Featuring Desiigner

• "Biking"

  Frank Ocean Featuring Tyler, The Creator and JAY-Z

• "Chase Me"

  Danger Mouse Featuring Run The Jewels and Big Boi

• "Colombia Heights (Te Llamo)"

  Wale Featuring J Balvin

• "Come Closer"

  Wizkid Featuring Drake

• "Crew"

  GoldLink Featuring Shy Glizzy and Brent Faiyaz

• "Customz"

  Little Simz Featuring Bibi Bourelly

• "Havana"

  Camila Cabello Featuring Young Thug

• "I'm The One"

  DJ Khaled Featuring Justin Bieber, Quavo, Chance the Rapper and Lil Wayne

• "Lemon"

  N.E.R.D Featuring Rihanna

• "Love Galore"

  SZA Featuring Travis Scott

• "Night Call"

  Steve Aoki Featuring Lil Yachty and Migos

• "Over"

  Syd Featuring 6LACK

• "Right Now"

  Snakeships and Anne-Marie Featuring Joey Bada$$

• "Sky Walker"

  Miguel Featuring Travis Scott

• "Slide"

  Calvin Harris Featuring Migos and Frank Ocean

• "Swalla"

  Jason Derulo Featuring Nicki Minaj and Ty Dolla $ign

• "Turf"

  Aminé Featuring Charlie Wilson

• "Walk on By"

  Thundercat Featuring Kendrick Lamar

Let's block ads! (Why?)