10 Biggest Hip Hop Collaborations Of All Time

Hip hop is a genre that thrives on collaboration, with artists joining forces to create some of the most iconic tracks in music history. These collaborations have not only broken records but also bridged gaps between different styles, regions, and even genres. Here’s a look at the 10 biggest hip hop collaborations of all time, ranked by their impact, success, and influence.

1. "Empire State of Mind" – Jay-Z ft. Alicia Keys (2009)

This anthem to New York City is one of the most recognized collaborations in hip hop history. Jay-Z’s lyrical prowess combined with Alicia Keys’ soaring vocals on the chorus made "Empire State of Mind" an instant classic. The song became a global hit, reaching No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100, and became a modern-day anthem for New York.

2. "Numb/Encore" – Jay-Z and Linkin Park (2004)

The fusion of hip hop and rock doesn't get better than this iconic track. Jay-Z teamed up with rock band Linkin Park for a mashup album, and "Numb/Encore" was the standout track. It combined the emotional depth of Linkin Park’s "Numb" with Jay-Z’s smooth, confident verses from "Encore." The song won a Grammy for Best Rap/Sung Collaboration and is still beloved by fans of both genres.

3. "Still D.R.E." – Dr. Dre ft. Snoop Dogg (1999)

When Dr. Dre and Snoop Dogg collaborate, magic happens. "Still D.R.E." is one of the most iconic hip hop collaborations that showcases the West Coast’s signature G-funk sound. Written by Jay-Z, the track marks Dr. Dre’s comeback after a hiatus and solidified Snoop Dogg’s status as one of the greatest rappers of his generation.

4. "Monster" – Kanye West ft. Jay-Z, Rick Ross, Nicki Minaj, and Bon Iver (2010)

Kanye West’s My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy gave us one of the most epic hip hop collaborations of all time. "Monster" brought together hip hop heavyweights Jay-Z, Rick Ross, and a show-stealing verse from Nicki Minaj, alongside indie artist Bon Iver. The track is often hailed for Nicki’s performance, which propelled her into rap superstardom.

5. "All I Do Is Win" – DJ Khaled ft. T-Pain, Ludacris, Snoop Dogg, and Rick Ross (2010)

DJ Khaled is known for assembling powerhouse collaborations, and "All I Do Is Win" is his most successful. Featuring T-Pain on the hook, along with verses from Ludacris, Snoop Dogg, and Rick Ross, the track became a certified banger and remains a staple at sporting events and celebrations. It’s one of Khaled’s signature songs that exemplifies his ability to bring together top-tier talent.

6. "Forever" – Drake, Kanye West, Lil Wayne, and Eminem (2009)

When you combine four of the biggest names in hip hop, the result is a track that goes down in history. "Forever" was released as part of the soundtrack for More Than a Game, a documentary about LeBron James, and each artist brings their A-game. Eminem’s rapid-fire verse is widely considered one of his best, while the collaboration solidified Drake’s place in the upper echelons of rap.

7. "No Limit" – G-Eazy ft. A$AP Rocky and Cardi B (2017)

This track brought together G-Eazy, A$AP Rocky, and Cardi B at the peak of their powers, producing a radio hit that topped charts worldwide. "No Limit" is a boastful track with infectious energy, and Cardi B’s verse stood out, helping her build momentum as one of the hottest new rappers at the time. The song's commercial success made it a defining moment in 2017's hip hop scene.

8. "California Love" – 2Pac ft. Dr. Dre (1995)

"California Love" is a defining West Coast hip hop anthem. Produced by Dr. Dre, featuring a charismatic 2Pac, and sampling Roger Troutman’s funk classic, this track is a celebration of California culture and lifestyle. It’s one of 2Pac’s biggest hits and helped cement his status as a hip hop legend. The collaboration also showcased Dr. Dre’s knack for creating timeless beats.

9. "Run This Town" – Jay-Z ft. Rihanna and Kanye West (2009)

This collaboration between Jay-Z, Kanye West, and Rihanna became a global hit upon its release, earning two Grammy Awards and dominating the charts. "Run This Town" features a haunting beat, Rihanna’s unforgettable hook, and verses from Jay-Z and Kanye that exemplify their synergy. It was a perfect blend of rap, pop, and swagger, and it remains one of Jay-Z’s most iconic collaborations.

10. "Drop It Like It’s Hot" – Snoop Dogg ft. Pharrell (2004)

Snoop Dogg and Pharrell created magic with this minimalistic yet infectious track. "Drop It Like It’s Hot" became a massive hit, with Pharrell’s smooth production and hook complementing Snoop’s laid-back delivery. The song went on to become one of the biggest hits of Snoop Dogg’s career and marked a high point in Pharrell’s production career.

Conclusion

These ten collaborations represent some of the most influential and commercially successful moments in hip hop history. Whether it's the blending of genres, star-studded lineups, or the creation of timeless anthems, these tracks have left a lasting impact on both the artists involved and the genre as a whole. Hip hop thrives on collaboration, and these songs exemplify how powerful partnerships in music can be.