After dominating the music scene this year, it’s safe to say the current state of U.K music is on par, and in some respects has surpassed many of its US counterparts. However, instead of dividing the two super powers, our staff here at GRM would like to unite them; and as such we have compiled a list of dream collaborations that we’d love to see.
After seeing recent collabs such as Nafe Smallz, M Huncho & Gunna, Skengdo AM & Chief Keef and a recent video which has been circulating of Yung Fume & Lil Dirk which appears to be already making noise on the internet, we’ve curated a list of seven pairings that we believe would make magic happen in the studio.
AJ Tracey x Jay Critch
Earlier in the year, we saw a picture surface on the internet of up and coming New York rapper Jay Critch with West London rapper Fredo, however another collab we’d like to see with the rapper would be with fellow West Londoner AJ Tracey.
Jay Critch x AJ Tracey would be a true trans-Atlantic collaboration. Both artists kick-started their career from an early age, brewing enthusiastically from their hometown.
The duo are both known for effortless, compelling bars and imaginative use of adlibs that accompany their flows; so there’s no doubt that an AJ X Jay Critch combo would sound hard over a beat. AJT is certainly no stranger to intercontinental collaborations, having previously worked with American based rappers Denzel Curry, Swoosh God and the late Canadian rapper Smoke Dawg. AJ was seen at Jay Critch x IAMNEXTPLATFORM headline show that took place on the 19th of November; so who knows, a collab may already be in the pipeline!
WSTRN X Tory Lanez
After dropping their debut project recently, Wstrn have shown and proved that they are as versatile as anything. Something the Toronto rapper Tory Lanez is also known for. When imagining a collab between the two, it’s limiting to just imagine one sound.
From R&B, to straight bars & dancehall flecked fusion, Halie, Louis, Akelle and Tory could drop the single of the year or even better a joint mixtape. If a joint mixed tape sounds a little too far fetched, then we’ll settle for a remix of “Aaliyah” off their debut mixtape featuring a rap verse from Lanez, this would be the perfect place to start.
Rick Ross x Ray BLK
A Rick Ross & Ray BLK collaboration would make a luxurious soulful fantasy, with Rozay staying in his infamous luxury rap Lane; accompanied by U.K songstress Ray BLK’s soulful blends. We believe it would be an interesting get together. Ross doesn’t work with a large variety of female artists, but when he does it’s guaranteed to be hit!
Travis Scott x Octavian
Travis Scott and Octavian would be an intergalactic collaboration. With both artists known for being experimental with their sound from the beginning of their career, a link up would go up in flames.
Not only would the pair compliment each other creatively, the finished product would be filled with interlocking details, inescapable hooks and vivid imagery for the listener. Despite being from different surroundings, both artists are known for bringing a unique aesthetic and ambience to not only their recorded songs, but their visuals and live performances as well.
Meek Mill x Suspect x Ambush
All three of these artists bring an authentic and dominating rap style. All filled with energy, hard hitting punchlines and straight flexing; we believe this would be an interesting yet unique collaboration.
With all three rappers being essentially their towns/cities ‘Hood Favourites;’ we are certain that by creating a fully charged track laced with jumpy adlibs, whilst rapping about daily struggles and triumphs it would go off.
D Block Europe x Young Thug
Their melodic styles would compliment each other so well. Not only can we already hear mumble rap connoisseur Young Thug on various D Block Europe tracks such as “Naasty”.
With both artists not being constrained by a particular sound or genre we are sure to see flamboyant braggadocios lyrical traces coupled with sharp wordplay to create vivid imagery.
Drake x Dappy
We believe that the pair would be able to piece together a crossover anthem. Like pretty much any record Drake touches, this imagined collab certainly has the potential to take the no.1 spot in the charts. Not only do the pair have astounding versatility, whether it’s melodic rap anthems, or straight bars back to back – it would most certainly be an interesting collab.
We hope these would inspire some of the artists and if you ever see any of these link ups come to life, remember you read it here first!