Innovative rappers like Lil’ Wayne have implemented rock riffs and melodies into their hip hop songs--like his collaboration with Kevin Rudolf called "Let it Rock"--for awhile now, but we’re starting to see a number of rock bands cover hip hop songs.
Travis Barker, of DJ AM and Blink-182 fame, has leaked video of him playing the drums along rap tracks, but indie, rock and alternative bands are getting in on the act and creating their own remixes of immensely popular rap hits.
First Framing Hanley came out with a cover of Lil’ Wayne’s infectiously naughty single "Lollipop," which is getting a ton of alt/rock radio airplay. More recently, the Sacramento-based band Far released a cover of Ginuwine’s 1996 R&B;hit "Pony" called "Hot Little Pony."
While this isn’t the first time cross-genre mashups have been produced--Run DMC and Aerosmith built that bridge while many of the individuals in these bands were still in diapers--it’s certainly a sign of the resurgence of rock/rap collaborations and the return of rock.
Check out "Hot Little Pony" above and "Lollipop" below to get a taste of this cross-genre mashup (but skip ahead to about 2:13 if you’re anxious to get to "Lollipop").
Cross-Genre Music Mashups
Indie Rock Bands Cover Hip Hop Songs
Trend Themes
1. Cross-genre Music Mashups - The trend of cross-genre music mashups is disrupting the traditional boundaries of musical genres, creating opportunities for innovative collaborations and remixes.
2. Rock/rap Collaborations - The resurgence of rock/rap collaborations is a disruptive innovation opportunity for artists to create unique and popular music that appeals to a wide audience.
3. Indie Bands Covering Hip Hop Songs - Indie, rock, and alternative bands covering hip hop songs is a trend that brings a fresh and unique sound to popular rap hits, providing opportunities for creative reinterpretations and genre blending.
Industry Implications
1. Music Industry - The music industry can benefit from the trend of cross-genre music mashups by promoting and supporting innovative collaborations between artists from different genres.
2. Entertainment Industry - The entertainment industry can capitalize on the resurgence of rock/rap collaborations by producing and promoting concerts, music festivals, and events that showcase these innovative performances.
3. Digital Music Platforms - Digital music platforms can seize the opportunity provided by indie bands covering hip hop songs by featuring and promoting these unique remixes, attracting a diverse audience and expanding their user base.