A large part of hip-hop is competition. Every emcee is constantly gunning for that number one spot, for that one verse that makes everyone go crazy, for the throne of “G.O.A.T.”. Collaboration is another tenet of hip hop, with top artists constantly featuring on each others tracks, and putting new artists on through guest spots. Sometimes, though, a guest verse is so good that it makes a career (or ends one, or revitalizes one). Here’s a look at 10 instances of artists being upstaged by their features.
Wale “Beautiful Bliss” (featuring J. Cole)
J. Cole, frankly, embarrassed Wale on this track off last year’s Attention Deficit – leaving many wondering why Wale didn’t rewrite his verses after hearing what Cole came with. Besides proving that he’s more lyrical than Wale, Cole’s verse shows an incredible amount of promise. His last line pretty much says it all – “And if you’re listenin’ I know you’re wonderin’ where the f**k they found me!”
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Craig Mack “Flava In Ya Ear (Remix)” (featuring Notorious B.I.G., Busta Rhymes, LL Cool J)
This track is probably the most famous example of a guest rapper totally stealing the scene from the main artist. All of the guests on this one outshone Craig Mack, but Biggie’s verse in particular was on another level. Delivering such classic lines as “You’re mad ’cause my style you’re admiring/ Don’t be mad, UPS is hiring,“ and ‘Far from handsome, but damn a n***a tote… more guns than roses.’ B.I.G. proved with this verse why he was a legend in the making. Craig Mack hasn’t been heard from since. Coincidence?
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The Game “Hate it Or Love It” (featuring 50 Cent)
Not only did 50’s hook make this song (along with Cool & Dre‘s production, but his verse was one of the more personal looks behind the tough guy image that made him a superstar. Lines like ‘Daddy ain
