10 Best Guest Verses In Rap History
The features that we remember when the original songs fade.
Many other genres have used collaborations to produce some of their best music, but none have done so as prolifically and effectively as hip-hop. Whether due to its roots as a communal street art or to the way the industry has grown, rap has always had a shared element to it. Whether for hooks, introductions, bridges, or complementary verses hip-hop artists have been unafraid of working with each-other to produce music.
But a guest verse in Hip-Hop can be a tricky thing. A rapper wants to stand out and be unique, after all, why would they be invited if they couldn't provide anything different? But at the same time a great guest verse fits in with the rest of the song, both lyrically, stylistically and thematically.
It's a tricky line to walk and even the best rappers can struggle. Assert yourself too much and the verse seems out of place, blend in and you will be forgotten. But it's a role that every rapper takes.. Some have failed at this difficult task, but others have provided verses that have elevated their respective tracks to new heights. These are those verses.
Honorable Mentions: Ludacris- One Minute Man, Killer Mike- The Whole World, Jay-Z- Diamonds from Sierra Leone Remix.
10. Busta Rhymes - Scenario (A Tribe Called Quest)
Scenario was the third single off A Tribe Called Quest’s magnum opus Low End Theory. It’s cited by countless artists as a major inspiration and is considered a massively influential track in the context of hip-hop history. But one of the biggest impacts is that it was the mainstream debut of the Leaders of the New School, most especially Busta Rhymes.
On Scenario Busta fits seamlessly into A Tribe Called Quest’s signature style, the back and forth group flow that makes them great. He manages to stand out with a great verse without cramping the style of the original artists. It’s a brilliant moment that is often lost within the greatness that is Low End Theory but it was still a great sign of things to come.
Busta's verse:
Hey what we gon DO! in '92, even though we had FUN! in '91
Quick to turn my day, all things comin down
Run up on the new sound, leavin cracks in the ground
What's goin on my man (GOD DAMN!) and now my brain is hurtin
Busta, rhythm will hit 'em, then I get 'em
Rip on 'em, s**t on 'em, hit on 'em, then I will sit on 'em
Open up your mouth if you want the food
Take in full, Flipmode, cuz I'm in the mood, Uh-heh, uh-heh
Yeah man, that's how it goes
Body drippin with blood comin out your nose
Give me a band-aid, what are you askin for? (MORE!)
All in your secret and pure
Adverse, they said, check it and I bust a new rap
Rap, Busta Rhymes, and bust this wicked rap
Yeah y'all in '92, I'm packin my ant spray (ANYWAY!)
Tickle it, Tribe Called Quest, Leaders of the New School
Mad brothas would still think...Rhow, Rhow, Rhow!!!
To my dragon, baby, stop whining
I see my influence still shining
More crazy in '92, uh oh, time to go, yo
That's the Scenario!