Top Ten Pop-Meets-Rap Collaborations Of The Decades Eras
At Decades, Panorama Productions’ newest club, celebrating the pop music of the greatest-selling eras in music history is exactly what’s being done at all times. One of the keys to the music of these eras selling so well is that oftentimes genres were blended and blurred in ways that created fresh sounds and fanbases for hit singles. Notably, it’s when hip-hop and mainstream cultures merged when the hits were the biggest. Here’s the ten biggest-selling pop-meets-rap collaborations in the past thirty years.
All songs listed are also available for purchase by clicking them!
10. Eve feat. Gwen Stefani – Let Me Blow Ya Mind (2001)
#1 – 5 countries, 7 million singles sold
By 2001, Ruff Ryders’ affiliated rapper Eve had broken out from the considerable shadow of fellow “Double R” clique members DMX and Swizz Beatz to be rap’s top-selling female performer of that era. Dr. Dre and Scott Storch co-produced this heater, which was the second single from Scorpion, Eve’s breakthrough second album. For Eve and Gwen, it was the bigger-selling of their two Dre-produced collaborations, the other being, “Rich Girl,” a 2004 Stefani single.
9. Flo Rida feat. T-Pain – Low (2009)
#1 – 5 countries, 9 million singles sold
Before his debut 2009 single “Low,” Flo Rida was an appropriately-named emcee from Carol City, Florida. Comparatively, T-Pain had released three albums that had sold nearly two million copies in the United States alone, with five top-ten singles including 2007’s “Buy You A Drank (Shawty Snappin’).” T-Pain delivers on the hook for “Low,” as “Apple Bottom jeans, and boots with the furrrr” is probably one of the era’s most iconic moments.
8. Katy Perry feat. Juicy J – Dark Horse (2013)
#1 – 8 countries, 20 million sales and streams
Katy Perry goes electro-trap alongside a member from Three Six Mafia? That’s exactly what happened on this extremely surprising hit 2013 pop meets rap collaboration. Regarding working with Perry, one-time “Stay Fly” Three Six Mafia hit-maker Juicy J said, “My verse I did on that song, she was singing it. She’s really a genius, she was by the mixing board and telling the guy what to take in and take out. She’s really hands-on with her music, she knows music.”
7. Nelly feat. Kelly Rowland – Dilemma (2002)
#1 – 10 countries, 8 million singles sold
When St. Lunatic Nelly and Destiny’s Child member Rowland combined forces on 2002 R & B ballad “Dilemma,” the result was a Grammy-winning smash. In the same way that ‘80s heavy metal’s “rules” meant that every huge band needed a power ballad, rappers enlisted the aid of pop/soul divas to make their largest waves. Throw in a sample from Patti LaBelle’s 1983 R & B smash “Love, Need and Want You,” and the song had just enough OG soul legitimacy and pop power to make an impact.
6. Justin Timberlake feat. Timbaland – SexyBack (2006)
#1 – 10 countries, 9 million sales
Following up partnering with Pharrell Williams for his 2002 album Justified, Justin Timberlake paired with another Virginia-born producer in Timbaland for 2006’s FutureSex/LoveSounds. Leading the charge on the album was this soulful electro-pop jam that featured Timbo in a role similar to Diddy, cheering on JT’s vocals from the background. Similar to so many Bad Boy hits of the late ‘90s, “SexyBack’s” mix of party chants, sexy soul lyrics, and a thumping beat are undeniable.
5. Katy Perry feat. Snoop Dogg – California Gurls (2010)
#1 – 12 countries, 8 million sales
The standard setter for Katy Perry and Juicy J’s “Dark Horse” is her “surprising” collab with none other than Snoop Dogg for 2010’s “California Gurls.” Regarding the mega-hit’s inspiration, Perry noted, “it’s been a minute since we’ve had a California song and especially from a girl’s perspective. We took the references of Prince, which is always a great reference, and we took a lot of the ’90s, … almost that house music, some of those references.”
4. Puff Daddy, 112, and Faith Evans – I’ll Be Missing You (1996)
#1 – 14 countries, 10 million sales
Alongside his Bad Boy artists 112 and mourning widow Faith Evans, Puff Daddy bittersweetly honored the memory of his slain protege The Notorious BIG with 1996’s “I’ll Be Missing You.” The sample of The Police’s 1983 hit “Every Breath You Take” added to the song’s appeal, which made it to that point, Diddy’s biggest-selling artist single. An iconic songs that’s instantly recognizable as a part of hip-hop culture, it has a legacy that’s larger than the number of copies it’s sold overall.
3. Rihanna feat. Jay Z – Umbrella (2007)
#1 – 15 countries, 9 million sales
Amazingly enough, one of Rihanna’s biggest hits ever was originally written for Britney Spears. Of course, given that Jay Z was the president of Rihanna’s label Def Jam, there’s no guarantee that Hov would’ve appeared on Brit’s version of “Umbrella,” but still, what a fact in general, right?!?!? In one epic smash, “Little Miss Sunshine” broke out from being the child known for “Pon De Replay” into being the woman known for hits like “Work.”
2. Shakira feat. Wyclef Jean – Hips Don’t Lie (2005)
#1 – 16 countries, 6 million sales
When Caribbean dancehall mixed with Puerto Rican salsa on Haitian vocalist Wyclef Jean and Colombian singer Shakira’s 2005 hit “Hips Don’t Lie,” there’s the influence of two continents, 30 countries, 25 islands, and an American territory at play. Therefore, the song being a global smash makes sense. Throw in a music video with hip-shaking dancing, and there’s literally something in it for absolutely everyone.
1. Usher feat. Lil Jon – Yeah! (2004)
#1 – 16 countries, 7 million sales
“Peace up, A Town down.”
By 2004, Usher had already sold 17 million albums, and had nine top-ten singles. At the same time, Lil Jon had released two #1 indie albums, had two top 10 Billboard hits, and had produced three other smash singles for artists including the Ying Yang Twins. Jon’s street stardom mixed with Usher’s mainstream success on a single that used Jon’s signature catchphrase to make the most successful pop/rap collaboration of all time.
FIVE THINGS TO DO IN DC IN FALL 2016
The Nation’s Capital and its suburbs has a jam-packed schedule of goings on for Fall 2016. From the opening of a long-awaited museum to entertaining seasonal events and hotly-anticipated gigs for global music superstars on tour, here’s five of the best events in the region over the next few months.
Visiting The National Museum of African American History and Culture
The latest-to-open museum in the Smithsonian’s collection opens on September 24 with significant fanfare that includes a three-day music festival. However, weekend passes are not available again until December 4, so we advise possibly waiting until the winter to snap up one of the passes that will be available on a first-come and first serve basis during the week at 9:15 AM. From Michael Jackson’s fedora to numerous key artifacts from the civil rights struggle and so much more, the museum is the only national museum totally devoted to the story of African-Americans and likely to be the National Mall’s most must-see location of Fall/Winter 2016.
Field of Screams – September 30 – November 5
For just over a month, there’s a field in Olney, MD that’s transformed from forest land to a Halloween attraction that won a 2014 A& E competition for the best Haunted House Design/Build. Field of Screams features four main attractions, including a 3D haunted house, plus fifteen bonfires, zombies, the “Trail of Terror,” and a menu including smores, fried Twinkies, Fried Oreos and more. If you’re not at peak freakout, there’s also Field of Screams’ sister venue “Scream City” which holds both an “Exorcism Estate” and “Slaughter Factory” near the DC Armory and RFK Stadium in Southeast DC.
Sia at Verizon Center – October 19
Get “Cheap Thrills,” but don’t “Bang Your Head” while swinging from a “Chandelier” when Sia comes to town at the Verizon Center on October 19. Yes, we’re well aware that the singer now notorious for hiding her face during live appearances won’t exactly be easy to see during her concert, but her hits are so undeniable that it might not matter. “Cheap Thrills” has been a Billboard #1 single in six countries in 2016, so that’s the performance you want to see, but if you’re looking for a dance party, it’s her songs produced by the likes of David Guetta, Axwell and more that are certain to get you to sticking around and up on your feet!
Maryland Renaissance Festival – Every weekend through October 23
Everybody likes taking a trip back to 16th century Europe, right? That’s exactly what has happened in Crownsville, MD for the past 40 years as everything from turkey legs and fair maidens to jousting and well, a very true-to-life take on village living during King Henry VIII’s rule of England. As far as what’s best to do at Renaissance Fest 2016? We’ll suggest either getting active in axe throwing, play acting and maybe hanging out at the White Hart Tavern. Or choose to go all out and rent a costume to enjoy the jousting tournament, Shakespeare’s As You Like It, and more. Either way, it’s a quality afternoon and well worth the trip.
Porter Robinson and Madeon at Echostage – November 10 AND November 16
The must-see event of EDM’s fall and winter months is the co-headlining tour by young melodic kingpins Porter Robinson and Madeon. The two have collaborated on “Shelter,” a single released just-in-time for their string of nationwide gigs together. In the past, both Porter and Madeon have expressed how much they love playing at Echostage. WIth recent improvements to the venue’s already impressive laser light show and LED technology, one can expect that the already impressive stage shows for the DJ/production tandem’s previous tours could be elevated to another level here.
In DC These Days, Fast Casual Dining Equals Big Business And Is Here To Stay
In 2015, CNN Money reported that Americans were working roughly 47 hours a week, which when given that the average work week is expected to be 40 hours, means that there’s a lot of overtime happening. The push towards overtime means that there’s less time for many things, cooking at home included in that list. Thus, if you’re wondering why cities like Washington, DC appear to be over-run with fast casual dining options offering everything from salads to rice bowls to noodle soups, burritos and more, that’s why. However, how big of a business DC’s ability to ever-so-briefly stop working and eat an impressive diversity of meals is becoming is what’s truly amazing.
Sweetgreen’s farm-to-table salads are delicious enough for the company to have existed for nearly a decade, raise $95 million in venture capital funding and spawn a seven-year old music festival. As well, not too far behind is five-year old Cava Grill, which, as an offshoot of the Cava Mezze restaurant has just followed Sweetgreen into New York City and has $60 million in VC funding to spend. As well, established fast-casual industry leader Chipotle launched Shophouse, a Southeast-Asian inspired sister concept, in the area three years ago.
Even iconic and veteran DC chef Jose Andres is in on the fun, his all-vegetarian Beefsteak entry now entering it’s second year in the fast-casual sweepstakes and already having national locations. Andres’ acclaim has attracted pop-star power to his brand as his funders include the likes of actress Gwyneth Paltrow. Upstarts like Philadelphia hoagie-inspired Taylor Gourmet, urban-chic “Chipotle for Pizza” & Pizza and sushi-as-burrito operation Buredo are making swift and impressive moves as well.
DC’s downtown park system turning into a lunch-time smorgasbord should be added to this mix as well. There’s now 240-plus food trucks in operation in the Nation’s Capital, offering everything from lobster roll sandwiches to barbecue items, grilled Halal-style meats and much more. Food trucks with brick-and-mortar locations like District Taco are notable, too. When the San Francisco Business Journal reveals that food-truck entrepreneurs are making a half-million dollars a year in earnings, there’s an impressive movement happening.
Fast casual is even interrupting DC’s traditional sit-down and not-so-fast restaurant boom. In Asia, ramen shops are the ultimate in fast dining, as the shops do an impressive level of in-and-out dining by business people needing incredibly swift dining options during weeks of work that oftentimes expand far past the new American 47 hour-per-week expectation. Now, especially in DC of late, traditionally fast ramen is becoming the height of experience-driven fast-casual eating. There’s roughly a dozen ramen-specific restaurants now in the DC Metropolitan area, a number that’s certain to grow.
When well-regarded publications like Zagat’s food guide says that “perhaps more than any [American] market, Washingtonians can’t get enough of fast-casual” and Eater notes that both “home-grown” and “enthusiastic entrants from elsewhere” are highlighting DC’s “nicer than fast-food, but not quite full-service” offerings, and can name over a dozen eateries not noted in this article, fast-casual has not just arrived in Washington, DC, moreover, it’s likely here to stay.
How Lil Wayne Changed The Music Industry Forever
With three tweets on September 3, Lil Wayne announced what may be his retirement from recording music. In believing his announcement to be based in truth, it’s time to acknowledge why he’s easily one of popular music’s most game-changing artists and likely to get a ton of spins at Decades. In taking rap music from being driven by the radio, pop charts and concerts to being pushed by the internet and the club, he opened the door for the future of music and changed the industry forever.
There’s video footage of Lil Wayne getting turnt in New York City nightclubs at the age of 13. Southern rap broke all of the industry’s established rules, but in Lil Wayne being signed to Cash Money at 13 and earning millions of dollars as a rapper by 16 by being featured on Juvenile’s “Back Dat Azz Up,” B.G.’s “Bling Bling” and releasing his own single “Tha Block Is Hot,” Lil Wayne arguably broke them best. Weezy was already well along his way to iconic status long before he could vote, drink or drive. However, let’s be clear that part of what makes Wayne a superstar is that it’s highly likely he was already doing two of the three activities listed long before his 18th birthday.
By the time Wayne was 21, he was four albums and 11 released singles into his solo career and releasing the Mannie Fresh-produced single “Go D.J.,” which was his second top 10 rap release. Between 2005-2008, Wayne’s output continued to be significant to the point where amazingly enough, he had sold nearly 10 million singles without ever having any of them crack Billboard’s Top 10.
Between the release of his albums The Carter II and The Carter III, Wayne released seven internet-only mixtapes. The thus appropriately nicknamed “Mixtape Weezy” released some 150 tracks on non-mainstream album material in three years, songs that became classics to a new generation of music consumers who were more likely to download music on the internet for free than to purchase an album in a retail store. Amazingly enough, Wayne’s biggest selling album was 2008’s The Carter III, the one that came after his mixtape-driven hiatus, but as a testament to his internet-driven fame, it’s only sold just under four million copies since its release.
Prior to Lil Wayne’s success, one could look to a rap artist’s own albums and find all of their most iconic moments. However, Wayne’s mold-breaking extends to here as well, as he’s unquestionably the king of the “guest appearance on another rapper or DJ’s club hit or remix.”
From 1999’s already discussed “Back Dat Azz Up” and “Bling Bling” to DJ Khaled’s “I’m So Hood,” “I’m On One,” and “We Takin’ Over,” Chris Brown’s “Look At Me Now,” will i. am and Britney Spears’ “Scream And Shout,” Fat Joe’s “Make It Rain” and Jay Sean’s “Down,” Lil Wayne has always appeared to be an artist who had multiple hit songs everywhere at the same time. As well, it always appeared as if these singles were all aimed at being as supremely turnt up in the club as humanly possible. In fact, if you head out to Decades soon, we’re quite certain that in the club’s hip-hop friendly room that you’ll be hearing all of these aforementioned hits, possibly sometimes one after the other.
In looking at the future of where rap is headed, it’s possible that the success of artists like Wayne’s protege Drake and Chicago-based star Chance the Rapper is directly related to what Lil Wayne accomplished. Drake’s 2015-released collaborative album with Future was originally released as an internet-only mixtape, and is filled to the brim with club-ready heaters. Also, Chance the Rapper does not have a mainstream record deal, and the idea that he’s ONLY wanting to put out free internet mixtapes has made Grammy change it’s tune about nominating and awarding music that’s been released for free.
Whether or not Wayne returns is anyone’s best guess. However, his legacy is absolute and certainly worthy of celebration.
On that note, Decades is opening soon.
Independence Weekend Beach Party at Ultrabar
DCClubbing Presents:
Independence Weekend Beach Party
Sunday, July 3, 2016
Ultrabar • 911 F Street NW • Washington, DC
It’s Independence Day Weekend and we’re bringing you the beach! No work or school on the 4th of July! Grab your shades and flip flops! We will provide the rest!
No dress code, beach attire is accepted!
Open Bar 10pm-11pm
DJ SAAM
Music: Top 40, House and International
$350 table special: Jack, Stoli, and House Champagne
Bottle service available at (202) 638-4663
Ages 18+ w/ valid ID
Dress Code: NONE
_________________________
911 F Street NW, Washington DC
Nearest Metro station: Gallery Place/Chinatown (Red and Yellow/Green lin
Toro Toro
- Main Dining Area
- Venue type: Restaurant/ lounge
- Amenities: Happy hour, Sunday brunch, Full menu, Happy hour menu, Full bar, Private events, Bottle service.
- Hours: Sunday – Thursday: 11pm- 2 am Friday- Saturday: 10 pm- 3 am
- Cover charge: None
- Dress code: Fashionable
- Age requirement: 21+ on the weekend
- Location: McPherson Square
- Address: 1300 I street NW Washington DC 20005
- Contact: 202-682-9500
- Website: www.richardsandoval.com/torotorodc/
Overview:
Richard Sandoval’s newest DC hotspot is an upscale Latin restaurant serving authentic cuisine during the day, with full bars in both the dining and downstairs lounge areas. Everything in Toro Toro is perfectly Latin themed, from the furnishings to the Day of the Dead bottled beers. Boasting burning amber onyx walls, lush black leather couches, a lit-up bar, glowing orange countertops, and state-of-the art lighting system, Toro Toro creates an ambience of pure elegance.
On the main floor, you can enjoy the quiet, classy atmosphere at the bar, or candle-lit table to unwind from a long day. The happy hour includes reasonably priced and tasty appetizers and cocktails, featuring Latin-inspired dishes such as their chipotle hummus and smoked guacamole.
Located on the bottom level, the 5,000 sqft late night lounge provides an intimate and vibrant setting for guests to dance and converse.VIP tables are placed conveniently by the dance floor with comfy and chic couches for guests. Candles are lit next to plush booths to enhance the intimate ambience. Another notable aspect of this floor is the state-of-the art lighting system, with its beautiful array of bright colors and patterns. The flashing lights are perfectly timed to create a high-energy and sensual vibe on the dancefloor. The beautiful upscale interior is complimented with tasty, Latin-inspired drinks, exceptional service, and uplifting house music.
I would recommend Toro Toro for private events and celebrations. Tables provide an intimate setting for guests to enjoy delicious drinks and for you to have a great time with friends. They also come with excellent service. The VIP hostesses were very attentive and made sure to keep our table stocked throughout the night.
For bottle service specials and rates, call 202.682.9500. Toro Toro is also available for private events.
Written by Roma Moradian and Sana Alloo
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How was your experience? Share your feedback below!
We’re not looking for trolls and we’re not looking for cheerleaders. We’re looking for honest feedback. Thanks!
Life’s a Beach: 08.5.16 at Ultrabar
DCClubbing Presents:
Life’s a Beach
Friday, August 5, 2016
Ultrabar • 911 F Street NW • Washington, DC
Swing by Ultrabar on your way to the shore Friday night and kick your Summer weekend off right!
- 5 Levels, 4 DJs spinning Top 40, House and International
- $300 table special: Stoli, Bacardi, and House Champagne
- $350 table special: Stoli, Jack, and House Champagne
- Bottle service available at (202) 638-4663
- Ages 18+ w/ valid ID
- Dress code: Dressy Casual. Guys: No boots, no sneakers, no t-shirts, no grungy or athletic clothes, Girls: Keep it classy.
Music Format:
– Main Floor: DJ Kam (Top 40, Mashups, Hip Hop)
– Bedroom: DJ Destroyer (Hip Hop)
– Chroma : DJ Dale & DJ C-LO (Latin & International)
– Basement: DJ George Tsakiris (Dance, Top 40)
Cocktail Dresses & Champagne: 08.12.16 at Ultrabar
DCClubbing Presents:
Cocktail Dresses & Champagne
Friday, August 12, 2016
Ultrabar • 911 F Street NW • Washington, DC
Champagne Open Bar for Ladies 10-11PM
- 5 Levels, 4 DJs spinning Top 40, House and International
- $300 table special: Stoli, Bacardi, and House Champagne
- $350 table special: Stoli, Jack, and House Champagne
- Bottle service available at (202) 638-4663
- Ages 18+ w/ valid ID
- Dress code: Dressy Casual. Guys: No boots, no sneakers, no t-shirts, no grungy or athletic clothes, Girls: Keep it classy.
Music Format:
– Main Floor: DJ Kam (Top 40, Mashups, Hip Hop)
– Bedroom: DJ Destroyer (Hip Hop)
– Chroma : DJ Dale & DJ C-LO (Latin & International)
– Basement: DJ George Tsakiris (Dance, Top 40)
Think Pink Tuesday at Barcode – 2.5.13
February 5, 2013 10pm
Barcode (1101 17th St NW, DC)
Breast cancer awareness shouldn’t be limited to breast cancer awareness month. In 2009 (the most recent statistics available) 211,731 women in the United States alone were diagnosed with breast cancer. An astounding 40,676 women died due to breast cancer that year, again just in the United States.
Everyone can help make a difference, which is why we’re accepting donations to the cause. There is no minimum donation, any amount will help further breast cancer research. To say thanks, every person that donates will get a pink DJ Saam wristband similar to the one in our flyer to the right.
For every bottle of Ketel One purchased Barcode will donate $50 to the cause.
Tables / Reservations & More Info: 202.271.1171
Barcode Tuesdays bring 18+ nightlife to a new level. Insane drink specials, hookah on the patio and a full menu served until midnight are just the beginning. Entry is free all night for everyone!
Drink Specials:
- $3 Bud Light
- $3 Pabst Blue Ribbon
- $5 Patron XO Cafe
- $9 Red Bull & Vodka
- $150 Bottles of Ciroc vodka (all flavors)
Tables, birthdays, exclusives:
202.271.1171
Entry/Guest List:
Entry is always free for everyone 18+ at #BarcodeTuesdays
Versus:
DJ Saam faces off against the area’s best DJs every Tuesday. A new experience every week with an open format including your favorites in Top 40, dance, and mashups.
Age/Hours/Dress:
18+
10:00PM – 2:00AM
Keep it fresh, crisp and clean. No shorts, sandals or baggy anything. You’re going out and it’s not to the mall. Looking ‘put together’ is everything.
Location:
Barcode is located at 1101 17th Street NW: entrance on L street.
Venue:
Barcode provides comfort built on a high-end backdrop of marble, open-air and illumination. The venue boasts a 45 ft bar, HDTV’s, massive booths, a lounge area with projector, dining area/dance floor and sliding glass-door-panels in the spring/summer to create an indoor/outdoor ambiance. At night many of the tables are removed to provide space for dancing and mingling.
Little Black Dress Party – Fri 08.10.12 [Ultrabar]
Little Black Dress Party
What:
Little Black Dress Party
When:
Friday August 10, 2012 9:30pm-3am
Where:
Ultrabar Nightclub
911 F Street NW
Washington DC, 20004
Extra Info:
- Ages: 18+
- Dress Code: Ladies wear your Little Black Dress
- Free entry w/ DC VIP pass
- Tables From $300
- $150 Bottles of Absolut
- $150 Bottles of Bacardi
- Call 202.271.1171 to book
Drink Specials:
- $7 Cosmos
- $7 Apple Martinis
- $4 Coronas
- $6 Rum & Coke
- $6 Sex on the Beach Shots
You can’t have the perfect Girl’s Night Out without your Little Black Dress. It’s something every girl has in her closet! So pull out that ‘LBD’, grab your girls and join us for $7 Cosmos and $7 Apple Martinis for this Friday night at Ultrabar!
Dress Code: Keep it fresh, crisp and clean. No shorts, sandals or baggy anything. You’re going out and it’s not to the mall. Looking ‘put together’ is everything.
