A History of Transatlantic Pop/Rap Collaborations

There were a few eyebrows raised this week when British singer Pixie Lott's latest single featured two verses from Pusha T of The Clipse. Listen below:

Having sold over a million copies of her debut album in the UK, it would appear that this collaboration - the first single from her sophomore effort - is an attempt to make an impression on the American market. In addition to a nice cheque for sending his verse over, there is also the benefit of increased exposure for Pusha T in the UK (the song was premiered on BBC Radio 1's Chris Moyles Show, which has one of if not the largest radio audience in the country), who is working on a debut solo album with Def Jam.

Bizarre as it all is, the combination of singers and rappers from either side of the Atlantic is nothing new. I have compiled a brief list of some of the previous instances I can think of. Some were number 1 hits and of great benefit to both artists, whereas others were a bemusing waste of time and money. Here goes...

Kick-Off

Despite being the most popular game in the world, the connection between rap music and football ('soccer' for those Stateside) is minuscule, especially in comparison to other sports. Whilst there have been many (mostly farcical) instances of rapping footballers, vocal interest in football from big-name rappers is almost non-existent.

When the worlds do entwine, though, it is often with amusing results. As a supporter of English Championship side Crystal Palace, I experienced one of the most surreal match-ups of football and rap rather close to home, when in 2010 rap mogul Sean "Puff Daddy/P Diddy/Diddy/Diddy Dirty Money/Diddy Need To Change It Again?" Combs declared an interest in buying Palace, who were then in financial trouble. Whilst the deal never came to fruition (Palace were rescued nonetheless by a local consortium), it did highlight the irregularity in seeing rap and football together in the news.

Can I Kick It? will be a place where news and commentary of football and rap music will stand side-by-side, as I attempt to channel my interest and opinion in both worlds onto an appropriate platform. Who knows, I might even find someone else on this planet whose joy upon hearing new Kanye West beats can only be equalled by the repeated relegation of Brighton and Hove Albion.

To help the blog grow (and convince myself I'm not insane), I'd truly appreciate any comments, feedbacks and external linking to this site if it interests you in any way. Thank you.

Joe