While it is true that Migos is greater than the sum of its parts, it is also true that Quavo has emerged as the most popular member of the group, and the most likely to be poached for a guest appearance on another artist's songs. In the last year alone, Quavo has contributed to songs by Kanye West, Gucci Mane, Young Thug, Travis Scott, 2 Chainz, Ty Dolla $ign, Jeremih. His ability to tread confidently in myriad sonic landscapes, coupled with his Thugger-esque inclination to incorporate animal references into his lyrics and a number of other enviable traits, have made Quavo one of the most sought after and influential rappers in today's rap landscape. Click through the gallery to listen to 10 of his best guest verses.
Young Thug - "F Cancer" feat. Quavo
For every time Quavo makes a reference to his girl "sucking and fucking," there's another moment when he comes up with a completely original addition to the often-repetitive lexicon of drug-dealing and womanizing. Here he describes cocaine as "Ricki Lake" and urges his girl to "ride it like a Pathfinder" — not the last time he would reference a luxury SUV brand by name.
Donnie Trumpet & The Social Experiment - "Familiar" feat. Chance the Rapper, King Louie, & Quavo
The bright, melodious music of Chance the Rapper and co. brought out the best of Young Thug, Lil Yachty, & Future. The same can be said of Quavo, who's hoe-stiff arming style took on a different character on Chance and Donnie Trumpet's "Familiar."
Kanye West - "Champions" feat. Gucci Mane, Big Sean, 2 Chainz, Travis Scott, Yo Gotti, Quavo, and Desiigner
Quavo is the first thing we hear on Kanye West's titanic, star-studded banger "Champions." With his admission that "white people think I'm radical," Quavo emerges guns blazing and sets the tone on a song who's entire existence is dedicated to the notion that more is always more.
Ty Dolla $ign - "??? (Where)" feat. Migos
Rapping over DJ Spinz prickly re-imagining of the James Bond theme, Quavo goes off an explosive free association spree, referencing the GMC Denali, rabbits, Ashton Kutcher, the Dallas Mavericks, and the 1999 Eddie Murphy film "Life" in a matter of seconds.
Young Thug - "Quarterback" feat. Migos & Peewee Longway
As a quarterback at Berkmar High, Quavious "Quavo" Marshall let all of Gwinnett County in passing yards and completions in 2009. MaxPreps has him listed as a slender 6'1" and 145 pounds.
Travis Scott - "Oh My Dis Side" feat. Quavo
Quavo fares well singing over the syncopated elastic bass and rich bed of thick piano chords of "Dis Side." Indeed, the song is not far removed from the ratchet-n-b style pioneered by Ty Dolla $ign and DJ Mustard.
Lil Yachty - "No Hook" feat. Quavo
On "No Hook," Quavo takes his illicit drug operation to sea with the help of the nautically inclined Lil Boat. "You niggas slower than molasses" is a devastating burn as you'll hear from Quavious.
Jeremih - "Giv No Fuks" feat. Migos
There is note of desperation in the wispy production of "Giv No Fuks" that make the club feel less likely than a garden of earthly delights than a haven in post-apocalyptic wasteland. Either way, Quavo gives no fucks.
Ty Dolla $ign - "Long Time" feat. Quavo
"Long Time" was one of five songs created during a two-hour studio spree by Ty, Quavo, and Takeoff. Presumably, this session also produced "??? (Where)."
"Pull up on em like Aladdin."
Young Thug & Travis Scott - "Pick Up The Phone" feat. Quavo
The fact that Travis Scott swaggerjacked Quavo's "Pick Up The Phone" line "birds in the trap sing Brian McKnight" for his album title says more about Quavo than it does about Scott. Quavious just has a way with words.