So I know most of you are as tired of seeing those "New year, new me" posts as I am at this point. That being said, a new year brings with it new opportunities. With that in mind I decided to put together a list of ten pairs of artists I would be hyped to see link in 2017.
Future X 6lack
This would be yet another classic example of an elder Atlanta artist cosigning the new wave. Future has quickly asserted himself as one of the gatekeepers in the ATL. Coming off the highest grossing hip hop tour in history with Drake and his most successful solo project to date in DS2, Future is on top of his game like few other artists. 6lack , however is what's next in Atlanta. The former battle-rapper has developed a melodic style on his debut album Free 6lack that has been met with acclaim from fans and critics alike. While his melodic style transcends the typical boundaries of hip hop he has the bars to hang with anyone, even Future.
Anderson .Paak X Chance The Rapper
This seems to have already happened as Anderson .Paak shared a preview of an upcoming track that features each of the blossoming artists live from the studio. A track combining Chance's infectious raps and .Paak's impressive vocal range can be heard in the background as the pair is seen laughing over some beverages. While there's no word yet on when this track might come out it's definitely something worth looking forward to as two of music's brightest stars look continue their insane momentum.
21 Savage X Kevin Gates
As you should already know, 21 Savage has joined the Boominati in a major way. Young metro doesn't trust many, but 21 is one of the select few. Their collaborative album Savage Mode has been certified platinum, transformed 21 Savage into a household name and even spawned a few imitators. Kevin Gates on the other hand is coming off a platinum album of his own with Islah. The album, which is named after Kevin Gates' daughter may be his most personal album to date. With fans hungry for more new music we can dream of a day where the two southern spitters collaborate.
Kendrick Lamar X Rich The Kid
These two were spotted in the studio two weeks ago (January 11th) after Rich uploaded a photo of the duo in the studio with the caption "Blessed to work with Kendrick Lamar lastnite". While again, this track doesn't have date attached and we were only blessed with a brief four-second preview it's never too early to look forward to more rhymes from King Kendrick and Rich.
Young Thug X Bryson Tiller
Now both of these artists had huge 2016's. Tiller released his debut album T R A P S O U L , had his first headlining tour and even garnered a Grammy nomination for his track "Exchange". Thugger, to his credit had one of the biggest glow ups of the year. Releasing three albums that debuted in the top 5 for Bilboard's Top Rap Albums. Beyond that he had one of the most interesting videos in recent memory with "Wyclef Jean", despite only being in it for a few shots. In addition Thugger enjoyed massive commercial success with the Usher-assited "No Limit", which in part is why I think this pairing would work so well. With Tiller's smooth vocals and Thug's always inventive delivery this has all the makings a hit.
Quavo X Tory Lanez
While each member of Migos of certainly has something unique to offer, Quavo has been in a class of his own when it comes to features. His melodic rhymes standout on any track, regardless of who's sharing the spotlight with. Tory Lanez is also looking to continue his winning streak. After dropping his debut I Told You in August Lanez has kept busy with touring, declining magazine covers, absolutely bodying the "Controlla" beat and earning his first grammy nomination for "Luv". Here's hoping these two busy hit-makers can find time to link in 2017, for the culture.
Nav X The Weeknd
The Weeknd is clearly allergic to L's. His Album Starboy has sat atop the Billboard charts for three straight weeks, he's reportedly dating Selena Gomez and just yesterday posted a photo to his Instagram of 6lack and Nav. Naturally the picture has caused rampant speculation of what Abel might be up to. Nav has garnered a massive online following and has been linked to The Weeknd before. After a feature on Travi$ Scott's "Beibs In The Trap" Nav is looking to capitalize on his musical momentum and what better way to do that than a collaboration with the man on top of the charts?
Drake X Wheezy
You never know when to expect a Drake collaboration, most recently he linked up with London-based Dave for a remix of "Wanna Know". One thing that has remained constant though, is Drake's relevance. According to new reports the 6ix God recently became the first artist in history to spend 400 consecutive weeks on the Billboard Hot 100. While producer Wheezy may be best known for the beats he's blessed Young Thug with on Barter 6, I'm Up and most recently Jeffery , his production credits also include hits with T.I., Rich Homie Quan and the late Bankroll Fresh. His sound is snapping necks in more than just Atlanta and he could soon be the next superstar producer, following in the footsteps of Mike Will, Zaytoven and Metro Bommin. Drake has a known affinity for Atlanta's trap sound and is always staying busy. Let's hope that 2017 is the year the two decide to link for the first time.
Lil Wayne X Jazz Cartier
Few have seized the spotlight as effortlessly as Jazz Cartier AKA Jaccuzi Lafleur. His latest project, Hotel Paranoia is a slapper from front to back. Lil Wayne himself took to his twitter to show love for Jazz's track named after the famed New Orleans rapper. While Tunechi is still hard at work trying to release Tha Carter V before Martin Shkreli does I'm hoping he takes the time to link with Jazz for a track that surely would be a banger.
Migos X Childish Gambino
This one looks like it will happen. After Donald Glover called Migos "The Beatles of this generation" and shouted out their latest chart-topping single, "Bad and Boujee" during his highlight night at the Golden Globes it only makes sense for Atlanta's own to team up in the studio. After a show-stealing guest spot on Glover's Atlanta we can only hope that this chemistry carries over behind the microphone. With Migos gearing up for the January 27th release of Culture and Glover having some time between now and the next season of Atlanta we hope to see Childish Gambino continue to reinvent himself following his latest funk-filled project "Awaken, My Love".