When it comes to hip hop covers, often than not you’re left thinking “why would they even attempt covering THAT song!?” But then there are those that cause you to begin dancing around your room with excitement.
But what’s most surprising is when those covers are done by non-hip hop artists. I don’t know if it’s the initial shock of “oh my god, this actually sounds good,” or the weird juxtaposition of when the song is done in another genre entirely. The bottom line, though, is that they’re good and all we want to do is listen to them.
Here are 10 of the best hip hop covers from non-hip hop artists.
Ed Sheeran and Passenger — “No Diggity / Thrift Shop”
A pretty recent cover comes from music’s most soulful ginger, Ed Sheeran, who teamed up with Passenger’s Mike Rosenberg during a recent visit to Australian radio to give us an amazing mash up of Blackstreet’s 90′s hit “No Diggity” and Macklemore’s “Thrift Shop.”
Ed Sheeran — “Empire State of Mind”
Ed Sheeran makes another appearance on this list with his cover of Jay-Z and Alicia Keys’ “Empire State” of Mind for BBC Radio 1. Ed can do no wrong, so it’s no surprise that this cover (like everything he does) is nothing short of perfection.
Ed Sheeran—”Pony”
ANDPOP is live streaming an interview with music duo Karmin TODAY, in partnership with YouTube. @Jordans_Life will ask artists Amy Heidemann and Nick Noonan all your burning questions in an interview and they’ll also perform in front of the lucky winners of our Karmin contest.
Make sure to tune in tonight at 7 pm ET for the live interview and performance on ANDPOP.com!
Want a chance for you and a guest to see Karmin perform on Friday, August 17? ANDPOP is going to be streaming a LIVE interview on YouTube and we want YOU to be there. The interview is taking place at a secret location downtown Toronto in the evening. If you win, you’ll get to watch the interview with duo Amy Heidemann and Nick Noonan then watch them perform!
Now take a breath. The rules are pretty simple. All you have to do is fill out a form below by Wednesday, August 15 at 12 pm EST (noon) and we’ll randomly select 10 winners! You’ll get to choose one person to come with you. Please note that winners will be responsible for their own transportation.
Good luck and we hope to see you there!
Sorry the contest ended already :(
Karmin’s new music video for “Hello” takes place in Los Angeles’ China Town, a beautiful oasis of rosy lanterns and bright paper parasols. Lead singer Amy Heidemann bikes through the neighbourhood in Daisy Dukes and a star-patterned crop sweater before changing into a Matrix-style black jacket for night. That’s when things get a little confusing.
Although the video is performance-based, a story tries to work it’s way through with both Amy and fiance Nick Noonan getting ready for a big date. While Nick basically prepares for his date by shaving his head, Amy prefers to strut down China Town and perform to people who aren’t watching/listening to her.
Overall, it feels a little disjointed and boring but the catchy song and opening sequences make up for that. Plus, Amy pretty much kills the rap and singing portions.
Watch it here:
The members of Karmin must have been able to channel past experiences with each other to act out their video for “Brokenhearted.” After all, Amy Heidemann and Nick Noonan are a real life couple. In the video for their upbeat pop single, Amy and Nick are flirting at band practice but the guy leaves her at home waiting for him to call.
The video was directed by Marc Klasfeld, who also took care of Flo Rida’s “Club Can’t Handle Me” and Katy Perry’s “Last Friday Night (T.G.I.F.)” clips.
Amy is cheerful and offers an irresistible Nicki Minaj-style rap midway through, which originally shot her to fame in the viral video world.
YouTube favourite Karmin, along with Questlove and Owen Biddle from ‘The Roots,’ have released an acoustic version of Nicki Minaj’s ‘Super Bass.’
This cover is amazing. Not only is it a full-on jam session because of all the special guests, but the lead singer’s voice really gives the song a unique spin.
She kind of draws attention to the lyrics, and strips the song down to a bare minimum to give it a new meaning. I also love how effortlessly she raps. For a white girl, she has some serious rhythm. Minaj better watch her back.
Check it out below and let us know what you think! Great cover, or will nobody ever do justice to the original?
