When Jay-Z and Linkin Park announced their collaboration, fans of both artists were eager to hear what they had in store. Would it be a Jay-Z album with a loud band, or a back-and-forth of covers where one rearranges the other? As it turns out, Collision Course is neither of those things. Instead, it’s quite possibly one of the best cross-genre pairings of its kind.
What started off as an exercise in “mashing” a Linkin Park track with a Jay-Z track turned into a fantastic pickup game between two artists at the top of their worlds. Each brought a short list of their best songs to the field and walked away with a six-song trophy. The result is a CD/DVD set that showcases the best of both worlds.
“Numb/Encore” and “Izzo/In the End” are standout tracks that demonstrate the seamless sonic moves and mic assists that occur when two musical powerhouses collide. Jay-Z’s smooth flow complements Chester Bennington’s angsty vocals perfectly, resulting in a sound that’s both heavy and melodic. The tracks have a relentless energy that’s impossible to resist, and they’re just as impressive on the DVD as they are on the CD.
It’s true that Linkin Park is less convincing than Jay-Z on “Big Pimpin’/Papercut,” but that’s part of what makes Collision Course so special. This isn’t a competition between two artists, it’s a collaboration. Each artist brings their own strengths to the table, and they’re not afraid to experiment and try new things. It’s this spirit of collective exploration that makes the CD/DVD set so exciting.
The DVD is particularly interesting because it shows Linkin Park’s Mike Shinoda taking on the role of head coach. He commands the digital workstation, the mixing desk, and all the players with a collective spirit. It’s clear that the collaboration was a true team effort, and that each artist brought their own unique perspective to the table.
Overall, Jay-Z and Linkin Park’s Collision Course is a must-listen for music lovers everywhere. The CD/DVD set showcases the best of both worlds, with near-perfect plays of seamless sonic moves and mic assists from heavy metal to hip-hop and back. This is a masterful cross-genre pairing that demonstrates what can happen when two artists are willing to step outside of their comfort zones and try something new. If you haven’t listened to Collision Course yet, you’re missing out on something truly special.
