VIBE's Operation Integration: EDM and Hip-Hop's Merger

As the growth of electronic dance music (EDM) continues to play close like “butter plays toast,” so has the collaborations between DJs’ and rappers. Mainstream radio stations which were primarily known for playing pop top 40’s, all of a sudden have playlists that include names like Calvin Harris, Tiesto and David Guetta. Fortunately for those who still appreciate their mainstream artists like Pitbull, Rihanna and Wiz Khalifa, have no fear. The electronic dance music takeover is inevitable, but these Billboard dominating musicians aren’t going quietly.

Suddenly we find track collaborations between top tier talents on both respected sides. Rihanna teams up with Calvin Harris for the awesome summer anthem ‘We Found Love’. Timbaland, Pitbull and David Guetta team up for the track ‘Pass At Me’. Even Snoop Dogg has a collaboration track with David Guetta. And lest we forget, Afrojack recently produced a housey rap beat for Chris Brown, Busta Rhymes and Lil’ Wayne (‘Look At Me Now’).

So what does this mean? Essentially, the days when TRL’s countdown solely consisted of pop singers and rock bands are over. Concerts and festivals will no longer feature just one singer rockin out on stage with their band. The Grammy’s will no longer just acknowledge the accomplishments of acoustic musicians and rappers. People don’t want to just see Lenny Kravitz performing solo. No, they want to see him performing alongside Luciano for a ‘jam session’. The time of integration is here, although many may not notice or possibly wallow in denial, check the playlist of your favorite radio station and you’ll that Vibe ain’t lying.