Collision Course: Rock Meets Rap in a New Way
| Published 12/10/04

Graphic by: Jared Campbell

Jay-Z is a rapper known for hits such as "Big Pimpin'," "Brush Your Shoulders Off," "H To The Izzo," and "99 Problems," and many more.

Collision Course: a CD that was just released at the end of November featuring both Linkin Park and Jay-Z. Not as a separate singles. Not as duets or new songs but as mash-ups. Mash-ups, of course as we've said before in Ritz, are songs that have been taken and added with another beat or another artist. Linkin Park and Jay-Z have done this first with their most recent single Numb/Encore that features both their respective songs put to the beat of the song "Numb."

This of course wasn't the first type of song that they have done. In fact, this CD may actually be the results of one DJ by the name of Al B3. His website, www.al-b3.com , features his own mash-ups that he created and actually features his most successful "99 Steps Closer" which is of course "99 Problems" and "One Step Closer." The song was very successful and actually caused a stir with many recording studios and radio stations and even got recognition on MTV. Linkin Park and Jay-Z then played together and recorded this CD.

Anyways, let's get to the scoop. The CD features 6 songs, which isn't that great of a bang for buck, but features a DVD that documented the whole thing from the first meeting of Jay-Z and Linkin Park all the way up until their concert together. That is sure to be the valuable part of the whole thing.

So what is the impact? Many critics have actually started calling this a flop -- some even before listening to all of the songs. Take notice, fans. This CD is something to look for. The music is good. The songs are great together and it's definitely worth a listen. I recommend this and then some. This may be one of the next CDs to revolutionize the way songs are done. Just imagine the possibilities. You can try this at home by taking a rap song and a rock song that have the same beat and timing and put them together.