A large part of hip-hop is competition. Every emcee is constantly gunning for that number one spot, for that one verse that makes everyone go crazy, for the throne of “G.O.A.T.”. Collaboration is another tenet of hip hop, with top artists constantly featuring on each others tracks, and putting new artists on through guest spots. Sometimes, though, a guest verse is so good that it makes a career (or ends one, or revitalizes one). Here’s a look at 10 instances of artists being upstaged by their features.
Wale “Beautiful Bliss” (featuring J. Cole)
J. Cole, frankly, embarrassed Wale on this track off last year’s Attention Deficit - leaving many wondering why Wale didn’t rewrite his verses after hearing what Cole came with. Besides proving that he’s more lyrical than Wale, Cole’s verse shows an incredible amount of promise. His last line pretty much says it all - “And if you’re listenin’ I know you’re wonderin’ where the f**k they found me!”
Craig Mack “Flava In Ya Ear (Remix)” (featuring Notorious B.I.G., Busta Rhymes, LL Cool J)
This track is probably the most famous example of a guest rapper totally stealing the scene from the main artist. All of the guests on this one outshone Craig Mack, but Biggie’s verse in particular was on another level. Delivering such classic lines as “You’re mad ’cause my style you’re admiring/ Don’t be mad, UPS is hiring,“ and "Far from handsome, but damn a n***a tote... more guns than roses." B.I.G. proved with this verse why he was a legend in the making. Craig Mack hasn’t been heard from since. Coincidence?
The Game “Hate it Or Love It” (featuring 50 Cent)
Not only did 50’s hook make this song (along with Cool & Dre‘s production, but his verse was one of the more personal looks behind the tough guy image that made him a superstar. Lines like "Daddy ain't around probably out commiting felonies/ My favorite rapper used to sing 'check-check out my melody" made this song the ultimate underdog anthem.
Jay-Z “Renagade” (featuring Eminem)
Whether or not Em “murdered” Jay on this track is still the subject of pretty heated debate, but this song belongs on this list if only for the fact that Nas used Em’s verse on this as ammo for his “Ether”-ing of Jay-Z. Em showcased his ridicullous flow and wordplay, showing why many consider him one of the greatest to ever do it.
Main Source “Live At The BBQ” (featuring Nas)
This is Nas’ first recorded appearance. He was just 17. Seriously.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S-zndpG0 ... r_embedded
Kanye West “Touch The Sky” (featuring Lupe Fiasco)
Kanye isn’t the most lyrical emcee, so it’s really not a surprise that Lupe Fiasco - who is known as one of the most lyrically gifted dudes in the game - bested him on this track off of 2006‘s Late Registration. This track makes the list because it was Lupe’s first major guest appearance and announced the arrival to the mainstream of one of the most talented and lyrically agile emcees of this generation.
Keyshia Cole “Trust” (featuring Monica)
Obviously this phenomenon happens a lot in hip-hop, but it takes place in R&B as well. When Keyshia invited friend Monica to hop on this track from her 3rd album A Different Me, Mo was coming off of an underperforming album and a long period of inactivity. Monica’s performance on this song (and subsequent live performances of it) arguably helped revitalize the singer’s career. At the very least it caused people to wonder “where the hell has Monica been?”, and on the hype behind “Trust” Monica managed to score her first #1 R&B hit in almost 10 years with “Everything to Me.”
Lil’ Wayne “A Milli” (featuring Cory Gunz)
The original version of “A Milli” featured Bronx-bred emcee Cory Gunz, who delivered a blistering verse that many felt outdid Weezy. Curiously, Gunz’ verse was left off of the final version of the song, but Lil Wayne obviously saw Gunz’ talent as he signed the rapper to his Young Money label.
Nas “Life’s A b*tch” (featuring AZ)
“Murdered” may be a bit strong for this one, but AZ definitely one-upped Nas on this track from Illmatic. Off of the strength of this verse AZ built a pretty respectable career.
Noreaga “Banned From TV” (featuring Big Pun, Cam’Ron, Nature, The Lox)
It’s pretty impressive to be able to say you beat out Cam’ron, Styles P and Jadakiss all on the same track. Big Pun, the “super lyrical” emcee, managed to do just that with his verse on this Nore track.
I actually liked Biggie's verse though on Last Day 
Word to this.
