Robin-Thicke
loading...

Today, well-established R&B star Robin Thicke released his sixth studio album with Blurred Lines, after teasing it with the Billboard-topping single of the same name for months. While Thicke has made a name for himself as a blue-eyed crooner with the modern sensitivity of someone like JT but the classy throwback attitude of a Motown star, he's also built up an exciting catalogue of hits with some of the biggest names in hip-hop. From his partnerships with everyone from Pharrell to Lil Wayne to Rick Ross, these are Robin Thicke's 10 best hip-hop collaborations.

Robin Thicke Ft. Pharrell - "Wanna Love U Girl" (2005)

In this first single that got him major mainstream attention, Thicke teams up with hip-hop's super producer Pharrell Williams for a beachy, romantic cut about the ideal woman. Pharrell even raps on this one, and despite what In My Mind's detractors might say, he does it well.

Bonus: "Wanna Love U Girl (Remix)" Ft. Busta Rhymes (2005)

Lil Wayne Ft. Robin Thicke - "Shooter" (2006) 

In arguably the best (and weirdest) collaboration between Wayne and Robin, "Shooter" finds the duo sing-rapping bars back-and-forth about their respective women, over a reggae-tinged beat.

50 Cent Ft. Robin Thicke - "Follow My Lead" (2007)

With a smooth piano-driven beat by Tha Bizness, 50 Cent released “Follow My Lead” as his fourth single off Curtis. Backed by Thicke’s soft falsetto in the background, 50 flows over it as he addresses holding down a certain girl. “You can be my Beyonce, I’ll be your Jay.” It’s vintage Fif at his best.

Lil Wayne Ft. Robin Thicke - "Tie My Hands" (2008)

You don’t know the impact of your music unless someone speaks up about it. In Lil Wayne's case, his song “Tie My Hands” was an inspiration to Private First Class Lander Chappell, who sang the lyrics to save his life during a tragic situation. Thicke sings the mesmerizing hook and Wayne comes forth with introspective rhymes, touching on political issues and despair in America. It’s widely regarded as a classic.

Rick Ross Ft. Robin Thicke - "Lay Back" (2009) 

One of the many party anthems on Rozay’s Deeper Than Rap, the pair released “Lay Back," and it finds them in familiar territory, talking about what their women want. They simply tell them to relax and they’ll take care of the rest. Money right, game tight.

Robin Thicke Ft. Kid Cudi - "Elevatas" (2009) 

This trippy cut from Thicke's Sex Therapy features the woozy, rock-inspired vocals of Kid Cudi. We think the song is about cocaine, though we can't be sure, but either way it's a perfectly aggressive cut that Robin wouldn't be able to pull off without some help from Cudder.

Robin Thicke Ft. Jay Z - "Meiple" (2009)

Before "Blurred Lines," this might've been the most fun song Robin Thicke ever recorded. On the French countryside-inspired cut, Thicke got a little help from his pal Jay Z, who swings through for a verse about the Maldives, Capri and Sardinia. It's awesome.

Robin Thicke Ft. Lil Wayne - "Pretty Lil' Heart" (2011) 

There was a time when Robin Thicke and Wayne appeared on every single one of each other's projects, and the collabs led to this gem off Thicke's Love After War. It's equal parts groovy, confident and vulnerable, and Weezy sounds as comfortable as ever here.

Robin Thicke Ft. Pharrell & T.I. - "Blurred Lines" (2013)

America still can't get enough of this song. It's broken Billboard records, stirred up controversy via its raunchy, uncensored video and is undeniably the summer song of 2013. The best part, though? T.I.'s awkward dancing in the now-banned video. Hands down.

Robin Thicke Ft. Kendrick Lamar - "Give It 2 U" (2013)

Following up on the stellar success of "Blurred Lines," Robin Thicke dropped this bass-heavy collaboration with hip-hop's current young leader Kendrick Lamar. While it takes cues from JT's FutureSex/LoveSounds, Robin and Kendrick make this EDM banger unmistakably their own.

More From XXL