Rock Legends Who Like Hip-Hop

The argument could be made that hip-hop is the rock and roll of today. It's got the stars, the drugs and--most importantly--the music that's capable of shocking and awing. So it shouldn't be that surprising when a rock legend declares their appreciation for hip-hop, like Led Zeppelin's Jimmy Page recently did when he released his rework of Biggie's "Hypnotize." There's a handful of rock stars who have praised hip-hop and created music influenced by it. We compiled a list of some of them.

Paul McCartney

When asked about The Grey Album, Danger Mouse's mashup project between Jay Z and The Beatles, McCartney said he enjoyed it and wished the Beatles were sampled more in hip-hop.

Paul Simon

Paul Simon, one half of famed duo Simon and Garfunkel, teamed up with fellow New Jersey resident Wyclef Jean for the song "Fast Car," which was off 'Clef's Carnival Vol.II: Memoirs Of An Immigrant.

Stevie Wonder

If you don't think Stevie Wonder is a rock star, you don't know music. Mr. Wonder has been involved in the hip-hop community in a number of ways over the years, including guest starring on Drake's sophomore album, Take Care. He's even said that his next album will have "hip-hop" influences on it.

Debbie Harry

Blondie's Debbie Harry helped introduce hip-hop to the mainstream with the song "Rapture," which she herself rapped on. Harry was also known to be a good friend of hip-hop legend Fab Five Freddy.

Aerosmith

Rather than being skeptical about a hip-hop group covering one of its songs, Aerosmith decided to embrace Run-DMC's rework of "Walk This Way" in the 1980s. It was a good decision: It not only cemented the fact that hip-hop was here to stay, but it also helped reinvigorate Aerosmith's career.

Bono

U2's Bono is good friends with Jay-Z and has collaborated with him multiple times on music.

Mick Jagger

The Rolling Stones frontman has collaborated with Will.I.Am of the Black Eyed Peas, but we consider his decision to start a supergroup with Damien Marley and Joss Stone a bigger indication of his love for hip-hop.