HipHop has always been adaptable – from block parties to stadiums, from the underground to temples of high culture. But when rap meets symphony, it becomes especially powerful. Numerous live projects and collaborations show just how impactful the combination of orchestra and beat can be.
Whether it’s Nas with an orchestra at Carnegie Hall, Jay-Z with strings in Brooklyn, or Wu-Tang with violins across Europe – two worlds merge here without holding each other back.
When the MC becomes the maestro
The very idea is striking: rappers on stage, accompanied by violins, horns, and timpani. But that’s exactly what makes these projects so captivating. The force of an orchestra meets the raw language of HipHop. A fusion also featured at the HipHop Ball: when classical composition meets urban beats – performed live by the Deutsche Sinfonietta Berlin.
Four highlights that show how well it works:
Nas – “Illmatic” live with the National Symphony Orchestra (2014)
In Washington, D.C., Nas performed his legendary debut album Illmatic together with a full symphony orchestra. The iconic track N.Y. State of Mind was underscored with dramatic strings – without losing its edge.
Red Bull Symphonic with Kool Savas (2022)
With Red Bull Symphonic, Germany now has a flagship in the crossover genre. Rap veteran Kool Savas took the stage with the German Film Orchestra Babelsberg to perform his greatest tracks – from King of Rap to Aura. A cinematic live experience.
The Roots – Live with the Metropole Orkest (2009, Netherlands)
The Roots are already considered the “band of HipHop.” With the Dutch Metropole Orkest, they took their organic sound to a whole new level. The energy of HipHop remained intact, but the orchestra made the sound bigger and more layered – almost like an epic soundtrack.
Wu-Tang Clan meets Chamber Orchestra (e.g., in London & Basel)
When the Wu-Tang Clan performs with a chamber orchestra, raw 90s beats collide with a dark, almost cinematic soundscape. Tracks like C.R.E.A.M. or Reunited gain new intensity through strings and brass. Powerful and surprisingly timeless.
Why it’s working so well
HipHop is rhythmically complex and emotional – perfect for classical interpretation. In return, the orchestral world offers dynamics and a touch of drama. Together, this creates a sound that gets heads nodding and hearts pounding.
The crossover is also exciting for audiences: people who usually don’t connect with classical music experience violins in a new way. That’s also the goal of the HipHop Ball: a new audience for classical music, a new space for rap – without fear of contact.
And what does it mean?
Projects like HipHop Meets Orchestra show how open the genre has become – and how much artistic potential lies in such encounters. The future of HipHop doesn’t always have to be Trap or Drill. It can also include a cello solo.
The HipHop Ball Berlin proves it: a ball that doesn’t merely quote classical music, but reimagines it. And one that doesn’t tame HipHop – but elevates it.
Header Credits: Thomas Sellers
