"This is so fun! This whole project is, like, fun!" – Mike Shinoda (quote from the DVD)
Twenty years ago, two artists decided to team up and create, what is arguably, the greatest collaboration since Queen and David Bowie teamed up for “Under Pressure” back in 1981. I am talking about Collision Course, the nu-metal/rock/rap EP by none other than Linkin Park and Jay-Z. The six-track EP three songs from Linkin Park and three from Jay-Z. Rather than just settle for a quick and effortless feature from each artist on the tracks, the two joined forces to almost re-imagine each song as if they were the one to have written it. Hearing Jay-Z rap over Linkin Park riffs and Chester Bennington & Mike Shinoda sing over Jay-Z leaves listeners wanting and craving more. There is no mistaking the impact this EP has made on the music scene and industry. Upon release, the EP rose to number one on the Billboard Top 200 and proceeded to stay in the top ten slot for weeks while selling over a million copies. About 13 years later, the EP was certified double platinum.
I might have only been 10 years old when this EP was released, as soon as I heard it for the first time, my life changed forever. As someone who grew up listening to classic rock and the bands of the seventies and eighties, I was late to the party with a lot of bands. Yes, I knew of some of the “new” bands of the time, and I was aware of artists in the rap-game, but it was not my cup of tea just yet. I would much rather listen to the bands my parents liked because that was what I was used to. Eventually, I got my first iPod and started finding new bands and artists to obsess over. Let me tell you; Hearing this type of sound, this type of collaboration, this type of new sound … it was easily one of the greatest things I have ever heard. I am not alone in that statement of experiencing a life-changing moment upon hearing this collaboration. I reached out to friends and family about the impact of this collaboration, Linkin Park, and Jay-Z, and the answers just prove my point.
“I didn't consider myself a Jay-Z fan until I listened to Collison Course. His collaboration with LP on Collison Course made me interested in his other works, starting with The Blueprint. The significance of Collison Course cannot be understated. It kept the authenticity of the genre of the respective artists intact, while creating something novel. It encouraged music fans of each artist to explore the genre of the other. In effect, it marked a time when there was more experimentation and exploration in music at the commercial level.”
“When Dispositions, a local band in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, sampled the album intro in their song “Qwerty,” I lost my mind. “
“Linkin Park truly revolutionized nu-metal, and rock music in general. I feel like genre-bending began, or at least became popular, through LP. Absolutely! This was an incredible album. It was experimental, bold, and I feel it really set a precedent for more song features combining similar genres.”
Track 1: “Dirt off Your Shoulder / Lying from You”
The opening track to the EP is a beautiful blend of “Dirt off Your Shoulder” by Jay-Z and “Lying from You” by Linking Park. It opens with that iconic questions from Chester Bennington: “I ordered a Frappuccino. Where’s my fucking Frappuccino?”. Mike Shinoda takes the listener’s attention immediately as he sings over that iconic Jay-Z beat. Listening to this track still gives me goosebumps as Jay-Z raps over those fantastic Linkin Park riffs.
Track 2: "Big Pimpin’ / Papercut”
Just as track 1 opened with an iconic quote, so does track 2. Jay-Z saying “You’re wasting your talent Randy” as that “Big Pimpin’” beat dances across your ear drums is nothing short of amazing. Shinoda effortlessly raps the beginning of “Papercut” over the beat as Jay-Z joins him on the track. As the two continue throughout the song, there is no other way to say it. Track 2 is a certified banger.
Track 3: “Jigga What / Faint”
As track 3 begins with “Jigga What” and Jay-Z taking the lead, fans at the time might have thought to themselves that this is going to be a track that is focusing on the rap aspect of the collaboration. That is until about the :40 mark where those Linkin Park vibes come in and the track takes on a new life all together. Eventually the track allows “Faint” to take the lead, and it is just amazing. Easily one of my favorites as Jay-Z raps over that phenomenal Joseph Hahn flair.
Track 4: “Numb / Encore”
Probably a fan favorite of the EP, track 4 allows the genius of “Numb” and “Encore” to blend together to create a track that outlasted the test of time. Words cannot begin to describe the waves of emotion, and the rollercoaster of feelings listeners have while this track echoes in their ears.
Track 5: “Izzo / In the End”
“This is fun.” You’re absolutely right, Mr. Mike Shinoda. Hearing the lyrics of “In the End” sung over the “Izzo” beat allows the song to take on a new life. It is the type of song that you’d play at the family barbeque. Maybe even roll the windows down on a summer drive and have this one blasting for the entire neighborhood to hear.
Track 6: “Points of Authority / 99 Problems / One Step Closer”
I lied. Track 6 is my favorite of the EP. The explosion of sound from guitarist Brad Delson, bassist Dave Farrell, and drummer Rob Bourdon cannot be understated. As that “Points of Authority” riff hits your ears, the hair on the back of your neck stands up, goosebumps travel across your arms, and a grin spreads across your face. Then, just as you think you know what’s about to happen, Jay-Z comes in and starts to rap “99 Problems”. It makes you move in ways you did not think possible. As the track progresses, it eventually changes rhythm and that “One Step Closer” riff hits and you let out an audible sound of pleasure. I can listen to this song over and over again on repeat for hours.
The best thing about writing this article was going back and playing Collision Course over and over again to keep my head in the game. I mean, it's not like I don't listen to it at least once every day, anyway, but hey, any excuse is a good excuse to listen to good music. Right? While nothing would bring me more joy than a Linkin Park and Jay-Z tour in which this EP would be played live (the amount of money I would pay would be astronomical), I guess I'll settle for a 2025 tour featuring some great supporting acts. Tickets can be found for the From Zero World Tour here.
