jay-z-orchestra

Watch this amazing video of an orchestra performing hip hop classics

Polish composer Jimekor Radzimir Debski, has put together a stunning ten-minute composition called “Hip Hop History.” Performed live by the Polish National Radio Symphony Orchestra, it features more than 20 of the greatest classic hip hop cuts, from Wu-Tang’s C.R.E.A.M to Tupac’s Dear Mama, to Pharaoh Monch’s Simon Says and of course, 50 Cent’s In Da Club.

As someone who grew up playing in orchestras for more than ten years, only to go on to become a hip hop head, this is pretty much my personal musical dream come true.

While hip hop is more closely connected to jazz, soul and funk, countless songs incorporate classical elements, like string or brass instrumentation. It was only a matter of time before someone took hip hop to the orchestra.

This ten-minute video was actually an encore following a full symphonic concert. Filmed in Katowice at the Polish National Radio Orchestra Concert Hall back in March, this is something you need to see – and hear.

It must have been so difficult to put it all together, but the results are so brilliant. You can find the full list of featured tracks below the video – but see how many you can guess without looking!

1. Kendrick Lamar – Swimming Pools
2. M.I.A. – Bad Girls
3. Wiz Khalifa – Black and Yellow
4. 2Pac – Dear Mama
5. Cam’Ron – Hey Ma
5. Barry White – Basketball Jones /feat. Chris Rock
6. Jay-Z – Girls Girls Girls (Tom Brock)
7. Tribe Called Quest – Electric Relaxation
8. Wu-Tang Clan – C.R.E.A.M
9. Mobb Deep – Give Up The Goods
10. Kanye West – Flashing Lights
11. 50 Cent – In Da Club
12. 50 Cent – Outta Control /feat. Mobb Deep
13. Jay-Z – Lost One
14. Jay-Z – Roc Boys
15. Beastie Boys – Sure Shot
16. Nas – Nas is Like
17. Dr. Dre – Still D.R.E.
18. Xzibit – Alcoholic
19. Missy Elliott – Get Your Freak On
20. Dr. Dre – What’s the Difference feat. Eminem
21. M.O.P. – Cold As Ice
22. M.O.P. – Ante Up
23. Pharoahe Monch – Simon Says
24. Beyoncé – Crazy In Love
25. Snoop Dogg – Drop It Like Its Hot feat. Pharell
26. Sisqo – Thong Song
27. Nicky Minaj – Anaconda
28. Wu-Tang Clan – Gravel Pit
29. Baauer – Harlem Shake
30. JIMEK x Pezet – Nie Muszę Wracać