Most musicians have reached their pinnacle by sticking to one type of sound, but these seven artists that switched musical genres during their careers prove that a little experimenting can sometimes go a long way. From hip-hop to electronic, rock to pop, and R&B to punk, the switch-overs happen in all music scenes, and can potentially bring out hidden talents in an artist. And while some famous industry names were more successful than others when it comes to exploring new grounds, we don’t discriminate, so this list features hits and flops all the same.
Last week we proved that mixing musical genres can be hugely beneficial by presenting you with the 14 best music mashups of 2014. This time we’ll focus on the artists themselves – instead of skilful DJ’s – to uncover some surprising facts about renowned superstars. Who started their career as a Christian rock singer and who was a punk back in the days? Here are seven artists that switched musical genres.
7. Kanye West
Kanye made a name for himself in the hip-hop scene over a decade ago with the album College Dropout, and gained most of his current success after releasing Graduation in 2007. But following his mother’s death that same year, the rapper took a steep creative turn towards electronic music. With the album 808s & Heartbreak (2008) Kanye experimented with his voice, using Auto-tune and synths. The result was a success, but only two years later he ventured back home to hip-hop with My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy.
6. Gwen Stefani
This Orange County native started her career as the lead singer in the Ska band No Doubt, frequently appearing at award shows as the role model for punk-inspired girls. After the band split up, Stefani launched her first solo album, combining dance-pop rhythms with a more feminine image.
5. Snoop Dogg
The King of Long Beach, California and hip-hop star extraordinaire, Snoop Dogg reached an almost myth-like status in urban culture by living out the rap persona to its fullest extent. However, in July 2012 the rapper turned to the Rastafari for religious growth and changed his name to Snoop Lion, as he had been rechristened by a priest in Jamaica. He also switched genres and tackled the slick sounds of reggae with Reincarnated.
4. Katy Perry
Most people know Katy Perry as the purple haired woman that likes to kiss girls. But before the pop star reached her Hollywood fame she was all about God. Her debut album Katy Hudson (original name), released in 2001, featured Christian gospel tunes. But when the commercial success didn’t follow, Perry decided to go full-on pop, recorded One of the Boys and solidified her path to stardom.
3. Beastie Boys
These fellas are considered hip-hop legends for bringing the genre closer to the masses and standing their ground as the first all-white rap act. But what many don’t know is that the Beastie Boys kicked off their musical trajectory with a loud and steamy punk-rock album titled Polly Wog Stew back in 1982. The rock sound didn’t stick, and they experimented with a Run-D.M.C style, catching Rick Rubin and Russell Simmons’ attention. The Def Jam co-founders signed the act and released Licensed to Ill, the Beasties first hip-hop album, in 1986.
2. Daft Punk
Back in 1992, this French duo known for their chart-breaking electro-dance hits, was feeling a different vibe. Together with Laurent Brancowitz, who is now part of the successful indie rock band Phoenix, they formed the punk-rock band Darlin’ and released their tracks on a compilation. A music critique described their style as “a daft punky thrash”, and the following year Thomas Bangalter dissolved the band to create Daft Punk alongside Guy-Manuel de Homem-Christo.
1. Fleetwood Mac
When a band has a musical trajectory of over 30 years, it’s almost expected to jump a little in terms of genre. And Fleetwood Mac was no different in this regard. What started out as a blues band in 1967 took flight several years later, after some adjustments in the band and the addition of guitarist Lindsey Buckingham and his girlfriend, Stevie Nicks. The singer ultimately changed the course of the music and catapulted the band to stardom with the mainstream rock album Fleetwood Mac.
