Dua Lipa f/DaBaby: The Pop and Hip-Hop Crossover Hit

Dua Lipa f/DaBaby refers to the chart-topping remix collaboration between English pop superstar Dua Lipa and American rapper DaBaby. The 2020 rework of Lipa's single "Levitating" became a global phenomenon, dominating airwaves and streaming platforms for over a year. This partnership underscored the powerful synergy between contemporary pop and hip-hop in the modern music landscape.

Early career

Dua Lipa began her career in London after moving there from Kosovo in her early teens. She gained attention by posting cover songs on YouTube, which led to a management deal and eventually a recording contract with Warner Bros. Records in 2015. Her self-titled debut album arrived in 2017, establishing her signature blend of disco-pop and soulful vocals.

DaBaby, born Jonathan Kirk in Cleveland and raised in Charlotte, North Carolina, built a fervent regional following through mixtapes. His explosive 2019 major-label debut album, "Baby on Baby," and its viral hit "Suge" propelled him to national fame. His rapid-fire, charismatic flow made him one of hip-hop's most sought-after featured artists.

Breakthrough

The collaboration was born when Dua Lipa's 2020 album "Future Nostalgia" required a fresh promotional angle during the pandemic. The DaBaby remix of "Levitating" was released in October 2020, injecting new energy into the track. It became a runaway success, peaking at number two on the US Billboard Hot 100 and spending a record-breaking 41 weeks in the chart's top 10.

Key tracks

Levitating (feat. DaBaby) — This remix became the definitive version, driving the song to multi-platinum status worldwide and becoming one of 2021's most-played radio songs.

Don't Start Now — The lead single from "Future Nostalgia" that set the stage for the album's success, reaching the top five in numerous countries.

New Rules — Dua Lipa's first major breakthrough hit, a top ten single that defined her early sound and established her as a pop force.

Suge — DaBaby's breakout single that announced his aggressive style and landed him his first top ten hit on the Hot 100.

Rockstar (feat. Roddy Ricch) — DaBaby's own chart-topping single, showcasing his ability to craft a massive crossover hit.

The "Levitating" remix was certified 3x Platinum by the RIAA and helped "Future Nostalgia" achieve global sales exceeding 5 million units. Despite some controversy later surrounding DaBaby's involvement, the track's commercial impact on both artists' careers was undeniable. For Dua Lipa, it cemented her status as a premier pop hitmaker, while for DaBaby, it highlighted his versatility and mainstream appeal.

Listeners who enjoy the dynamic pop and hip-hop fusion of Dua Lipa f/DaBaby might also appreciate Doja Cat. She masterfully blends pop, rap, and R&B with a similar genre-fluid approach. The Weeknd also creates sleek, retro-inspired pop with strong hip-hop and R&B influences, often featuring high-profile rappers. For the UK pop perspective, explore Mabel and her infectious dance-pop anthems. Jack Harlow offers a comparable blend of charismatic rap and smooth, pop-friendly hooks.

The music of Dua Lipa f/DaBaby maintains heavy rotation across top 40, pop hits, and rhythmic contemporary radio stations featured on this website. The infectious energy of "Levitating" ensures it remains a staple on playlists designed for mainstream and dance-pop audiences.

You can hear the hit collaborations and solo tracks from Dua Lipa and DaBaby on various radio stations available through onairium.com. Tune in to discover their music and other artists shaping the sound of modern pop and hip-hop on our featured stations.