On Wednesday, November 8th 2023, the internet exploded into a million pieces when Megan Thee Stallion released a rock remix of her latest track with a feature from metal band Spiritbox. Yes, you read that correctly.
The track, named "Cobra," is different from what Megan typically puts out. Instead of the upbeat pop anthems we’re used to hearing, "Cobra" is a track that takes a sharp turn into the darkness of someone struggling with depression, anxiety, and poor mental health. Megan lays down her inner turmoil, including the experience of losing both parents, coping with a breakup, and having thoughts of suicide. The message in "Cobra" is like night and day from Megan’s discography of songs like "WAP" and "Body."
Which is why Spiritbox is the perfect fit for the rock remix.
Spiritbox is known for pushing the boundaries of metal, putting out progressive tracks that are constantly defying the standards of rock genres. Their thematic explorations of mental health, mortality, and self-identity mirror those found in "Cobra" and make it even more obvious why they were a great choice for the feature.
The original track of "Cobra" introduces a guitar riff that opens the song and continues throughout it. Rather than just keeping the riff in the remix, Spiritbox elevates and expands on it, adding a new dimension of emotion to the song. Spiritbox brought characteristics of the metal world like heavy instrumental and powerful vocals and Megan contributed emotionally charged lyrics that define the rap genre. Together, they created a masterpiece that is refreshingly unique.
In an era saturated with predictable and similar music releases, the collaboration between Megan Thee Stallion and Spiritbox is a breath of fresh air in both the metal and rap world. It’s a beacon of possibility, challenging the industry standard and encouraging a new era of musical collaboration where artists from different genres come together to create something new. "Cobra" encourages creativity and collaborations that push boundaries and remind artists and fans that music should always be evolving and limitless.
As "Cobra" makes its way up the charts, it has the potential to evolve into a musical phenomenon. The collaboration transcends communities, uniting artists from different corners of the music industry. Both metal and rap music, rooted in a desire to challenge the status quo, find a harmonious place in the rock remix of ‘Cobra’ and challenge the preconceived notions of their genres, marking a pivotal moment in the evolution of modern music.
