Thanks to talent-packed labels like Shady Records and G.O.O.D. Music, rap supergroups seem to be the in-thing again. Hip-hop has always been about power-in-numbers and there was a time when people were clamouring to hear a combination of talented MCs together. But for every Slaughterhouse you’ve had the St. Lunatics or an underwhelming offshoot of a popular group (Wu-Tang, Dip Set).

In some cases the term supergroup is thrown around a little too liberally. Groups like A$AP Mob and the Black Hippy crew while not short on talent are built around one central figure flanked by others who have yet to prove themselves. There are tough expectations to live up to considering that the term supergroup was once bestowed to the likes of the Juice Crew, with members who were all titans in their own right (Biz Markie, Big Daddy Kane, Kool G Rap).

Over time the role of the supergroup has changed from a collective of established artists to using the talent and popularity of one artist to benefit the lesser artists in the crew. Then you have the Dip Set effect where all three members are on similar talent levels despite one member (Cam’ron) being the only established artist in the crew at the time. The supergroup concept works best when the formation is a natural process, based on chemistry and shared passion. While it’s an admirable trait, the idea of putting your homies on doesn’t work most of the time. Have a look at some of the best and worst rap supergroups to grace the history of music above and let us know if you agree….