In the current music community, people have become fond of seeing the biggest names in music working together. However, big musical collaborations raise the eyebrows of even the casual music listener. Collaborations between big-name artists have almost become expected on most popular music releases. It is almost expected to see tons of featured guests on a rapper’s album.

However, it isn’t just the rap genre that has become fond of collaborations.

Weezer was able to get Lil Wayne to rap on “Can’t Stop Partying,” a song on their new album “Raditude.” This was a jaw-dropping shocker for Weezer’s fan base.

Guitar guru John Mayer’s new album, which came out Tuesday, features a duet with country pop-starlet Taylor Swift titled, “Half of My Heart.”

Looking back on musical history, collaborations used to be pretty rare. Sure, we would see a few big artists getting together every so often, but it was certainly a big deal when it did happen.

Throughout this past decade, we have tons of collaborations, almost wearing down the novelty.

Part of this could be blamed on the recent popularity and focus on the remix and mashups. These have become ways for people to have two of their favorite artists together in one song. Web sites such as The Hype Machine, have paved the way for DJs and producers to remix the biggest artists.

Currently one of the biggest mashups on The Hype Machine was between Biggie’s “Party and Bullshit” and Miley Cyrus’ “Party in the USA.” I mean, if that isn’t the clash of the opposites, then what is?

If you look at Michael Jackson’s classic album “Thriller,” you may recall that Michael paired up with Paul McCartney on “The Girl Is Mine.” It was basically the ultimate superstar collaboration, combining two of the greatest artists of all time. The song was great, and it was fun to know who was behind it.

In 2001, there was plenty of controversy accompanying Eminem’s performance with Elton John at the 2001 Grammy Awards. No one expected such different personalities to be able to come together and give a memorable performance. No one could have predicted this collaboration, and that’s what made it so great.

Three years later in 2004, Jay-Z and Linkin Park got together to release the album, ”Collision Course.” The album combined various songs from both artists’ lives to rap rock. This collaboration got a whole new audience aware of mashups and risky collaborations. At the time, not many people could have foreseen the teaming of the two artists, but looking back on it, it makes sense.

With the progression of music over the years, artists are starting to take more risks. It just goes to show that some of the best collaborations have come out of nowhere.

Chris Martin, the lead singer of Coldplay, has not been not shy about the idea of working with new people. He was a featured guest on both Kanye West’s 2007 album “Graduation” and Jay-Z’s 2006 album “Kingdom Come.” No one could have ever predicted that the lead singer of Coldplay would end up working with two of the most prolific rappers of the last decade.

On the other hand, when Lil Wayne raps on Weezer’s “Can’t Stop Partying,” it doesn’t add much more than shock value.

Sure, some collaborations are better than others. When artists get together just for the sake of collaborating, that is when it falls flat.

When artists collaborate to add a new aspect to an artist’s sound, then that is when the project shines. There are plenty of collaborations out there for everyone, you’ve just got to look for the right one for your own taste.