“Rap is the only vital form of music introduced since punk rock,” said Kurt Cobain back in 1991. Whilst the frontman of Nirvana and the genre of rap sit at complete opposite ends of the music spectrum, they shared an unusual mutual appreciation. Inspired by Jay-Z recently name-dropping Cobain and taking lyrics from ‘Smells Like Teen Spirit’ on the lead track ‘Holy Grail’ from his new album Magna Carta Holy Grail, we decided take a look at some of the best and worst Kurt Cobain references in rap history. From drug-use to conspiracy theories to the perils of fame, the grunge icon’s long-lasting legacy has spawned countless rhymes – some of them good, some of them crimes.
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