Music An Orchestra Performs Sir Mix-A-Lot’s “Baby Got Back” + More Unexpected Covers by Jordan Runtagh 6/9/2014 Embedded from www.youtube.com. </noscript> </div> Could 2014 be the year when symphonies gain some serious street cred? Nas performed songs from his seminal debut, Illmatic, with the National Symphony Orchestra in D.C. earlier this year, and Sir Mix-a-Lot has now upped the stakes in his native Seattle. The “Baby Got Back” rapper took the stage during the latest installment of the Seattle Symphony’s Sonic Evolution performances, and brought along some eager rumpshaking ladies from the crowd to join him. He then launched into an amazing classical version of his iconic hit. And we’ve got to say, the Seattle Symphony didn’t disappoint with the new arrangement of the hip-hop anthem! Sometimes the unexpected covers are the most satisfying. Head down below for more creative re-imaginings of classic tunes! David Byrne Rapping Biz Markie’s “Just A Friend” Embedded from www.youtube.com. </noscript> </div> Former Talking Heads front-man David Byrne attended a a concert and rally for Content Creators Coalition in New York City , where he performed an epic rendition of Biz Markie’s hip hop classic “Just A Friend.” Adele Covering The Strokes’ “Last Nite” Embedded from www.youtube.com. </noscript> </div> Huge props to BBC Radio 1’s Live Lounge program, which delivers seriously awesome (and often off the wall) covers on the reg. This one of a pre-megafame Adele ripping the stuffing out of the Stokes’ stomper is a personal fave. Demi Lovato Covering Lil Wayne’s “How To Love” http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OFXIiGjwuwo Not to brag, but we were lucky enough to see the lovely Miss Lovato do this one live and in person at VH1 HQ in NYC back in 2011! She definitely stole the song from Weezy, in our opinion… Scissor Sisters Covering Pink Floyd’s “Comfortably Numb” Embedded from www.youtube.com. </noscript> </div> Replacing Pink Floyd’s doom and gloom with disco and funk, the glam band of sisters turned this rock anthem into a club anthem. And amazingly, we don’t hate them for it! Solange Covering The Dirty Projector’s “Stillness Is The Move” Embedded from www.youtube.com. </noscript> </div> Bey’s little sis works those Indie harmonies for all they’re worth! Cake Covering Gloria Gaynor’s “I Will Survive” Embedded from www.youtube.com. </noscript> </div> Disco and alt-rock aren’t exactly easy bed-fellows, but John McCrea’s scorned vocals and Vince DiFiore’s trumpet melodies make it not too distant from the original. Ben Folds Covering The Postal Service’s “Such Great Heights” Embedded from www.youtube.com. </noscript> </div> The always innovative piano man used some unorthodox percussion on this cut, including a towel-covered box being played with a wooden spoon, a wineglass, and a rubber-band. The Flaming Lips Covering Madonna’s “Borderline” Embedded from www.youtube.com. </noscript> </div> It’s a slow burner, but this indie-fied version of Madonna’s dance classic turns into a full-blown epic by the end. The Gourds Covering Snoop Dog’s “Gin And Juice” Embedded from www.youtube.com. </noscript> </div> Sure, it’s kind of close to a novelty song, but this blue grass ho-down is pretty damn catchy. Jamie Cullum and Katie Melua Covering The Cure’s “Love Cats” Embedded from www.youtube.com. </noscript> </div> Never recorded in the studio, this version of the Cure deep-cut was performed during the 2004 BRIT Awards. No stranger to jazzy versions of rock songs, Jamie also did a version of “High and Dry” by this next band… Radiohead Covering Carly Simon’s “Nobody Does It Better” Embedded from www.youtube.com. </noscript> </div> Although it teeters dangerously close to being straight up bad, something about Thom Yorke’s breathy-yet-manic vocals on this Bond theme really makes us believe he’s in love with a spy. Jonny Greenwood’s crunchy guitar-work seals the deal. [Photo: Getty Images] RELATED: Undercover Covers: 20 Songs You Didn’t Know Were Covers Jordan Runtagh VH1 Music Editor + Seltzer Enthusiast @jordanruntagh
