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Home · Celebrity

Twice as Nice: 12 Unforgettable Duets

From Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell to Whitney Houston and Mariah Carey, there's nothing better than two amazing artists joining forces in their love of music. Toni Braxton and Babyface are the latest stars to prove that two vocal titans are better than one. See our favorite chart-topping duets now.

By Derrick Bryson Taylor · January 30, 2014October 27, 2020
01
Toni Braxton and Kenny ‘Babyface’ Edmonds

On February 4th, Toni Braxton and Babyface will release their duet album Love Marriage & Divorce. Together they’ve created a number of new hits including “Hurt You” and “Roller Coaster” to name a few. But these two veteran entertainers teamed up for many of Braxton’s early hits like “Breathe Again” and “How Could An Angel Break My Heart.”

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02
Mariah Carey and Whitney Houston

In 1998, there weren’t two bigger stars on the planet than Mariah Carey and Whitney Houston. The divas teamed up for the song “When You Believe” off the Prince of Egypt soundtrack. Not only did the song climb to the top of the charts, it earned an Oscar for Best Original Song.

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03
Regina Bell and Peabo Bryson

“A Whole New World” rose to the top of the Billboard Hot 100 in 1993, unseating Whitney Houston’s epic 14-week run at number one with “I Will Always Love You.” The duo’s version of the song will always be known as the definitive theme of the animated film.

04
Diddy and Mase

There weren’t two men who ran the ’90s in style better than Diddy and Mase. From Harlem World to Welcome Back, when ever these two collaborate it’s nothing but a party.

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05
Tammi Terrell and Marvin Gaye

Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell’s reign as the hottest musical duo was only just getting started when it came to an abrupt end. Together, they sang hit after hit like “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough” and “Ain’t Nothing Like the Real Thing.”

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06
Jay Z and Kanye West

What happens when the two hottest rappers collide for one album? Magic! Fans are still raving about their Watch the Throne album and tour.

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07
Beyoncé and Jay Z

The music industry’s most sought after couple, Beyoncé and Jay Z, are pretty awesome at collaborating. Together, they’ve done 11 songs and counting. Their latest effort, “Drunk In Love,” made a splash debut at the 2014 Grammys.

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08
Diana Ross and Lionel Richie

“Endless Love” performed by Diana Ross and Lionel Richie took on a life of its own in 1981. Not only did it soar to the top of the charts, it was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Original Song. Sadly it was their only duet.

09
Monica and Brandy

Monica and Brandy collaborated on the “Boy Is Mine” in 1998. That summer it spent an amazing 13 weeks at number one on the Billboard Hot 100. The following year it picked up the Grammy for Best R&B performance by a Duo or Group. In 2012, the ladies reunited and collaborated on “It All Belongs to Me.”

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10
Michael Jackson and Janet Jackson

Dubbed as Michael and Janet’s response to the negative media attention the family received during Michael’s child molestation accusations, “Scream” turned into a big hit in 1995. The black and white video, directed by Mark Romanek, cost a whopping $7 million to make.

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11
Mary J. Blige and Lil Kim

“I Can Love You” featuring Lil Kim was lifted from Mary J. Blige’s third album, Share My World. These two uniting on a single track was match for the ages: the queen of R&B meets the queen of rap. It proved to be wildly successful for fans and critics alike.

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12
Alicia Keys and Jay Z

One of the biggest New York anthems to ever be released, “Empire State of Mind,” was nothing but solid gold for Alicia Keys and Jay Z. The duo was called upon to perform it every where from the World Series to the BET Awards. The song went on to sit at number one on the Billboard Hot 100 for five consecutive weeks and it won the Grammy for Best Rap/Sung Collaboration and Best Rap Song.

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