Released 8 Years Ago: Afrojack & Hardwell – Hollywood

On January 25, 2016, the dance music world witnessed the release of ‘Hollywood’, a much-anticipated collaboration between Dutch powerhouses Afrojack and Hardwell. Following Hardwell‘s successful release of ‘Blackout’, ‘Hollywood’ stood out as a monumental track, representing the pinnacle of what was happening in the dance music scene at the time. With both Afrojack and Hardwell being at the forefront of the EDM movement, it was only natural that their joint effort would produce something extraordinary.

‘Hollywood’ is a masterful blend of energetic rhythms and euphoric big-room beats, a style that both artists are renowned for. The track is a seamless mix of dancefloor dynamism and exotic flair, featuring an Eastern music vibe, Hardwell’s signature big beats, and the quintessential big room sound that Afrojack is known for. This synergy of styles and sounds resulted in a track that not only showcased the individual talents of each artist but also their ability to create something greater together. ‘Hollywood’ quickly became the benchmark for EDM tracks in 2016, a high-energy, impeccably produced anthem that dominated festival sets and dance floors globally.

Nick van de Wall, better known as Afrojack, has been a leading figure in the Dutch dance music scene, known for his platinum-certified hits like ‘Take Over Control’ and ‘The Spark’. His evolution from producing stripped-down electro-house to more expansive, genre-blending tracks helped shape the direction of modern EDM. On the other hand, Robbert van de Corput, known professionally as Hardwell, began his DJ career at a young age and quickly rose to prominence, becoming a defining figure in the EDM boom of the early 2010s. ‘Hollywood’ is a testament to their combined skills and influence, encapsulating the essence of what makes EDM so thrilling and impactful.