The remix. It can mean a lot of things. Today it usually means a trap or house DJ took a tune and chopped it up for the dance-floor, but there was a time in hip-hop where the remix was an opportunity to invite old friends and make new ones over a celebrated beat.
P. Diddy's album We Invented The Remix might have been a little over-ambitious with its title. I don't know how Frankie Knuckles would feel about that kind of title, but one thing is for sure, and that's that Diddy & co. brought the hip-hop remix to popularity. That's what we're celebrating today.
From Ghostface inviting Lil Wayne on a "Run" to Craig Mack's legendary "Flava In Ya Ear" remix, there are a ton of examples of dope remixes from hip-hop/R&B world. Let's revisit some, shall we?
R. Kelly - Ignition (Remix)
Now usually I don't do this, but I'm starting this list off with a little R. Kelly masterpiece called "Ignition (Remix)." Sometimes remixes outdo the original, but sometimes they eclipse the popularity so much that no one even knows "Ignition" is a song aside from this version. They're both cool, but the remix skyrocketed to popularity, marking one of Kelly's biggest hits ever. Revisit below.
Chris Brown featuring Drake, Kanye West and Andre 3000 - Deuces Remix
When you add a trio like this to hop on a remix, you're going to get some attention. Drake and Kanye blessed Chris Brown's single with some awesome verses, but a post-Outkast 3000 verse is always cause for a celebration!
50 Cent featuring Mobb Deep - Outta Control (Remix)
Does everyone remember when 50 Cent and Mobb Deep were real friendly? The relationship didn't have the some prolific output as, say, Eminem and Dr. Dre, but the Aftermath MC definitely gave us some cool material alongside Queen's most infamous. "Outta Control (Remix)" is one of those cuts.
Mariah Carey featuring Ol' Dirty Bastard - Fantasy (Remix)
Diddy claimed to have invented the remix, and while house-music producers were a little ahead of him on that one, he definitely helped to bring the 'remix' concept to prominence within hip-hop. The "Fantasy" remix was a crazy pairing: the super-sexy, good-girl Mariah Carey with the Ol', dirty, bastard. It ends up working incredibly well, and this one still makes the party jump.
Ghostface Killah featuring Jadakiss, Lil Wayne, Raekwon & Freeway - Run Remix
The energy of "Run" is unparalleled. You can actually visualize Ghost and Jadakiss running from the cops on the original. All those lazer 'pews' and police sirens really bring a visual element to the track. The original is killer, but Rae, Wayne and Freeway join the two on the remix, making it one of the fattest remixes a hip-hop head could ever want. Everyone brings their best bars to the party, listen below.
Craig Mack featuring Notorious B.I.G., Rampage, Busta Rhymes & LL Cool J - Flava In Ya Ear (Remix)
This is an example of a vintage remix that no one listens to the original of. Why would you? HOW COULD you? The original is dope, but you have a serious cut when you invite the likes of Biggie, LL and Busta to the soiree. Even the P. Diddy intro scene is a classic, too.
De La Soul feat. A Tribe Called Quest, Jungle Brothers, Monie Love, & Queen Latifah - Buddy Remix
Before she was hosting her own version of Oprah, Queen Latifah was joining De La Soul on remix cuts from their classic 3 Feet And Rising. The Native Tongues crew keeps it strong on this 7-minute remix, taking turns spitting conscious bars on a sweet version of "Buddy."
Erykah Badu - Certainly (I Flipped It)
Erykah Badu is too sexy on the flip of "Certainly." The sultry singer gives it her all over a clever sample of Kool & The Gang's "Summer Madness." This is another R&B essential cut from Ms. Badu.
Method Man & Mary J Blige - I'll Be There For You / You're All I Need To Get By
When you replace the original hook with a Mary J Blige vocal, of course you're going to turn some heads! The video is 90s-as-hell, so enjoy the take on a Marvin Gaye original from Meth and Mary.
Puff Daddy featuring Notorious B.I.G, The L.O.X. & Lil Kim - It's All About the Benjamins (Remix)
The Bad Boy posse cut is a definite classic. Everybody brought their own flavor to the pot and they all go in on the classic beat. Biggie's closing verse is one of his most underrated for sure.