## 13 Remixes That outshone the Originals
Hip-hop heads and R&B lovers alike are well aware of the unspoken rules of music: don’t mess with a classic! but every now and then, the remix of a song is the classic.
The producer revamps the track adding new artists, the beat is upgraded and oftentimes the remix becomes an entirely new track and changes the energy of the initial song. You know the type; the remixes that make you forget the original ever existed.
we’ve gathered 13 tracks that did exactly that- but,you’ve been warned: This list is the opinion of a handful based on their musical taste and preference,so you may or may not disagree. Let’s get into it!
SWV – “Right Here (Human Nature Mix)” (1993)
Table of Contents
- SWV – “Right Here (Human Nature Mix)” (1993)
- Mariah Carey ft. Ol’ dirty Bastard – “fantasy (Bad Boy Remix)” (1995)
- Craig mack ft. The Notorious B.I.G., LL Cool J, Rampage & Busta rhymes – “Flava In Ya Ear (Remix)” (1994)
- Janet Jackson ft. Blackstreet – “I Get Lonely” (Remix) (1997)
- Lil’ Kim ft. the Notorious B.I.G. – “Crush On You (Remix)” (1996)
- Michael Jackson ft. The Notorious B.I.G. – “P.Y.T. (Pretty Young Thing)” Remix (1995)
- Brandy ft. Queen Latifah, MC Lyte, and Yo-Yo – “I Wanna Be Down” Remix (1995)
- Mobb Deep ft.Lil’ Kim – “Quiet Storm (Remix)” (1999)
- Justin Timberlake ft. Beyoncé – “End of Time” (2017)
Starting off strong is SWV’s 1993 “Right Here” remix. While the original album cut was smooth, the remix proved that adding Michael Jackson’s DNA immediately elevates any track. the single masterfully sampled the iconic loop and bass line from the King of Pop’s “Human Nature” (1982), making the remix a certified game-changer. And who can forget the music video? The Sisters With Voices had every Black girl loving their white, flowy blouses, khakis and silk wraps!
Mariah Carey ft. Ol’ dirty Bastard – “fantasy (Bad Boy Remix)” (1995)
While Mariah Carey was known for dominating pop music in the mid-90s, one of her greatest artistic moves was treating her remixes as new tracks. Carey pioneered the art of the star-studded hip-hop remix in the 90s, and her 1995 “Fantasy” remix is the gold standard. The original was already a hit, but adding Wu-Tang Clan’s Ol’ Dirty Bastard and his oh-so quotable verse (“Me and Mariah, go back like babies with pacifiers!”) was pure genius, sending the remix into another stratosphere!
Craig mack ft. The Notorious B.I.G., LL Cool J, Rampage & Busta rhymes – “Flava In Ya Ear (Remix)” (1994)
Puff Daddy (now Diddy) was a master of assembling supergroups, and the “Flava In Ya Ear” remix is a prime example. The original was a decent track,but the remix featuring Biggie,LL Cool J,Rampage and Busta Rhymes turned it into a hip-hop anthem. The energy was infectious, and the verses were legendary. it’s a reminder of a time when New York hip-hop ruled the airwaves.
Janet Jackson ft. Blackstreet – “I Get Lonely” (Remix) (1997)
Janet Jackson’s “I Get Lonely” was a solid R&B track, but the remix featuring Blackstreet took it to another level. Teddy Riley’s production and the addition of Blackstreet’s smooth vocals created a perfect blend of R&B and New Jack Swing. It’s a classic slow jam that still gets played today.
Lil’ Kim ft. the Notorious B.I.G. – “Crush On You (Remix)” (1996)
Michael Jackson’s “P.Y.T. (Pretty Young Thing)” is a classic,but the remix featuring The Notorious B.I.G.elevates it to another level. Biggie’s smooth flow and lyrical prowess perfectly complement Jackson’s golden harmonies. A bit more uptempo,the remix with the group’s vocals fused with Jackson’s delivery easily makes the remix superior to the original.
Brandy ft. Queen Latifah, MC Lyte, and Yo-Yo – “I Wanna Be Down” Remix (1995)
Brandy, the Vocal Bible, burst on the music scene with a hit in 1994 with “I Wanna Be Down.” The lead single from her self-titled debut album, which was also featured on the “Waiting to Exhale” soundtrack, topped the Billboard Hot R&B/hip-Hop Songs chart and peaked at No. 6 on the Hot 100. The following year,the then teen-sensation tapped hip-hop female royalty in Queen Latifah,MC lyte and Yo-Yo,making the remix an instant anthem for strong women everywhere,surpassing the original.
Mobb Deep ft.Lil’ Kim – “Quiet Storm (Remix)” (1999)
Ok, this one may be a bit controversial, but hear me out. Mobb Deep’s “Quiet Storm” is legendary in its own right,especially with that dark,eerie Havoc beat,a remix was not needed.However, Lil’ Kim added her own flair on the remix with a verse reeking with confidence. With her bars fused with Mobb Deep’s gritty verses, the remix became a commercial success thanks to that contrast. And today, you’ll probably hear the remix on the radio or at the club instead of the original because of Lil’ Kim, who gave the track crossover appeal. The remix generated virtually all of the sales and units sold associated with the original. Men lie, women lie, but numbers don’t. It is what it is.
Justin Timberlake ft. Beyoncé – “End of Time” (2017)
Again, another debatable entry, but the argument can be made that the remix to Justin Timberlake’s “End of Time” is superior than its original. The alternative version added a new verse from Beyoncé, ad-libs on timberlake’s verses, and a rich blend of vocals between the pair. The duet, featuring harmonies that’ll make you melt, Timberlake’s dreamy falsetto and Bey’s tone, this remix only made the original that much better, even if just by a little.
Busta Rhymes ft. Mary J. Blige, Missy Elliott, Rah Digga, lloyd Banks, Papoose and DMX – “Touch it (## The Power of the Remix: When a Second Takeoutshines the Original
Remixes have long been a cornerstone of hip-hop and R&B, offering artists a chance to breathe new life into tracks, reach wider audiences, and showcase collaborative talent. Sometimes, these remixes eclipse the original versions, becoming definitive hits in their own right.Here’s a look at three iconic remixes that achieved just that.
### Mario Winans ft. E-40 – “I Don’t Wanna Know” (Remix) (2004)
Mario Winans’ “I Don’t Wanna Know” initially gained traction, but it was the remix featuring E-40 that propelled the song to superstardom. B group Total lent their vocals on the remix’s hook, introducing the track to a new audience. The remix,achieving platinum certification,was officially released as a single – a departure from the album version – and peaked at No. 3 on the Billboard Hot 100 and No. 1 on the Hot Rap Singles chart.
### Jagged Edge ft. Jermaine Dupri, Nelly, da Brat, Lil Bow Wow, Tigah, & R.O.C. – “Where the Party At (dupri Remix)” (2001)
Jagged Edge’s “Where the Party At” from their “Jagged Little Thrill” album was already a commercial success, peaking at no. 3 on the Billboard Hot 100 with a feature from Nelly.Jermaine Dupri then elevated the track with a remix featuring Nelly, Da Brat, Lil Bow Wow, Tigah, and R.O.C. The remix served as a showcase for talent from JD’s So So Def label, with Dupri himself contributing a verse.The star-studded lineup and energetic vibe made the remix the preferred version among fans.
### A Tribe Called Quest – “Scenario (Remix)” (the Ultimate Scenario) (1992)
A Tribe Called Quest’s collaboration with Leaders of the new School on “Scenario” in 1992 became a hip-hop classic, earning a place on TIME magazine’s All-TIME 100 Songs list. Though, it was also the launchpad for Busta Rhymes’ career, with his electrifying 19-year-old verse captivating audiences. The remix, dubbed “The Ultimate Scenario,” took things further. It featured sharper drums, more pronounced bass, and verses from six total MCs, including extended contributions from Busta Rhymes and members of Leaders of the New school. The remix also introduced a newcomer named Hood, whose promising career was tragically cut short. Complex reports Hood was murdered shortly before his anticipated breakthrough, adding a poignant layer to the remix’s legacy.