20 Songs That Didn't Need A Remix
Remixes come a dime a dozen, and depending on who you believe invented the remix it turns 16 this year. Hip-hop has seen some great ones (insert Craig Mack’s "Flavor in Ya Ear," A Tribe Called Quest's "Scenario"), but there've also been many misses over the years. Whether the features are completely out of the blue or the beats sound exactly the same as the original, not all songs require a round 2.
Take a look at 20 songs that didn't need a remix (in no particular order).
Take a look at 20 songs that didn't need a remix (in no particular order).
Original: Miguel, "Adorn" (2012)
Remix: Any "Adorn" Remix That Exists (Ma$e, Diddy, French Montana,Wiz Khalifa)
When Miguel’s "Adorn" began building a buzz, any and every rapper decided it was their personal love letter. From Diddy & French Montana to Ma$e, the attempts to sex up the potential R&B classic fell flat. Very flat.
Remix: Any "Adorn" Remix That Exists (Ma$e, Diddy, French Montana,Wiz Khalifa)
When Miguel’s "Adorn" began building a buzz, any and every rapper decided it was their personal love letter. From Diddy & French Montana to Ma$e, the attempts to sex up the potential R&B classic fell flat. Very flat.
Original: Adele "Rolling In the Deep" (2010)
Remix: Martyparty & Minnesota Dubstep remix
Drop the bass all you want on Adele’s breakout sophomore hit, “Rolling in the Deep,” but it just won’t sit right with fans who adore her booming voice. Case in Point: Martyparty and Minnesota’s version of "Rolling in The Deep," released in 2011. The Deathstar remix did nothing good for the song, so let’s just pretend it never happened and bury it... deep.
Remix: Martyparty & Minnesota Dubstep remix
Drop the bass all you want on Adele’s breakout sophomore hit, “Rolling in the Deep,” but it just won’t sit right with fans who adore her booming voice. Case in Point: Martyparty and Minnesota’s version of "Rolling in The Deep," released in 2011. The Deathstar remix did nothing good for the song, so let’s just pretend it never happened and bury it... deep.
Original: Fat Joe "Another Round" (2011)
Remix: Featuring Chris Brown & Mary J. Blige
Twenty years from now, your kids will see that Chris Brown and Mary J. Blige had a song together. Are we going to be proud to say it was “Another Round?” The track from Fat Joe’s unnamed 11th album was a banger in the clubs and made its way to the after-hour R&B stations when Mary J. Blige jumped on the remix. We'd rather subtract one round.
Remix: Featuring Chris Brown & Mary J. Blige
Twenty years from now, your kids will see that Chris Brown and Mary J. Blige had a song together. Are we going to be proud to say it was “Another Round?” The track from Fat Joe’s unnamed 11th album was a banger in the clubs and made its way to the after-hour R&B stations when Mary J. Blige jumped on the remix. We'd rather subtract one round.
Original: The Game "One Blood" (2005)
Remix: Featuring Jim Jones, Snoop Dogg, Nas, T.I, Fat Joe, Lil Wayne, N.O.R.E, Jadakiss, Twista, Rick Ross, Styles P, Tha Dogg Pound, WC, E-40, Bun B, Chamillionare, Slim Thug, Young Dro, Pusha T, No Malice, Ja Rule
The Game dropped the mega remix to "(It’s Okay) One Blood" during his return to the hip-hop world in 2006. The song featuring Junior Reid received tons of mixed reviews, which led to the 11-minute remix. Why make a remix when only 5 of the 21 artists deliver quotable verses?
Remix: Featuring Jim Jones, Snoop Dogg, Nas, T.I, Fat Joe, Lil Wayne, N.O.R.E, Jadakiss, Twista, Rick Ross, Styles P, Tha Dogg Pound, WC, E-40, Bun B, Chamillionare, Slim Thug, Young Dro, Pusha T, No Malice, Ja Rule
The Game dropped the mega remix to "(It’s Okay) One Blood" during his return to the hip-hop world in 2006. The song featuring Junior Reid received tons of mixed reviews, which led to the 11-minute remix. Why make a remix when only 5 of the 21 artists deliver quotable verses?
Original: Drake "Marvin's Room" (2011)
Remix: Every Marvin's Room Remix - Jojo, Teyana Taylor, Lil Romeo, Chris Brown, etc.
When Drake released “Marvin’s Room” in summer 2011, guys were finally able to rejoice (in the most discrete or rude way ever) the drunk-call breakdown. The ladies just had to put their input on it and sing about how much they enjoying being the better girl. Sure, it was enjoyable for a minute, until you woke up and noticed the mistakes you made from living vicariously through these remixes.
Remix: Every Marvin's Room Remix - Jojo, Teyana Taylor, Lil Romeo, Chris Brown, etc.
When Drake released “Marvin’s Room” in summer 2011, guys were finally able to rejoice (in the most discrete or rude way ever) the drunk-call breakdown. The ladies just had to put their input on it and sing about how much they enjoying being the better girl. Sure, it was enjoyable for a minute, until you woke up and noticed the mistakes you made from living vicariously through these remixes.
Original: Kanye West "All of the Lights" (2011)
Remix: Featuring Big Sean, Drake, Lil Wayne
The unfinished remix was leaked and played all over radio in 2011, but it didn't even feature Mr. West himself.
Remix: Featuring Big Sean, Drake, Lil Wayne
The unfinished remix was leaked and played all over radio in 2011, but it didn't even feature Mr. West himself.
Original: Rihanna "S&M " (2011)
Remix: Featuring Britney Spears
Well, it sounded great on paper: two of pop’s biggest and hottest stars on a sexy track about bondage. What could go wrong? Take a listen and find out for yourself.
Remix: Featuring Britney Spears
Well, it sounded great on paper: two of pop’s biggest and hottest stars on a sexy track about bondage. What could go wrong? Take a listen and find out for yourself.
Original: DJ Khaled "Welcome to My Hood" (2011)
Remix: Featuring Ludacris, T-Pain, Busta Rhymes, Twista, Birdman, Ace Hood, Fat Joe, Game, Jadakiss, Bun B, Waka Flocka Flame
While Luda tries to save the song, Waka drops a very similar verse from the YC Racks remix. Also, one too many rappers. You don't always need more people.
Remix: Featuring Ludacris, T-Pain, Busta Rhymes, Twista, Birdman, Ace Hood, Fat Joe, Game, Jadakiss, Bun B, Waka Flocka Flame
While Luda tries to save the song, Waka drops a very similar verse from the YC Racks remix. Also, one too many rappers. You don't always need more people.
Original: Justin Timberlake "Suit & Tie," 2013
Remix: Ryan Leslie
Justin’s comeback single is only one of seven singles to sell 300,000 in its first week, but it also has one of the fastest remixes ever created (maybe). Not even a day had passed before Ryan Leslie decided to drop the remix for "Suit and Tie" on Twitter. Yeah, we dig Ryan's version, but the timing is a wee bit stalkerish. Give it time.
Remix: Ryan Leslie
Justin’s comeback single is only one of seven singles to sell 300,000 in its first week, but it also has one of the fastest remixes ever created (maybe). Not even a day had passed before Ryan Leslie decided to drop the remix for "Suit and Tie" on Twitter. Yeah, we dig Ryan's version, but the timing is a wee bit stalkerish. Give it time.
Original: Foster the People "Pumped Up Kicks" (2011)
Remix: Featuring (A$AP Rocky)
Not the essential definition of a remix, but Rocky manages to come off as a bully on an anti-bullying song.
Remix: Featuring (A$AP Rocky)
Not the essential definition of a remix, but Rocky manages to come off as a bully on an anti-bullying song.
Original: YG "Toot It & Boot It" (2010)
Remix: Featuring 50 Cent, Snoop, Ty Dolla $ign
This “G” Mix was, simply put, a fail. Keeping the momentum of the single going into 2011, the re-up with 50 Cent, Ty Dolla $ign, and Snoop Dogg booted the song right out of our memory.
Remix: Featuring 50 Cent, Snoop, Ty Dolla $ign
This “G” Mix was, simply put, a fail. Keeping the momentum of the single going into 2011, the re-up with 50 Cent, Ty Dolla $ign, and Snoop Dogg booted the song right out of our memory.
Original: YC "Racks on Racks Remix" (2011)
Remix: Featuring Young Jeezy, Wiz Kalifah, Waka Flocka Flame, CyHi The Prince, Bun B, Yo Gotti, Wale, Cory Gunz, Cory Mo, Nelly, [Inhales], Twista, Big Sean, Trae the Truth, Ace Hood
Another hot song that went bad was the messy "Racks Remix," with over 10 artists. While not all the verses were bad (Big Sean, Wale and Bun B had stand out bars), others just weren't needed. Check the awkward video for the remix below.
Remix: Featuring Young Jeezy, Wiz Kalifah, Waka Flocka Flame, CyHi The Prince, Bun B, Yo Gotti, Wale, Cory Gunz, Cory Mo, Nelly, [Inhales], Twista, Big Sean, Trae the Truth, Ace Hood
Another hot song that went bad was the messy "Racks Remix," with over 10 artists. While not all the verses were bad (Big Sean, Wale and Bun B had stand out bars), others just weren't needed. Check the awkward video for the remix below.
Original: R. Kelly "Thoia Thoing" (2004)
Remix: Featuring Birdman & Busta Rhymes
We still don’t know what Thoia Thoing means. Arguably one of the weakest R. Kelly songs of his illustrious career, the remix didn’t help strengthen it or give meaning to the title track. And R. Kelly is one of the kings when it comes to remixes.
Remix: Featuring Birdman & Busta Rhymes
We still don’t know what Thoia Thoing means. Arguably one of the weakest R. Kelly songs of his illustrious career, the remix didn’t help strengthen it or give meaning to the title track. And R. Kelly is one of the kings when it comes to remixes.
Original: D4L "Laffy Taffy" (2006)
Remix: Featuring Busta Rhymes
Riding the wave of trendy snap music, Busta jumped on the D4L hit in 2006. It’s okay, Busta we forgive you.
Remix: Featuring Busta Rhymes
Riding the wave of trendy snap music, Busta jumped on the D4L hit in 2006. It’s okay, Busta we forgive you.
Original: Vanilla Ice, "Ice Ice Baby" (1990)
Remix: Zumba Remix (2012)
No one seemed to be happier than soccer moms and Vanilla Ice himself when he dropped the Zumba remix of his hit “Ice Ice Baby” from 1990.
Remix: Zumba Remix (2012)
No one seemed to be happier than soccer moms and Vanilla Ice himself when he dropped the Zumba remix of his hit “Ice Ice Baby” from 1990.
Original: Forgotten Hip-Hop Singles
Remix: Dubstep Versions of forgotten Hip-Hop Singles. See: Jibbs "Chain Hang Low" (2011)
Some Hip-Hop songs should just stay in the vault.
Remix: Dubstep Versions of forgotten Hip-Hop Singles. See: Jibbs "Chain Hang Low" (2011)
Some Hip-Hop songs should just stay in the vault.
Original: Katy Perry "Last Friday Night" (2011)
Remix: Featuring Missy Elliot
“Do it” with Nelly Furtatdo was a better remix than this.
Remix: Featuring Missy Elliot
“Do it” with Nelly Furtatdo was a better remix than this.
Original: Chamillionaire "Ridin' Dirty" (2007)
Remix: Featuring Akon, Jae Millz & Papoose)
2006 was no doubt Chamillionaire’s year. His second single from the album The Sound of Revenge won Grammy’s and expressed police brutality and racial profiling in a way that hip-hop hadn’t seen in a while. Right when people were putting ribbons on the Houston rapper, the remixes for "Ridin' Dirty" followed and took the song a whole other route.
Remix: Featuring Akon, Jae Millz & Papoose)
2006 was no doubt Chamillionaire’s year. His second single from the album The Sound of Revenge won Grammy’s and expressed police brutality and racial profiling in a way that hip-hop hadn’t seen in a while. Right when people were putting ribbons on the Houston rapper, the remixes for "Ridin' Dirty" followed and took the song a whole other route.
Original: Future "Same Damn Time" (2012)
Remix: Soulja Boy
Autotune couldn't even save this track.
Remix: Soulja Boy
Autotune couldn't even save this track.
Original: Daddy Yankee "Gasolina" (2007)
Remix: Featuring N.O.R.E., Pitbull
A big hit for Reaggeton and Daddy Yankee himself, the remix showed off how good Pitbull can deliver a feature and how many times N.O.R.E. can brag about knowing about Reggaeton first.
Remix: Featuring N.O.R.E., Pitbull
A big hit for Reaggeton and Daddy Yankee himself, the remix showed off how good Pitbull can deliver a feature and how many times N.O.R.E. can brag about knowing about Reggaeton first.
