In my iPod, I have a play list entitled “Remix”, containing all 205 remixes that I have in my iPod. I don’t know about you, but I always like to hear a remix. Maybe it’s my creative nature, I like to hear a different take on things, or perhaps it’s just the signal from the artist that this song was special, so we released two versions of it. Whatever it is, I’m always excited to hear one. And like all things that excite me, I tend to be pretty critical of each and every one. In that spirit, here is my list of the 15 best remixes of all time.
There are a few criteria that go into the rankings. First, what differed from the original? Something should be different; otherwise it wouldn’t be a remix. Often, it is the addition or subtraction (mainly addition) of a featured artist. If that is the only addition to the song, then that verse needs to be exceptional. Another piece of criteria was the significance of the song. The significance could be measured by commercial appeal, the effect it had on the music industry, etc. And lastly, the all important question – would you rather listen to the regular version or the remix? With that, let’s get to it. The 20 are in no particular order, and afterwards a list of honorable mentions.
The Notorious B.I.G. - One More Chance Remix - This is probably the greatest remix of all-time. The original is one of the lesser songs on Biggie's debut CD, Ready To Die, and the remix is a total reversal from the original. With lines like "I'm not only a client, I'm the playa president" it exhibits Biggie's true genius.
R Kelly - Ignition Remix - Fellas to the left...this song comes at the nadir of R. Kelly's remixes, and with this one he finally hit the one that never gets old. It's bouncy, it's fun, it's well written.
Lil’ Kim - Not Tonight Remix f/ Da Brat, Left Eye, Missy Elliot, & Angie Martinez - The ultimate females only song, from the movie soundtrack for Nothing To Lose, this song was a big hit fronting for an otherwise forgettable movie. The original appeared on Lil' Kim's debut CD, Hardcore.
Mary J Blije - Real Love Remix f/ The Notorious B.I.G. - This was the ultimate Puffy moment, using his specialty - the remix - to pimp his two best stars, Mary J and Biggie. Biggie simply added a verse on the end, but the extra drums in the beat really make it kick.
SWV - Anything Remix f/ Wu Tang Clan - Wu-Tang rarely guest appeared as a unit on anything besides their own albums. This song was a big hit without the remix, but the remix really topped it off nice. "Another chapter from the Wu-Tang book!" Often overlooked in the greatness of the Wu Tang dynasty is how they seamlessly transitioned between the ultra commercial like Mariah Carey, Jodeci, and SWV and the ultimate underground like Dreddy Kruger, Ras Kass, and R.A. the Rugged Man.
Mariah Carey - Fantasy Remix f/ Ol’ Dirty Bastard - Whether with an assist from Puffy, Jermaine Dupri, or DJ Clue, Mariah has continuously added extra income and bolstered her rep in the urban community using remixes with rappers. There are a lot of great Mariah remixes, but this one set the whole summer off back in the day. This one was the ultimate, one of the few Mariah remixes (along wit Honey) that got regular airplay on the radio, instead of just showing up on CD singles.
112 - Only You Remix f/ The Notorious B.I.G. and Ma$e - One of the first songs, along with You Can't Hold Me Down, where we saw Ma$e on a track. This was a big deal because with this strategy Puffy really helped establish the theory that you break a new artist in on other people's records to gauge interest. In addition, Only You was 112's breakout hit, and arguably the biggest hit of their career. A remix with 112, Biggie, and Ma$e is pure genius.
2Pac - California Love Remix f/ Dr. Dre - California, knows how to party! On a CD of big hits, this one was the biggest. The remix was so good they didn't even bother releasing the original. 2Pac's first big hit after he was released from prison was one of the all-time classics.
DMX - Ruff Ryders Anthem Remix f/ Eve, Drag-On, & The Lox - This one was a DJ Clue remix. The original Ruff Ryders Anthem was kind of mid-tempo, so it was hard to pinpoint when to bang it in the club. The remix was sped up, and they threw all the important Ruff Ryders on the track, saving X for last. Everyone rips the track hard, and it sort of is a bit depressing when you think of what could have been had they all stayed at the top of their games. The Lox are still banging out hits, but X is slippin', Eve is focusing on acting, and Drag-On basically disappeared.
Ice Cube – It Was a Good Day Radio Remix edit - File this one under the "different beat" type of remix. In contrast to the original, this one has a breezy, kind of Motown feel to it, giving the lyrics new air in which to breathe. Good times.
Mariah Carey - Honey So So Def Remix f/ Da Brat & Jermaine Dupri - Honey was so good that it got two remixes. The more commercial remix featured Ma$e and The Lox and had its own video. This one was a little more under the radar, and sort of jacked the "All About the Benjamins" beat. Of all of Mariah's underrated "B side" remixes, this one is easily the best.
NaS - Street Dreams f/ R Kelly - Call it the pimped out remix, the joining of two legends. Perhaps this is where the "R" got the inspiration to pump out all his remixes?
Puff Daddy - It’s All About the Benjamins Rock Remix f/ The Notorious B.I.G., Lil’ Kim, The Lox, Fuzz Bubble - One of the last projects Biggie did before he passed, this one was during the rock-rap craze. Fuzz Bubble was the first rock act Puffy signed to Bad Boy, and this remix was the first project he put them on. They didn't disappoint in their first go round, the beat definitely kicked.
Juvenile - HA Jay-Z Remix f/ Jay-Z - It seemed like there 30 remixes to this song, but the Jay-Z version signaled the legitimacy of southern rap. If Juvenile was good enough for Jay-Z to lay down a verse with, then he must have been pretty good right? Well, in retrospect, no he wasn't. But this remix helped kicked off a slew of southern rappers, which depending on your viewpoint, was good or bad for hip hop.
LL Cool J - I Shot Ya f/ Foxy Brown, Keith Murray, Fat Joe, & Prodigy - Just a great group of emcees going to war on a great battle track. As a bonus, this was one of the last times Keith Murray and Foxy actually shined on a track.
Honorable Mention:
- De La Soul - Stakes is High Remix f/ Mos Def - Mighty Mos' first song.
- Gangstarr - You Know My Steez Remix f/ Lady of Rage & Kurupt - What a combination of artists!
- Pharoahe Monch - Simon Says Remix f/ Lady Luck, Redman, Method Man, Shabaam Sahdeeq, and Busta Rhymes - Big-time posse track for big-time club banger.
- Talib Kweli - Get By Remix f/ Jay-Z and Busta Rhymes - Another great combo of A-listers.
- A Tribe Called Quest f/ Faith Evans - Stressed Out (Baby Phife Version) - Can't have a best of list without the Tribe. With so many masterpieces, they didn't have a lot of remixes, so this one is the tops.