What’s the Best Hip-Hop Remix of All-Time? Posted by Lucas G. on 03/26/14 | Filed under Top Stories, Debates, RH Nation Answers, Remixes

The other day I was driving around listening to a remix of a certain color-titled song from a color-titled album  (I don't want to give it away because it is mentioned later) and I thought to myself, this might be my favorite remix. Then I thought about the billions of other remixes I have said that about and my mind started to melt. Hip-hop is built on taking something old and making into a unique, fresh piece and the remix is just an extension of that. The cynical minds out there might say it's just another way for rappers to give a single a little more mileage, but the fun, non-debbie-downer fans will think otherwise. Sometimes it's fun to hear your favorite emcees head to head on somebody else's beat. It's sort of like the all-star game. You don't take any real meaning from it, but it's fun to see them play together. Anyway, I was having fun playing the remix game, but stalled out after a little while. Rather than let it go, I figured it would make for a damn good question of the week. So...What Are The Best Remixes in Hip-Hop History?

As usual before we get into the remixes we gotta hash out the parameters. Now there are about a million different categories when it comes to the remix, and a million different definitions that have changed over the years, so there is definitely some grey area when it comes to this debate. There are mash-ups, beat remixes (where it's a different beat but the same lyrics), unofficial remixes (some random remix on some random mixtape), and of course Weird Al remixes; none of those count in this discussion.

The remixes I want to talk about are the ones as we know them today. Typically it features the same beat (and often) the same verse from the track's artist with a few guests spots tacked on for good measure. These remixes really took off in the early 2000's and haven't stopped since. We even have "DJ's" who make their lives out of putting together a remix using other peoples talents (cough cough fat guy who yells). So while dope, 9th's "The Corner (Remix)" can't be included because it's not the "official" remix and is just a switch up of the beat; Common wasn't actually involved. The Nelly, 'N Sync "Girlfriend" remix, however would count.

Boy, where to begin? I'm not sure where or when the remix started, but the Biggie remix of Craig Mack's "Flava In Ya Ear" has to be one of the first right? Not only is it one of the first ones, but it is also largely responsible for Biggie blowin' up like the World Trade, reaching number 9 on the Billboard Hot 100 way back in '94. Considering the history, and who's involved, this remix pioneer has to be included in the conversation; that Busta verse doesn't hurt either.

Here's where we start getting into my wheelhouse; the post 2000 remix. Say what you want about the quality of emcees in the turn of the century, but even the worst of emcees could be counted on for a dope remix or two. You might not think Unk and Shawty Lo belong anywhere near the top of the list, but that era had some really fun, bangin' remixes.

Case in point, Shawty Lo's "Dey Know (Remix)". Shawty Lo is currently working the midnight shift at Arby's in Duluth, but there was a time when he was getting bodied by Luda and Jeezy on this. Shit, even Plies get's him. It's also worthy of mention because of Weezy's auto-tuned flow. Could this be the first example of Wayne's auto-tuned style? I don't know, but I do know that that Kicks like Liu Kang line is bananas. A great remix would take an otherwise forgettable song and make it irresistible. How many times have you listened to the original "Dey Know" vs. the remix? Thought so.

Serious question, is Lil Wayne The remix king? When you consider all the mixtape remixes and the official ones (like "Make It Rain") he has to be in the discussion right? I mean he kills it on this. Wayne might have the "best" verse (though everyone, even Ace Hood, is dope) but R.Kelly makes this. His R&B style is a unique flavor to a remix that is otherwise, all rappers. It might be 8 years old, but I still spin this from time to time; it's crazy intoxicating.

You know how I just called Lil Wayne the remix king? I'm wrong. It's clearly Kanye. Anytime he hops on someone else's beat, he fucking murders them. On "Lollipop" he bodies Wayne,  so I guess he gets the crown. I have no business liking this song at all--this is right around where Wayne jumped the shark, it was on the radio every two seconds, and it is filled with auto-tune--but fuck, this shit goes hard. Also, at the time, there were no two hotter rappers than these two, so getting them on the same remix is pretty historic even if they were auto-tuned out.

Andre 3000. That is all.

Have you ever heard the original remix? Straight doo-doo. It makes this remix just that much more special. This follows a little different formula than the others, but it has to be mentioned because, in this bloggers opinion, it is one of the best. This remix will NEVER get old. You'd be hard pressed to find anyone, no matter what they listen to, who can't sing along line for line.  I will never, ever do karaoke, but if I was forced, this might just be the song I pick; this song is just so much fun. When the dust settles, this one might just be my pick; shit is magical. Before I jump the gun and crown it, gotta give the other contestants their shot, like this next cut.

Plenty of these remix are from emcees who, for lack of a better word, are average (Plies, Shawty Lo, Ace Hood), but the "Get By (Remix)" features some of the games best emcees doing their thing. Jay Z  and Busta on the same track as Mos Def and Talib, plus an insane Kanye verse? How could you ask for more? I'm really glad they didn't change the beat at all, because that shit s fucking perfect.  Special recognition goes to Kanye's "They used to tell me toughen up/Put some bass in your voice/They used to tell me lighten up/Put some Mase in your voice" for sending it over the edge. If you really can't get your backpack off to enjoy the likes of "Dey Know" and "Make It Rain", then this one is for you.

Not all dope remixes came between 2004 and 2008. This one came just last year and is already in the conversation. It might be cliché, but "Bitch Don't Kill My Vibe" is probably my favorite song off GKMC, so you can imagine my excitement when a remix came out with two new Kendrick verse and a Jigga verse. A much as I love the original, this one just has a little bit more to offer. We all know Jay has fallen off a little, but he can still come correct, and this might be his best verse in years.  The imagery of him in the White House is priceless (and for the most part true); Jay is the only rapper who can brag about knowing the president, and actually mean it. I thought he had Kendrick beat, but that second Kendrick verse is flawless. It is more than just the song too, it's the symbolism. Look at that artwork; it really does feel like a passing of the torch from one of rap's greatest to the leader of the new generation of emcees. It would have been my favorite of 2013 if it weren't for this next one. 

I love the original, but I always felt like something was missing something. I can't explain it, but I just didn't feel fulfilled by the original, it left me hungry for just a little more. Enter the Big Boi remix. 9 times out of 10, I prefer Andre to Big Boi (doesn't mean I don't love Big Boi but I just dig Andre more), but this is the exception. Big Boi's verse completes this effort and makes the whole effort so much stronger than the original; Big was the missing piece. Also, bonus points considering that this is as close as we are going to get to an Outkast reunion. Anytime Big and 3 Stacks can hop on the same beat it's a win. If I had any balls, this would be my pick for best remix ever...

Fuck it, I got balls, I'm going with the "Pink Matter (remix)" as my pick. "Channel Orange" is one of my favorite albums of all time, and Outkast is one of my favorite groups of all time, combine the two and you get one of the best remixes of all time. Remixes are always an added bonus; the cherry on the sundae. They don't really effect the original, but are separate entity, but the "Pink Matter (Remix)" gave me something I felt was missing from the original and for that, I will make it my pick. It might not be the popular choice, but in honor of March Madness, I'll go with the underdog.

Obviously, I didn't include some other top choices. Either because I want y'all to talk about it or because I forgot (or both). There are wayyyyyy to many remixes to include every single one, so I am counting on you, RefinedHype Nation, to fill the gaps. Dying to see what y'all come up with.

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