The Dream Team 1992

As creativity in hip-hop continues it’s downward spiral, the term “remix” has taken on quite a different meaning.

What used to be a reason to flip the beat and in turn the entire song has become an easy way to get a lackluster song a quick buzz. These days, any rapper with a bankroll can get somewhere between three to ten established rappers on a remix to their song, and because of the features, it’ll become a hit. Just ask Rich Boy, Tum Tum or Gorilla Zoe.

However, it hasn’t always been this way. Remixing a song used to be a genuine craft, where the producers would actually mold a completely new song out of the basis for the OG. The outcome, which could include a different style or possibly an old sample, usually resulted in a fresh new sound to compliment the original.

Here are five remixes that show how ingenuity, not money, can turn out a hit.

5. Nas – Street Dreams (Remix) Feat. R. Kelly

I didn’t discover this until years after I’d heard the original, and while the OG is a classic, I might actually prefer this version. The Trackmasters absolutely laced the beat, which carries that late-nineties feel, and Nas just captures the essence of it perfectly. And Kels, well, a song called “Street Dreams” just seems right up his neckuvdawoodz, doesn’t it?

4. Tony Toni Tone – Boys & Girls (DJ Quik Remix) Feat. AMG FIXED

For this remix, the former new jack trio ditched their contemporary sound for a little pizzazz. Thanks to the Quiksta, and his fly flavor overhaul, this track absolutely knocks. The light scratching, catchy guitar riffs, and typically pimped-out AMG verse, make this track superior to the typical TTT sound of the version included on the Soul Food OST.

3. Lloyd – You (Remix) Feat. Andre 3000 and Nas

Here’s a perfect example of why current hits, as played out as they can get, need to be remixed the old fashioned way. This cut, with its perfect sample of Spandau Ballet’s “True,” sounded so refreshing after the OG with Weezy got burned out. The verses from Nas and Andre 3000 are the perfect addition to this song too, as each of their verses fit the mood to a T.

2. Notorious B.I.G. – Party & Bullshit (Remix)

While this unreleased remix never blew up, it could have. Since Biggie’s beats mostly carried an East coast vibe to them, this one sounds more out of the box. Its up-tempo melody matches the energy he delivers perfectly, not to mention the theme of the song. Funny thing is, I’ve never even been able to find out who’s responsible for this version.

1. Bone Thugs N Harmony – Crossroads (Remix)

This take on the chilling original single-handedly made Bone the multi-platinum Grammy winners they are today. In a time when rap was extremely G’d up, the Bone boys came and showed how to craft a touching tribute for the ages, while also introducing their own unique style to the world. This song’s probably one of the most the successful remixes ever, and in turn, most people think it’s the only version.

I know I left out quite a few, or more realistically forgot them, so include the ones I missed in the comments section. I’m not talking about 15-minute long extended remixes, posse remixes, or any of that NU Mixx bullshit either. I’m speaking on real remixes – meaning new songs crafted out of the OG.

Let’s not forget the essence of the remix and how a little originality can give even the best of songs a little bit of a new flavor.