Who Invented the Remix? 10 of the Best Remixed Songs in Hip Hop & R&B

July 7th, 2011 - By Victoria Uwumarogie

Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell once said “Ain’t Nothing Like the Real Thing.” Interpret the song as you will, but that refers to the original version of something. No wack carbon copy, but the authentic, bonafide prototype of something is usually deemed as the best for most things (except when referencing the movie The Godfather II). But in music, since about the ‘90s, there’s always been room to flip a song, add some new vocals, a hot new beat and make it better–or worse. This is the art of the successful remix. Hence the number of remix albums put out by a number of artists over the years.

Diddy, then Puff Daddy at the time, used to claim he invented the remix. We’re not about to start pinpointing ownership, but we did find 10 remixed songs by 10 prolific artists that if you ask us, rival their predecessors for top status. Even if you don’t agree, at least you’ll have some new joints to add to a playlist in need.

*Note: all remixes are featured first, originals are linked to in the descriptions.

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  • http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100000879556993 Katrina Cornibert

    Best remix

    Mariah Fantasy feat ODB
    Jlo Im Real feat Ja Rule

  • dandan

    Mariah Carey- Fantasy ft OBD, One more chance is the best remix ever!!!!

  • Corduroy

    Come on guys….De La Soul made the "Buddy" remix way before any of the songs in this top 10 (89-90). A certified hip hop classic featuring the Native Tongues with one of my favorite videos to boot. Pos even called out Diddy on his invention of the remix proclamation.

    • D.B

      Peeps keep coming up with great ones. This is still one of my favorites. Honestly, I'm not for sure if I've heard anything other than the remix of this. Are you sure that 7 minute long song wasn't just the original.

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  • crx

    The list is whack without biggie's once more chance. r

  • Shelly

    Mary J. Blige "Real Love" remixed by Ron G

  • Rae

    All of the lights remix

  • Donny F

    My lil booboo reminded me about G-Dep "Special Delivery Remix" remix. That pops off fa sho!

  • Brodie

    Your Body's Callin remix was one of my favorite remixes. And I liked Monifah's I Miss You with AZ was just hot!

  • Trung

    the hot like fire remix. holy crap. i use to sit by the radio to wait for it so that i could record it. thanks for this memory!

  • Miss Nick

    Wow, I loved this list, and I think many of the suggestions in the comments are on point, esp. about SWV and the Biggie tracks. Don't forget J.Lo's I'm Real with Ja Rule.

  • kingslender

    Biggie's One More Chance and Method Man's You're All I Need should have been on there…

  • ByrdLady

    Let’s not forget the ‘black’ version of Mariah Carey’s ‘Always Be My Baby’ w/ Xscape, truthfully, almost any MC song back in the day…

  • Big mike

    What about Biggie. One more chance. That’s Bad Boy’s greatest remix

    • tin

      One More Chance was one of the best remixes. Some should not have been on the list above.

  • MTC

    No SWV's, Right Here (Human Nature)? I think few people even remember how the album version goes cuz the remix is its own entity. Teddy Riley threw down on that one. Even Chris Brown got sense enough to know that!

    • lenchase

      Cosign! Shout to MJ and SWV (could they please get back together)!!

  • satch

    R&B records have been getting remixed since the 80's by Larry Levan and Tom Moulton.nobody in the 90's invented that.Tom Moulton took the 2 and 3 minute records and extended them.Google them please

  • http://www.facebook.com/lugenia.washington Lugenia Washington

    "ARE YOU KIDDING ME THE FUGEES,S REMIX OF KILLING ME SOFTLY!"

    • D.B

      Though Hot, you can't consider that a remix, it's a remake or a cover. They just redid the song. A remix is taking your original song and doing another version.

  • Arielle

    MJB is 2 decades later not just one ^^Time does fly by!

  • Anna

    Craig Mack Flava In Ya Ear Remix is still at the top of my list. This many years later people still know the words. "Don't be mad, UPS is hirin'."

  • http://twitter.com/keqi77 @keqi77

    I think honorable mentions should include Jodeci's Come and Talk To Me Remix…Brandy's Brokenhearted featuring Wanya Morris …Destiny's Child No No No part 2 with Wyclef

    • Ashley

      you took the words right out of my mouth with both of these songs!

    • Kay

      hell yes..the Jodeci remix is the only one I play now…