Elevating the Track: Rap Remixes That Redefine the Original 

Emma Paff

Rap/Hip-Hop Director 

While some may hold onto the authentic feeling of an original song, remixes can move a track to a whole different level. According to the article “The Lost Art of Remixes In Hip-Hop and R&B,” published by Shatter the Standards, remixing was popularized by the disco era in the mid 1970’s. The art of remixing had one purpose: to keep people dancing. As the underground club scene exploded, DJs began showing off their musical prowess by prolonging instrumental and repeating rhythms to captivate their audience and keep them locked on the dance floor. 

Today, artists and producers keep the spirit of remixing alive by changing the beat, adding features, and taking the forefront in artists’ renditions. Remixes are powerful because they showcase how art is an ever-changing experience, but what makes a good remix so special? From subtly altering the mood to completely transcending the original concept, these rap remixes show how much of an impact creative changes can have on a track.  

“ooh la la” by Run the Jewels

The original Run the Jewels track, “ooh la la,” features the vocals of DJ Premier, EL-P, Killer Mike, and Greg Nice. Sampling its groovy “ooh la la” hook from Greg Nice’s 1992 track, “DWYCK,” this track brings back the nostalgic production of a classic 90’s boom bap sound. What’s interesting about the original is how the beginning sounds almost off tune until the kicks come in, trying it together. The production styling of El-P, Little Shalimar, and Wilder Zoby gives us a stripped-down and punchy beat, allowing the vocals to bring the energy.  While the original is good, it by no means compares to the jaw-dropping and reality-flipping sound of the remix. 

The Mexican Institute of Sound Remix 

The Mexican Institute of Sound remix has a totally different vibe, taking a respectable but slightly off-putting track and turning it into a danceable, first-pumping, and thrilling experience. DJ Camilo Lara incorporates his electro crumbia stylings, bringing in traditional Latin grooves with bouncy synths, shakers, and horns. Compared to the original, stripped-down and punchy version, the remix is groovy and rhythmic, making it impossible not to move your body. 

We also get a new verse from Mexican rapper, Sante Fe Klan, completely in Spanish, enhancing the Latin sound and feel of the track. The vocal delivery turns from matter-of-fact to playful and casual, almost like a tease, but still maintaining the intensity throughout. By completely changing the tone and feel of the track, The Mexican Institute of Sound remix, “ooh la la,” is one of the most impressive 360’s I’ve heard.  

“Or What” by NLE Choppa

The original “Or What,” by NLE Choppa, is a proper, trendy anthem. About a year after its release, the track went TikTok in late 2025. It features a spacey and melodic production, allowing for prominent ad-libs amidst the softer piano keys and hypnotic horns. NLE Choppa, 41, and Kyle Richh have a punchy but calmer delivery on their verses. I think most can agree that it’s catchy, but certain aspects of the song, such as the vocal delivery and symphonic feel, left me impressed and yearning for more. However, I could have never imagined just how much bringing those aspects to the forefront would completely alter my brain. 

The Orchestra Remix 

Choppa trades in trap beats for strings in the orchestra mix of “Or What.” Best experienced through the music video, Choppa and his crew appear completely dripped out in leather fits and sunglasses, accompanied by a full orchestra and gospel-style back-up singers. We get smooth melodic chimes from a mark tree, full-bodied harmonies, beautiful strings, and a very stressed-out conductor trying to keep up with the undeniable charisma of the collective. 

Compared to the original, the vocal delivery is intensified, but the playful features of the performance create the perfect balance by adding emotion without losing energy. The layered instrumental brings the drama and cinematic feel of the remix. While other artists, such as Ye, have included gospel and symphonic features in their tracks, Choppa broke ground by honing in on the strings without losing the key autotuned sound of trap that we have come to know and love. Thanks to that, I now have a deep and insatiable craving for symphonic trap. 

Wish by Trippie Red: Diplo’s Cut

I chose “Wish” by Diplo and Trippie Red to show how even subtle changes can shift the mood of a track. The first version to hit our streaming platforms (Diplo’s cut) has a more commercial and danceable feel to it. The production style of Diplo enhances Trippie’s raspy voice to bring the kind of energy that would light up a festival performance. Trippie’s screams to “keep on wishing” are put in the background rather than with the beat, which makes the overall song more polished for mainstream consumers. 

Trippie’s Version 

Trippie’s version maintains the elements of the first release, but it has a more intimate and less processed feel. It’s hard to pinpoint if the beat itself was altered, but the bass does sound more prominent.  Trippie’s ad-libs are brought to the forefront, tying in instead of under the beat. His vocals hit harder, enhancing the emotionally driven track. This adheres more to the classic and unfiltered sound that makes Trippie, Trippie. While the difference is very subtle, the less polished version feels more personal, allowing the lyrics to dig a little bit deeper into your skin. 

While certain remixes might not hit as hard as their original version, these three different tracks show how impactful they can be through sound and emotion. Moving from the explosive beginnings of the disco era to the modern day, artists continue to prove how pushing boundaries and exploring new elements can elevate an experience. Even subtle differences can make or break a track. With pressure to maintain authenticity escalating through the most connected era humans have experienced, remixes continue to allow artists to safely break out of the box, maintain originality, and explore their creativity from a new perspective.