To start off your busy week and get you moving, here are the top 10 Remixes and Covers. Ranging from Sampha to Biggie Smalls, this list is diverse and eclectic. With so much variation, however, every song is masterfully crafted and stimulating to listen to. Included with each songs is a soundcloud link so you can experience each song for yourself. Without further adieu, the top 10 is as follows:
1.) Bitch Don’t Kill My Vibe: Kendrick Lamar and Jay Z. https://soundcloud.com/topdawgent/bitch-dont-kill-my-vibe-remix
I know it is a little cliche to put this song as number 1, but it is just that good. Jay Z and Kendrick playing off of each other is strikingly similar to a “Watch the Throne” aura. Production is masterful, Jay Z is as smooth as ever, and Kendrick provides pungent lyric after pungent lyric.
2.) The XX: Fiction (Kulkid and Fever 105 Remix) https://soundcloud.com/fever105/the-xx-fiction-kulkid-fever
If you don’t know The XX from the Project X soundtrack, I have two suggestions for you: 1.) Watch Project X, and 2.) Listen to the first 30 seconds of this song. That is all you need to become addicted to The XX. Their sound is unique, but oh so addicting.
3.) SNAKADAKTAL: Dance Bear (Amtrac remix) https://soundcloud.com/amtrac/snakadaktal-dance-bear-amtrac
Similar to Fiction, Dance Bear is a type of “house music” song that is simply addicting to listen to. Whether you are driving with the windows down, doing some work, or relaxing with some friends, this song will put you in a mellow yet optimistic mood.
4.) Israel Kamakawiwo’ole: Somewhere Over the Rainbow (Thomas Jack Remix) https://soundcloud.com/thomasjackmusic/israel-kamakawiwoole-1
If you are part of the human race, you have heard Israel Kamakawiwo’ole playing “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” on YouTube. Well, this remix is better… no joke. I will not delve into details: just listen to this gem.
5.) Drunk in Love (Kanye West Remix) https://soundcloud.com/mason-rothschild/drunk-in-love-kanye-west-remix
Queen Bey: who doesn’t love her? Add Kanye and Jay, and you have a winning formula for success. A little racy and sexual at times, but the lyrics are smart, humurous, and smooth
6.) Moves Like Ms. Jackson (Outkast Cover): https://soundcloud.com/nickraymondg/moves-like-ms-jackson-cover
One of the smoothest songs you will ever come across. If you love Outkast, you will certainly adore this song. The tempo is slowed down, the vocals are even better than the original, and the production creates a dreamy vibe that is nothing but addicting.
7.) Too Much: Sampha (Solo Version) https://soundcloud.com/eddy-harskamp/sampha-too-much-solo
If you have not heard of Sampha, get to know him immediately: he is the next John Legend. Sure, Drake’s “Too Much” is a catchy song, but this one is even better. Sampha will move you with his soulful lyrics, and leave you thinking about love and loss.
8.) Isaiah Rashad: Shot You Down (Remix) ft. Jay Rock and ScHoolboy Q. https://soundcloud.com/topdawgent/isaiah-rashad-shot-you-down
One of the brightest stars out today, Isaiah Rashad and the TDE gang do it again with this song. The various artists compliment each other perfectly, the beat is killer, and the lyrics are nothing but catchy.
9.) Pretty Lights: Jay Z Empire State of Mind Remix. https://soundcloud.com/prettylights/pretty-lights-jay-z-empire
Have a love affair with New York? You will love this song. With Jay, Biggie, and Alicia Keys, this is the perfect song to leave you thinking about the beautiful New York skyline over the Brooklyn Bridge.
10.) Blackstreet: No Diggity (Bondax Edit) https://soundcloud.com/bondax/no-diggity
Get jiggy with it. If you do not dance to this song, something is wrong with you. End of story.
Honorable Mention: John Legend ft. The Roots: Dancing in the Dark. https://soundcloud.com/johnlegend/john-legend-ft-the-roots The Roots AND John Legend? Enough said.
AND
Notorious B.I.G. feat. Jay Z: Picasso Biggie (Picasso Baby Remix) (Produced by !llmind) https://soundcloud.com/illmind/notorious-b-i-g-feat-jay-z What makes this song so spectacular is the unusual beat. The lyrics and sound is a little suspect at times, but the mastered beat makes up for its other flaws.
Coalescence Magazine 