The line separating the notion of “biting” and “paying homage” in Hip-Hop culture is almost too thin for distinction. Still, good Hip-Hop remakes manage to break through every now and then.
Just like Tink and her Timbaland-created “Million,” which uses the soul of Aaliyah for something even more futuristic and funky.
Take a look at several other Hip-Hop remakes that have gone on to become classics in their own right.
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Photo: Instagram / Tink
Black Rob – “Thug Story”
Hailing from Harlem, the former Bad Boy didn’t strike many as the “knock ’em out the box” type but one can never underestimate the reach of classic Hip-Hop.
Snoop Dogg – “Lodi Dodi”
Like Slick Rick before him, Snoop took a small rhyme and turned it into a huge adventure on wax.
G-Unit – “Straight Outta Southside”
Billed as a “Sean Bell tribute,” the Unit poured undiluted ether on the NYPD like N.W.A once did on the LAPD for an entire album.
Eve ft. Stephen & Damian Marley – “No, No, No”
The former Ruff Ryder First Lady brought her A-game in channeling Dawn Penn and what she lacked in authentic Jamaicaness, the Marley brothers filled in the blanks.
Run-DMC – “Walk This Way”
The song that ushered Hip-Hop to mass consumers started out as a hard rock 70s hit. Aerosmith killed two birds with one stone cold guitar riff.
Busta Rhymes – “Shut ‘Em Down 2002”
In 2001, Busta Rhymes was in the prime of his career and he decided a little Public Enemy couldn’t hurt his chances of keeping it hardcore. He even brought back Pete Rock for added effect.
Eminem ft. Buckshot – “Don’t Front”
Slim Shady never has to prove his rap credentials to anyone but he unearthed a Duck Down classic (the original one at that) on his multi-platinum album, The Marshall Mathers LP 2.
Nas ft. Millennium Thug – “Teenage Thug”
The years may roll by and players may change but the streets always sing the same tune.
Lil Kim – “Dreams”
Do you think Kimmy Blanco was scared of being called “a hoe” when she namedropped all the industry wood she wanted to catch a splinter with? That’s why she’s the Queen Bee.
Black Star – “Children’s Story”
Mos Def & Talib Kweli Are Black Star built its foundation on covers and in keeping the theme of this list; Slick Rick.
Beanie Sigel ft. Memphis Bleek – “So What You Saying”
Although it was never released as a single, the OG Roc Boys gave EPMD a run for their money on vibes and stuff.
Big Pun ft. Fat Joe – ” Twinz (Deep Cover ’98)”
The world couldn’t have asked for a better introduction to Snoop Doggy Dogg but the Terror Squadians completely destroyed their updated version. That is all.
Capone, Cormega, Marley Marl, MC Shan, Millennium Thug, Mobb Deep, Nas, Nature, Tragedy Khadafi – “Da Bridge 2001”
You love to hear the story again and again on how rappers pay homage to their roots. Here’s one of the most memorable instances.
T.I. ft UGK – “Front Back”
It’s a testament to the Underground Kings’ legend as artists that they were able to hop on their own remake from one of the artists they influenced who went on to become a force in his own right.
Def Squad – “Def Squad Delite”
Rap’s first great record wasn’t cut for any ‘ol artist to tamper with it. However, Reggie Noble, Erick Sermon and Keith Murray knew exactly what they were doing when they tackled it.
Fearless Hip-Hop Remakes
