I didn't really like the original, so what can I do???

This week is dedicated to that unrelenting art form know as "remixing". While I'd like to go into a series of points that highlight the pros and cons of "remixing", I think I'll pass. Remixing today has become one of those things that people expect to happen. I'll just hit on the origins of the new jack swing version of remixing....for those uninformed.

The current re-remix phenom seems to have it's origins in two bootleg cd's (in my opinion anyhow). The first, producer supreme 9th Wonder (Wundrah!!!) redid the beats for the Nas LP "God's Son". The overnight (literally) success of the "God's Stepson" cd was nuts. Heads were checking for it everywhere. I had to get a copy from my man's brother who knew a guy who worked with a lady who's husband had a copy. Sheesh!

The second of these discs was the now infamous "Grey Album" from DJ Dangermouse. Premise? Take the accapellas from one Mr. Shawn Carter's Black Album, samples from the Beatles' White Album, stir, bake at 450. The result was the most talked about, downloaded, critiqued, over-hyped (possibly), and media darling LP of the year. There was a national movement to get the album pressed. They had sites dedicated to the free download of the album. This cd set off a plague of similar efforts of remixation. Some good (Paul Nice), some terrible (....).

But the funny thing is that because these albums were technically illegal, you couldn't buy them in stores (thanks Warner Music!). So if you got a copy, you technically got your hands on a bootleg of a bootleg. Which in itself is a crazy and mysterious testament to the artform.

Good news? The remix isn't dead. Not by a long shot. As long as people have computers or turntables, it'll never die. The thing is that I think two things will happen. One, the remixing of radio singles will have it's own grammy category, and the good producers will rise to the top of the remixing artform and the rest will die off or go back to work at Burger King (the Kang!).

But Lil' John hasn't retired yet so there is a good bet everyone will eventually get Crunked at some point.
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No song of last year was heard more, played more, or shoved down our collective throats more than Terror Squad's "Lean Back". While at the FSU/Miami showdown in the MIA last September, I counted at least 30 times that it was played over the loud speakers. Ask Baffoe, he'll tell ya. Everyone, the kids, the parents, the ushers, security, players, cheerleaders, student section, announcers...was doing that dag gum dance after about the 10th rotation. It was a sight to see. It's the new wave and whatnot. Seriously. If you are ever at a professional or collegiate sports event, check for it. Unless, you are at a UVA football game. Those bamas are some seriously stiff individuals. I mean who wears a shirt and tie to a football game?????

Enter my main man, my homie, my brother from another family and city, DJ Mentos. He did up this remix to that song of songs and to me it's better than the crap that came out off the major labels. Certified!!!

Enjoy, get crunktified, and remember...do the rock-a-way

Lean Back (DJ Mentos Remix) - Terror Squad