Five songs where the remix outshined the original version

Every once in a blue moon, you have a released song that becomes a huge hit. Because this hit was so successful, a producer may decide to turn it up a notch to push that hit to higher heights. Ladies and Gentlemen, the birth of the remix. Picture this. The original song is the base of a sundae: two to three scoops of ice cream. The remix is the bananas, syrup, sprinkles, and the cherry on top.

What is the dictionary definition of a remix? The Oxford Learner's Dictionary states that the definition of a remix is "a new version of a recorded piece of music made by using a machine to arrange the separate parts of the recording in a different way. So in layman's terms, taking an original song and giving it some pizazz.

The overall purpose of a remix is to bring new listening ears to a familiar song. Remixes can be so good to the point that they not only outshine the original version, but the track turns out better and more successful than the original song. Here are 5 songs where the remix put the original track to shame.

Five remixes that were better than the original songs

"Right Here (Human Nature Mix)" - SWV

SWV hit the scene in 1992 with their debut single "Right Here." While "Right Here" was our introduction to them, the remix is what cemented their legacy early on in their career. What made this hit even more successful? It was the addition of Michael Jackson's 1982 hit "Human Nature." It was pure and smooth. Arguably, one of the best remixes of all time. Fun Fact: SWV was the first group to receive permission from The King of Pop to sample one of his hits.

"Touch It (Remix)" - Busta Rhymes feat. Mary J. Blige, Rah Digga, Missy Elliot, Lloyd Banks, Papoose & DMX

Adding multiple artists to a remix can be a recipe for disaster. This can be the case because a featured artist can outshine the original artist on the remix. That was far from the case with the "Touch It" remix. Busta Rhymes was a one-man show on the original hit. With the remix, there were six features...SIX! What's special about this remix is that everyone shined...everyone delivered. If the remix isn't enough, check out the video. One of the best videos of all time!

"I Wanna Be Down (Remix)" - Brandy feat. MC Lyte, Yo-Yo & Queen Latifah

The perfect example of "helping the little sister out". Brandy was still pretty much a baby in the music industry at the point of her debut single release, "I Wanna Be Down." When established artists see that a newbie in the industry that has a dope debut single (that's a hit), they waste no time reaching out to collaborate; only to help elevate them. That was the case for MC Lyte, Yo-Yo Queen Latifah when they were featured on the remix. They hopped on the remix and blessed fans with a timeless record. Three rap legends helping a youngster out. You love to see it.

"In My Bed (So So Def Remix)" - Dru Hill feat. Jermaine Dupri & Da Brat

Not quite sure how Dru Hill took a song about getting cheated on and turned it into a club anthem but here we are. Dru Hill's sophomore record In My Bed is about fidelity. So with that topic comes a slow-tempo song. The remix is a complete 180. Jermaine Dupri took that slow-tempo track and turned it into an upbeat masterpiece. The verse from Da Brat was the icing on the cake.

"Crush On You (Remix)" - Lil Kim feat. Lil Cease

Fun Fact: The "Crush On You" version with Lil' Kim and Lil Cease is not the original song. Talk about mind-blown. The original version of this song is on Lil' Kim's debut album HardCore and this song only features Lil Cease. On the remix, however, Lil Cease is still dropping dope verses but Lil Kim blesses us with her lyrical presence. Cease & Lil' Kim have amazing chemistry on this track. What made this remix even better? The video. Check it out!

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