10 of the Best Puff Daddy Remixes
Remember when I listed the 15 Best Hip Hop producers? Yeah, Puff Daddy's Hitmen were a big deal during my childhood. I'm a big fan of Remixes and thanks to the way Puff Daddy freaked songs word to his Zepplin track on the Godzilla soundtrack!
It's time to look back at some of the times Puff Daddy sprinkled some Bad Boy magic on a track to make it extra special!
Remix/Rank:
#10- "Son of a Gun" Janet Jackson (ft. Missy/Carly Simon/Puff Daddy)
Why, Though:
I had a fight with my mom, because I didn't believe she knew of Carly Simon... I thought she was a new artist on this song. That's how young I was when I first heard this song. I couldn't conceive of a world where anyone my mom knew would be actively a part of such a banger of a song. Plus you can't go wrong when you've got Missy "Misdemeanour" Elliot on the track with you. This track represents the Puff that can not only bring sounds together nicely but get the right talent in the room too!
Remix/Rank:
#9- "Real Love" Mary J. Blige (ft. The Notorious B.I.G.)
Why, Though:
This is another song that reminds me of my parents. Mostly because I was aware of sampling and there was no confusing credit given to the original artist in the song title. This meant we could all enjoy the song together without any tense moments. It's also a Mary J. singing while she's her most Hip Hop! Add to that the Betty Wright sample that was later used by Chance the Rapper and you've got a certified hit on your hands!
Remix/Rank:
#8- "Bad Boy for Life" Puff Daddy (ft. M.O.P. & Busta Rhymes)
Why, Though:
I really like how this song starts. The sample seems to be chopped up a different way and there's a certain charm to that screech Puffy does at the beginning. If you want to get rowdy why not get Busa-bus and the Brownsville bullies on your remix? this is what I mean about getting the right talent involved. I didn't think you could improve on the original Bad Boy's For Life and just with the track listing, I'm already more excited!
Remix/Rank:
#7- "Fantasy" Mariah Carey (ft. Ol' Dirty Bastard & Puff Daddy)
Why, Though:
Obviously this song is amazing. But imagine trying to pair up ODB and Mariah Carey back int he day? Puff Daddy knew it would work and now we have this amazing song because of it. It was a fine song without ODB or Puffy whispering, but, it's almost impossible to imagine a world where this song doesn't involve these two. That's how you do a REMIX!
Remix/Rank:
#6- "One More Chance" The Notorious B.I.G. (ft. Faith Evans/Mary J. Blige/Puff Daddy)
Why, Though:
To this day, I don't know why this remix wasn't just the original song on the album. It such a quintessential part of Biggie's catalogue! So much so that Irv Gotti caught flack for using the same DeBarge "Stay With Me" sample for Ashanti. People didn't even want to hear that it's a sample. It's just the Biggie song, dawg!
Song/Rank:
#5- "Honey" Mariah Carey (ft. The Lox/Ma$e/Puff Daddy)
Why, Though:
I must admit that the video for this song was a big selling point for me. It had The Lox, Ma$e and Eddie Griffin doing spy stuff with a dope beat in the back drop. As I listen back to it now, the raps from The Lox do feel strained. Ma$e feels right at home, though. I guess it comes down to how strong the song is overall and that REALLY cool music video!
Remix/Rank:
#4- "Only You" 112 (ft. The Notorious B.I.G./Ma$e/Puff Daddy)
Why, Though:
I've never liked a 112 song more than "Only You" AND I LOVE 112 SONGS! Slim has such an interesting voice. This song sticks out in particular because of Biggie and Mr. Betha. They have great verses that fit in perfectly with the vibe of the song. I also learned the 112 parts incredibly quick. I don't know what you can do with that info other than glean that I really like this song. Even my non-hip-hop fans liked this track. That bassline is undeniable!
Remix/Rank:
#3- "Special Delivery" G. Dep (ft. Ghostface Killah/Keith Murray/Craig Mack/Puff Daddy)
Why, Though:
This is another great build up for a song. I know what's coming, and I'm constantly excited by how this track starts. It always feels like something amazing is about to happen. Luckily for me something amazing does follow. A vicious opening verse from the 10th best East Coast rapper and then it's only gets better from there! Craig Mack may be gone, but you can't front on this verse by him! Plus the criminally slept on Keith Murray! TALENT IN THE ROOM!
Remix/Rank:
#2- "Been Around the World" Puff Daddy (ft. Ma$e & Carl Thomas)
Why, Though:
I don't know why i like Carl Thomas' voice so much but I do and it's heavily featured on this delightful remix to a song I already really liked. I have nothing else to say really. This is a song you could put on if I was ever feeling down and I'd cheer right up. It's the perfect mix of the familiar (mostly recycled verses from the original) and delightful music with a great Carl Thomas feature!
Song/Rank:
#1- "It's All About the Benjamins" Puff Daddy (ft. The Lox/Lil Kim/The Notorious B.I.G.)
Why, Though:
Has anyone even heard the original version of this song or did it just get called a remix for fun? I think we all know that guitar and break beat combo but the true magic of this song comes when the beat gives way to Biggie on that dope Jackson 5 sample. I always thought maybe that was the original beat. I don't think so I just know this song is dope! For a song that doesn't follow a lot of the conventions of a number one hit, it certainly got a lot of play and has endured. Be real! When you saw the gif you decided you were going to complete the line.
-YG