The remix is always viewed with mixed opinions, it can be welcomed or totally ignored. The whole politix of the remix is far too vast to go into in this column so forgive me cos I can’t include everything.

If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it, a note to all remixers and producer’s out there. Ok so you may say a track can be given a different feel or aspect by taking it back into the studio with you. The main point is that it should be perfect in the first place, if its been put out there for the public to digest then has to be re-done, whats the point of putting it out in the first place?, its like saying 'Oh sorry we f**ked up on that one but try this'.

Then theres the actual theory and definition behind the remix, to actually re-mix means to take the basic elements of the track, and mix them in a better way does this really happen though?. Now its a case of a) switching the beat b) switching the lyrics c) getting another rapper/singer in on the track or d) creating a whole new track altogether. Then you get the 'Hip Hop mix', 'Rnb mix', 'alternative mix', 'dance mix' etc and so on and so on

Take Wu for example, 80% of their output is damn near perfect (we're talking pre-WuForever days), that’s why their tracks shouldn’t be touched for remixing and so far very few remixes have appeared, the ones that have were mostly re done by RZA anyway. Same goes for Gangstarr, if theres a remix Primo usually handles that as well. I could mention countless artists who actually produce worthy remixs but the examples i've given should give you a good idea. Its evident that the original creator of the music knows the track better than anyone else so they are the best ones to deal with a remix if we really need it

Mostly these days the remix is Record company driven, its a way of cashing in on an artist and giving the single more shelf life by jacking the latest hot beat, getting the hottest producer or getting someone in on the track (usually one of the artists creating a buzz right now or more likely the latest act to come out on their roster). It s just a simple way of milking the average hip hop fan, we used to get all these remixes on one 12" or CD, now they've got 2Cd sets, release the remix package as well as the original or wait til the next single from the artist and then include it. Clever as they know that if that remix is popular, sales are gonna be up on the further pressings of the single but let me ask you when was the last time you heard a remix that was better than the original?, hard to think of? now do you get my point?.

So what do I think is the problem?, while its easier to get another beat to 'fit' the vocals its not so easy to get another beat that actually 'goes' with the track. Don't know what i mean?, is there a difference? of course there is, if you can get a beat to fit it will plod along with the vocals, but you still get the original pounding away in your head to keep in time with the pace of the track. If a good job is done and it actually 'goes' you forget about the original and the beat hits you the same way as the original. It can be done, but it’s pretty rare, and usually the vocals have to be re done to the new tempo.

If your still not convinced go and listen to some originals and then the remix, let me know what you find. One day someone will crack the formula and be able to flip it but for now most remixes are best forgotten.

- Philip Oliver