Jonah Bromwich doesn’t like jean jackets with the sleeves cut.
Let’s just be clear: a Kanye co-sign means little-to-nothing regarding Chief Keef’s ability as a rapper. Artists with the fabled Yeezy seal of approval include luminaries like GLC, Big Sean, Kid Cudi, Fonzworth Bentley and Mr. Hudson. So chill. I know that’s a futile request, and this remix guarantees what was already pretty much inevitable, that Chief Keef will get a major label deal shortly. Eh.
That said, it’s hard to believe that producer Young Chop and Keef are respectively upset and nonchalant about how professional their song sounds in the hands of the G.O.O.D. music crew. West, after all, is the self-professed king of “sophisticated ignorance” and the hint of sophistication that he’s added to the melody on this remix of “I Don’t Like” makes a world of difference. What was a catchy sentence (that Chicago bite on the end of “like” makes it stick in your head) has become a catchy song, as Pusha, ‘Ye, Jada each add respectable verses.
Pusha sounds vicious on the intro, more rogue than douchebag and in control of the ominous ringing in the background (though you’re going to have to ignore a particularly groan-worthy Suge Knight line). After Kanye compares himself to Jesus and Michael Jackson and promotes his healthy diet, Big Sean spits the usual amount of nothing. Then Jada comes on, extra raspy, chuckle left at home, imitating the Weeknd’s signature outfit, grumbling about girls who keep calling him and rapping well.
Generic rappers being promoted over talented ones—that’s that shit I don’t like. And though the original wasn’t bad, this song gets a hell of a lot better when some talent and melody is added. I never thought I’d be the one grumbling that kids need to start respecting their elders or at least not complain when their elders improve their songs, but I guess that’s happening now.
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8 comments
Ringo P says:
May 3, 2012 at 3:57 am (UTC -7)
Nahhhh! I can see exactly why Chop got upset. Much prefer the relentless assault of the original, it stands out where the remix just sounds like any old Kanye song.
H.L. says:
May 3, 2012 at 4:02 am (UTC -7)
I couldn’t disagree more. This remix is candy corn.
Jimmy says:
May 3, 2012 at 9:02 am (UTC -7)
I like the remix. I think it’s too long though. Cut Sean and it would have been better.
Also they are actually kids. So if they’re getting angry over dumb shit, don’t forget that.
Shapey Fiend says:
May 3, 2012 at 9:09 am (UTC -7)
The original was perfect. This that shit I don’t like.
3Stacks says:
May 3, 2012 at 10:18 am (UTC -7)
I agree with H.L , original is far superior in my opinion
Bromwich says:
May 3, 2012 at 2:17 pm (UTC -7)
Maybe this will change some minds?
http://www.2dopeboyz.com/2012/05/03/pusha-t-i-dont-like-rmx-original-verse/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+2dopeboyz+%282dopeboyz%29
I like the original. It’s catchy, like I said. I just think the remix is better, and keeps every element of the original that was worthwhile in the first place. Looks like I might be taking an (H) L on this one though, 4/5 comments don’t lie.
H.L. says:
May 3, 2012 at 3:05 pm (UTC -7)
No disrespect to Jonah. I dig the write-up and it was a good argument. I suppose it’s all subjective, but I felt like Kanye’s version wasn’t menacing as the original. Chop’s instrumental was epic, the remix was just loud and felt synthetic, if that makes any sense.
Son Raw says:
May 5, 2012 at 9:23 am (UTC -7)
The remix is overproduced but the original wasn’t all that either. Producers have run the Lex Luger model into the ground – even Lex has moved on.
Not saying that there’s no life in the hi-hat centric 808 model but I want to hear producers doing interesting things with the form not just throwing up 5 minute beats or layering a bunch of instrumentation over the same damn drum patterns.