When "It's Like That" (Raxon E... remix) hit the airwaves, it was an instant sensation. The track's infectious beat, paired with RUN DMC's unmistakable rap style, made it a staple in clubs, on the radio, and in music videos. For many, the song represented a perfect blend of nostalgia and innovation, bridging the gap between hip-hop's golden era and the emerging electronic dance music scene.
Watch the classic 1997 music video that inspired these modern edits: It's Like That RUN-DMC - Topic YouTube• 27 Feb 2017
What happened next was an unforeseen phenomenon. The record was officially released and within a year, it had become a sleeper hit of epic proportions. The remix, officially credited as Run-D.M.C. vs. Jason Nevins, shot to number one on charts in Australia, Germany, Ireland, Finland, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom. It sold an estimated five million copies worldwide, placing it among the best-selling singles of all time. However, the story behind the success is laced with controversy. While the remix revived Run-DMC's flagging career and introduced them to a new generation of ravers, reports emerged that Nevins was paid a flat fee (rumored to be as low as $5,000) for his work, receiving no royalties from the global smash, a fact that reportedly soured his relationship with the group. RUN DMC- Jason Nevins - It-s Like That -Raxon E...
The success of the Raxon Edit highlights a broader trend in modern electronic music: the enduring power of nostalgia wrapped in contemporary sound design. By anchoring a dark, modern electronic groove to one of the most recognizable hooks in music history, Raxon created a track that bridges the gap between classic hip-hop heritage and the uncompromising demands of modern dancefloors.
In interviews, Raxon has noted:
: Built specifically for DJs, the edit features long, structural build-ups, modular synth layers, and calculated drops that amplify crowd tension before reintroducing the legendary vocal hook. Dancefloor Impact and DJ Support
The journey began in 1983 when released their debut single, "It's Like That." Known for its minimalist, abrasive sound and socially conscious lyrics about unemployment and inflation, it is credited as the first hardcore hip-hop song. When "It's Like That" (Raxon E
If you want to explore how other artists are reinterpreting this classic track, you can find various underground versions like the hardgroove take on YouTube or stream Raxon's interpretation via unofficial club rips uploaded by fans on electronic music platforms.