Avg Rating: 
3.7 ( 62 total votes )
Joell Ortiz - Call Me (Remix)
Artist: Joell Ortiz
Featuring: Novel
Producer: Statik Selektah
Album: Free Agent
Label: Lush Life/eOne
With an impressive four-star average reader rating, the original version of Free Agent lead single Call Me most definitely falls into the “if it ain’t broke” category, but listeners shouldn’t begrudge three musicians as talented as Joell Ortiz, Novel, and Statik Selektah the opportunity to bend a few rules – especially when the result is as fresh as this official remix. While Ortiz’ wistfully nostalgic verses are left untouched, Statik gives the track’s production a major overhaul, trading Novel’s soul samples for a chillier blend of old-school beats. Topped off with three slightly-revised hooks from the ATL renaissance man, this revamp will undoubtedly stir up some rousing debate amongst our readers. Have the collaborators succeeded in topping the acclaimed original? Whichever version you prefer, you’ll want to keep it locked for the latest on Ortiz’ sophomore studio album, which has yet to receive a solid release date.
This song first appeared on the
Rap Chart
on April 19, 2010
Listen to More: Joell Ortiz , Novel Written by richard
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Member Reviews and Ratings
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DJ Booth Member  Total Ratings: 11 |
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True Hip Hop
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| Posted on Apr 12, 2010 |
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DJ Booth Crew  Total Ratings: 11633 |
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The original was a burner, but the blends Statik uses on this remix make it even better. Plus, you gotta Novel's work on the three slightly different hook arrangements. I am genuinely excited for Free Agent.
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| Posted on Apr 12, 2010 |
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Tastemaker  Total Ratings: 475 |
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You can always expect big things from these two. I'm STILL banging "Defying the Predictable"! This remix only serves as a minor improvement over the original but I really enjoyed Novel's additions.
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| Posted on Apr 12, 2010 |
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DJ Booth Member  Total Ratings: 8 |
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Don't normally get into remixes much but this is just quality, smooth hip-hop. Msybe even better than the original.
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| Posted on Apr 12, 2010 |
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DJ Booth Member |
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Real Smooth. Great remix
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| Posted on Apr 12, 2010 |
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Tastemaker  Total Ratings: 394 |
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I'm going to give this one a 3. I don't really feel for Ortiz. It's definitely worth a place on the hip-hop playlist, just not that great.
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| Posted on Apr 12, 2010 |
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| Posted on Apr 12, 2010 |
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DJ Booth Member  Total Ratings: 198 |
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better den da original,rotation
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| Posted on Apr 12, 2010 |
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Tastemaker  Total Ratings: 306 |
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reverberating sound from hype man in this intro is infused into te beat pretty cool.
and the harmonic chorus followed with the trumpet instrumental is pretty cool(remembered that trumpet dap tu ta tita in a basketball video game i had back in like 2005 or 06) i loved that trumpet sound because its iconic hence this flashback i have. i havnt heard this song before so for a first impression its one i could fall in love with, but is their that possibility; proly not. again (its not my style) but it definatly could find its may on my mp3 player so 3spins could be 4spins aswell |
| Posted on Apr 12, 2010 |
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Tastemaker  Total Ratings: 432 |
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Statik Selektah has been on a hot streak lately and Joell Ortiz always has some dope rhymes. Loving the "TROY" beat and all the other old school flavors they dropped in this.
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| Posted on Apr 12, 2010 |
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DJ Booth Crew  Total Ratings: 2476 |
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Absolutely no disrespect to Ortiz, who regular readers know is one of my favorite emcees, but this track mostly just makes me want to go listen to the original tracks (ah, memories).
Still, I can't hate on them for bringing me back, in fact, thank you. I've gonna have this one on repeat for the next hour. This is how we chill from...
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| Posted on Apr 12, 2010 |
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DJ Booth Member |
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I expected this to disappoint me because for me, the original was near-perfection. But i was off in my prediction, this will be a classic for me, but still doesn't have "enough" to qualify for the "classic" category.
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| Posted on Apr 12, 2010 |
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DJ Booth Member |
i didnt hear the original but im not really feeling the beat change, good rhymes though
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| Posted on Apr 12, 2010 |
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DJ Booth Member |
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Solid track.. diggin the original a little more none the less worth a couple spins
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| Posted on Apr 12, 2010 |
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| Posted on Apr 12, 2010 |
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DJ Booth Member |
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decent
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| Posted on Apr 12, 2010 |
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Tastemaker  Total Ratings: 2904 |
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Statik Selektah just can't dissapoint, everytime I see his name I get a lil too excited, you can see why with results like this. Joel & Novel absolutely flame-balld this, magic
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| Posted on Apr 12, 2010 |
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Tastemaker  Total Ratings: 908 |
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Huge fan of everything these two put out, together or otherwise. This is a really interesting twist, and I'm liking it. The original is better, sure, but it's a nice side dish.
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| Posted on Apr 12, 2010 |
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Tastemaker  Total Ratings: 242 |
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A well-made remix, to me this is better than the original, I just fall in love with old school beats. Hope this one blows up, so that Joell Ortiz can finally get a release date.
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| Posted on Apr 12, 2010 |
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DJ Booth Member |
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The lyrics are toooo sik. The old skool beat gives it the true hip hop vibe. This guy won't be a free agent for long ... hopefully.
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| Posted on Apr 12, 2010 |
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DJ Booth Member |
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Only One word to characterize such a great post “WOW” that was a very interesting read
Cho Yung Tea http://www.articlesbase.com/health-articles/cho-yung-tea-review-amp-free-trial-2124982.html |
| Posted on Apr 12, 2010 |
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DJ Booth Member |
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Can someone please tell me how it's possible to have such a good song and its not on the radio?!? The blending of the old school is so smooth along with Novel's vocals.
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| Posted on Apr 12, 2010 |
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DJ Booth Member  Total Ratings: 83 |
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I like the way the track tells a story. i think thats lost on hip hop these days
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| Posted on Apr 12, 2010 |
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Tastemaker  Total Ratings: 1189 |
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I never heard the original till minutes ago & in my opinion the original is marginally better (though they are both sick tracks).
I keep thinking im listening to Mario when hearing Novel sing, thats how good the guys voice is. |
| Posted on Apr 12, 2010 |
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Tastemaker  Total Ratings: 4267 |
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I was already convinced Statik Selektah would exhibit remarkable attention to detail throughout anything he saw fit to compose and release. And this Remix follows through on the promise, resulting in a stretched out cruise through rolling fields of old-school goodness.
There's a distinctly tactile quality to the transitions between beats and the whole package creates a beautiful meld with Novel's ethereal vocals. Both versions are essential listening. |
| Posted on Apr 12, 2010 |
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DJ Booth Crew  Total Ratings: 904 |
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He incorporated beats from 2 of my favorite tracks ever on this one. So dope.
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| Posted on Apr 12, 2010 |
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DJ Booth Member  Total Ratings: 40 |
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Joell is just the man. simple
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| Posted on Apr 12, 2010 |
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DJ Booth Member Total Ratings: 83 |
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listened to this for a while now and can now give a more detail review. Statik Selektah never seems to disappoint. this beat is filled with hard hiting drums trumpets..basically everything good and Novel's voice seems to calm everything down. Joel does his thing. Wish i could hear more of this on the radio
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| Posted on Apr 12, 2010 |
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DJ Booth Member |
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I like it!
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| Posted on Apr 12, 2010 |
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Tastemaker |
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Statik definately killed the production and Novel laid down his usual smooth vocals.
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| Posted on Apr 12, 2010 |
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Professional  Total Ratings: 91 |
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Nice Blend on this record.. and the new Hook sounds great. Gives the record a longer life.. I'm still rocking the original version too.
DJ Sandman (WBTP 95.7 The Beat -Tampa, FL / BumsquadDjz / 1200Squad / RapattackLives.Com / Dynasty's Tour Dj / Laws Tour Dj / Dreampusher Mixtape Best of the Booth Vol. 5 |
| Posted on Apr 12, 2010 |
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Tastemaker  Total Ratings: 1227 |
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I'm feeling this, but i prefer the original though.
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| Posted on Apr 12, 2010 |
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| Posted on Apr 12, 2010 |
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DJ Booth Member  Total Ratings: 55 |
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I feel this song and I respect it but it doesnt stick in my head. I definately would give it more than a few listens but it wont be a favorite for me.
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| Posted on Apr 12, 2010 |
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DJ Booth Member |
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this beat gets me every time...classic. but i think there is a little too much going to at some poitns
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| Posted on Apr 12, 2010 |
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Tastemaker  Total Ratings: 407 |
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This is a real nice smooth flowing track that Ortiz rhymes over well...Novel is just as smooth and this is what a hip-hop/R&B track should sound like...and you can't forget about Statik cuz hes always putting in great pruction work and this one is no less.
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| Posted on Apr 12, 2010 |
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DJ Booth Member  Total Ratings: 217 |
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Sorry but the original wasn't broken and all the ill antique buttons you put on it ain't gonna make it shine any better. The original was fly, I appreciate the effort because it got me to reminisce a reminisce
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| Posted on Apr 12, 2010 |
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DJ Booth Member |
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Didn't feel it when I first listened to it, just cuz of the sudden change from one beat to the next. But after that, definitely was on repeat. Def dope. Can't wait for Free Agent
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| Posted on Apr 12, 2010 |
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DJ Booth Member  Total Ratings: 5 |
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yea this kindof like a take back got my head knoding
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| Posted on Apr 12, 2010 |
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DJ Booth Member  Total Ratings: 51 |
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I like the original much better.I look at this more as a DJ Blend than a remix.Statik put it together nice
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| Posted on Apr 12, 2010 |
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DJ Booth Member |
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i love how people are ratting and commenting on everyting beacuse there are headphones on the line as far as the song its smooth joell ortiz does best on these type of smooth beats similar to his song enyc
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| Posted on Apr 12, 2010 |
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DJ Booth Member  Total Ratings: 127 |
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Remixes usually aren't my thing but this BANGS. Slightly improved on the original.
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| Posted on Apr 12, 2010 |
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DJ Booth Member  Total Ratings: 4 |
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not the best i've heard,but would deff listen to when i'm chillin
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| Posted on Apr 12, 2010 |
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DJ Booth Member |
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When that 2nd verse came on i was like damnn this song is banging. Loved the original and tho this isnt as good ill still bang it.Joell is deff one of the freshest rappers out. If you all havent done so yet check out his mixatape with novel and cop that slaughterhouse album.Real hip hop...need more of this playing on the radio and not that mainstream wack rap
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| Posted on Apr 12, 2010 |
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DJ Booth Member  Total Ratings: 132 |
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ahh i like the original better... joel ortiz still goes hard though (top 5 on my list of best rappers right now)
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| Posted on Apr 12, 2010 |
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Tastemaker  Total Ratings: 247 |
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joell o. a beast,he's been pretty consistent with trying to make hip hop sound like actual hip hop,props to that fosho..hey booth,those headphones ya'll giving away are real dope,expensive too-but what i REALLY wanna get is my gold standard 'Resident DJ' status,can we make it happen?! good lookz ;-)
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| Posted on Apr 12, 2010 |
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DJ Booth Member  Total Ratings: 178 |
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Man I never get tired of hearing Novel. He has one of the best voices in the industry. So smooth. I can't help but smile while listening to this, but I feel that's more due to the They Reminisce Over You sample than anything else. When those trumpets and horns start up, it just takes me back to a simpler time. Ortiz puts down a solid effort as we have come to expect but it wasn't anything that impressed me. Solid song, but like I said, that sample just does it for me, 3 1/2 rounded up.
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| Posted on Apr 12, 2010 |
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| Posted on Apr 13, 2010 |
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Tastemaker  Total Ratings: 1309 |
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Geniuses at work:
"Let's make a remix. New beat, different chorus..." "Uhmm... what about blending 3 classic old school beats?" "That's ambitious, but too risky and hard to achieve..." "Well, not for Statik Selektah." "I'm not gonna be overshadowed by the production then. I'mma give a different vibe to each chorus." "Well, my verses will be untouched. They are already great! Catch me then, ha!" Ordinary people at work: "Let's make a remix. Call a rapper for a feature!" |
| Posted on Apr 13, 2010 |
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DJ Booth Member |
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Pretty dope...the beats and Joells vocals didn't really mesh perfectly, but itt wuz far from badd...and Novel is jus dope...i still love the original though
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| Posted on Apr 13, 2010 |
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DJ Booth Member  Total Ratings: 221 |
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At the first beat I loved this song the scratch in the beginning immediately drew my attention in. Admittedly I do not really Novel and his slow parts in the song (I honestly think they kinda ruin the song). Other than that The song is sweet the beat rocks but because of the R&B feel I will give it a 3
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| Posted on Apr 13, 2010 |
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Tastemaker  Total Ratings: 877 |
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Song's nice. I like how Joell and Novel sound good together; and they continue to put songs out together.
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| Posted on Apr 13, 2010 |
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Tastemaker  Total Ratings: 2065 |
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I couldnt put this in rotation knowing this ripping it from 93 til and T.R.O.Y
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| Posted on Apr 14, 2010 |
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DJ Booth Member |
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More people who think they listen to real hip hop, should listen to songs like this. It's a great beat mix and ALL the verses are dope.
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| Posted on Apr 15, 2010 |
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DJ Booth Member |
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Koool Track
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| Posted on Apr 16, 2010 |
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The original is 5 Stars. This is 6. Super creative. When have you ever hear d a [Remix] with three different beats and 3 different hooks? Umm Never.
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| Posted on Apr 17, 2010 |
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DJ Booth Member  Total Ratings: 214 |
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@FredRico... that $h!t is funny as hell.
On a tangent (kind of), I liked this remix, the original is well the original... but this was just so well done and so creative, huge risk = huge payoff. |
| Posted on Apr 18, 2010 |
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| Posted on Apr 18, 2010 |
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DJ Booth Member |
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hmm i stuck to the end because of novel power. but i gotta say, its way over-rated
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| Posted on Apr 18, 2010 |
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DJ Booth Member |
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Never heard the original. But the remix is still bangin.
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| Posted on Apr 22, 2010 |
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DJ Booth Member  Total Ratings: 37 |
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Uh ohhh! Do you smell what I smell? "Cheap beverages!"
Joell, please...do one or the other, make more music like this, as its...real...and easy to listen to, unlike a lot of ATL garbage -.- smh, on the look out for ya! |
| Posted on Apr 26, 2010 |
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DJ Booth Member |
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Yea The mighty souls of mischief 93 till infinity this how we chill from 93 till. Bring back memories Joell is one of my fav artist. I know it's been a minute but aftermath def fu*ked up on him
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| Posted on May 04, 2010 |
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DJ Booth Member  Total Ratings: 133 |
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I was jammin with the song until the beat switched up. Ortiz's original was so classic that this remix feels a bit overworked. With the same vibe, same verses, the production changes too frequently (not even Novel is able to stay consistent). Lasting 3:20 the song doesn't allow me time to settle in and groove with it like the original did.
Novel does an amazing job on this. Accepting that it was the production that causes my distaste, nonetheless, Novel in just a few notes and with a few words adds the only upgrade to this track. |
| Posted on May 04, 2010 |
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| Posted on Jan 03, 2013 |
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