Beyonce and the Ruff Ryders Reunite on the Who’s Real Remix
Less than a month after Jadakiss dropped his “Who’s Real” with DMX, Eve Drag-On, Styles P, and Sheek Louch, the Ruff Ryders reunite on an official remix.
The pitch-shifted take has blown up on Instagram and TikTok, and now the song’s on the verge of breaking the Hot 100. It’s a model that shows how internet crazes can be monetized by labels and artists alike.
1. Lizzy McAlpine’s “Ceilings”
Released in April of 2022 on her second album, Five Seconds Flat, “Ceilings” is a folk-pop song about falling in love with someone and the end of that relationship. But, in a big twist, this whole romance is just a daydream of the past that McAlpine is having.
The real remix is the one that features Ruff Ryders members Jadakiss, Styles P, DMX, and Sheek Louch. Their verses speak to the authenticity of street rappers and how people who are real will be recognized. They also warn that those who try to test them will find themselves in trouble with the streets.
2. Cafune’s “Tek It”
The duo Cafune—singer Sedona Schat and producer Noah Yoo—are a breath of fresh air. Their music is a mix of dreamy indie-pop and alt-rock, with a nod to early emo nostalgia and the kind of smartly crafted songs that make you wonder how they’re so good.
Their 2021 debut album Running spawned breakout single “Tek It,” which racked up millions of streams. Its lyrics—about a relationship that has its ups and downs—feel like a prayer for relief.
While the original version’s melodies will calm your soul, a remix by New York rap legends Jadakiss, Sheek Louch, Drag-On, and DMX makes it clear that real recognizes real. Their verses echo the track’s message: be yourself. Real will come back around. Those who aren’t are just fake.
3. Nellie Furtado’s “Say It Right”
Unlike the original version of “Who’s Real,” which featured Cam’ron and Kanye West, this one is all about the Ruff Ryders. The track’s hook is a commentary on authenticity in the hip hop scene, with Jadakiss declaring that “real recognizes real.” Sheek Louch and Styles P follow suit by discussing their street cred and the fact that they’re not scared to step into the ring with anyone. DMX adds to the conversation by calling out those who are not genuine in his verse.
The music video for the song features shots of Furtado in various locations. It is also filled with shots of dancers under the careful supervision of internationally acclaimed choreographer Gabriel Rivera. The clip’s success helped propel her into the mainstream. It was nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Female Pop Vocal Performance.
4. Beyonce’s “Cuff It”
There was a lot of buzz about who Jadakiss was going to get for his “Cuff It” remix, but when the final track came out it was still pretty amazing. It was a Ruff Ryders reunion, with the rap group’s members spitting bars about authenticity and the streets. DMX’s verse is a reminder of his tough persona and the way that he will call out anyone who tries to test him. And the other rappers, like Sheek Louch and Drag-On, speak to their own experiences. The song landed at No. 34 on the Billboard Hot 100, giving Beyonce her second top-ten hit from Renaissance and matching her time with Destiny’s Child’s chart run. It also charted in several other countries around the world.
The full version of the song was released for free download on iTunes.
5. Lady Gaga’s “Bloody Mary”
There’s no doubt that Lady Gaga is one of the most powerful figures in pop music today. From chart-topping hits to award-winning acting work, there’s little that she can’t accomplish. And it’s no surprise that her deeper cuts are finally getting the spotlight.
Specifically, the singer’s “Bloody Mary,” which was originally released on her 2011 album Born This Way. In the song, Gaga sings as biblical figure Mary Magdalene. Lyrically, the song paints Magdalene as a woman that is ready to be stoned but will keep spreading love.
The song’s resurgence in popularity comes after TikTok users used it to recreate the Wednesday Addams dance sequence from the Netflix show. This is just another example of how TV shows can influence listeners’ music streaming habits.