Fabolous Says He Reinvented the Remix with “You Be Killin’ Em Pt. 2”
Remixing has been a major part of hip-hop since the genre’s early days. It’s a way for artists to breathe new life into a hit song, add fresh verses, and introduce unexpected collaborations. In the early 2000s, remixes were a staple of hip-hop and R&B, with artists creating entirely new versions of tracks rather than just adding a few guest features. However, in recent years, the remix has taken a different turn, often consisting of a lineup of multiple rappers jumping on the same beat with little variation.
Grammy-nominated rapper Fabolous believes it’s time to bring back the creativity that once defined the remix. With his latest single, You Be Killin’ Em Pt. 2, he aims to show the world what a remix should truly be. Featuring powerhouse R&B artists Ne-Yo and Ryan Leslie, Fab transforms the song into something entirely new, adding a fresh experience for listeners.
The Success of “You Be Killin’ Em”
Originally featured on Fabolous’ 2010 mixtape There Is No Competition 2: The Grieving Music EP, You Be Killin’ Em quickly became a fan favorite. The track, produced by Ryan Leslie, gained traction for its smooth beat and Fabolous’ signature laid-back delivery. The song’s success made it an obvious choice for an official remix, but rather than following the current industry trend of simply adding guest verses, Fabolous decided to take a different approach.
Instead of simply tacking on a verse or two, Fab rebuilt the track into Look At Her (Killin’ Em Pt. 2)—a remix that feels like an entirely new song. The new version leans even more into the R&B side. First, with Ne-Yo’s smooth vocals. Also, Ryan Leslie’s production elevating the track into a seductive anthem.
Fabolous’ Vision: Bringing Back the Classic Remix
In an interview with RapRadar, Fabolous explained why he felt the need to bring back the true essence of remixes. “I wanted to bring that [remix trend] back to the game – I saw that the game, when it came to remixes now, was just picking up three, four, five other dudes and throwing them on the same beat and letting that rock out. I think every now and again that’s cool. Sometimes some beats are so infectious, that’s cool too, but I think people should go back to creating a new song and bringing a new experience to a record and bringing the record back to life as well.”
Fab’s approach to You Be Killin’ Em Pt. 2 echoes the remix culture of the late ‘90s and early 2000s, where artists like Diddy, Missy Elliott, and Jay-Z would reimagine tracks from the ground up. His goal was to offer fans something fresh rather than just a repackaged version of the same song.
The Making of The S.O.U.L. Tape
Beyond the You Be Killin’ Em remix, Fabolous is also gearing up for the release of his new mixtape, The S.O.U.L. Tape, set to drop on April 21. Unlike traditional mixtapes that feature DJs hosting and blending tracks, Fab is taking a different approach, opting for a project free from interruptions.
“For a while, there hasn’t been a tape without a DJ since like maybe Drake’s So Far Gone tape or Lil Wayne’s No Ceilings tape,” Fabolous shared with XXL Mag. “Everybody usually has a DJ attached to it which is dope, I think it’s a dope thing for both the DJ and the artist. They usually blend the tapes well and it’s good for the music, but I think I want to do it without—just music. It’s kinda one of those tapes that I want people to just sit through and listen and really hear the lyrics.”
The mixtape is set to showcase a mix of soul-sampled beats and instrumentals borrowed from classic records. Fab revealed that the inspiration behind the project came from tracks like Kanye West’s Devil in a New Dress, which he previously freestyled over. With this mixtape, he aims to create a cohesive listening experience that allows fans to appreciate his lyricism without distractions.
The Impact of Fab’s Remixes and Legacy
Fabolous has long been praised for his ability to craft radio-friendly hits while maintaining credibility in the streets. His skill at remixing tracks and giving them a fresh sound has been evident throughout his career. From his early days with remixes like Superwoman Pt. 2 featuring Lil’ Mo to his reimagined version of Trade It All, Fab has consistently demonstrated an ability to make a remix feel like a brand-new track.
The success of You Be Killin’ Em Pt. 2 reinforces his stance that remixes should do more than just stack additional verses onto the same beat. He is often incorporating different elements and perspectives. So, Fab continues to push the culture forward and set a new standard for how remixes should be approached in 2011.
The Road Ahead
As Fabolous prepares to drop The S.O.U.L. Tape, fans are eager to see how he continues to evolve his sound. His commitment to preserving the integrity of hip-hop remixes and his dedication to lyrical craftsmanship make him one of the most respected voices in the game.
With You Be Killin’ Em Pt. 2 making waves and his mixtape on the horizon, Fab is proving that he is not just following trends—he is setting them. Whether through his remixes or original tracks, Fabolous remains a force in hip-hop, constantly pushing the culture forward while staying true to his roots.
Final Thoughts
Fabolous’ approach to You Be Killin’ Em Pt. 2 serves as a blueprint for how remixes should be done. Rather than treating remixes as an afterthought, Fab has demonstrated that with the right vision, a remix can be just as impactful—if not more so—than the original song. His ability to reinvent and elevate his music keeps him at the forefront of hip-hop, solidifying his place as one of the game’s most consistent hitmakers.
With The S.O.U.L. Tape set to drop, fans can expect more of the classic Fabolous wit and lyrical finesse that has defined his career. If his latest remix is any indication, this mixtape will be another testament to why Fab continues to be a master of reinvention in the rap game.
