The Jason Nevins remix alone has been streamed hundreds of millions of times across platforms and appears in films, video games (including Dance Dance Revolution and Grand Theft Auto), and commercials. It remains a staple of DJ sets when they want a guaranteed reaction.
Raxon’s approach, while less commercially massive, represents the enduring fascination producers have with the track’s DNA. It’s been played at festivals like Time Warp, ADE, and Fusion Festival, often dropped as a secret weapon in tech-house sets.
In interviews, Raxon has noted:
“I heard the Run-DMC original as a kid, then the Jason Nevins remix in clubs. When I made my version, I wanted the groove to feel endless — like the message keeps going and going.”
If you meant a different track (e.g., a specific “Raxon” remix of another Run-DMC song, or a different title entirely), please provide the full, correct title, and I will generate a corrected academic paper for you.
The Unlikely Mashup that Became a Classic: RUN DMC, Jason Nevins, and "It's Like That"
In the world of music, collaborations and mashups are nothing new. But sometimes, it's the most unexpected combinations that lead to something truly special. One such example is the iconic mashup of RUN DMC's "It's Like That" with Jason Nevins' "Raxon E..." - a fusion that not only brought together two distinct musical styles but also became a chart-topping hit.
The Original Tracks
For those who may not be familiar, let's take a brief look at the original tracks. RUN DMC's "It's Like That" was released in 1983 and was one of the group's earliest hits. The song's laid-back, hip-hop beats and catchy lyrics helped establish RUN DMC as a force to be reckoned with in the rap world.
On the other hand, Jason Nevins' "Raxon E..." (often mistakenly referred to as "Raxon") is a lesser-known track with a more obscure origin. Nevins, an American DJ and producer, had been experimenting with electronic music in the late 1990s. His song "Raxon E..." featured a driving beat and infectious melody that would later become the perfect complement to RUN DMC's classic hit.
The Mashup Magic
In 2002, a DJ and producer (often credited as DJ Tom) decided to merge the two tracks, creating a mashup that would come to be known as "It's Like That (Raxon E...)" or simply "It's Like That" (feat. Jason Nevins). The result was nothing short of magic. The energetic beat of "Raxon E..." breathed new life into RUN DMC's timeless lyrics, while the rap group's signature style added a level of authenticity to Nevins' electronic track.
The Impact
The mashup's impact was immediate. "It's Like That" shot up the charts, reaching the top 10 in several countries, including the US, UK, and Australia. The song's success can be attributed to its clever blend of old and new, appealing to both fans of classic hip-hop and electronic dance music.
The mashup also helped introduce RUN DMC's music to a new generation of listeners, while showcasing Jason Nevins' production skills to a wider audience. To this day, "It's Like That" remains a staple of mashup playlists and a testament to the power of creative collaboration.
Legacy
The "It's Like That" mashup has become a beloved classic, often cited as one of the greatest mashups of all time. Its influence can be heard in later mashups and collaborations, and it continues to inspire DJs and producers to experiment with new sounds.
In conclusion, the unlikely union of RUN DMC's "It's Like That" and Jason Nevins' "Raxon E..." resulted in a timeless mashup that has left a lasting impact on the music world. It's a reminder that sometimes, the most unexpected combinations can lead to something truly special.
What's your favorite mashup or collaboration? Share your thoughts in the comments!
The track " It’s Like That " represents a fascinating evolution of hip-hop culture across four decades, transitioning from a gritty 1980s street anthem to a global house phenomenon, and finally to a modern techno weapon through the recent Raxon Edit The Roots: Run-D.M.C.’s 1983 Original
Released as their debut single, the original "It's Like That" was a revolutionary moment for "new school" hip-hop.
: Produced by Larry Smith, it featured a stark, abrasive, and minimalist beat that stood in sharp contrast to the disco-influenced rap of the late '70s.
: The lyrics focused on the harsh realities of life in Hollis, Queens—unemployment, rising prices, and death—while ultimately delivering a message of self-reliance and hope. The 1997 Global Explosion: Jason Nevins Remix Thirteen years later, American producer Jason Nevins
transformed the track into a cross-genre juggernaut by layering a "crunching" house beat over the original vocals. Chart Dominance
: It became one of the best-selling singles of all time, reaching #1 in over 30 countries. Pop Culture Impact : In the UK, it famously halted the Spice Girls' RUN DMC- Jason Nevins - It-s Like That -Raxon E...
record-breaking run of consecutive #1 hits. The music video, featuring a breakdancing battle between male and female crews in a warehouse, became an iconic visual of the late '90s. The Underground Revival: The Raxon Edit In recent years, Egyptian-born, Barcelona-based DJ
breathed new life into the track for the modern techno circuit.
: Raxon’s version is a "hardgroove" or techno-leaning edit that preserves the iconic vocal "It's like that / and that's the way it is" while introducing hypnotic, driving beats suited for dark warehouses and festivals. Cultural Resurgence : Initially an unreleased "bootleg," the Raxon Edit
gained massive traction after being championed by heavyweights like Maceo Plex Adam Beyer Sven Väth at major festivals.
: After years of being a sought-after "ID" in DJ sets, the edit eventually saw a physical release on vinyl. SoundCloud
The journey from a 1983 social commentary to a 1997 pop-dance hit and a 2020s techno staple proves that the core energy of Run-D.M.C.’s debut remains "the way it is" across generations. of classic hip-hop tracks?
The track "It's Like That" represents two pivotal moments in music history: the birth of hardcore hip-hop in 1983 and its massive global resurgence through a dance remix in 1997. The Original Foundation (1983)
Originally released as Run-D.M.C.’s debut single, "It's Like That" was a groundbreaking social protest track. Produced by Russell Simmons and Larry Smith, it stripped away the light, funky disco sounds popular in early rap, replacing them with sparse, aggressive beats and gritty lyrics about unemployment and inflation. It became the first "hardcore" rap song and helped the group's debut album become the first rap record certified Gold by the RIAA. The Jason Nevins Global Sensation (1997)
In 1997, house DJ Jason Nevins remixed the track, infusing the old-school rap verses with an energetic electronic dance beat.
Run-D.M.C. vs. Jason Nevins: It's Like That (Music Video 1998)
The track "RUN DMC vs. Jason Nevins - It's Like That (Raxon Edit)" represents a multi-generational bridge in electronic music, evolving from a 1983 hip-hop anthem to a global house phenomenon in 1997, and finally into a modern techno weapon today. The Evolution of a Classic
The journey began in 1983 when Run-D.M.C. 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. The Jason Nevins remix alone has been streamed
In 1997, American producer Jason Nevins transformed the track into a "hip-house" anthem. His remix:
Topped charts in 12 countries, including a six-week run at #1 in the UK.
Sold nearly 5 million copies, making it one of the biggest-selling singles of all time.
Broke the Spice Girls' record for consecutive #1 hits on the UK Singles Chart. The Raxon Edit: A Modern Techno Twist
The "Raxon Edit" is a contemporary reinterpretation by Raxon, an Egyptian-born, Barcelona-based DJ and producer known for his hypnotic, sci-fi-inspired techno.
The Timeless Mashup: RUN DMC, Jason Nevins, and "It's Like That"
In the world of music, there are few things more exciting than a well-crafted mashup. When done correctly, a mashup can breathe new life into familiar songs, creating a fresh and exciting sound that's greater than the sum of its parts. One such mashup that has stood the test of time is the iconic blend of RUN DMC's "It's Like That" and Jason Nevins' "It's Like That (Raxon Edit)".
For those who may not be familiar, RUN DMC's "It's Like That" is a hip-hop classic, released in 1984. The song's catchy hook and energetic beat made it an instant hit, and it has since become one of the most recognizable rap songs of all time. Fast-forward to the late 1990s, when DJ and producer Jason Nevins got to work on a mashup of "It's Like That" with another popular track.
The result was a game-changing mashup that seamlessly blended the best elements of both songs. The Raxon Edit, in particular, has become legendary among mashup fans, with its perfect balance of RUN DMC's rugged hip-hop and a catchy, dance-friendly beat. The way Nevins wove the two songs together is nothing short of magic, creating a track that's equal parts nostalgic and forward-thinking.
So what makes "It's Like That (Raxon Edit)" so special? For one, the way the mashup brings together two seemingly disparate styles is a masterclass in production. The hip-hop swagger of RUN DMC is perfectly offset by the infectious energy of the secondary track, creating a sound that's both timeless and forward-thinking. Additionally, the mashup's focus on rhythm and melody makes it a joy to dance to, with a beat that's guaranteed to get even the most skeptical listeners moving.
In the years since its release, "It's Like That (Raxon Edit)" has become a staple of mashup culture, with fans continuing to discover and rediscover the track. Its influence can be heard in a wide range of musical genres, from hip-hop to electronic dance music. And despite being created over two decades ago, the mashup remains a potent reminder of the power of creative production and the enduring appeal of well-crafted music.
So if you're looking for a musical pick-me-up, or simply want to experience one of the greatest mashups of all time, look no further than RUN DMC, Jason Nevins, and "It's Like That (Raxon Edit)". Trust us – you won't be disappointed! “I heard the Run-DMC original as a kid,
Do you have a favorite memory associated with this mashup, or a favorite artist who has covered or referenced it? Share your thoughts in the comments!
Author: [Your Name/Institution]
Course: Popular Music Studies / History of Hip-Hop & Electronic Music
Date: April 11, 2026