For the past six years, Flosstradamus has been crossing of genres and defining the sound of the Internet age. With the invention of the MP3 (and later iPods and any other device/service that allows you to listen to what you want, when you want), kids aren't just sticking with one sound, and the idea of DJs mashing up different styles of music and making it work has been part of what Flosstradamus is all about. Whether it's the Chicago heavy sounds of house and juke or the current trap phenomenon, Flosstradamus has displayed a knack for churning out high quality champion sounds, and have gained a sizeable following—with both fans and musical peers.
In 2013, it might be easy for some to forget the days when Flosstradamus were doing De La Soul mixes for Nike+, or the pre-Fool's Gold/Mad Decent work they accomplished BEFORE they became trap ambassadors. The #HOODIEBOYZ have been running this town for years, and before we got lost in the haze of their next release, let's take a look back at their best remixes. It's a powerful collection of indie rock reworks and full-on seductive anthems, often for some of the biggest names in the business. Kick back, tune in, and turn up!
Flosstradamus - "Lana's Theme"
Label: n/a
Year: 2012
This is technically a remix of Lana Del Rey's "Video Games," but truthfully, it's more of a wish, as if J2K and Autobot were pleading with Lana on some "hey, you need to fuck with this trap shit right here. Turn up!"
U.S. Royalty - "Equestrian (Flosstradamus Remix)"
Label: n/a
Year: 2011
DAD's not sure what's wilder: Flosstradamus turning a D.C.-based band's single into a bonafide calypso slapper, or the fact that we love it so much.
Trackademicks - "Enjoy What You Do (Flosstradamus Remix)"
Label: Fool's Gold
Year: 2009
The flipping of Trackademicks' "don't say shit, just rock" to define exactly what this track does is a thing of beauty. If you thought Flosstradamus was just a trap outfit, you need to get up on their older sounds, but bring change of clothes.
A-Trak ft. Jim Jones, EL-P, and Flatbush Zombies - "Piss Test (Flosstradamus & A-Trak Remix)"
Label: Fool's Gold
Year: 2012
The original "Piss Test," with Juicy J and Danny Brown over A-Trak's banger, was dope enough. It made sense that Flosstradamus, the producers that helped spearhead this trap movement in the EDM scene, got the change to remix that banger with a wild assortment of names - who EVER thought Jim Jones and El-P would be on the same track, ever? They didn't go too wild with the remix, but they did tailor each section for the MC spitting, it feels. And El-P over such a heavy track? This should happen more often.
Jokers Of The Scene - "Y'all Know The Name (Flosstradamus Remix)"
Label: Fool's Gold
Year: 2008
We're always game for some "Simon Says" samples, and while 2012 was the time for trap versions of that hip-hop classic, 2008 made was for this house-y take. Those Godzilla horns take on a whole new life when Flosstradamus comes in, and throwing that droning sound over their balls-to-the-wall house beat? This is one of those dirty, sweaty jams that you can't help but get entranced in.
Matt & Kim - "Yea Yeah (Flosstradamus Remix)"
Label: Tellé
Year: 2007
It feels like Flosstradamus was one of those go-to duos for dance music reworks of indie rock groups. Mat & Kim are the shit, and the original is fun and rowdy, something that Flosstradamus kept in tact for their house-heavy rework.
Mates of State - "The Re-Arranger (Flosstradamus Remix)"
Label: Barsuk Records
Year: 2009
You have to admire the lush spin on this indie track that Flosstradamus crafted. They went from a more dance punk vibe to throwing everything out of the window and turning this into a throwback jam. One of those feels where you close your eyes and just let the rhythm take you.
Usher - "Climax (Flosstradamus & Diplo Remix)"
Label: n/a
Year: 2012
The original "Climax" was a pretty seductive piece of trap, with Diplo and friends giving Usher a calmer 808 bed to express himself over, but Flosstradamus came in for the remix and showed the world how you can get those hi-hats and snares cracking, while sitll keeping everything just as sultry as before.
Sub Focus - "Tidal Wave (Flosstradamus Remix)"
Label: Ram Records/Mercury
Year: 2012
There were some of us out there who thought that trap had prematurely shot its load in the summer of 2012; there were so many clones, using the same sounds and samples, that it felt like it would implode before it really got going. Then this massive "Tidal Wave" hit, crashing through the doors of the UK and allowing Flosstradamus to show them how its done. Just as epic as the original is, J2K and Autobot transformed it into the huge, anthemic trap that will help this scene keep moving, easing in the acceptance of a litany of producers who don't need to make the in-your-face 808 bangers to show you how they're working.
Major Lazer - "Original Don (Flosstradamus Remix)"
Label: n/a
Year: 2012
With one swoop of their sword, Flosstradamus showed a nation who truly ran the trap. Atop a bed of 808s, Trap-A-Holics samples, and some massive buildups, the worlds of EDM and the Dirty South rap scene's trap sound were forever married. Many have put their own spins on it, but once Flosstradamus steps into the dance, there's no way to deny what they've championed.