: 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
In the 2020s, techno producer Raxon delivered a club-ready edit designed for modern underground sound systems. Known for his precise, dark, and melodic releases on elite labels like Kompakt and Ellum Audio, Raxon stripped away the commercial elements of the 1997 version. He replaced them with a driving, pulsating bassline, minimalist percussion arrangements, and hypnotic arrangements tailored for warehouse acoustics. Production Elements of the Raxon Edit
“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.” RUN DMC- Jason Nevins - It-s Like That -Raxon E...
By the mid‑1990s, RUN DMC had already cemented their legacy, but their chart presence had waned. Meanwhile, Jason Nevins – a DJ and producer from Long Island – was experimenting with a new sound: blending acappellas from classic rap records with driving, breakbeat‑inspired house beats. He acquired the vocal track of “It’s Like That” and built a remix around a relentless, four‑on‑the‑floor kick drum, a squelchy synth bass, and a euphoric piano hook that echoed the original’s chord progression.
Example concise reflection: “The edit amplifies the original’s punch by converting vocal lines into rhythmic hooks; production choices favor a four-on-the-floor club energy, shifting emphasis from lyrical delivery to dance momentum.” : The lyrics focused on the harsh realities
“It’s like that, and that’s the way it is.” — Some things never change.
This article explores the journey from the 1997 Nevins remix to the modern-day dancefloor explosion fueled by Raxon’s edit. He replaced them with a driving, pulsating bassline,
Understanding the power of the Raxon Edit requires tracing the lineage of this specific piece of music:
Raxon took the best elements of the 1997 vocal hooks and adapted them for modern club sound systems. By stripping away the lighter commercial house tropes of the 90s, the Raxon Edit introduces heavy bass, crisp rolling percussion, and an ominous, atmospheric tension that fits perfectly into techno and underground house sets. Key Sonic Characteristics
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?