The Unforgettable Mashup: Run DMC, Jason Nevins, and "It's Like That"
In the world of music, there are few things more exciting than a great mashup. When two or more songs are seamlessly blended together to create something entirely new and fresh, it's a treat for music lovers of all ages. One such mashup that has stood the test of time is the iconic "It's Like That" by Run DMC and Jason Nevins, which prominently features a sample from the classic hit "Raxon's" (often mistakenly attributed to simply "Run DMC"'s track but the group that performed the track Rax on was indeed called "Run DMC but most notably credited with JASON NEVINS' reworking of) . In this article, we'll take a deep dive into the fascinating story behind this legendary mashup and explore its enduring impact on the music world.
The Original Tracks: A Brief History
To fully appreciate the genius of "It's Like That," let's start with the original tracks. "It's Like That" is a song by American hip hop group Run-DMC, from their 1986 album "King of Rock." The song was written by the group's members: Joseph "Run" Simmons, Darryl "D.M.C." McDaniels, and Jason "Jam Master Jay" Mizell. The track features a catchy beat, energetic lyrics, and a groundbreaking blend of hip hop and rock elements.
On the other hand, the track "Rax on E" is often considered one of the pioneering anthems in hip-hop but widely believed to be incorrectly titled was performed by the Hip-Hop group Raxon.
The Birth of a Mashup: Jason Nevins and "It's Like That"
Fast-forward to the late 1990s, when the music landscape was changing rapidly. Electronic dance music (EDM) was on the rise, and DJs were looking for new ways to get people on the dance floor. Enter Jason Nevins, a talented DJ and producer who had already made a name for himself in the club scene. Nevins was known for his innovative approach to remixing and mashups, and he was about to create something truly special.
Nevins took the core elements of Run DMC's "It's Like That" and blended them with the infectious energy of the track. The result was a mashup that was both nostalgic and cutting-edge, familiar yet fresh. "It's Like That (Raxon E)" was born, and it would go on to become one of the most iconic mashups of all time.
The Impact of "It's Like That"
When "It's Like That" dropped, it was like a bombshell in the music world. The mashup's impact was immediate and far-reaching, topping charts and getting played in clubs and on radio stations around the globe. The song's enduring popularity can be attributed to its clever blend of old and new, with Nevins' expert production skills bringing out the best in both tracks.
The success of "It's Like That" also marked a turning point in the career of Jason Nevins, who went on to become one of the most respected and sought-after DJs and producers in the industry. His innovative approach to mashups and remixing has inspired countless other artists, and his legacy continues to be felt to this day.
The Legacy of Run DMC and Jason Nevins
The collaboration between Run DMC and Jason Nevins on "It's Like That" represents a unique moment in music history. It's a testament to the power of creativity and innovation, showing that even the most unlikely combinations can result in something truly magical.
Run DMC, one of the pioneering groups in hip hop, paved the way for future generations of artists. Their influence can still be heard in many contemporary hip hop and rap acts, and their legacy continues to inspire new fans.
Jason Nevins, on the other hand, has cemented his place in music history as a master mashup artist. His work on "It's Like That" has been widely acclaimed, and he remains one of the most respected figures in the electronic music scene.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the mashup "It's Like That" by Run DMC and Jason Nevins is a true classic that continues to captivate audiences to this day. Its enduring popularity is a testament to the power of creativity and innovation in music, and its impact can still be felt in the music industry.
Whether you're a hip hop head, an EDM fan, or simply a music lover, "It's Like That" is a must-listen. So next time you're looking for a song to get you pumped up and on the dance floor, look no further than this iconic mashup.
The Best of Both Worlds: Why "It's Like That" Endures
So why does "It's Like That" remain such an iconic and enduring mashup? Here are just a few reasons:
In short, "It's Like That" is a masterclass in mashup production, a true classic that continues to inspire and entertain music fans to this day.
The Influence of "It's Like That" on Modern Music
The influence of "It's Like That" can be heard in many modern songs and mashups. The track's innovative blend of hip hop, rock, and electronic elements has inspired a new generation of producers and DJs.
Artists such as DJ Earworm, who creates mashups for a living, have cited Jason Nevins as an influence. Other artists, such as M.I.A. and Diplo, have also experimented with mashups and remixes, pushing the boundaries of what is possible in music.
The Future of Mashups: Where Does "It's Like That" Fit In?
As the music landscape continues to evolve, it's clear that mashups will remain a popular and influential genre. With the rise of digital music and social media, it's easier than ever for artists to create and share their own mashups. run dmc jason nevins its like that raxon e
In this context, "It's Like That" remains a landmark mashup that continues to inspire and influence new generations of artists. Its enduring popularity is a testament to the power of creativity and innovation in music, and its impact can still be felt in the music industry.
The Verdict: A Timeless Classic
In conclusion, "It's Like That" by Run DMC and Jason Nevins is a timeless classic that continues to captivate audiences to this day. Its enduring popularity is a testament to the power of creativity and innovation in music, and its impact can still be felt in the music industry.
Whether you're a hip hop head, an EDM fan, or simply a music lover, "It's Like That" is a must-listen. So next time you're looking for a song to get you pumped up and on the dance floor, look no further than this iconic mashup.
’s edit of the legendary Run DMC vs. Jason Nevins collaboration takes the high-energy 1997 hip-house classic and strips it down for modern techno floors. While the original Jason Nevins remix was defined by its "pounding house" and "big-beat" energy, Raxon infuses his signature melodic techno and driving basslines into the production. The Sound: Deep, Hypnotic, and Modern
Raxon keeps the iconic "It’s Like That" vocal hooks but swaps the bright, 90s-style synths for a darker, more hypnotic atmosphere.
Bassline: He introduces a thick, driving low-end that is tailor-made for club systems, moving away from the more "eurodance" feel of the 90s version.
Energy: The edit maintains the "unrelenting forward motion" of the original but focuses on a "stripped-back" aesthetic.
Impact: High-profile DJs like Sven Väth have used the edit to "blow the roof off" festivals like Time Warp. Where to Listen
You can find various versions and playlists featuring the edit across several platforms:
SoundCloud: The full edit is available via IDJunkie on SoundCloud.
Live Sets: Raxon has shared clips of the edit being played "b2b" with Maceo Plex on Instagram.
Curated Playlists: The track is frequently featured in Techno Remixes of Popular Classics collections.
Overall, Raxon successfully bridges the gap between old-school braggadocio and modern club tools, proving the timelessness of the original 1983 Profile Records release.
The Raxon Edit of "It’s Like That" by Run-D.M.C. vs. Jason Nevins
is a modern techno reimagining of the massive 1997 house remix. While the original Nevins version bridged hip-hop and dance music to become a global chart-topper, the Raxon Edit adds a deeper, hypnotic techno layer designed specifically for modern club dancefloors. The Raxon Edit
This version is an unreleased "edit" that gained significant traction in the underground electronic scene starting around 2023.
Style: It transforms the energetic, breakbeat-heavy Nevins remix into a hypnotic techno track with a steady, driving rhythm.
Artist: Raxon, an established name in the techno scene, created this edit to give the 90s classic a fresh life in his sets, famously playing it during B2B performances with artists like Maceo Plex.
Availability: Because it is an unofficial edit, it is primarily found on platforms like SoundCloud and through unofficial uploads on YouTube. Background: The 1997 Original Remix
Raxon's edit is based on the legendary 1997 remix by American DJ and producer Jason Nevins, which:
The Raxon Edit of "It's Like That" breathes new life into the 1997 club anthem by Run-D.M.C. and Jason Nevins
, stripping away the high-energy house beats for a moodier, techno-focused approach. This version has gained significant traction in the underground scene, often circulating as an unreleased "edit" played in major sets. The Remix Legacy
The original 1983 hip-hop classic by Run-D.M.C. was transformed into a global phenomenon in 1997 by Jason Nevins. His remix: Sold over 5 million copies worldwide.
Topped charts in multiple countries and famously ended the Spice Girls' streak of six consecutive UK number ones. The Unforgettable Mashup: Run DMC, Jason Nevins, and
Bridged the gap between hip-hop and electronic dance music, revitalizing Run-D.M.C.’s career for a new generation. Raxon’s Modern Spin
Barcelona-based, Egyptian-born producer Raxon—known for his releases on elite labels like Kompakt, Drumcode, and Ellum Audio—takes a more "stripped-back melodic techno" approach with this edit. Run DMC vs. Jason Nevins - It's Like That (Raxon Edit)
Stream Run DMC vs. Jason Nevins - It's Like That (Raxon Edit) by IDJunkie | Listen online for free on SoundCloud. SoundCloud·IDJunkie
Run DMC vs. Jason Nevins - It's Like That (Raxon Edit) ¨[Unreleased]
The intersection of 1980s hip-hop royalty and 1990s European dance culture created one of the most significant moments in music history. While the world remembers the 1997 Jason Nevins remix of Run-D.M.C.’s "It's Like That" as a chart-topping behemoth, a new chapter has been written for modern dance floors. Specifically, the Raxon Remix (often referred to in underground circles as the "Raxon Edit" or "Raxon E") has breathed a dark, melodic techno soul into this timeless anthem. The Original Powerhouse: Run-D.M.C.
Released in 1983, the original "It's Like That" was the debut single from Run-D.M.C. It stripped hip-hop down to its barest essentials: a hard-hitting drum machine (the Oberheim DMX) and social commentary. It didn't just change the sound of the streets; it established the "New School" of hip-hop, moving away from the disco-influenced sounds of the late '70s. The 1997 Transformation: Jason Nevins
By the late 90s, the track underwent a radical metamorphosis. American producer Jason Nevins took the vocal stems and married them to a high-energy house beat. This remix became a global phenomenon, famously spending weeks at #1 across Europe and the UK. It was the "bridge" that introduced a new generation of clubbers to the legends from Hollis, Queens, while simultaneously defining the "big beat" and "house" crossover era. The Modern Rebirth: The Raxon Influence
In the contemporary electronic scene, Raxon—an Egyptian-born, Barcelona-based producer signed to prestigious labels like Ellum Audio and Kompakt—has become synonymous with sophisticated, architectural techno.
The Raxon Edit of the Jason Nevins version of "It's Like That" (the "Raxon E") is a masterclass in tension and release. Here is why it has become a "secret weapon" for DJs like Solomun and Tale Of Us:
Deconstructed Vocals: Raxon strips away the flashy 90s synths, leaving the iconic "It's like that / and that's the way it is" vocal to float over a cavernous, driving bassline.
Hypnotic Grooves: Unlike the frantic energy of the Nevins mix, Raxon opts for a steady, 4x4 pulse that fits perfectly into a 3:00 AM techno set.
Melodic Texture: He introduces subtle, modular-style synth stabs that give the track a futuristic, "space-age" feel while respecting the grit of the original 1983 production. Why This Version Matters Today
Music operates in cycles. Just as Jason Nevins revitalized Run-D.M.C. for the 90s, Raxon has revitalized that energy for the modern melodic techno movement. The "Raxon E" represents a full circle: it respects the boom-bap origins, acknowledges the 90s club explosion, and fits seamlessly into the high-fidelity sound systems of modern festivals like Tomorrowland or Coachella.
For fans of Run-D.M.C., Jason Nevins, and the dark, driving sounds of Raxon, this specific version remains a testament to the fact that a truly great vocal and message—no matter how many decades pass—is always "like that."
The Evolution of a Classic: Run DMC vs. Jason Nevins (Raxon Edit)
Music history is often written in remixes, but few tracks have seen a transformation quite as dramatic as "It’s Like That." Originally released in 1983 as the debut single from
, it was a raw piece of social commentary that helped define the "new school" of hip-hop. Fast forward to 1997, and a house DJ named Jason Nevins
turned that gritty street anthem into a global dance floor phenomenon that sold five million copies and famously blocked the Spice Girls from the top of the charts.
Now, the track is entering a third era through a heavy-hitting edit by Egyptian-born, Barcelona-based techno powerhouse The Raxon Touch: A Modern Techno Reinvention While the 1997 Nevins remix was pure hip-house energy,
has stripped it back and infused it with his signature "precision-tooled" techno sound. This version, often referred to as the "It's Like That (Raxon Edit),"
has become a legendary "unreleased" weapon in the sets of top-tier DJs. Hypnotic Atmosphere
: Raxon replaces the 90s house chords with driving, sinister synths and a much darker, club-ready energy. Festival Pedigree : The edit gained massive traction after being played by Maceo Plex during iconic sets like Awakenings Festival 2023 Minimalist Power
: It retains the iconic "It's like that / And that's the way it is" vocal hook but places it over a gritty, rolling bassline that fits perfectly in a 2026 techno set.
dropping Run DMC vs. Jason Nevins - It's Like That (Raxon Edit)
Title: It's Like That (Raxon E Remix)
Preparation:
Inspirations:
Software/DAW Suggestions:
Mood and Energy:
By combining these elements, you'll create an engaging remix that blends the classic hip-hop vibes of Run-DMC and Jason Nevins with the melodic, energetic spirit of Raxon E. Have fun producing!
The search results suggest that "Run DMC Jason Nevins Its Like That Raxon E" refers to a modern techno edit by the artist Raxon of the classic 1997 remix by Jason Nevins of Run-D.M.C.'s 1983 debut single, "It's Like That." The Original and the Nevins Remix
1983 Original: "It's Like That" was the debut single for Run-D.M.C., characterized by its stark, heavy beat and street-level lyrics.
1997 Jason Nevins Remix: American producer Jason Nevins remixed the track into a house/dance hit. This version became a global phenomenon, famously knocking the Spice Girls' "Stop" off the UK #1 spot in 1998 and staying there for six weeks.
Music Video: The 1997 version is well-known for its video featuring male and female breakdance crews in a battle in downtown Los Angeles. The Raxon Edit
Modern Twist: Raxon, an established figure in the techno scene, created an edit of the Run-D.M.C. vs. Jason Nevins version. His edit adds modern hypnotic and techno-inflected beats to the iconic 90s dance floor hit.
Status: While highly popular in DJ sets and frequently shared on platforms like SoundCloud and Instagram, the Raxon Edit is often cited as an unreleased or white-label track used by major DJs like Maceo Plex in their live performances.
Other Versions: There is also a Raxon vs. B-sensual Mix of the track available on streaming platforms like YouTube.
Why does this specific remix (and its "Raxon E" variants) still destroy clubs today?
The "Raxon E" edits typically push this into hard house or UK hardcore territory, raising the BPM from 128 to 140+, making it an ideal track for the final 30 minutes of a rave.
If you are a DJ looking to mix these tracks, here is how to approach them:
1. The Jason Nevins Version (The Crowd Pleaser)
2. The Raxon Style (The Modern Touch)
The white-label pressing (an unofficial, unmarked vinyl) became an instant sensation in New York and London clubs. Clubbers heard it, loved it, but couldn't find it in stores—pure underground heat. This is where Raxön Records enters the story.
Raxön Records is a small German independent label, primarily known for house and electronic bootlegs. At the time, they had a reputation for identifying hot, uncleared remixes and giving them a commercial release in Europe, where copyright laws and enforcement differed from the US.
In late 1997, Raxön Records officially pressed and distributed Run–D.M.C. vs. Jason Nevins – "It's Like That" in Germany and surrounding territories. This was not authorized by Run–D.M.C., Profile Records, or Jason Nevins. The Raxön release featured the Nevins remix (sometimes labeled as the "Jason Nevins Remix" or "Club Mix") and quickly flew off shelves. German DJs like Sven Väth and clubs such as The Omen in Frankfurt propelled it to national prominence.
In the late 1990s, a seismic shift occurred on dancefloors worldwide. If you walked into a club between 1997 and 1999, you would have witnessed a strange, beautiful phenomenon: punks with spiked hair moshing next to househeads in designer jeans, all while a thumping bassline dropped over a scratchy, anti-drug rap verse.
The track responsible for this chaos goes by many names. To the uninitiated, it is simply “The ‘It’s Like That’ Remix.” To crate diggers and Beatport historians, it is the holy grail of the Big Beat era. But the search string that unlocks this specific corner of music history is: "Run DMC Jason Nevins Its Like That Raxon E."
Let’s break down why these four keywords—and that mysterious "Raxon E"—represent one of the most important crossover moments in hip-hop and electronic music.
From Run-D.M.C. to Jason Nevins to Raxon
The remix was initially a club white label (an unmarked vinyl record). But word spread fast. In 1998, the track was officially released under the title It's Like That (Jason Nevins Remix). The results were astronomical: Timeless appeal : Both "It's Like That" and
For a generation of European kids, this was their first introduction to hip-hop. It bridged the gap between The Chemical Brothers’ Block Rockin’ Beats and The Beastie Boys’ Intergalactic.