Major Lazer is one interesting beast. When the group first emerged, people knew it was Diplo and Switch and some wonderful cartoon soldier with a laser for an arm. Then they enlisted daggering dance genius Skerrit Bwoy, and people kept calling the Jamaican “Major Lazer.” After Skerrit Bwoy and Switch departed, Diplo was joined by Jillionare and Walshy Fire.
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Major Lazer is more than the sum of its parts, it’s a feeling. It’s a state of mind. We are all Major Lazer. Major Lazer is life. Sometimes other people come and remix Major Lazer, and we all come together in musical bliss. Sometimes Major Lazer songs and remixes spawn whole genres. Sometimes they free the world. Check out the best examples of that right here.
Major Lazer feat. Ms. Thing and T.O.K. – “Bruk Out” (Buraka Som Sistema Remix)
Guns Don’t Kill People… Lazers Do was one of the most highly-anticipated debut albums I can remember. When it finally came out, it was totally insane and colorful and bizarre and hype af. “Bruk Out” was one of the dopest tracks on the LP, and Buraka’s wildly worldly style makes for a perfect reimagining.
Major Lazer and GrandTheft – “Number One” (Aquadrop Remix)
Um, what is not to love about this super fun remix? What even is that drop? It’s way brighter than the original collab with Grandtheft. It sounds like a trip to the circus on acid. There are dogs barking. There are gun shots. There are sirens. This is everything.
Major Lazer feat. Travi$ Scott, 2 Chainz, Pusha T, and Mad Cobra – “Night Riders” (Cesqeaux Remix)
A track featuring Travi$ Scott, 2 Chainz, Pusha T, and Mad Cobra is destined for good things, and we really like what Cesquax did with the track. It’s slinky like a little black dress, but it’s not afraid to get dirty. If the original is a gangster, this remix is the bad bitch version.
Major Lazer feat. Bruno Mars, 2 Chainz, Tyga and Mystic – “Bubble Butt” (DJ Snake Remix)
I won’t lie. I’m not really a fan of “Bubble Butt.” I didn’t want to put it on this list, but god damnit if this remix from DJ Snake doesn’t slap the cellulite right off the muffin top. It’s dark and delicious, not so cheesy at the original. It’s easy to see why Major Lazer scooped Snake up for an original collab.
Major Lazer feat. Wild Belle – “B2gether” (Mija Remix)
As if the Wild Belle sung original wasn’t romantic enough, this Mija rework takes the feels to another interstellar level. It’s dreamy, bassy, and uplifting. Plus, there are fun steel drums.
Major Lazer feat. Amber of The Dirty Projectors – “Get Free” (Andy C Remix)
“Get Free” might be the best Major Lazer song ever. It’s sonically gorgeous, it’s honest, it’s powerful. Amber Coffman sounds so emotionally exposed, it’s impossible not to be moved. Then Andy C goes and takes the delicate melody and turns it into one of the sickest drum’n’bass tunes we’ve ever heard, as if it were the most natural thing in the world. Big ups.
Major Lazer – “Original Don” (Flosstradamus Remix)
That’s it. It’s over. Go home. This is the best remix. It was so good, it spawned a whole musical movement. It made Flosstradamus one of the biggest acts on the market and made “trap” into a monster. You will never have so much success with a remix in your life. Thanks for playing.
Major Lazer feat. Camila Cabello, Travis Scott, Quavo – “Know No Better” (Dytone Remix)
This title track from Major Lazer’s latest EP gets a dope house rework from UK producer Dytone. He flips the Caribbean rhythm into straight four-on-the-floor, pumps it up with hot hand claps, and turns the bpm up a slight smidge for a real sweat-drippin’ good time. That trap breakdown when Quavo comes in is too fire.
Major Lazer & DJ Snake feat. MØ – “Lean On” (NGHTMRE Remix)
Heavy hitter NGHTMRE turned the familiar summer smash of 2015 into a dope drum’n’bass heater. It’s not overpowered with bass, but it’s got a wild drop you are not going to see coming. Space synths fully engaged.
Major Lazer feat. Justin Bieber – “Cold Water” (Jupe Remix ft. Giant Spirit)
Tune your electric guitar and watch your step. This remix from Miami’s Jupe is riddled with future bass wonkiness and comes screeching with a dope guitar solo halfway through. We’re loving the laidback vibes, taking in the sweet sounds and refreshing taste of H2O.