Best New Music: Jidenna + Kendrick Lamar – Classic Man (Remix)

Right now Jidenna is an artist that is creating a huge buzz right now – His single “Classic Man” which debuted over three months ago is still overtaking many radio station playlists, being one of the most highly requested singles in the past few month and has ranked up over an impressive 9 million views, which obviously means we have a brewing hit on our hands.

The single is not only requested by the Hip Hop networks but it is being requested in mainstream networks also – which is a mean feat to get such diverse group of audiences so soon. So you have to do nothing more but to applaud this guy – now his breakout hit will give him an even more boost as LA rapper Kendrick Lamar has offered up not one but TWO verses to the track for its official remix! Jidenna only got signed in early 2015 to Janelle Monae’s Wondaland Records, and is already making an impact since being signed, he has also been featured Janelle Monae’s dance number “Yoga”.

Many different artists have shown their support to the Nigerian American artist by remixing “Classic Man”, we have seen the “King Of the South” T.I. adding a southern twist to the song, but now we get even more blessed with the West Coast’s very own Kendrick Lamar jumping on the official remix, bringing his own Compton twist to the already catchy tune.

This is such a great thing, and not just because I’m a K Dot fan, it’s a nice thing to see artists as big as Kendrick Lamar and T.I. bringing more light to this song – not to say Jidenna wasn’t doing brilliantly on his own!. On the remix, we see TDE artist Lamar start off with a clean verse drawing us in and as the song goes on, we hear him offering more lethal rhymes (which we love!), which simply shows Kendrick can do no wrong no matter what beat or style of music is thrown his way.

About Jidenna and her new record label, Janelle stated that, “I’m so thrilled to share Wondaland Records with the world. Each artist under Wondaland Records has unparalleled talent, incredible vision, and brings something unique to the music industry. Together, we’re creating a new movement and space for the future of music and pop culture. I’m honored to be partnering with Epic Records and my friend LA Reid to present such extraordinary talent“.

The remix version of “Classic Man” featuring Kendrick will appear on the forthcoming 6-track Wondaland Presents: The Eephus EP which is to be released on August 14. The EP will also include contributions from Janelle Monae, Roman GianArthurt and Deep Cotton. I am really looking forward to hearing what’s in store from Jidenna, but for now support him and pre-order the EP on iTunes and take a listen to the “Classic Man” remix feat Kendrick Lamar below.

Words by Joannie Scarsbrook