Merrill Garbus, the prized export of the Bay Area scene, has yet another notch to add to her rad belt. Ad-Rock of The Beastie Boys has remixed the song “Gangsta” off of her latest release Whokill, and it will be made available on a 12″ due out in late September.

“Gangsta” is already a stellar track. It has been the runaway hit of the warm season around here, with live performances of the song popping up left and right on YouTube, topped off with a performance of the track on Jimmy Fallon backed by house band The Roots.

Obviously this song has hit potential. People dig it and rightfully so, with its siren-like looped vocals, rhythmical percussion and dance-friendly, stripped down a cappella hooks, it is both relatable and refreshing. So, how do you fix something that ain’t broken? Turn it on its head.

Ad-Rock adds a whole new perspective to an already amazing track by both softening the lines but also adding a hardness employed by break-beats and syncopated speed manipulations. Ultimately, a master has undertaken the work of another master and the result is undeniably enjoyable.

[audio:/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/02-Gangsta-Ad-Rock-Remix.mp3]

The Gangsta 12″ single will be released on 4AD September 27th, 2011 and includes the original track, remixes by Ad-Rock and Cut Chemist, an instrumental version and an a cappella version. Pre-orders available here.

 

 

 

• Tag: 4AD, Ad-Rock, Audio, Gangsta, Tune-yards