Laidback Luke and James Brown’s Grandson Link Up for Official ‘Super Bad’ Collaboration: ‘It Propels My Grandfather into the Future’

In October 1971, the Godfather of Soul, James Brown, added yet another hit to his remarkable streak on Billboard’s Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart with “Super Bad Part 1 & 2.” This self-assured anthem, commonly known simply as “Super Bad,” soared to No. 1 and cemented its status as one of the quintessential tracks in Brown’s indelible legacy.

While “Super Bad” always inspired movement, it lacked a formal dance remix—until today.

In collaboration with Brown’s grandson Jason Brown, the James Brown Estate stakeholders Universal Music and Primary Wave, and Dutch producer Laidback Luke, “Super Bad” has been transformed into an official reimagining titled “I Got Soul (Super Bad).”

Released August 28, 2025, on Dim Mak Records, this new version elevates the original with heightened BPM and energizing electro elements while preserving Brown’s iconic exhortations to “watch me!” Although steeped in bloghouse sensibilities familiar to fans, Luke admits the project initially felt daunting.

Laidback Luke recalls, “I felt intimidated when I first opened the stems. This material is sacred, and I was hesitant to alter it.” Eventually, Jason granted him creative freedom, inspiring Luke to fully embrace the remix.

Jason Brown—a Los Angeles–based DJ and producer behind numerous remixes of his grandfather’s classics—views his mission as reviving his grandfather’s music for a new generation. Earlier this year, he reached out to Luke via direct message, intrigued by Luke’s signature Dirty Dutch sound that Jason first encountered during his studies at the Savannah College of Art and Design in Washington, D.C.

Luke admits he initially found the outreach “a bit surreal,” unsure whether the stranger professing rights to James Brown’s music was legitimate. “When he mentioned his grandfather, I thought, ‘Is this for real?’”

Once Luke verified Jason’s credentials and secured the original “Super Bad” stems from Jason and Universal Music—which retains Brown’s master recordings—the path was clear. “Everyone saw the vision,” Jason says of the label’s endorsement. This collaboration, framed as an official partnership rather than a mere remix, also benefits from Primary Wave’s 2021 acquisition of key rights to Brown’s catalog, a deal valued at roughly $90 million.

Jason acknowledges the complexities of coordinating multiple stakeholders: “It’s a melting pot of interests—publishing, master royalties, likeness rights. Getting everyone on the same page is crucial, but ultimately, it’s about creating a sound that resonates and attaching credible names.”

Luke reports that festival crowds have responded explosively to “I Got Soul (Super Bad),” with audiences erupting upon recognizing the iconic vocals. Having officially remixed stars like Madonna, Depeche Mode, Daft Punk, and Donna Summer, Luke regards this as “the pinnacle of my career—only legends like Elvis or Michael Jackson could top this.”

Despite the project’s significance, Luke admits he was initially hesitant to share the final cut with Jason. “I ghosted him for a moment, uncertain if I wanted him to hear my interpretation,” he says.

The ultimate listening session took place at Dim Mak’s Los Angeles office, marking the first in-person meeting between Luke and Jason. Luke was struck by Jason’s authenticity and dedication to his grandfather’s legacy.

Although Jason anticipated a Dirty Dutch twist, he applauded Luke’s electro approach. “It propels my grandfather’s music into the future,” Jason says. “That was always the goal—and this surpasses it.”

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