Back in October 1971, the Godfather of Soul, James Brown, delivered another unforgettable hit with “Super Bad Part 1 & 2.” The track, widely recognized simply as “Super Bad,” dominated the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart, claiming the No. 1 spot and cementing itself as one of Brown’s defining anthems. While it carried an undeniable groove and confidence, it wasn’t traditionally considered a “dance” track — until now.
From Soul to Electro Energy
Decades later, “Super Bad” has been reborn. Through a collaboration between James Brown’s grandson Jason Brown, Universal Music, Primary Wave, and Dutch DJ legend Laidback Luke, the track has been officially reworked into “I Got Soul (Super Bad).”
Released on August 28 via Dim Mak Records, Luke amps up the BPM, injecting high-energy electro beats while keeping James Brown’s iconic declarations — including the legendary “Watch me!” This fresh version carries the flavor of bloghouse with a modern twist. But for Luke, the task was intimidating at first.
“When I opened the stems, I was nervous,” Luke admitted in an interview with Billboard. “This was sacred material. I didn’t want to touch it at first.” It was Jason’s encouragement and trust that gave him the confidence to experiment freely.
The Connection That Sparked It All
Jason Brown, a Los Angeles-based DJ and producer himself, has long worked on reimagining his grandfather’s music for a new generation. Earlier this year, he reached out to Laidback Luke via DM, hoping to collaborate. Having admired Luke’s Dirty Dutch sound since his college days at SCAD in Washington D.C., Jason thought he was the perfect fit.
At first, Luke was skeptical. “Honestly, it felt a little creepy,” he joked. “I didn’t know him, and suddenly he was talking about his granddaddy being James Brown and that he had all the rights and stems. I thought, ‘Is this guy real?’”
Once the conversation unfolded, Universal Music confirmed the collaboration by providing the stems. With Primary Wave also involved, the project became an official release — not just a remix — backed by all stakeholders.
Business Meets Legacy
Jason describes the deal as a blend of business and artistry. “It’s a bit of a melting pot,” he explained. “You’ve got to bring everyone to the table — the estate, the labels, the stakeholders. Then it’s about making something relevant, something people will connect with today.”
The partnership highlights the unique balance between protecting a legendary catalog and introducing it to younger generations.
Luke’s Biggest Career Highlight
For Laidback Luke, this collaboration stands out even among his work with icons like Madonna, Daft Punk, Donna Summer, and Depeche Mode. “This is the biggest thing I’ve ever done in my career,” Luke said. “The only way to top this would be Elvis or Michael Jackson.”
Still, he hesitated to share his finished track with Jason. “I ghosted him for a while,” Luke admitted. “I had gone in a different direction and wasn’t sure if he’d like it.”
Passing the Torch
Eventually, the two met face-to-face in Los Angeles at Dim Mak’s office, where Luke finally played the track for Jason. Instead of disappointment, Jason was impressed — even though Luke opted for an electro style instead of his signature Dirty Dutch.
“It kind of puts my grandfather into the future,” Jason reflected. “That’s the goal. This actually goes beyond what I hoped for.”