Alicia Keys dropped a tropical-themed remix of her recent single “Underdog” on Friday (March 27) that flipped the script on the acoustic pop soul song about strivers, transforming it into a dancehall-worthy banger thanks to new guest vocals from reggae singers Chronixx and Protoje.
With a funky backbeat and fresh verses from her Jamaican pals, the song takes on a new, hip-swiveling urgency with the addition of horns and swaying riddims courtesy of producers P2J and Izy Beats.
“Underdog (Remix)” features the same uplifting message with a new hook from Keys, in which she sings, “I am destined for greatness/ Time to embrace it.”
The trio hopped onto Instagram on Thursday night to celebrate the new single, with Keys saying in a statement, “This remix is such a beautiful vibe! My friends Chronixx and Protoje are so incredible, and I’ve always wanted to create something special with them. I appreciate them sharing their gifts with us on this one. I still find so much power in the word ‘underdog,’ especially as a symbol for people who can make it against all odds, and especially now, when we need more than ever to be reminded of our strength and resiliency. We totally changed the lyrics to evolve that feel-good sonic experience.”
The song is slated to appear on Keys’ upcoming seventh album, ALICIA, which has been temporarily put on hold due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Her memoir, More Myself: A Journey, will, however, still drop on March 31, along with an all-star audiobook version.
Listen to the “Underdog (Remix)” below.
