IDLES
“POP POP POP” ft. Danny Brown
Partisan Records
Closing out a monumental year with a sold-out spectacle at London’s Alexandra Palace, IDLES have gifted fans a parting shot of creative energy in the form of a blistering remix of their fan-favorite track, “POP POP POP.” Originally a standout on their critically acclaimed album, TANGK, this reimagined version features none other than Danny Brown, the rap iconoclast whose boundary-pushing artistry proves an ideal foil to IDLES’ raw, visceral sound.
The remix takes the ferocity of the original and reconfigures it into something electrifyingly new. Produced by the ever-versatile Kenny Beats, the track opens with a murky, rumbling low-end, setting the stage for Danny Brown’s unmistakable cadence. His verse is a masterclass in controlled chaos: rapid-fire rhymes delivered with a manic intensity that perfectly matches IDLES’ punk ethos. It’s a collaboration that feels both unexpected and inevitable, as if these two worlds were always destined to collide.
What makes this remix so compelling is the synergy between the artists. Kenny Beats orchestrates a seamless marriage of IDLES’ brooding aggression and Danny Brown’s off-kilter charisma, layering skittering beats and jagged riffs to create a soundscape that feels alive and unrelenting. The song’s original hooks remain intact, but the new textures — Brown’s snarling verse, the tweaked production, and a newfound rhythmic elasticity — breathe fresh life into a track that was already anthemic.
IDLES have built their career on challenging conventions, and this remix underscores their commitment to evolution. Inviting Danny Brown on stage at Glastonbury was a bold statement, and releasing a studio version amplifies its significance. It’s more than a remix; it’s a testament to the band’s willingness to transcend genre boundaries while staying true to their ethos of defiance and community.
As IDLES continue to rack up accolades — nominations for Best Rock Album (TANGK), Best Rock Performance, and Best Rock Song at the 2025 GRAMMY Awards — this remix feels like another declaration of their boundary-pushing spirit. “POP POP POP” has always been a rallying cry, and this rework transforms it into a cross-genre triumph, one that reaffirms IDLES’ place at the forefront of modern rock and showcases their ability to adapt and innovate without compromise.
In a year defined by relentless touring, creative risks, and growing acclaim, this remix is a fitting capstone — a chaotic, cathartic celebration of everything IDLES stand for.
