The intersection of 1980s hip-hop royalty and 1990s European dance culture created one of the most significant moments in music history. While the world remembers the 1997 Jason Nevins remix of Run-D.M.C.’s "It's Like That" as a chart-topping behemoth, a new chapter has been written for modern dance floors. Specifically, the Raxon Remix (often referred to in underground circles as the "Raxon Edit" or "Raxon E") has breathed a dark, melodic techno soul into this timeless anthem. The Original Powerhouse: Run-D.M.C.
Released in 1983, the original "It's Like That" was the debut single from Run-D.M.C. It stripped hip-hop down to its barest essentials: a hard-hitting drum machine (the Oberheim DMX) and social commentary. It didn't just change the sound of the streets; it established the "New School" of hip-hop, moving away from the disco-influenced sounds of the late '70s. The 1997 Transformation: Jason Nevins
By the late 90s, the track underwent a radical metamorphosis. American producer Jason Nevins took the vocal stems and married them to a high-energy house beat. This remix became a global phenomenon, famously spending weeks at #1 across Europe and the UK. It was the "bridge" that introduced a new generation of clubbers to the legends from Hollis, Queens, while simultaneously defining the "big beat" and "house" crossover era. The Modern Rebirth: The Raxon Influence
In the contemporary electronic scene, Raxon—an Egyptian-born, Barcelona-based producer signed to prestigious labels like Ellum Audio and Kompakt—has become synonymous with sophisticated, architectural techno.
The Raxon Edit of the Jason Nevins version of "It's Like That" (the "Raxon E") is a masterclass in tension and release. Here is why it has become a "secret weapon" for DJs like Solomun and Tale Of Us:
Deconstructed Vocals: Raxon strips away the flashy 90s synths, leaving the iconic "It's like that / and that's the way it is" vocal to float over a cavernous, driving bassline.
Hypnotic Grooves: Unlike the frantic energy of the Nevins mix, Raxon opts for a steady, 4x4 pulse that fits perfectly into a 3:00 AM techno set.
Melodic Texture: He introduces subtle, modular-style synth stabs that give the track a futuristic, "space-age" feel while respecting the grit of the original 1983 production. Why This Version Matters Today
Music operates in cycles. Just as Jason Nevins revitalized Run-D.M.C. for the 90s, Raxon has revitalized that energy for the modern melodic techno movement. The "Raxon E" represents a full circle: it respects the boom-bap origins, acknowledges the 90s club explosion, and fits seamlessly into the high-fidelity sound systems of modern festivals like Tomorrowland or Coachella.
For fans of Run-D.M.C., Jason Nevins, and the dark, driving sounds of Raxon, this specific version remains a testament to the fact that a truly great vocal and message—no matter how many decades pass—is always "like that."
It was a hot summer evening in New York City, and the legendary hip-hop group Run-DMC was getting ready to take the stage at a packed concert in Brooklyn. Jason "Jam Master Jay" Nevins, the group's DJ, was busy setting up his equipment, while Joseph "Run" Simmons and Darryl "D.M.C." McDaniels were warming up their voices. run dmc jason nevins its like that raxon e
As they were about to start their set, a young producer named Raxon E walked into the dressing room, looking excited and a bit nervous. "What's up, guys?" he asked, extending his hand.
Run-DMC was a bit skeptical at first, but Raxon E's enthusiasm was infectious. He told them about his idea for a new remix of their classic hit "It's Like That," and how he wanted to collaborate with them on a fresh track.
Jam Master Jay raised an eyebrow. "A remix? We're in the middle of a concert, man. What's the hold up?"
But Raxon E persisted, explaining that he had already worked out a dope beat and wanted to get their input. D.M.C. and Run were intrigued, and eventually, they agreed to give it a listen.
As Raxon E started playing the instrumental, the group's eyes lit up. The beat was fire, and they could already imagine the possibilities. Jam Master Jay started scratching, and Run and D.M.C. began freestyling, trading verses and rhymes.
The energy in the room was electric, and before long, they had created a brand new track, with Raxon E's production skills merged with Run-DMC's signature style. It was going to be a hit, they could all feel it.
The crowd went wild when they performed the new remix live, with Raxon E joining them on stage. The collaboration was a huge success, and from that day on, Run-DMC, Jason Nevins, and Raxon E were like family, always pushing the boundaries of hip-hop and creating something new and exciting.
Years later, when asked about the night that changed everything, D.M.C. smiled and said: "Man, it was like that. We were on a mission, and Raxon E helped us take it to the next level. That remix was like a shot of adrenaline, and we're forever grateful for the magic that happened that night."
As for Raxon E, he still gets goosebumps thinking about the experience. "Working with Run-DMC was a dream come true. They're legends, and to be a part of their creative process was an honor. That night, we made history, and I'm proud to have been a part of it."
The collaboration between Run-DMC, Jason Nevins, and Raxon E on "It's Like That (Raxon E Remix)" went on to become one of the biggest hits of the year, and its impact was felt for generations to come. The story of that unforgettable night serves as a reminder of the power of creativity and collaboration in music. The intersection of 1980s hip-hop royalty and 1990s
Here’s a review-style breakdown of the track “It’s Like That” by Run–DMC vs. Jason Nevins, specifically in the context of the Raxon E (possibly a reference to a remix, edit, or a specific digital release—I’ll assume it’s a typo or a niche bootleg/version of the track).
In 1997, American producer Jason Nevins created a remix that completely transformed the track.
There is sometimes confusion in tracklists. If you see "Raxon E" in a tracklist, it is almost certainly a typo or a file-naming error for:
Today, the "Run DMC Jason Nevins Its Like That Raxon E" phenomenon is a case study in how music survives in the digital weeds. You won't find "Raxon E" on Spotify or Apple Music. You will find the official Jason Nevins remix on those platforms, credited cleanly.
But the search for "Raxon E" is the mark of a true crate digger—someone looking for the gritty, mislabeled, 192kbps bootleg that you downloaded from a Geocities page.
In 2023, the track experienced a viral resurgence on TikTok, where Gen Z users layered the "People, people..." acapella over hyperpop beats. The cycle continues.
The white-label pressing (an unofficial, unmarked vinyl) became an instant sensation in New York and London clubs. Clubbers heard it, loved it, but couldn't find it in stores—pure underground heat. This is where Raxön Records enters the story.
Raxön Records is a small German independent label, primarily known for house and electronic bootlegs. At the time, they had a reputation for identifying hot, uncleared remixes and giving them a commercial release in Europe, where copyright laws and enforcement differed from the US.
In late 1997, Raxön Records officially pressed and distributed Run–D.M.C. vs. Jason Nevins – "It's Like That" in Germany and surrounding territories. This was not authorized by Run–D.M.C., Profile Records, or Jason Nevins. The Raxön release featured the Nevins remix (sometimes labeled as the "Jason Nevins Remix" or "Club Mix") and quickly flew off shelves. German DJs like Sven Väth and clubs such as The Omen in Frankfurt propelled it to national prominence.
Now, we arrive at the most confusing part of the keyword: "Raxon E." The Shift: Nevins stripped away the 80s hip-hop
You will not find "Raxon E" on the official liner notes of the 12" vinyl. So, who or what is Raxon E?
There are three prevailing theories among collectors:
Regardless of the origin, "Raxon E" has become a ghost term in the DJ community. If you find an MP3 labeled "Run DMC - Its Like That (Raxon E Remix)," you are likely listening to a high-energy, pitch-shifted, or slightly distorted version of the Jason Nevins remix that circulated on Soulseek in 2003. It is a digital artifact—a zombie keyword kept alive by nostalgia.
There’s no official “Raxon” track with Run–D.M.C./Jason Nevins.
Possible intended meanings:
| If you meant… | Explanation | |---------------|-------------| | Roxon (media monitoring service) | They charted the song’s massive airplay in Europe. | | Raxor / Razor (misspelling of Razormaid) | Razormaid! remixers released an edit of “It’s Like That” around 1998. | | Raxon (producer/DJ) | No known collaboration. Could be a mislabeled MP3 from early P2P days. |
If you have a specific vinyl or CD with “Raxon” on it, it’s likely a bootleg remix or track name error.
The original "It's Like That" was released by Run–D.M.C. (Joseph "Run" Simmons, Darryl "D.M.C." McDaniels, and Jason "Jam Master Jay" Mizell) in 1983 on Profile Records. Backed with "Sucker M.C.'s," the track was minimalist and revolutionary: stripped-down beats, a sparse bassline, and socially conscious lyrics about poverty, struggle, and resilience. It wasn't a dance track; it was a statement. By 1997, Run–D.M.C. were still legends, but their commercial peak in the mainstream had faded following the crossover success of Raising Hell (1986) and the Tougher Than Leather era.
If you are a DJ looking to mix these tracks, here is how to approach them:
1. The Jason Nevins Version (The Crowd Pleaser)
2. The Raxon Style (The Modern Touch)