The Godfather of Soul, James Brown, lives on through a groundbreaking collaboration with internationally acclaimed DJ and producer Laidback Luke, who delivers a high-energy reimagining of Brown’s 1970 funk classic. Titled “I Got Soul (Super Bad),” the single drops August 28 via Dim Mak Records, transforming one of music’s most iconic grooves into a bass-charged festival anthem while honoring the fearless spirit that made the original “Super Bad” a landmark in funk history.
The project began with James Brown’s grandson, Jason Brown, who continues to carry the family legacy forward. Before becoming a DJ himself, Jason was a devoted fan, attending Laidback Luke’s sets at Exchange LA and Academy. Years later, he found himself opening for Luke at those very same venues — a full-circle moment that sparked the idea for this collaboration. “Luke is another legend in the space,” Jason shares. “It’s the perfect match for somebody who is currently a legend to take the spirit and music from one generation to the next.”
For Laidback Luke, the invitation carried tremendous weight. “James Brown is the most sampled artist in music history, and his pioneering work in funk and soul has always influenced me, ultimately shaping dance music,” Luke explains. “When Jason Brown asked me to be the first-ever electronic dance artist to collaborate and reimagine ‘Super Bad’ for a new generation, I felt a deep responsibility to get it right and show respect for his fearless attitude and creativity. Working with the original session vocals and stems was surreal — like touching the source that influenced so much of today’s music.”
Released in 1970, “Super Bad” was a raw, unapologetic anthem that pushed funk to new heights. Now, more than fifty years later, “I Got Soul (Super Bad)” propels that same spirit into the future. “If my grandfather could see this, I believe he’d be proud that I took him to the future,” says Jason Brown. “Electronic music is the future — and now his voice, his groove, and his energy are living there too.”
“I Got Soul (Super Bad)” will be available worldwide August 28 on Dim Mak Records, bringing together funk’s revolutionary past with the electrifying pulse of today’s dance music.
LAIDBACK LUKE ON TOUR: Tickets on sale HERE
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