In recent weeks, a unique remix combining Linda Perry’s “What’s Up?” and Nicki Minaj’s “Beez in the Trap” has surged in popularity on TikTok. The remix features Perry’s iconic vocals followed by Minaj’s catchy rap, appealing to a wide artist range including Sabrina Carpenter, Demi Lovato, and even Malala Yousafzai. This unexpected blend has become a favorite soundtrack on TikTok, especially for showcasing Halloween costumes and celebrating friendships.
Viral Remix and Its Creator
The remix was crafted by DJ Auxlord, a college senior from Ohio. Posting it on TikTok back in August, the remix initially garnered 50,000 likes. However, it exploded in popularity in recent weeks, amassing millions of views and being utilized over 400,000 times on the platform. Auxlord, a classically trained pianist with no formal aspirations in DJing, expressed surprise at the remix’s viral status: “I’m so gagged,” they stated.
Response from Linda Perry
Linda Perry responded positively to the viral remix, describing it as “ridiculous in all the best ways.” She made her TikTok debut by joining artist Sophia Treadway in a lip-sync video featuring the remix. Perry revealed she had not fully understood the remixing concept but found the trend exciting and encouraging.
Impact on Music Streaming
The trend sparked a notable increase in music streams. Nicki Minaj’s “Beez in the Trap” experienced a remarkable 460 percent rise in global Spotify streams, driven predominantly by Gen Z. The discovery of Minaj’s music skyrocketed by 2,120 percent due to the TikTok trend. Meanwhile, “What’s Up?” by 4 Non-Blondes enjoyed a 75 percent boost in streams.
About DJ Auxlord
DJ Auxlord humorously refers to themselves as “Radio Rebel,” reminiscent of a character from a Disney Channel show. They keep their identity secret while entertaining at college parties. Auxlord expressed the joy of mixing diverse songs and emphasized that we don’t need expensive equipment to engage with music on a larger scale.
Future Aspirations
While enjoying DJing as a hobby, Auxlord is considering pursuing it more seriously in the future. They remarked, “I might branch out in the winter and see if I could DJ at gigs as a side hustle.”
Future Collaborations
Perry hinted at a potential collaboration with Minaj, expressing the excitement of the idea: “Everyone is trying to get Nicki and me to do one together.” Her enthusiasm reflects a growing desire among fans for a real-life partnership between these two popular artists.
