Carl Cox Reignites James Brown’s “Say It Loud”

Carl Cox continues to connect electronic music with cultural heritage through a new reinterpretation of one of modern music’s most iconic records. Set for release on February 6, 2026, “I’m Black And I’m Proud – Say It Loud (Remixes)” sees the British DJ and producer reimagine the artistic legacy of James Brown, bringing the track’s message back to contemporary global dancefloors.

Originally released in 1968 at the height of the civil rights movement in the United States, “Say It Loud – I’m Black And I’m Proud” stands as one of the most influential cultural statements in modern music history.

Built around call-and-response vocals, funk-driven rhythms and an unapologetic message of empowerment, the track has resonated across generations while shaping global musical culture.

With this new project, Cox injects modern electronic propulsion while preserving the urgency and spirit of the original recording, creating a sonic bridge between soul, funk, techno and house.

The British artist emphasized that the project goes beyond nostalgia, describing it as a way to keep the cultural message of James Brown’s work alive. Carl Cox explained that remixing “Say It Loud – I’m Black and I’m Proud” is not about revisiting the past but about keeping the fire alive, acknowledging how Brown laid the foundation for rhythm, message and pride that still move dancefloors and minds worldwide, describing the project as a tribute to the Godfather of Soul, to Black History and to the unifying power of music.

The release unfolds as a curated collection of versions that connect club culture with historical preservation, pairing contemporary electronic reinterpretations with original and archival material.

Alongside Carl Cox’s remix, the project also features a reinterpretation by Jason Brown, while the release includes the original version of the track and a historic live recording performed in Augusta, Georgia, in 1969, presented in the 2019 mix.

Together, these versions create a sonic journey spanning different eras and cultural contexts while keeping the identity and message of the track at its core.

The project will continue on February 27, 2026, with a follow-up release titled “I’m Black And I’m Proud – Say It Loud (Carl Cox Techno Mix)”, offering a new interpretation driven toward more energetic techno territories, alongside the main remix by Cox.

Carl Cox remains one of the most influential figures in electronic music history. With a career spanning more than four decades, he is widely recognized for his legendary marathon DJ performances, the groundbreaking Intec label and his ongoing cultural impact across Ibiza, major international festivals and underground scenes worldwide.

James Brown continues to stand as one of the most influential artists in modern music, shaping funk, soul, hip-hop and popular culture. “Say It Loud – I’m Black and I’m Proud” remains one of his most defining works and a historic anthem of empowerment and social consciousness.

With this release, the dialogue between past and present returns to the dancefloor, reaffirming music’s role as a universal cultural language.