Electronic music pioneer and global cultural figure Carl Cox returns with a project that reaches far beyond the club, delivering a contemporary reimagining of one of the most powerful songs in modern music history: Say It Loud – I’m Black and I’m Proud by James Brown.

Released on February 6, 2026, to mark US Black History Month, I’m Black And I’m Proud – Say It Loud (Remixes) is both a tribute and a statement – one that acknowledges the past while firmly positioning the track’s message within today’s cultural and musical landscape.

First released in 1968 at the height of the civil rights movement, Say It Loud – I’m Black and I’m Proud was a radical declaration of identity, pride, and empowerment. Its call-and-response structure, driven by a sharp funk groove and uncompromising lyrics, made it a cultural landmark – one that resonated far beyond music, influencing social movements, political consciousness, and generations of artists across funk, soul, hip-hop, and electronic music.

Carl Cox’s approach to the remix is rooted in respect rather than reinvention for its own sake. Rather than stripping the track of its history, he builds around it – preserving the urgency of James Brown’s vocal delivery while introducing contemporary electronic propulsion designed for modern sound systems and dance floors. The result is a cross-generational dialogue that connects soul and funk with techno and house, reaffirming the track’s relevance nearly six decades on.

Speaking on the project, Cox frames the remix as an act of continuation rather than nostalgia:

“Remixing ‘Say It Loud – I’m Black and I’m Proud’ isn’t about the past – it’s about keeping the fire alive. James Brown laid the foundation, the rhythm, the message, the pride. His legacy still moves dance floors and minds worldwide. This is respect to the Godfather, to Black History, and to the power of music that unites us all.”

The release has been carefully structured to honour both club culture and musical heritage. Alongside Cox’s own remix, the project includes a Jason Brown rework, the original 1968 recording, and a live version recorded in Augusta, Georgia in 1969 – newly mixed in 2019. Together, the tracklist offers listeners multiple entry points into the song’s legacy, from raw historical context to contemporary reinterpretation.

For Cox – whose four-decade career has consistently bridged underground club culture with broader cultural narratives—this project sits naturally within his wider body of work. Known for his marathon DJ sets, genre-defining productions, and enduring influence across techno and house, Cox has long positioned electronic music as a space for connection, expression, and shared experience.

Meanwhile, James Brown’s influence remains immeasurable. Often referred to as the Godfather of Soul, his work shaped the foundations of funk and continues to echo through contemporary music and culture. Say It Loud – I’m Black and I’m Proud stands as one of his most defining and politically resonant recordings – a song that remains as vital today as it was upon release.

Now available on all major streaming platforms, I’m Black And I’m Proud – Say It Loud (Remixes) serves as a reminder of music’s power to transcend time, genre, and context – uniting history, culture, and the dancefloor in a single, resonant statement.

Tracklist:
I’m Black And I’m Proud – Say It Loud (Remixes) – 09.02.25 | Listen here

Find out more and follow:

Carl Cox | Instagram | Soundcloud | Website | Spotify

James Brown | Spotify