More than two decades after it first reshaped dance floors, a defining UK Garage anthem is getting a modern revival. PinkPantheress has collaborated with MJ Cole on a reworked version of his timeless track Sincere, introducing a new generation to one of the genre’s most celebrated moments. The collaboration, aptly titled Still Sincere, marks a meeting of eras—where classic garage meets contemporary pop sensibility.
Originally released in 1998, Sincere quickly became a cornerstone of the UK Garage movement. Its influence stretched far beyond the clubs, cementing its place in DJ sets and compilations for years. While the track initially peaked at No. 38 on the UK Singles Chart, a 2000 re-release propelled it to a higher No. 13, confirming its lasting appeal.
A New Take on a Classic Sound
The updated version replaces the original’s chopped and sampled vocals with PinkPantheress taking center stage as the lead vocalist. Released via 892 Recordings in partnership with Platoon, Still Sincere preserves the soul of the original while giving it a warmer, more intimate vocal presence—bridging nostalgia and now.
Reflecting on the collaboration, PinkPantheress described working with Cole as surreal, calling him a true garage pioneer whose legacy subtly shaped her early creative instincts. That influence feels full circle here, as her voice breathes new life into a track that helped define a genre.
UK Garage’s Enduring Legacy
UK Garage emerged from London’s club culture in the late 1990s and early 2000s, blending elements of house, R&B, dub, and jungle into a sleek yet emotional sound. The movement proved massively influential, with chart success from acts like So Solid Crew, Artful Dodger, Craig David, Mis-teeq, and Shanks & Bigfoot. Its hooks were catchy, its rhythms infectious, and its cultural impact undeniable.
Born in 2001, PinkPantheress grew up absorbing that sound as part of everyday British life. She has often credited garage as a key inspiration, notably sampling Flowers by Sweet Female Attitude on her 2021 breakout single Pain. Speaking to NPR, she once noted that the genre’s widespread familiarity made it irresistible: the songs were everywhere, and everyone knew the words.
MJ Cole’s Rise Beyond ‘Sincere’
For MJ Cole, Sincere was more than a hit—it was a launchpad. His debut album of the same name earned nominations for the Mercury Prize and the BRIT Awards, setting the stage for a prolific career. He later went on to collaborate with and remix an impressive roster of artists, including Dizzee Rascal, Katy B, Amy Winehouse, Mariah Carey, De La Soul, and Alicia Keys.
With Still Sincere, PinkPantheress Joins the Remix of MJ Cole’s UK Garage Classic “Sincere”, proving that great music doesn’t age—it evolves. The track stands as a reminder that UK Garage’s pulse is still very much alive, resonating across generations and dance floors alike.
