UK rapper EsDeeKid has sparked online debate after publicly criticizing The Chainsmokers for releasing an unauthorized remix of his track “4 Raws.” The controversy unfolded after the EDM duo shared their remix across digital platforms without, according to EsDeeKid, getting his approval first.
In a blunt post shared on X on January 2, the rapper didn’t hold back. He warned fans that the remix was “getting nuked,” adding, “don’t remix my sh– and think it’s cool to post to all DSPs.” The message quickly gained traction, drawing attention from both hip-hop and electronic music audiences.
Shortly after the post went viral, the remix was reportedly taken down from YouTube and SoundCloud. However, snippets of the track continued to circulate on social media, keeping the discussion alive. As of publication, The Chainsmokers had yet to issue a public response to the backlash, further fueling speculation around the situation. The moment has since been widely discussed under the headline EsDeeKid Criticizes The Chainsmokers’ ‘4 Raws’ Remix.
Part of a Bigger Remix Trend
The dispute comes amid a wave of remix releases from The Chainsmokers, who have recently been sharing reworks of popular tracks on their social channels. While many of these remixes have generated buzz, not all have been met with approval from the original artists.
One notable contrast is the duo’s official remix of “The Fate of Ophelia” with Taylor Swift, which was properly credited and released on Spotify. That collaboration highlighted the importance of artist consent—something critics argue was missing in the “4 Raws” situation.
EsDeeKid’s Mysterious Rise and Viral Buzz
Despite maintaining a masked and anonymous image, EsDeeKid has enjoyed a breakout year. Online speculation about his identity reached fever pitch, with some fans even suggesting he was secretly actor Timothée Chalamet. The rumors intensified when Chalamet appeared on an official remix of “4 Raws,” delivering playful and self-aware bars that sent the internet into overdrive.
In his verse, Chalamet referenced his Hollywood lifestyle, his global fame, and even his relationship with beauty mogul Kylie Jenner. He also cleverly promoted his upcoming film Marty Supreme, turning the collaboration into one of the most unconventional movie marketing moments in recent memory.
When asked directly about the rumors linking him to EsDeeKid, Chalamet remained cryptic, telling UK radio listeners that “all will be revealed in due time,” adding another layer of intrigue to the artist’s persona.
Momentum Translates to Chart Success
The buzz surrounding EsDeeKid’s identity and high-profile collaborations paid off. Riding the wave of speculation, his album Rebel surged in streams and debuted at No. 131 on the Billboard 200 in November—an impressive feat for an artist who has yet to reveal his face.
While the remix controversy has stirred tension, it has also reinforced EsDeeKid’s growing influence in the music world. Whether this moment leads to further clashes or clears the air between artists, one thing is clear: EsDeeKid is no longer flying under the radar.
