UK Rapper EsDeeKid Hits Back at The Chainsmokers for Remixing Hit Song Without Permission

UK rapper EsDeeKid has publicly hit out at American EDM duo The Chainsmokers after they shared an unauthorized remix of his breakout track '4 Raws,' igniting controversy online and prompting swift removal of the remix from major platforms. EsDeeKid, who is well-known for his anonymity and unvarnished underground sound, used social media to demand respect for his work and clarify that remixes should only be made available with permission from the artist.

As EsDeeKid's fame grows, the incident brings to light larger conflicts in the music business around remix culture, intellectual ownership, and artist consent. 

Rise of EsDeeKid and the Success of '4 Raws'

EsDeeKid has rapidly emerged as one of the most talked-about figures in the UK underground rap scene, in part due to his determination to perform anonymously and conceal his identity, which has sparked fan curiosity and speculation. His music, which draws comparisons to gritty street influence and a punkish edge, combines raw lyricism with strong beats. He was born into the gritty world of British rap. 'Rebel,' his highly acclaimed 2025 album, made it onto a number of year-end best album lists and solidified his status as a disruptive force in modern rap. 

Image Courtesy: Tastemakers Magazine

'4 Raws,' which was released in June 2025, was one of Rebel's best songs. Along with other songs like LV Sandals and Phantom, the song became one of his breakthrough singles due to its harsh lyrics, which touched on identity, struggle, and unvarnished life experiences. The song went viral on platforms like TikTok and streaming channels. The raw energy of the single and EsDeeKid's unmistakable style drew attention not only from underground rap fans but from mainstream listeners curious about the masked artist's enigmatic persona. 

Rumours even circulated that actor Timothée Chalamet might be behind the mask, a theory that gained so much traction that Chalamet ultimately joined EsDeeKid on an official remix video, putting the speculation to rest and amplifying the track's reach. 

Image Courtesy: Spiegel

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Clash With The Chainsmokers Over Remix Rights

The Chainsmokers posted their own remix of '4 Raws' on SoundCloud and YouTube on 2nd January, 2026, sparking the debate. In a quick response, EsDeeKid wrote on X that the remix was "getting NUKED" and urged the pair to refrain from remixing his music and releasing it on streaming sites without his consent. His exact words were: "that chainsmokers remix is getting NUKED mate wow please. don't remix my shit and think it's cool to post to all DSPs." 

Image Courtesy: Billboard

The tweet had an immediate effect; soon after he complained, the unofficial remix was removed from SoundCloud and YouTube, while excerpts continued to appear on social media. The episode generated discussion about creative control and remix culture in the digital age among fans and industry observers, even though The Chainsmokers have not publicly responded. It wasn't an isolated case for the EDM duo, who have recently released other unauthorised reworks of songs, though only their official remix of Taylor Swift's 'The Fate of Ophelia' was fully endorsed and available on major platforms. 

The Remix Version: 

As listeners around the world continue to be intrigued by EsDeeKid's secrecy, the confrontation may serve to further elevate his visibility and highlight his dedication to artistic integrity. The rapper's stance against unauthorized usage of his music sends a clear message: respect the craft, respect the artist, as he prepares for tours around North America and Australia and appearances at major festivals with acts like IDLES and JPEGMAFIA. 

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