Nov 20 2024

Mike Posner’s ‘The Layover’ 13-Year Anniversary

Mike Posner’s The Layover: Celebrating 13 Years of Genre-Bending Brilliance

Today marks the 13th anniversary of The Layover, the mixtape that showcased Mike Posner’s roots, creativity, and love for blending genres. Released on November 20, 2011, and hosted by DJ Benzi and Don Cannon, The Layover gave fans a dynamic mix of covers, remixes, and original tracks that still resonate today.

Featuring an impressive lineup of collaborations with artists like Bun B, Big K.R.I.T., Machine Gun Kelly, Twista, Big Sean, Blackbear, Slim Thug, Bei Maejor, Cyhi The Prynce, Rusko, Elzhi, Dusty McFly, Casey Veggies, Michael Franti, and RJD2, this mixtape served as a bold statement of Mike’s versatility.

In his own words, Mike described the mixtape as a return to his roots:

“It is incredibly important for me to reach back to my roots, and kind of do what I came up doing again.” – Mike Posner

Stream on Apple Music

Back to Basics with Hip-Hop Energy

Before Mike’s rise to pop stardom with hits like “Cooler Than Me,” he was deeply embedded in the mixtape scene. With The Layover, he reconnected with that world, blending hip-hop with pop, rock, and electronic influences. Standout tracks like his remixes of Elton John’s “Rocket Man” (featuring Bun B) and Oasis’ “Wonderwall” (reimagined as “The One That Saves Me” featuring Big K.R.I.T.) showcased Mike’s talent for reinterpreting iconic songs in a way that felt fresh and uniquely his own.

As Mike explained in an interview with MTV in 2011:

“I really took it back to the basics with this tape. I’m doing the remixes of songs and kind of like hip-hop-ifying classic non-hip-hop songs.” – Mike Posner

Stream on Spotify

Visuals That Captured the Essence

Mike didn’t just stop at audio; he released music videos for two standout tracks:

“The One That Saves Me (Wonderwall)” featuring Big K.R.I.T. (Watch on YouTube)

“A Perfect Mess” (Official Music Video)

Both videos offer a nostalgic glimpse into this transformative era of Mike’s career.

A Legacy of Creativity

The Layover isn’t just a mixtape; it’s a testament to Mike Posner’s commitment to pushing boundaries and honoring his roots. Thirteen years later, it remains a fan favorite, celebrated for its innovation and artistry.

The mixtape also gave fans an exciting preview of what was to come, featuring a snippet of Mike’s then-upcoming single, “Looks Like Sex.” The full track, accompanied by a music video, was released a few weeks later, further cementing his status as a versatile and forward-thinking artist.