EsDeeKid calls out The Chainsmokers over unauthorised '4 Raws' remix
Photo: Instagram @elsewherespace/Reuters
UK rapper EsDeeKid has publicly criticized The Chainsmokers after the EDM duo released a remix of his track “4 Raws” that he says was shared without his approval.
On January 2, EsDeeKid took to X to vent his frustration, writing that the remix was “getting NUKED” and adding, “that chainsmokers remix is getting NUKED mate wow please. don’t remix my sh– and think it’s cool to post to all DSPs.”
that chainsmokers remix is getting NUKED
mate wow 💀💀
please don’t remix my shit and think it’s cool to post to all DSPs🕊️Shortly after, the remix was removed from YouTube and SoundCloud, though clips continued circulating on social media. The Chainsmokers had not publicly responded at the time.
The incident is the latest in a series of remix releases by the duo, who have been posting unofficial reworks of high-profile songs on their social channels. One exception is their remix of Taylor Swift’s “The Fate of Ophelia”, which is officially credited and available on Spotify.
EsDeeKid has maintained an anonymous persona throughout his career, which has fueled viral fan speculation, including rumors that he was actor Timothée Chalamet. That speculation culminated when Chalamet appeared on EsDeeKid’s “4 Raws” remix, performing verses that reference his own life and career.
“It’s Timothée Chalamet chillin’, tryna stack a hundred million/ Girl got a billion/ What the f—, what a wonderful feeling,” Chalamet raps on the track, referencing his high-profile girlfriend, Kylie Jenner, and plugging his upcoming film Marty Supreme.
The remix controversy comes amid growing attention on EsDeeKid, whose anonymity and unexpected celebrity collaborations have helped drive streams of his Rebel album, which debuted at No. 131 on the Billboard 200 in November.
The incident highlights tensions in the music industry around remixes and artist consent, as well as the cultural fascination with mysterious or masked performers navigating viral fame.