[THE FILES] : Mýa x Jay-Z: ‘Best of Me Part II’ (2000) -
THE FILES

[THE FILES] : Mýa x Jay-Z: ‘Best of Me Part II’ (2000)

Mýa & Jay-Z: ‘Best of Me Part II’ Track Profile (2000)
Music Archive

Best of Me Part II (2000)

Released: August 29, 2000 • Length: 3:52 • Interscope / University Music / Roc-A-Fella • Produced by Trackmasters

Cultural & Commercial Milestones

Iconic Remix Pivot Trackmasters Overhaul Discarded Swizz Beatz’s hard-hitting synth production from the original single in favor of a smooth, sample-driven summer anthem.
Y2K Fashion Iconography UNC Tar Heels Jersey Dress The Malibu-set music video permanently cemented the intersection of sports apparel, streetwear, and early-2000s R&B style.
Artists Mýa featuring Jay-Z
Producers Trackmasters (Poke & Tone)
Labels Interscope / University / Roc-A-Fella
Sample Base Biz Markie – “Make the Music with Your Mouth, Biz”

**History & Background**

Released in August 2000, “Best of Me Part II” stands as a quintessential milestone in early-2000s rap-R&B collaborations. While the original version of “The Best of Me” featured Jadakiss over a hard-edged Swizz Beatz Ruff Ryders track, Interscope and Roc-A-Fella Records tapped production duo Trackmasters to craft a smoother, street-friendly remix for the summer. Built around the classic drum and bass pattern of Biz Markie’s 1986 hip-hop staple “Make the Music with Your Mouth, Biz,” the track paired Mýa’s pristine vocals with a charismatic, prime-era opening verse from Jay-Z. Serving as a flagship single for DJ Clue’s DJ Clue? Presents: Backstage Mixtape (supporting the Roc-A-Fella tour documentary Backstage), the single vaulted onto urban radio charts and propelled Mýa’s sophomore album, Fear of Flying, to multi-platinum status.

**Production Highlights & Musicality**

  • Trackmasters Sample Flipping: Poke & Tone expertly recontextualized Biz Markie’s Golden Era foundation into a slick, contemporary R&B groove complete with T.J. Swan melody interpolations.
  • Peak Roc-A-Fella Era Jay-Z Verse: Delivers one of Jay-Z’s most memorable 2000 guest verses, effortlessly blending laid-back luxury references with radio-ready swagger.
  • Double-Faceted Album Placement: Featured heavily on both DJ Clue’s Backstage compilation and the high-profile re-release edition of Mýa’s Fear of Flying album.

**Cultural Legacy**

  • The Blueprint for Hip-Hop/R&B Duets: Defined the late-90s and early-00s formula of matching smooth female vocal hooks with elite East Coast lyricism.
  • Enduring Visual Influence: Mýa’s custom North Carolina Tar Heels jersey dress worn in the Malibu video remains heavily referenced across pop-culture and streetwear retrospectives.

**The Decked Out Review**

“Smooth, timeless, and effortlessly stylish, ‘Best of Me Part II’ represents peak Y2K R&B remix strategy at its finest.”
Producers Trackmasters (Poke & Tone)
Labels Interscope / University Music / Roc-A-Fella
Release Date August 29, 2000
Featured Performing Artists Mýa, Jay-Z
Mýa & Jay-Z’s ‘Best of Me Part II’: How a Trackmasters Remix Defined Y2K R&B

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The Music Video

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Author Bio

Jael Rucker is the founder of Decked Out Magazine. She has previously worked as the Associate Commerce Editor at PureWow, focusing on analytics and trends to pitch stories and optimize articles that build and engage their audience. Her work has also been seen in Footwear News and WWD. Prior to 2024, she was the style and pop culture editor at ONE37pm for over three years, contributing numerous product reviews, brand profiles and fashion trend reports, which included interviewing Steph Curry, Snoop Dogg and more.

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