Jay-Z Releases OG Version of 'Dead Presidents' to Celebrate 30th Anniversary

The original version of the hit single is now available on streaming services for the first time.

Published on Mar. 1, 2026

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Jay-Z has released the original version of his 1996 hit single "Dead Presidents" to streaming services to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the track. The OG version features the original production by Ski Beatz and samples from Nas' "The World Is Yours" and A Tribe Called Quest. Jay-Z ended up re-recording new verses over the beat for the version that appeared on his debut album Reasonable Doubt.

Why it matters

The release of the OG "Dead Presidents" gives fans a chance to hear the original version of one of Jay-Z's most iconic early singles. It also highlights the creative process behind the song's evolution and Jay-Z's decision to re-record it for his debut album.

The details

"Dead Presidents" was originally released independently on Roc-A-Fella Records in 1996 as the lead single for Jay-Z's debut album Reasonable Doubt. The OG version prominently samples Nas' "The World Is Yours" and A Tribe Called Quest on the drums, with production by Ski Beatz. However, Jay-Z ended up re-recording new verses over the beat, creating "Dead Presidents II" which appeared on the final version of Reasonable Doubt. Roc-A-Fella co-founder Kareem "Biggs" Burke revealed it was his idea for Jay to re-record the verses on the original beat.

  • "Dead Presidents" was originally released on February 20, 1996.
  • Reasonable Doubt, Jay-Z's debut album, was released on June 25, 1996.

The players

Jay-Z

An American rapper, songwriter, record executive, and entrepreneur who is widely regarded as one of the greatest rappers of all time.

Ski Beatz

An American record producer who produced the original version of "Dead Presidents" for Jay-Z.

Kareem "Biggs" Burke

The co-founder of Roc-A-Fella Records, Jay-Z's former record label, who suggested that Jay re-record new verses over the original "Dead Presidents" beat.

Nas

An American rapper whose song "The World Is Yours" was prominently sampled on the original version of "Dead Presidents."

A Tribe Called Quest

An American hip hop group whose drums were sampled on the original version of "Dead Presidents."

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What they’re saying

“He had the verse and it was actually my idea for him to just put it over the original verse. He would spit that verse a capella all the time, like we riding somewhere. I was like, 'Just put it on the same beat.'”

— Kareem 'Biggs' Burke, Roc-A-Fella co-founder (Billboard)

What’s next

Jay-Z has also added the umlaut back to his stage name, leading to speculation that a 30th anniversary re-issue of his debut album Reasonable Doubt could be in the works.

The takeaway

The release of the original version of "Dead Presidents" allows fans to hear the creative evolution of one of Jay-Z's most iconic early singles, highlighting the collaborative process behind the song's development and the lasting impact of his debut album Reasonable Doubt.