Bomfunk Mc's - Freestyler (Compare)
When you think of late-90s Euro-electro rap, “Freestyler” by Bomfunk MC’s is an instant throwback. Released in 1999, it dominated global charts and became an anthem for a generation entering the digital age. What many don’t know is that 20 years later, in 2019, Bomfunk MC’s released a remake of the Freestyler video, showcasing how technology and lifestyle had evolved while keeping the iconic energy alive.
Bomfunk MC's - Freestyler
Bomfunk MC's Freestyler - 1999 and 2019
Bomfunk MC's – Freestyler 2019
The original Freestyler clip, shot in Helsinki’s metro stations, features a teenage boy with bleached hair and a MiniDisc player, controlling time and space by scratching his music remote. The video embodied the late-90s:
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Baggy cargo pants, oversized hoodies, and Adidas sneakers.
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MiniDisc players and wired headphones as status symbols.
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Breakdancing culture merged with futuristic illusions.
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A raw, urban aesthetic representing underground hip-hop meeting electronic music.
The clip’s visual effect of freezing and rewinding time was revolutionary then, echoing the millennial excitement for digital possibilities.
Fast forward to 2019, Bomfunk MC’s celebrated the song’s 20th anniversary by launching a new version of the video. This time, it starred a new protagonist – the son of the original actor – carrying a smartphone instead of a MiniDisc, mirroring the shift in technology:
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Smartphones replaced MiniDiscs as the ultimate portable device.
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Sleek bomber jackets and modern streetwear replaced baggy Y2K styles.
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Wireless earbuds and social media culture featured subtly throughout.
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The same Helsinki metro stations now looked cleaner, redesigned, and tech-integrated.
While the music remained timeless, the visuals highlighted how urban life became more minimalistic yet digitally dependent, capturing two decades of rapid transformation.
Why Did They Do It?
The 2019 remake wasn’t just nostalgia bait. It was a statement:
“We’re still here, the beat goes on, and time changes everything – except music that makes you move.”
By reflecting societal and technological evolution, Bomfunk MC’s cemented Freestyler as a bridge between generations.
Freestyler – Timeless Groove
Whether you remember rewinding the song on your MiniDisc in 1999 or streaming it on Spotify in 2019, Freestyler remains a cultural milestone. It’s more than a song; it’s an experience of two different worlds connected by the same beat.