“I’ll Be Around”: A Soul Classic Reborn for a New Era

“I’ll Be Around”: A Soul Classic Reborn for a New Era

Some songs never fade — they simply wait for the right moment to return.

In 1972, The Spinners were still searching for their defining hit when they signed with Atlantic Records. That moment arrived when legendary producer Thom Bell took the group into Sigma Sound Studios and crafted “I’ll Be Around.” The record became their first No. 1 on the U.S. R&B chart, held the top spot for five weeks, crossed over to No. 3 on the Pop chart, and sold more than one million copies. It wasn’t just a hit — it was a career-defining breakthrough.

More than 53 years later, “I’ll Be Around” has resurfaced in a new form.

Platinum producer Mike B recently reimagined the classic record with modern production, but before sending it to other established artists, he made a key decision — to send it to Houston hip-hop artist and producer Hardattak first. The response was immediate. Hardattak confirmed his interest on the spot, recognizing the opportunity to honor the song’s legacy while giving it new life.

Hardattak’s version blends Hip-Hop, Rap, and R&B, featuring his nephew Tim Stewart, whose vocals bring a fresh emotional layer to the record. Donald “YP The Great,” an original writer on the song, also plays a key role, contributing the melodic line, “If you need a feature or a hit sound, I’ll be around,” which ties the original spirit of the record to its modern interpretation.

HARDATTAK – Hip-Hop/Rap Recording Artist 

Song Title: Be Around

Songwriters: Hardattak, YP “The Great”, Tim Stewart

Music Produced By: Mike B

Courtesy of: Dynamyte records

Links to Release

Apple Music    Spotify    AmazonMP3     Deezer

The result is more than a remake — it’s a conversation between generations. Much like The Spinners once stood on the brink of a breakthrough, this reinterpretation reflects how timeless music continues to find relevance through new voices and perspectives.

From the soul era of the early ’70s to today’s Hip-Hop and R&B landscape, “I’ll Be Around” proves that true classics don’t age — they evolve.