Blu Cantrell vs. Carolina Chocolate Drops - Hit 'Em Up Style (Oops!)

"Hit 'Em Up Style (Oops!)" was Blu Cantrell's 2001 debut single, and what a debut single it was. Written and produced by Dallas Austin, it's still Cantrell's biggest hit by a long shot, a funky, elegant take on the good old-fashioned theme of female payback.

Then there's the amazing cover version by decidedly rusty string band Carolina Chocolate Drops, lifted from their 2010 album Genuine Negro Jig. Amazing stuff, as funky as the original in most respects, not least because of singer Rhiannon Giddens' impressive voice.

It's hard to say which version is the best one. I think they're both incredible.

Blu Cantrell version

Carolina Chocolate Drops version