TikTok Resurrects Madonna's 1998 'Frozen'
Internet

TikTok Resurrects Madonna's 1998 'Frozen'

by Kenna McCafferty

Madonna’s 1998 hit "Frozen" emerged from its cryogenic chamber stronger today with a remix by Sickick and a feature from Fireboy DML. Not one to half-ass things, Madonna one-upped herself, turning a cult classic into an instant hit, along with a captivating music video reimagining the groundbreaking 1998 video.

The song was revived in the cultural zeitgeist by Sickick, who remixed it on TikTok almost a year ago. Over time, the clock app took hold and launched the sound to a viral sensation perfect for thirst traps, cooking videos and a hair-pulling challenge.

The song was released in December 2021, climbing he dance/ electronic charts, but in more genre-bending madness, Madonna and Sickick joined forces to recruit Afrobeats star Fireboy DML for a verse. Spanning genres, generations, countries and continents, the song's popularity is a testament to Gen Z and TikTok’s strong influence over the music industry.

@sickickmusic frozen sickmix - always wanted to do this one!! 😷🔥 @madonna ♬ Frozen sickmix - Sickickmusic

Madonna’s career has continued far beyond 1998, and this reach into the past is a perfect example of what’s kept her relevant. In 1998, "Frozen" and its visuals were just as innovative as the current remixed music video.

In the video, released yesterday, Madonna references the 1998 music video with projected skyscapes, deserts and ravens, all while embodying the same ice-queen energy of the original; Fireboy’s orange-hued visuals bring the heat, making for the perfect combination of Fire & Ice.

While Madonna’s new and old works have remained relevant, the remix reminds us that you don’t have to make “new” music to innovate. The new pool of music-listeners is not only palatable, but hungry for remixes.

The new releases come alongside another foray into Madonna’s past as she recruits a cast for her upcoming biopic. If the Frozen ft Fireboy DML Sickick Remix – say that three times fast – is any indicator, the story of her career isn’t ending any time soon.

Photo via Getty/ Ezra Shaw