Papa Jay and G Herbo Drop "Work Dat (Remix)"

Papa Jay has released "Work Dat (Remix)," a new version of his summer single featuring Chicago rapper G Herbo, out now on all streaming platforms via Epic Records. The original "Work Dat" dropped earlier this summer; this remix adds a verse from G Herbo to the track's 808-driven R&B production.

Both artists are Chicago natives, and according to the press release, the track pays homage to Chicago's jookin' culture alongside its contemporary R&B sound. Papa Jay handles the melodic side while G Herbo brings what the release describes as "gritty delivery and commanding presence."

Who Is Papa Jay and What Is "Work Dat"

Papa Jay is a Chicago-born R&B singer, songwriter, and actor who signed with Epic Records earlier in 2026 after working his way through the independent R&B circuit. "Work Dat" was his introduction to a wider audience, built around booming 808s and what the release calls a "party-starting instrumental." The remix is the first major feature the track has received.

Beyond music, Papa Jay has a growing acting resume. His screen credits include a recurring role on the Hulu series Reasonable Doubt, a role in Netflix's The Madness alongside Colman Domingo, and an appearance in Creed III starring Michael B. Jordan. The release notes he has been performing since age three.

A debut studio album from Papa Jay is in the works, according to the press release, though no title or release date has been confirmed.

Who Is G Herbo and Why He Is on the Remix

G Herbo, born Herbert Randall Wright III, is a rapper from Chicago's South Side who has been releasing music since 2012. He built his name in the drill scene with projects including Humble Beast (2017) and PTSD (2020), the latter of which charted on the Billboard 200. He is one of the more established names to come out of Chicago rap in the past decade, which gives "Work Dat (Remix)" a co-sign that carries real weight in that market.

The pairing of Papa Jay's R&B approach with G Herbo's rap verse follows a pattern that has worked well for R&B artists looking to expand their audience into hip-hop spaces, and for Chicago artists specifically, leaning into shared regional identity tends to resonate with listeners in that city and beyond.

Where to Stream and What Comes Next

"Work Dat (Remix)" is available now on Spotify, Apple Music, and all major streaming platforms. The original "Work Dat" is also streaming across those same platforms under Epic Records.

No tour dates or live appearances have been announced in connection with the remix. Papa Jay's debut album does not have a release date yet, but the label describes it as in progress.

The press release was sent from Epic Records Media Relations in Chicago. The contact for press inquiries is Ayanna Wilks at ayanna.wilks@epicrecords.com. Photo credit for promotional images goes to Kayla Walker.

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For independent artists, the path Papa Jay took is worth studying. He spent years in the independent R&B space building a catalog and developing his identity across both music and acting before landing a major label deal. The remix strategy here is also straightforward and effective: release an original single to establish the sound, then bring in a well-known collaborator to expand the audience and give the track a second moment. If you are sitting on a single that performed modestly on its own, a remix with the right feature can reset the clock on it.

If you are an independent artist working on your own release strategy, you can [submit your music or project to Something Dope For The People](/submit) to get it in front of the LA independent music community. And if you want to stay up on local shows and events where artists like this might appear, check the [events calendar](/events).