Beyoncé’s newly released 20th anniversary deluxe edition of her B’Day album packs 31 tracks, including several previously unheard gems. But one song is getting more attention than the rest: a new version of “Irreplaceable” featuring previously released vocals from Selena.
Titled “Irreemplazable (Como La Flor),” the track was approved by the estate of the late “Queen of Tejano Music.” As its title suggests, it samples Selena’s 1992 hit “Como La Flor.”
A press release seen by Variety says Queen Bey “revered Selena… and remembers listening to her on the radio in Houston.” It also credits the late singer with inspiring Beyoncé’s 2007 Spanish-language EP, which featured a different version of “Irreplaceable” that did not sample Selena.
Selena’s widower, Chris Perez, took to Instagram to announce the remix and address the pushback from disappointed Selena fans in the comments.
“Some of you can be a bit much at times,” he wrote. “I understand your opinion. BUT, you’re used to hearing the original version of Como La Flor performed by the original, baddest, most iconic singer/performer…Selena. In my opinion, nobody will ever, CAN ever, top Selena’s performance. But, dammit…can’t you just appreciate that another iconic/amazing artist (Beyoncé) chose to highlight Selena in this way? ESPECIALLY in today’s musical climate?”
You can listen to “Irreemplazable (Como La Flor)” by pushing play on the video above.
