Like it’s 1999 all over again—Blondie is back with a sonic resurrection that’s equal parts gothic hip hop, punk ferocity, and classical drama. To mark the 26th anniversary of their genre-defying 1999 album No Exit, the band unveils a previously unreleased gem: “No Exit (Urban Version Main Mix)”, now officially part of the upcoming No Exit (Remastered & Expanded) deluxe edition.
This reimagined mix features a blistering lyrical face-off between Debbie Harry and the late Coolio, echoing the genre-blurring brilliance of Blondie’s 1981 classic “Rapture.” And if that weren’t enough, the verses from members of the Wu-Tang Clan—including U-God, Inspectah Deck, also Havoc and Prodigy of Mobb Deep—are exceptional in flow and rhyme, adding a razor-sharp edge to the track’s already genre-bending intensity.
And speaking of fearless—in a moment of pure “do what we want” energy, Blondie stunned the music industry by performing this very version of “No Exit” at the 1999 American Music Awards, bypassing their chart-topping comeback single “Maria.” The choice was bold, unexpected, and unforgettable—Blondie’s first American TV performance since 1982 became a standout moment for every viewer glued to the screen, witnessing punk royalty rewrite the rules in real time.
The newly officially uploaded music video for “No Exit (Urban Version Main Mix)” is finally here—and in much higher quality than the grainy clips that once circulated before being removed due to licensing agreements with the now-defunct Beyond Music (Allen Kovac’s shuttered label). While we would’ve loved a full 4K restoration, we can absolutely appreciate the crisp 1080p version now available to fans worldwide.
Shot right here in Historic Downtown Los Angeles at the opulent Los Angeles Theatre on Broadway, the video is a perfect 1999 fashion time capsule—from Debbie’s noir-glam styling to Coolio’s streetwise edge. And let’s not overlook the rock show extras, who are serving pure 1999 fashion with every glance, stomp, and stare. It’s a visual feast that captures the era’s eclectic energy.
We’ll take Blondie any which way—and we’re especially grateful to see Clem Burke looking so handsome in this visual time capsule. Rest in peace, legend.
No Exit (Urban Version Main Mix) is available now across digital platforms, with the full remastered reissue dropping October 31—digitally, on CD, and for the first time ever, on vinyl.
🎃 Pre-order the deluxe edition here: No Exit
