"Knew Better Part 2" is Ariana Grande's 2016 remix of "Knew Better," extending the Dangerous Woman album track into a bigger, club-ready record. Released in September 2016, it keeps the original's cool R&B core but adds heavier bass, a faster tempo — and a surprise rap verse from Ariana herself.
What the song is about
It's a kiss-off to an ex who keeps trying to win her back: "if you knew better, boy, you would do better." She sees through the act ("I see right through you, boy"), refuses the apology tour, and pivots to someone new who treats her right. The rap section flips the tone from wounded to triumphant — new hair, new shoes, new boo.
The remix difference
Part 2 stretches the first half of the original medley into a full track, moving from bedroom R&B into EDM territory while keeping the chill feeling. The rap verse — with its Mac Miller-era cadence, recorded around the time they were dating — is the remix's signature moment. Read the full meaning breakdown.
Where to listen
Stream it on Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube, and other licensed platforms — search "Ariana Grande Knew Better Part 2." We don't reproduce full lyrics here; licensed lyrics sites and the platforms themselves have them. See how Part 2 compares to the original.
Fan guide — not affiliated with Ariana Grande or Republic Records.
Omar Farooq
Original Post
Always thought this was just a fun track, but the meaning breakdown made me appreciate the kiss-off lyrics more.
The Part 2 vs original breakdown is great. The added rap verse completely changes the energy of the track.