Published October 4, 2026
Knew Better Part 2 vs the Original
How the 2016 remix rebuilds the Dangerous Woman track — and the rap verse.
Part 2 isn't just a louder mix — it changes what the song is. Here's how the remix differs from the Dangerous Woman original.
The original: a medley
On the album, "Knew Better/Forever Boy" is a two-part medley — the "Knew Better" section flows into the softer "Forever Boy." It's intimate, mid-tempo R&B.
The remix: standalone and bigger
Part 2 (September 2016) isolates the "Knew Better" half and rebuilds it: bigger bass, upped tempo, club-ready energy. The chill core survives, but it now works on a dancefloor.
The rap verse
The biggest addition is Ariana's own rap verse after the 1:40 mark — playful, confident, and the part everyone remembers. The original has no rap section at all.
Which to play when
Original for late-night listening; Part 2 for energy. Both stream on Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube — search "Ariana Grande Knew Better." Read what the lyrics mean, or the song overview.