Let's be clear. No one is touching Dorothy Dandridge and Harry Belafonte's performance in the 1954 Carmen Jones, but when MTV released Carmen: A Hip Hopera in 2001, I have to stand on business and say that it was one of the best remakes of my time.
![Harry Belafonte in military uniform and Dorothy Dandridge in a sleeveless dress sitting in a vehicle. Dandridge leans on Belafonte's shoulder, both smiling](https://cdn.statically.io/img/img.buzzfeed.com/buzzfeed-static/static/2024-06/27/2/asset/a99472613e69/sub-buzz-2096-1719454581-1.jpg?downsize=700%3A%2A&output-quality=auto&output-format=auto)
Mixing hip-hop with the classic opera was genius. And I realize remaking a remake will ruffle some feathers, but hear me out first.
![Beyoncé in a glamorous dress with a flower accessory sits next to Mekhi Phifer in a police uniform at a casino-like setting](https://cdn.statically.io/img/img.buzzfeed.com/buzzfeed-static/static/2024-06/27/2/asset/ed4e54285142/sub-buzz-474-1719454646-1.jpg?downsize=700%3A%2A&output-quality=auto&output-format=auto)