Leona Lewis Mashes Up “Better In Time” With Rihanna’s “Man Down”

Robbie Daw | May 23, 2011 8:13 am

MTV News UK reports that 2006 X Factor winner Leona Lewis has been named as one of the performers at next year’s at BBC Radio One’s Hackney Weekend, to celebrate the Olympic Games coming to London. To get the word out, the “Bleeding Love” songstress hit up Radio One’s Live Lounge this morning, where she gave a performance of her own hit “Better In Time” mashed up with Billboard Music Award winner Rihanna’s new single “Man Down.” Lewis’ worldwide 2008 hit “Better In Time.” a J.R. Rotem-produced ballad in its original form, is turned into a rump-shaking dancehall jam here. We’re loving Leona’s upbeat-sounding makeover, since we’re so used to hearing her offer up slow numbers.

Of course, the British beauty isn’t the only artist smitten with RiRi’s “Man Down” — Lil Kim reworked the song recently for her Nicki Minaj-baiting mixtape Black Friday.

Do you think reggae is a good sound for Leona Lewis?