Was it really 15 years ago that I heard this smash hit from Nas’s Platinum selling album ‘God’s Son’. Featuring production from Eminem, Salaam Remi and Alchemist ‘God’s Son’, the album was partly inspired by the passing of his mother and his then feud with Jay-Z.

‘I Can’ is the perfect inspiration anthem. With the perfect sampling of Ludwig Van Beethoven’s ‘Fur Elise’ and The Honey Drippers ‘Impeach the President’, ‘I Can’ empowered the youth with it’s positive lyrics which encouraged them to follow their dreams, stay drug free and stay on the right side of the law. It also vitally provided a form of edutainment as not only was the beat infectious but the song also acted as a lyrical lesson breaking down key details of African History.

It really is impossible for me to skip this track once it begins to play. You can’t help but feel motivated and encouraged after hearing this song. Overall ‘God’s Son’ was a phenomenal album with multiple standout tracks but ‘I Can’ really does stand the test of time.

 

Follow Nas on

 

 

W| By Sasha Shantel