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I Can (Nas song)
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Wikipedia article
"'I Can'" is a single by American rapper Nas from his sixth album, 'God's Son'. It was released internationally February 11, 2003. Unlike the rest of the album, this does not have the Parental Advisory '(or Explicit and other labeling on digital stores)' label on the song, as it is aimed at children. The song peaked at #12 on the 'Billboard' Hot 100.
Composition
Boasting production from Salaam Remi, the song samples Ludwig van Beethoven's "Fr Elise" and the drum break from the Honey Drippers' "Impeach the President".[http://www.samplesdb.com/db/N/Nas SamplesDB - Nas's Tracks]
The lyrics are positive encouraging kids to stay drug-free and to pursue their dreams, pointing to examples of powerful icons in the African-American community like Oprah Winfrey. Conversely, Nas raps about a friend who was moving up in the music scene, only to fall victim to a debilitating drug addiction that took her career and her looks.
Music video
The music video, directed by Chris Robinson, was shot in Los Angeles, and contains footage of Nas rapping while children stand around him. The video starts out with the music from the introduction of "Get Down," but it soon transitions into "I Can." As the video starts, a young girl plays Beethoven on a piano in a vacant lot. Later in the video, children are jumping on a mattress in the same lot. The video also contains footage of break dancing and famous Egyptian structures.
Reception
The single received positive reviews. Christian Hoard of 'Rolling Stone' magazine labels "I Can" as "a silly stay-in-school ad attached to a Beethoven sample."Hoard, Christian. [https://www.rollingstone.com/music/albumreviews/gods-son-20021230 Review: 'God's Son']. 'Rolling Stone'. Retrieved on 2012-02-14. This comment may be attributed to the "singsongy" call and response chorus featuring the voices of young children.Kim, Serena. "[https://books.google.com/books?id=ziYEAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA135&dq=God%27s+Son+Vibe Review: 'God's Son']". 'Vibe': 135136. February 2003. Other reviewers appreciated "I Can" more: Jon Robinson of IGN.com claims that on his second single, "Nas delivers some of his most inspiring lyrics to date."
"I Can" charted in 2003 at #12 in 'Billboard' Hot 100, #7 on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Singles & Tracks, #6 on the Hot Rap Tracks and #58 on the Billboard Year-End Hot 100 singles of 2003. This is Nas's highest charting single as a lead artist to date.
Media usage
In 2019, the song was used by French life insurance company AXA which dedicates to all people who want to be when they can pursue their dreams. Tennis player Serena Williams is featured in this advert.
Track listing
# "I Can" (Clean Version) (4:13)
# "I Can" (Instrumental) (4:14)
# "I Can" (Acappella) (4:03)
Charts
Weekly charts
Year-end charts
References
Category:2003 singles
Category:Nas songs
Category:Music videos directed by Chris Robinson (director)
Category:Song recordings produced by Salaam Remi
Category:Songs written by Nas
Category:Songs about school
Category:Songs about drugs
Category:2002 songs
Category:Columbia Records singles
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