I Can (Nas song) explained

I Can
Cover:Nasican.jpg
Type:single
Artist:Nas
Album:God's Son
Released:February 11, 2003
Recorded:2002
Length:4:13
Producer:Salaam Remi
Prev Title:Thugz Mansion
Prev Year:2002
Next Title:Get Down
Next Year:2003

"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 "Für Elise" and the drum break from the Honey Drippers' "Impeach the President".[1]

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."[2] This comment may be attributed to the "singsongy" call and response chorus featuring the voices of young children.[3] 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."[4]

"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.[5] 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

  1. "I Can" (Clean Version) (4:13)
  2. "I Can" (Instrumental) (4:14)
  3. "I Can" (Acappella) (4:03)

Charts

Weekly charts

Chart (2003)Peak
position
Canada (Nielsen SoundScan)[6] 39
Netherlands (Dutch Top 40 Tipparade)[7] 2

Year-end charts

Notes and References

  1. http://www.samplesdb.com/db/N/Nas SamplesDB - Nas's Tracks
  2. Hoard, Christian. Review: God's Son . Rolling Stone. Retrieved on 2012-02-14.
  3. Kim, Serena. "Review: God's Son". Vibe: 135–136. February 2003.
  4. Web site: Robinson . Jon . God's Son review at IGN . February 3, 2007 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20071015153533/http://music.ign.com/articles/400/400442p1.html . October 15, 2007 .
  5. Web site: [{{Allmusic|class=artist|id=p44732/charts-awards/billboard-singles|pure_url=yes}} Nas' Billboard singles chart positions at Allmusic ]. January 17, 2007 .
  6. Web site: https://web.archive.org/web/20030521022156/http://www.winnipegsun.com/JamMusicCharts/SINGLES.html. May 21, 2003. Top 50 Singles. Jam!. May 11, 2024.
  7. Web site: Tipparade-lijst van week 17, 2003. dutch. Dutch Top 40. March 18, 2023.
  8. 2003 Year End Charts – The Billboard Hot 100 Singles & Tracks. Billboard. Prometheus Global Media. January 3, 2012.