nas - i can

i don't think this is nearly as bad as missy says, even if it is plagued by nas lamer disease, making dudes cringe since 1991 - but thats just the way he is, the bargain you have to accept to get something from his occasional top drawer performances. i like the way he gravelizes and ages his voice here, it gives a bit of character distance to his preaching, perhaps making it more playful and fun than it otherwise would have been for people who don't like to be relentlessly talked at. if you haven't sung along with the kids in the chorus you are missing out!

having said that, there was another, far superior record using the same classic drum break as "i can" on the radio today which put nas to shame: it was "heaven is a halfpipe" and it made my day.