I Can

Nas

About I Can

"I Can" is the second single from the Nas album, God's Son. It was released internationally February 11, 2003. Unlike most 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 was a huge hit, peaking at number 12 on the billboard hot 100.


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I know I can (I know I can) 
Be what I wanna be (be what I wanna be) 
If I work hard at it (If I work hard it)
I'll be where I wanna be (I'll be where I wanna be)

Be, B-Boys and girls, listen up 
You can be anything in the world, in God we trust
An architect, doctor, maybe an actress 
But nothing comes easy it takes much practice
Like, I met a woman who's becoming a star
She was very beautiful, leaving people in awe
Singing songs, Lina Horn, but the younger version
Hung with the wrong person
Gotta astrung when I heard when 
Cocaine, sniffing up drugs, all in her nose
Coulda died, so young, no looks ugly and old
No fun cause when she reaches for hugs people hold they breath
Cause she smells of corrosion and death 
Watch the company you keep and the crowd you bring
Cause they came to do drugs and you came to sing
So if you gonna be the best, I'ma tell you how

I know I can (I know I can) 
Be what I wanna be (be what I wanna be) 
If I work hard at it (If I work hard it)
I'll be where I wanna be (I'll be where I wanna be)

I know I can (I know I can) 
Be what I wanna be (be what I wanna be) 
If I work hard at it (If I work hard it)
I'll be where I wanna be (I'll be where I wanna be)

Be, B-Boys and girls, listen again
This is for grown looking girls who's only ten
The ones who watch videos and do what they see
As cute as can be, up in the club with fake ID
Careful, 'fore you meet a man with HIV
You can host the TV like Oprah Winfrey 
Whatever you decide, be careful, some men be
Rapists, so act your age, don't pretend to be 
Older than you are, give yourself time to grow
You thinking he can give you wealth, but so
Young boys, you can use a lot of help, you know
You thinkin life's all about smokin weed and ice
You don't wanna be my age and can't read and right
Begging different women for a place to sleep at night
Smart boys turn to men and do whatever they wish
If you believe you can achieve, then say it like this

I know I can (I know I can) 
Be what I wanna be (be what I wanna be) 
If I work hard at it (If I work hard it)
I'll be where I wanna be (I'll be where I wanna be)

I know I can (I know I can) 
Be what I wanna be (be what I wanna be) 
If I work hard at it (If I work hard it)
I'll be where I wanna be (I'll be where I wanna be)

Be, be, 'fore we came to this country 
We were kings and queens, never porch monkeys
It was empires in Africa called Kush 
Timbuktu, where every race came to get books
To learn from black teachers who taught Greeks and Romans
Asian Arabs and gave them gold when 
Gold was converted to money it all changed 
Money then became empowerment for Europeans
The Persian military invaded 
They learned about the gold, the teachings and everything sacred
Africa was almost robbed naked
Slavery was money, so they began making slave ships 
Egypt was the place that Alexander the Great went 
He was so shocked at the mountains with black faces
Shot up they nose to impose what basically 
Still goes on today, you see? 
If the truth is told, the youth can grow 
They learn to survive until they gain control 
Nobody says you have to be gangstas, hoes
Read more learn more, change the globe
Ghetto children, do your thing
Hold your head up, little man, you're a king
Young Prince that's when you get your wedding ring
Your man is saying "She's my queen"

I know I can (I know I can) 
Be what I wanna be (be what I wanna be) 
If I work hard at it (If I work hard it)
I'll be where I wanna be (I'll be where I wanna be)

I know I can (I know I can) 
Be what I wanna be (be what I wanna be) 
If I work hard at it (If I work hard it)
I'll be where I wanna be (I'll be where I wanna be)

Save the music y'all, save the music y'all
Save the music y'all, save the music y'all
Save the music

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Nas

Nasir bin Olu Dara Jones ( /nɑːˈsɪər/; born September 14, 1973), better known mononymously as Nas ( /ˈnɑːz/), is an American rapper and actor. He is also the son of jazz musician Olu Dara. Nas has released eight consecutive platinum and multi-platinum albums since 1994, four of which topped the Billboard charts upon release and has sold over thirteen-million records in the United States alone. Nas was also part of the hip hop supergroup The Firm, which released one album under Dr. Dre's record label Aftermath. Aside from rapping, Nas is also an occasional actor and has appeared in feature films such as Hype Williams' directorial debut Belly, Ticker and In Too Deep and the television show Hawaii Five-0. more »

4 fans

Written by: Nasir Jones, Roy C. Hammond, Salaam Remi

Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, ONErpm, Songtrust Ave, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


11 facts about this song

Album and Release
"I Can" is a single from rapper Nas's album "God's Son" which was released on April 8, 2003.
Song Theme
The song's theme is geared towards uplifting and encouraging young people. It seeks to inspire young black children to pursue their dreams and to be conscious of their history.
Music Sample
"I Can" samples the classical music piece "Für Elise" by Ludwig van Beethoven. This is one of the reasons why it stands out in the hip-hop genre.
Chart Performance
"I Can" peaked at number 12 on the Billboard Hot 100, making it Nas's second highest-charting single on this chart. It also reached number 7 on the UK Singles Chart.
Music Video
The music video for "I Can" features three different scenarios of children who are facing the challenges of growing up in difficult environments. It aims to portray a message about overcoming obstacles and achieving greatness.
Grammy Nomination
The song's impact lead to Nas receving a Grammy award nomination for Best Rap Solo Performance in 2003 but lost to Eminem's "Lose Yourself."
Lyric and Content
The lyrics of the song reference the struggles of the Black experience in America, Egyptian history, and African heritage.
Criticism
Although the song was a commercial success, it received criticism from some fans and critics who thought Nas was trying to commercialize his sound. There were also issues concerning his historical references, with some critics noting the use of revised historical details.
Collaborative Work
This song was produced by Salaam Remi, one of Nas’s frequent collaborators. Together, they have made many influential tracks in Hip-Hop history.
Social Impact
"I Can" is a fan favorite and is considered one of Nas's signature songs due to its positive and inspirational message. It is often used in motivational playlists and seminars.
Longevity
Even after nearly two decades since its release, "I Can" remains widely popular and continues to garner airplay on various radio stations.

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    I Can

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    Top Hot 100 Songs 2003

    Billboard #12


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