Kanye West, Nas and KRS-One – “Classic (Better Than I’ve Ever Been)”
Available on iTunes starting 2/20/07
Stream: [Windows] :: [Real]
Kanye West, Nas, KRS-One and Rakim – “Classic (Better Than I’ve Ever Been)” (DJ Premier Rmx)
Available on iTunes starting 2/20/07
Stream: [Windows] :: [Real]
Twenty-five years ago NIKE released the Air Force 1 to satisfy the demands of the most uncompromising and forceful players in the game of basketball. In 1982, the Air Force 1 became the first basketball shoe to feature NIKE Air technology. The comfort and protective qualities of the AF1 changed the game forever and created a platform that launched NIKE’s long-running legacy in performance basketball.
Embraced and revered by the basketball community the Air Force 1’s impact was felt way beyond its hard court roots. The shoe had something unique about it and was embraced as quickly off the court as it was on. The urban street culture that gave birth to this music scene is the same culture that has supported the Air Force 1 from its inception. In 2006, NIKE commemorated the Air Force 1’s 25th anniversary. As part of these celebrations, NIKE commissioned a stellar cast of artists to record an original track that pays homage to the perseverance of the AF1 and the community that has championed it.
That was an official press release touting this single. Luckily, Nike must have either forgotten about Nelly having already done a song about the Air Force 1, or maybe they just had the good judgment to exclude him from anything that would be used to try and encourage people to do anything but break something over their heads.
Instead, Nike recruited Nas, KRS-One, the second greatest lyricist of all time, and Kanye West who’d probably tell you he’s the greatest everything of all time. The track is produced by rock impresario Rick Rubin, who produced early Def Jam material, had a more recent hit with Jay-Z’s “99 Problems” and is apparently looking to do some more hip-hop work. It has the same rock influence as the Jay-Z track, just not as energetic. All three emcees spit very good verses, as they all should, and the track works pretty well, although it sounds a little too “We Will Rock You” for its own good.
As was probably expected, the Primo mix not only sons Rubin’s, but it also features the addition of the first greatest lyricist of all time. Honestly, Rakim needs to put out some new material sooner than later, because so many fans have no f*cking idea who he is outside of that one Truth Hurts song. Unlike the Rubin-produced track, the Primo beat—which sounds very much like a Primo beat—works a lot better with the group, and seems like a much more natural fit. It also sounds a lot less commercial for some odd reason.
Both tracks are pretty good, but if I had to choose between one, it would be the Primo remix. This song isn’t going to be saving hip-hop anytime soon, but it is a good track for something that was produced with the sole intent of shilling sneakers. Drop the two bucks and pick them both up, since the artists’ proceeds from the iTunes sales go to Nike youth charities.
Rating (Rubin mx): 
Rating (DJ Premier mx):
