Kanye, Nas, Rakim, KRS - Classic
Better Than I've Ever Been (Produced by Rick Rubin)
Classic (Better Than I've Ever Been Remix) (prod. by DJ Premier)
(Audios are in windows media)
Some would argue that Kanye's presence here is a tabboo, and that's not an illegitimate argument. However, Ye's inclusion subtly opens and shuts the generational gap that would exist if, say, Jeru Tha Damaja were to take his place. All three "golden" eras of hip-hop are well-represented here: Ra & KRS (circa '88), Nas (circa 93'), Kanye (circa '98)...you get the point. I like all four verses equally, but Nas' raps should be locked in a jail for this.
Good to see KRS "I'll jump over the table and whoop yo ass" One back better than he's ever been.
Go read Renato's review on the song.
(Update: Hope you enjoyed the mp3s. You can purchase the tracks on Feb. 20th via iTunes. Proceeds will go to the "NIKE Youth Sport for Change Fund" to assist youth programs that use sport as a catalyst for change. Now, go out there and support a good cause. )