Chicago may be the most slept-on wellspring of talent in all of America. While they are more known for Air Jordan and Al Capone, Chicago is the land of Chaka and Kanye. Common, Lupe Fiasco and Jennifer Hudson represent that new breed and they’ve come together along with Chi-town production legend No.I.D. (under the Gatorade umbrella) for the track “We Can Do It Now” which will serve as the theme song for the Gatorade REPLAY series, which pits old sports rivals in reenactments of their old games for a shot at a different outcome.
The bluesy intro finds Hudson singing with force over a down home bassline and a staggered electric guitar. The intro gives way to a basic boom bap drum, paired with a military drum. Hudson is reintroduced on the breaks as long with background vocals and faint keys.
Lupe Fiascos verse hones in on history and the failed original moment and the quest for redemption and do over that is the essence of REPLAY. His verse makes continuous allegory to such struggles and the desire to write the wrongs of failing in the clutch, hitting that missed free throw, making that steal or delivering on those pivotal plays that can make you immortal or make you the goat.
Common’s verse is thrown off by his rear throated monotone delivery but he too refers to sports and the ability to redeem yourself. Basketball and Ali and visions of greatness bounce around his head along with the champagne popping of the victors while he attempts to forget his initial failure. He’s ready for his shot at redemption.
Both rappers stuck to the script and connected with the central theme without deviating off on tangent. Hudson delivered without overdoing it and the music, while not incredible was more than enough to convey a soulful spirit. “We Can Do It Now” is the sound of second chances. You’ll be able to get that the first time around.
Common X Lupe Fiasco X Jennifer Hudson X No.I.D-We Can Do It Now
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I Love Love Love this track!!! Jhud and Common is in rare form as always. These artist LOVE Chi Town.
Sick track! We pressed the 100 limited edition multi-colored vinyl sent to promote the launch of the show at Capsule Labs.