Can I Kick It? Lyrics

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  • Type out all lyrics, even repeating song parts like the chorus
  • Lyrics should be broken down into individual lines
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  • If you don’t understand a lyric, use [?]

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About

Genius Annotation

“Can I Kick It?” was the third single from A Tribe Called Quest’s debut album People’s Instinctive Travels and the Paths of Rhythm.

The original version contains samples from Lou Reed’s 1972 classic “Walk on the Wild Side,” “Spinning Wheel” by Dr. Lonnie Smith and “Sunshower" by ‘70s pop group Dr. Buzzard’s Original Savannah Band. The numerous remixes sample everything from Baby Huey to Ian Dury.


Peep J Cole’s remix of this classic for the 25th anniversary of their debut album. The group also made their first television appearance together in over 15 years on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon.

Q&A

Find answers to frequently asked questions about the song and explore its deeper meaning

How was this song reviewed by critics?
Genius Answer

The single (which featured the b-side “If The Papes Come”) received 4 out of 5 “records” from The Source Magazine in their January 1991 issue. A 4 record rating is defined as: “Slammin'! definite satisfaction.”

Source Editor Rob “Reef” Tewlow wrote:

For those who sleep on the Tribe—get with the program! For those who have already followed their funky path of rhythm—the new single wins. This is the type of jam you only need to hear once and you’ll quickly realize it slams…Yet another dope single from one of the best albums of 1990.

How did they choose the sample?
Genius Answer

It was my idea to use ‘Walk on the Wild Side’ for ‘Can I Kick It?’ The shit that made it fly to me was the fact that hip-hop artists weren’t using Lou Reed [laughs]. But I didn’t really care. I never cared to fit into anyone’s box for what is popular.

— Q-Tip, Vibe, 2011

Credits
Performance Rights
Phonographic Copyright ℗
Mixing Engineer
Recorded At
Calliope Studios (Brooklyn, NY)
Release Date
April 17, 1990
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