Released on 14/02/2000
Label: Def Jam 2000

The press release with this single informs us that Jay-Z, "cleverly uses the sample of 'I Do Anything…' from the classic novel / screenplay 'Oliver'." If "cleverly" were substituted for, say, "cynically", we'd have a rather more accurate statement. It's impossible to convey just how insulting this execrable nonsense is to hip-hop music. The press release winds-up by urging us: "baby, let's make this a top 5 hit." At least they recognise their audience.

    by James Poletti