DJ Premier and Samara Cyn – Can I Kick It?

DJ Premier and Samara Cyn’s reimagining of A Tribe Called Quest’s classic “Can I Kick It?” arrives with a difficult challenge from the start. The original is one of hip hop’s most beloved records, built around an instantly recognizable Lou Reed sample and a hook that has transcended generations. Rather than attempting to recreate Tribe’s laid-back chemistry, this version was created for Major League Soccer’s massive “Thanks World, We’ll Take It From Here” campaign, making it less of a traditional cover and more of a promotional anthem designed to connect hip hop culture with the sport’s growing American audience. The title of the track makes it a natural fit for a Soccer promo vehicle.

Premier wisely keeps enough of the original DNA intact for listeners to immediately recognize the source material. The familiar sample remains front and center, although the production is updated with a crisper – I’d argue too crisp – more modern presentation and a faster-moving energy aimed at stadiums and television broadcasts. This version is missing a lot of the warmth of the version we’re used to. As expected, Premier’s craftsmanship is undeniable but at the same time, the track raises an unavoidable question: did “Can I Kick It?” really need a new version in the first place?

That question becomes even more relevant when Samara Cyn steps into the spotlight. Cyn has earned considerable praise over the past few years for her genre-blending approach, distinctive songwriting, and growing catalog of critically acclaimed releases. Here, however, her airy vocal delivery feels somewhat disconnected from the track’s foundation. Instead of settling naturally into the groove, her voice often seems to float above the production. The performance is technically solid, but the chemistry between vocal and beat never fully locks in the way the original record did.

Ultimately, this version succeeds more as a marketing vehicle than as a reinterpretation of a hip hop classic. Premier deserves credit for treating the source material with respect, even consulting Q-Tip before moving forward with the project. The result is a professional and listenable update that introduces “Can I Kick It?” to a new audience while serving MLS’s campaign goals. Whether longtime hip hop fans will find themselves returning to it is another matter. The original remains untouchable, and while this cover offers an interesting variation on a familiar theme, it never quite makes a compelling case for replacing what was already a near-perfect record.