: Keri Hilson provides the melodic hook, adding a commercial appeal that helped the song gain traction on mainstream radio and music charts like BET's Notarized. Lyrical Themes and Controversy
: Directed by Taj Stansberry , the music video features a high-budget aesthetic, including an appearance by an Audi R8 and a cinematic storyline. Nas Ft Keri Hilson
: The lyrics contain sharp commentary, including a frequently debated line where he mentions rock icons like Bob Dylan, Bruce Springsteen, and Billy Joel , questioning if they could truly "sing what's in their soul" in the same way he felt compelled to do. : Keri Hilson provides the melodic hook, adding
: Nas uses the verses to position himself as a "rebel," specifically addressing the censorship and pushback he faced from his label and retail outlets regarding his album's title. : Nas uses the verses to position himself
: The track reached a wider audience through its inclusion in the video game Midnight Club: Los Angeles and was used in promotional commercials for the film Batman Begins .