"Classic (Better Than I've Ever Been)," a collaboration between Kanye West, Nas, and KRS-One, is a powerful tribute to the enduring legacy and impact of artists in the music industry. Released by Nike Records on February 20, 2007, and produced by the renowned Rick Rubin and DJ Premier, this track not only celebrates artistic perseverance but also marks a significant moment in hip-hop history, being performed live at Nike's Air Force Ones 25th anniversary and featured on MTV2.
The song commences with a reflective verse by Kanye West, where he ponders the essence of achieving legendary status in the music industry. His lyric, "What do it take to be a legend like Nas is? That's so novice, I'm so polished," captures the relentless pursuit of greatness and acknowledges the unparalleled dedication and skill required to reach such an esteemed level.
The importance of "Classic (Better Than I've Ever Been)" is further highlighted in its remix, "Better Than I've Ever Been DJ Premier Remix," featuring Rakim alongside the original artists. This remix, showcasing DJ Premier's iconic scratches, earned critical acclaim and a nomination for Best Rap Collaboration at the 50th Grammy Awards in 2008.
A significant facet of the song is its philanthropic aspect, with proceeds directed towards youth leadership programs via the Force4Change Fund. This gesture underlines the artists' commitment to community upliftment and nurturing future leaders.
The song, however, is frequently misinterpreted as a DJ Premier track, excluding Kanye West. This misconception arose from a popular YouTube music video upload crediting DJ Premier as the artist and omitting Kanye's opening verse. The video was, in fact, for the DJ Premier Remix.
In essence, "Classic (Better Than I've Ever Been)" is a profound exploration of the concept of greatness in the music industry, brought to life through the collaborative genius of some of hip-hop's most influential figures. The song is a testament to the lasting influence of these artists and their dedication to fostering emerging talent and leadership in younger generations.
