Chances are this song probably went largely unnoticed when it hit the net some five years ago. And given the soul sample heavy instrumental and Kanye lyrics, it’s probably easy to assume the song is even older than that. Over a half a decade ago, one of rap’s most unusual pairings saw Chicago’s budding megastar team up with one of the most respected street rappers ever for “Can’t Say No,” a charge for change record if there was one. 

‘Ye’s raps focused on the wheelings and dealings of those focuses to live life paycheck to paycheck while describing the living conditions in the war zone that is his hometown. Trick, on the other hand, has never been the one for vivid lyrical wordplay. Instead, his portrayal of putting food on the table and clothes on his kids back by any means necessary hit home just as much if not more than Kanye’s.

There’s that mutual contrast of styles which make the song work. And while Kanye’s too far gone as a living icon now, I wouldn’t mind hearing these two record more songs together. I can dream, right? It is Independence Day.

I’m not sure where this was supposed to land; some rumors say it was recorded during the Graduation era of Kanye’s career. Whatever the case may be, the song was maybe another hook from Kanye and/or Trick and a mastering session away from being something truly important. We need stuff like this on the radio more often.