Can It Be All So Simple
Encyclopedia
"Can It Be All So Simple" is the third and final single on Wu-Tang Clan
's critically acclaimed debut album Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers)
. It features production from RZA (credited as Prince Rakeem) that samples Gladys Knight & the Pips
' cover of "The Way We Were
". The song reached number nine on the Hot Dance Music/Maxi-Singles Sales chart, number twenty four on the Hot Rap Tracks
chart and number eighty two on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Singles & Tracks chart.
"Can It Be All So Simple" features rapping from Ghostface Killah
and Raekwon
. Its lyrics deal with a glorified mafioso lifestyle. In the song, Raekwon and Ghostface discuss the hardships of growing up in New York City during the 80's, and how they want to live a lavish and famous lifestyle to escape the hardships of life. The music video was directed by Hype Williams
, with images similar to the song's content and a cameo by MC Eiht
.
A remix, with new lyrics can be found on Raekwon's debut album Only Built 4 Cuban Linx...
. Lauryn Hill's "Ex-Factor" uses the break beat from "Can It Be All So Simple".
Wu-Tang Clan
The Wu-Tang Clan is a hip-hop group from Staten Island that consists of RZA, GZA, Method Man, Raekwon, Ghostface Killah, Inspectah Deck, U-God, Masta Killa, and the late Ol' Dirty Bastard. They are frequently joined by fellow childhood friend Cappadonna, a quasi member of the group...
's critically acclaimed debut album Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers)
Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers)
Enter the Wu-Tang is the debut album of American hip hop group Wu-Tang Clan, released November 9, 1993, on Loud Records and distributed through RCA Records. Recording sessions for the album took place during 1992 to 1993 at Firehouse Studio in New York City, and it was mastered at The Hit Factory...
. It features production from RZA (credited as Prince Rakeem) that samples Gladys Knight & the Pips
Gladys Knight & the Pips
Gladys Knight & The Pips were an R&B/soul family musical act from Atlanta, Georgia, active from 1953 to 1989. The group was best known for their string of hit singles on Motown's "Soul" record label and Buddah Records from 1967 to 1975, including "I Heard It Through the Grapevine" and "Midnight...
' cover of "The Way We Were
The Way We Were (song)
"The Way We Were" is the title song to the 1973 movie The Way We Were, starring Barbra Streisand and Robert Redford. The song was written by Alan Bergman and Marilyn Bergman, scored by Marvin Hamlisch and performed by Streisand...
". The song reached number nine on the Hot Dance Music/Maxi-Singles Sales chart, number twenty four on the Hot Rap Tracks
Hot Rap Tracks
Rap Songs is a chart released weekly by Billboard in the United States. It lists the 25 most popular hip-hop/rap songs, calculated weekly by airplay on rhythmic and urban radio stations and sales in hip hop-focused or exclusive markets. From 1989 through 2001, it was based on how much the single...
chart and number eighty two on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Singles & Tracks chart.
"Can It Be All So Simple" features rapping from Ghostface Killah
Ghostface Killah
Dennis Coles , better known by his stage name Ghostface Killah, is an American rapper and prominent member of the Wu-Tang Clan. After the group achieved breakthrough success in the aftermath of Enter the Wu-Tang , the members went on to pursue solo careers to varying levels of success...
and Raekwon
Raekwon
Corey Woods , better known by the stage name Raekwon, is an American rapper and a member of the Wu-Tang Clan. He released his solo debut, Only Built 4 Cuban Linx... in 1995, and has since recorded four solo albums, as well as work with Wu-Tang and an extensive amount of guest contributions with...
. Its lyrics deal with a glorified mafioso lifestyle. In the song, Raekwon and Ghostface discuss the hardships of growing up in New York City during the 80's, and how they want to live a lavish and famous lifestyle to escape the hardships of life. The music video was directed by Hype Williams
Hype Williams
Harold "Hype" Williams , previously known as HYPE, is an American music video and film director of African-American and Honduran descent. His nickname "Hype" comes from his hyperactive nature as a child....
, with images similar to the song's content and a cameo by MC Eiht
MC Eiht
Aaron Tyler , better known by his stage name MC Eiht, is an American rapper. His stage name was partly inspired by the numeral in KRS-One's name. He chose Eiht for its links to "hood culture", including 8Ball and .38 caliber firearms...
.
A remix, with new lyrics can be found on Raekwon's debut album Only Built 4 Cuban Linx...
Only Built 4 Cuban Linx...
Only Built 4 Cuban Linx... is the solo debut album of American rapper and Wu-Tang Clan member Raekwon, released August 1, 1995, on Loud Records in the United States...
. Lauryn Hill's "Ex-Factor" uses the break beat from "Can It Be All So Simple".
Original
- Intro: RZARZARobert Fitzgerald Diggs, better known by his stage name RZA , is an American Grammy-winning music producer, multi-instrumentalist, author, emcee, and occasional actor, director, and screenwriter. A prominent figure in Hip Hop, RZA is the de facto leader of the Wu-Tang Clan. He has produced almost...
and RaekwonRaekwonCorey Woods , better known by the stage name Raekwon, is an American rapper and a member of the Wu-Tang Clan. He released his solo debut, Only Built 4 Cuban Linx... in 1995, and has since recorded four solo albums, as well as work with Wu-Tang and an extensive amount of guest contributions with... - First verse: Raekwon
- Chorus: Raekwon and Ghostface KillahGhostface KillahDennis Coles , better known by his stage name Ghostface Killah, is an American rapper and prominent member of the Wu-Tang Clan. After the group achieved breakthrough success in the aftermath of Enter the Wu-Tang , the members went on to pursue solo careers to varying levels of success...
- Chorus: Raekwon and Ghostface Killah
- Second verse: Ghostface Killah
Remix
- Intro: Raekwon and Ghostface Killah
- First verse: Ghostface Killah
- Chorus: Raekwon and Ghostface Killah
- Second verse: Raekwon
- Outro: Raekwon and Ghostface Killah
A-side
- "Can It Be All Be So Simple" (Radio Edit) (4:19)
- "Can It Be All So Simple" (Album Version) (4:43)
- "Can It Be All So Simple" (Instrumental) (5:03)
B-side
- "Wu-Tang Clan Ain't Nuthing ta F' Wit" (Radio Edit) (3:36)
- "Wu-Tang Clan Ain't Nuthing ta F' Wit" (Album Version) (3:36)
- "Wu-Tang Clan Ain't Nuthing ta F' Wit" (Instrumental) (3:31)