Ready or Not

About this song

The song was released as the follow-up to the group's chart-topping R&B hit "Killing Me Softly." Its chorus and bridge interpolate The Delfonics' 1968 hit "Ready or Not Here I Come (Can't Hide from Love)," and the beat is built around a sample from Enya's 1986 track "Boadicea." It was a minor Billboard success in the US, peaking at #69, while topping the UK pop chart. Barack Obama listed it as his favorite song while running for president in 2008. Its video, which featured helicopters, explosions and chase scenes, cost 1.3 million US dollars.

What it's about

The song is an ominous warning to wack MCs, delivered over a hip-hop take on a soul classic.

Fun facts

• Samples “Boadicea by Enya” and “Ready Or Not Here I Come (Can't Hide From Love) by The Delfonics”.
• Sampled in 77 other songs, like “WHERE THE FACTS by Noticuz”.
• Covered 4 times, including “Tu Parte by Nico Clinico (Ft. Kiko El Crazy)”.
• Written by Lauryn Hill, Pras, Wyclef Jean, Jerry Duplessis, Enya and Nicky Ryan.
• Produced by Pras, Jerry Duplessis, Lauryn Hill and Wyclef Jean.