Producer/singer Nick Nikon recently released his new EP underCOVERS earlier this month, featuring nostalgic old school cuts like Ja Rule’s “Put It On Me,” Justin Timberlake’s “Cry Me A River” by Justin Timberlake, and a more modern selection with Kendrick Lamar’s “Bitch Don’t Kill My Vibe”. Nikon’s musical style has always incorporated a bit of electronic sounds, and his cover of “Put It On Me” is no different. Ja’s single from 2000 has long been a personal favorite, mostly for the raspy sing-songy rap style that emcees continue to adopt. It clearly goes without saying that I was a bit wistful when I heard Nikon’s stripped down, smooth rendition of the Murder Inc. classic – mostly because I felt the urge to turn on the original and sing (yell) along. With production by Eric Dingus, Nikon provides laid-back vocals with hypnotizing reverb, and the video features the Toronto-based singer draped in silhouette, recording his cover and spray-painting his logo on his studio wall. It’s an entrancing jam, and Nick does a great job of revamping it and making it his own.