If you want to learn more about Rakim be sure to; check out youtube for tracks such as "The Mystery, Follow the Leader and After you Die." Also, if you are into probing music videos for occult references also be sure to check out his video for "Guess who's back."
You're right: Rakim is the greatest MC of all time - you don't get the title "God MC" because of luck or charity or selling-out. You get it for consistency, impeccable ryhme skills and legendary status. You all realise, of course, that Kane and Rakim are good friends and that Kane has conceded that Rakim is "from another planet altogether." Love Kane, dope brother. But Rakim...man, it gets no doper!
Funny how Pac is mentioned on here in the same breath as Rakim. Lyrically it's not even close. Rakim was/is an assassin. Pac had a song called "Old School" talking about growing up in NY looking up to Rakim and how he wouldn't be who he was if dudes like Ra didn't pave the way.
TUPAC SMASHING RAKIM-HMMM-I LIKELY DOUBT THAT-TUPAC WAS NICE AND HIS RHYMES WERE DOPE BUT RAKIM RHYMES WERE JUST AS DEEP AND HIS WORDPLAY WAS SICK!!IN ONE VIDEO TUPAC CLAIMS HE WOULD HAVE SMASHED RAKIM,KANE AND LL IN A BATTLE-LL COOL J WOULD HAVE TORN INTO TUPAC-HELL I CAN GO SO FAR AS TO SAY TUPAC COULD NOT EVEN BEAT KOOL MOE DEE AND MOE DEE IS A BATTLE TECHNICIAN-THATS THE DUDE WHO HELPED GIVE BIRTH TO THE BATTLE RAPS GENRE.SO ALL U TUPAC FANS CALM DOWN-TUPAC IS NICE BUT HE NEVER GOT TESTED.
#1 all-time! People on here talking crazy check this dudes flow and delivery he originated the techniques artist use today, before him they rhymed like DMC..no MC can touch him they don't disrespect this dude cuz lyrically he will destroy them. Look at his substance of work, its not even debateable: Rakim hands down all day like he said follow the leader!
@jason60152 i see n respect your selection but if you ask anyone of those dudes u named,they'll tell u Rakim is better.so the teacher will remain and students stay learnin.chain of command homie!
@rifdaddy7676 So that is like saying that Julius Erving is better than Jordan because Dr. J influenced Jordan.Fuck no!!! So you saying that when Nas retire he doesn't have a chance of being better than Rakim? 2 Pac even said that he was influenced by Rakim but he mastered his style.2 Pac isn't my favorite of all time but 2 Pac is the greatest of all time even though he died in his prime.Nas is more lyrical than 2 Pac but I don't think he is better even though I like him better.
@jason60152 stop chating shit 2pac can destroy any of these fake ass niggas, 2pac just didnt get chaance to diss these rappers cause there all were bunch of snakes nd pussys that time
@jason60152 No disrepect intended, but 2 Pac is not in the same league - lyrically speaking - as Rakim. 2 Pac was a modern day poet for sure who rhymed from the heart about his life struggles and he did that well. He excelled because he used everyday language which many could relate to easily. Real talk though, Rakim's flow was scientific. It takes great skill to make a verse phonetically match perfectly to a beat and for it to have great substance at the same time. Rakim Allah!
@7Know7Thy7Enemy7 "With all this extra stressin The question I wonder is after death after my last breath When will I finaly get to rest, Through this oppression they punish the people thats askin questions And those that possess, steal from the ones without possesions The message I stress: to make it stop, study your lessons Don't settle for less, even the genius asks questions Be grateful for blessings Don't ever change, keep your essence The power is in the people and politics we address..
@jason60152 No disrepect intended, but 2 Pac is not in the same league - lyrically speaking - as Rakim. 2 Pac was a modern day poet for sure who rhymed from the heart about his life struggles and he did that well. He excelled because he used everyday language which many could relate to easily. Real talk though, Rakim's flow was scientific. It takes great skill to make a verse phonetically match perfectly to a beat and for it to have great substance at the same time. Rakim Allah!
@rifdaddy7676 Rakim isn't even in the top 10.I can name 10 rappers better than Rakim.People like Nas,Eminem,Cormega,Tragedy Khadafi,and a couple others are more lyrical than Rakim.
@Roffawarrior yeah ur right but em doesnt contradict himself like rakim, rakim ryhms are good but there's lot of song he brings 5 parcenters culture in his song nd which just sound so stupid. to be honest i aint no em fans but rakim was one of my top rappers nd now i realise affter reading his lyrics its not worth it. 2pac nd lowkey all day these 2 rappers i listen to most of the time
@jason60152 you gonna disrespect a legend like that and not even put him in the top 10 when he is without a doubt probably the greatest? to which you didnt even have Kane or Kool G Rap up there? dude come on...you sound like you never even heard Rakim spit on the mic...especially when Rakim influenced many of the artists you just named. not saying they are bad but come on, Rakim deserves to be way up there.
@nickbbbbbbbb I respect Rakim but he was before my time.You probaly grew up listening to Rakim.I grew up off Nas and Mobb Deep.Nas mastered Rakim's style and made the music more enjoyable.
@jason60152 I was actually born in the 90's, I just have a great love and respect for these artists because they are pioneers and legends, ok my bad, I didnt mean anything bad by it and that makes sense since you also grew up around Nas and Mobb Deep. As long as you give Rakim the respect and credit he deserves its all good.
@honeegrrl, actually Rakim was suppose to be in the BET cypher in 2009 with Mos Def, Black Thought, and Eminem. But he was involved in a accident that prevented him from doing it. It would be nice for BET to do a cypher with Rakim, Kane, and G Rap with Primo on the tables. Now that would be classic!!
Rakim was awarded the Title God MC..what award can trump this? Yeah, it would have been the right thing to do to give Rakim his dues, but all REAL Hip-Hop heads know that this brother is incomparable, just off-the-ropes DOPE!!!!!
@callumbrowns: I have always maintained that, too - until of late! When you revisit Rakim's battle-styled joints - those that are spiked with multiple metaphores and internal rhyme schemes - it's clear that while Kane is a dope brother, Rakim's ageless jams just eclipse all who step! BDK is certainly in the top three, so don't get me wrong...it's just that Rakim's skillz have now become surgically sharp; he doesn't just spit on a track, he burns it up - every time. Punchlines are just superior!
Those not in the game; those who are side-line listeners, fans, etc, are ignorant of what the term "battle rapping" means! Most of these "battles" were done on wax. BDK has already conceded that Rakim's "Let The Rythm Hit "Em" is beyond reproach. Now, Rakim DID street battle in Queens back in the day, and brothers like GZA, Sermon, KRS-One agree that cats feared Rakim! The brother is lethal, not to be messed with, and he's still going hard. "God MC" is not a title, it's THE title!!!!
just dnt find rappers like this anymore still get goose bumps from the beat let the rhythm hit em thats when rap was rap boyyyyyy just to go back in time
@h00may841 Mega is my fav, I think he is the most consistant rapper out there his albums NEVER have flopped, tho the sales are down I never heard a rapper as consistent as him, I listen to Freddie gibbs, hopsin, and orlthers and cormega is in top 15 mc's all time, sales or not
Jay Z is a puppet of the Illuminati, thats the only reason he's relevant. Rakim and dudes of his era are real MC's Illuminati has ruined the game and now hip hop is garbage.
Rakim and Big Daddy Kane are still turning up the heat - these brothers are surgically sharp; seen both live recently and they're just pure swag! And to be honest, if I could have only two MC's to flood my ear and brain-waves- and only two- it would be Rakim and Big Daddy Kane. Particularly brother Rakim: I mean he's doing guest spots on German rap albums and they're fucking off-the-rope dope! I got a feeling Ra's gonna bring it 2012! There's talk about Premo..can't wait!
Kane vs Rakim would have been the best battle in Hip Hop history....... im so happy it didnt happen! does anyone know what the song Kane did that Rakim THOUGHT Kane dissed him in?
@bluescousa On "I Know You Got Soul" Rakim said 'you keep repeating you miss/the rhymes from the microphone soloist.' Then on "Set It Off" Kane had a line where he said 'the rap soloist, you don't want none of this.' Ra thought Kane was getting at him subliminally. Rakim had a small beef with EPMD 4 the same reason. On "I Ain't No Joke" Rakim says 'you can get a smack for this, I ain't no joke.' Then on "You're a Customer" PMD said 'it's like a dig 'em smack/smack me and I'll smack you back.'
Hold on folks...first of all, KRS-1 is tops of all times. No lyracist can even seriously dream about touching him. Number two is definitely Kane; He was tighter than Rakim, who is a close third.
@mrreeg: Yeah I feel you man: Rakim is Hip-Hop's finest: best lyrical MC, most accomplished punchlines and internal rhyme schemes, joints like The 18th letter kill Nas with flow; then his freestyles where he spits: "To me awriter's block is a good block to write on" are killah! This brother is not called God MC 'cause of charity - he's fucking 100% on-point all the time!!
@SDSOverfiend: No way!!!!! Rakim would have killed Kane - on record he did anyway: Musical Massacre, The Punisher, Let The Rythm Hit 'Em - these were lyrical weapons made sharper by Rakim's respect for Kane...but in 2009 Kane went on record as saying that "Rakim is not called God for nothing." And today he's spitting lines like: "to me a writer's block is a good block to write on." Just a DOPE brother. Punchlines, meataphores, metaphysics, you name it - Rakim reigns supreme!!
I don't care how old you are, or how young. You can be a Gay Z fan or a Lil Payne fanatic; hell you can raise Biggy and Pac from the grave for all I care; the greatest rapper of all time is Rakim. Hands down. You can take one of Eric B & Rakim's songs from Paid in Full and write down the lyrics to the song on a piece of paper. Reciting the words, without any music, sounds better than anything hip hop has to offer right now. Seriously, this is the first time I've never seen Rakim smile.
"Competition is none, I remain at the top like the sun
And I burn whoever come in the chambers of torture
I caught ya, you shoulda brought ya, neighborhood to support ya...".
Musical Massacre and No Competition are two joints that were written with Kane in mind, and so was Let The Rythm Hit 'Em...which is a joint no MC has been able to equal.
rakim never wanted to battle kane. i know them both and can prove it. i have pics with both of them and flyrs with both of them on it for events i threw with them. and as a member of zulu nation i am around them all the time. e mail me and i'll give you the sites on my facebook and other places to see them. many rappers behind the scenes know the truth rakim can not see kane. he made great songs but is not a battle rapper
@edkbmr it's the other way around. trust me,kane wanted no part of rakim. why would rakim lie and say kane said, "i did not mean it that way?" kane could of easily cleared it up! if he could. rakim is still tooo nice4anyone! and, rakim lied about taking all the verses out. he said in "let the rhythm hit him", "word to daddy,indeed!" as in big DADDY kane! kane knew it. and never responded.
@saladooq rakim did lie. freddy foxxx a-k-a bumpy knuckles even exposed it. and if you search on here even big daddy kane says rakim is not a battle rapper. which he is not. he made great songs but rakim never freeestyles off the head or freestyles much at all. 4 bars in a song at kane does not cut it. this rakim interview was alot of hype. look up kane interview and you will see he said rakim is no comp. and if you need proof that i know them both e mail me at edkbmr @ aol. com
@edkbmr even if you know them both, you'll have to prove rakim was lying. because that verse in "let the rhythm hit him", is consistant with what rakim is saying in this vid. he probably did take some verses out when kane retracted his statements. just cause kane says rakim is no comp. does not make it true! "4bars in a song at kane don't cut it"?! yes it does! back in the day when someone says ur name,the battle was on! kane did not respond so rakim left it alone.
Too much is made of that. Truth is, battle rappers are one-trick ponies who almost never forge a real career. Making classic records is what this is all about, and Rakim did that more than any emcee of his time. His records may not have hit as big as the others sales-wise, but he had a greater influence on the generation ahead of him than Kane or any of the others, and nobody was influenced by Freddie Foxxx, let's be real. Foxxx is still mad he fucked up by blowing off Eric B.
What's all this rating chart business below? Rakim is, as his joint proclaims on the 1988 album Follow The Leader: "No Competition"! Period. Joints like Follow The leader, The Saga Begins, are milestones in Hip-Hop - and while KRS is a sage-like brother 'n all, nobody can step to the God.....as they say, the leader leads, word to Daddy, indeed."
Chuck was nasty. no doubt. so many forms of lyrical content. If we stating str8 battle, how isnt Lord Finesse up there? He would be in my top 10 if we talking str8 battle.
Nuttn like the 80's, man. Kurtis Blow had us mad wild at parties; KRS-1 taught us how to dis; Biz & Doug E. showed us how to "be" the box; The Ruler taught us how to tell stories; Moe Dee showed us cool; LL said dis, and get the ladies --- dont be cool, be hard; Rakim & Kane came along and, "WTF?!" We did want them to battle...but imagine if they'd collaborated? Rakim is my all-time fav, though.
Even if it's jazz or the quiet storm, I hook a beat up --- convert it into hip-hop form. - The R
Rakim makes it cool to be smart and intelligent while Young Money makes it cool to be dumb...period. I can say that Rakim has had a huge impact on my life than all the dumbass lyrics from Young Money have.
It pisses me off how even some kids who listen to real hip hop like us put jay-z in their top list before Rakim. Jay-Z sucks, when he was with Big L, they would do freestyles like 8 minutes long and L made Jay-z sound TERRIBLE, he's not that good, just another sellout in it for the money. I guarentee if he didn't get rich he wouldn't be rapping for the passion of it like real MCs.
@MJrealhiphopandkobe I disagree. And you can't say you listen to real hip hop, if you won't listen to anyone who has sold out. Triple six mafia, Jay Z, Eminem. All those guys had serious talent when they started. And you can't call yourself a hip hop fan if you don't like them because of a decision they made.
I'm sorry, but you aren't even worth a minute of conversation if you wouldn't accept fat lumps of cash.
And anyways, anyone who isn't mainstream rap or hip hop, is doing for the passion.
@MJrealhiphopandkobe Only good album Jay-Z made that I could bump is Reasonable Doubt. And that shit even gets old after a while. I'm 14 and I would put Rakim over most of my favorite rappers. You can hear Rakim's influence all over true 90s rappers' flows. He turned simple rhyming to the artistic and complex art you see in the independent & underground circuit. I'll never doubt this man, he changed hip-hop from New York to Cali. (btw New York to Cali is the name of one of his tracks from 95.)
@MJrealhiphopandkobe How can you sit there and type Jay-Z sucks? Have you listened to joints like Dead Presidents, Can I Live, Where Im From, Grammy Fam freestyle, verses like his one on Blackout, Dynasty Intro, plus many more...don't let your biases and agendas blind you. You may hate Jay, but to say he "sucks" is just ridiculous.
@MJrealhiphopandkobe na youre trippin on jay z if you say jay z wasnt killing shit before all this mainsream shit and hes not a real mc you are not a true fan up hip hop, shit like that maddens me youre talking out your ass.
no need to speed slow down and let the leader lead word to daddy indeed!!come on ra u sent dar sublime at kane and got at epmd on follow the leader!!!!ra the best rapper EVER!!
Yo I'm sayin when people gone give son his respect when he dead? 1 jay ain't get where he at by making garbage. 2 at one point he was the only NY nigga holdn ish down at the top. 3 if it wasn't for son shifting flos constantly 98% of the game would still be dik ridding the south wit auto toons on they ish. Be happy NY still in the game.
To be honest Ra I ain't gonna follow you with that jay z bull shit that nigga ain't that great as a rapper maybe when back in the day but he wasn't on top. In beef the nigga gets chewed all the time, nas did eat him, jadakiss did that, dmx come on jay z was aight same goes to Eminem they were aight but mad overrated.
Rakim didnt want no parts of Kane period...the game was much more subtle bac then and the juice crew would have ate Ra's lunch...still he is one of the greatest ever!!
Fire burns in me Eternally Times Eternity Followers turn on me They’ll be in a mental infirmary Determinedly Advance technology Better than Germany Since the first days you know of Til the last days is over I was always the flower I made waves for Noah From a compound To the anatomy To the breakdown Of a atom Some of my rap patterns Still surround Saturn From the ancient hieroglyphics To graffiti painted pictures I study I know the scriptures RAKIM 18th Letter=GOD
Rakims like Ali Kanes like Larry holmes both have similarities but Rakims got a little more tools to onslaught no shame in takin a backseat to the most lyrically gifted mc in rakim.
@flavjuniorgrill It was just because Kane was such a great lyricist just like Rakim and there was a guy who both artist knew that was telling each person that the other was rappin about him just to see if they would REALLY battle. They later spoke on the phone and Kane clarified that he was never talkin about him
@flavjuniorgrill Rakim felt Kane's song Aint No Half Steppin was about him, and the guy with braids in the video represented Eric B. So he got at him. Kane heard his response and wanted no parts of it. I knew Kane personally when he would visit in Durham, NC. I talked to him and he said Rakim's diss for him was career ending. I asked him what he said and he said he aint gonna repeat it. lol
RAKIM is GOD: lyrically peerless, unmatched flow, Freestyle Master: I've seen this dude in NY, and he shredded the seemingly intrepid wanna-be freestylers point-blank! Eminen is stupendously on point...but as far as flow goes, empirical off-the-dome kinda shit, The R has got it bagged, no doubt. Lil Wayne? I'm bent over crying with laughter. Nas? No dice. Rakim is GOLD, you can all squabble over Silver and Bronze, but Rakim's legacy and abilities are infallible....flow forever!
If you want to learn more about Rakim be sure to; check out youtube for tracks such as "The Mystery, Follow the Leader and After you Die." Also, if you are into probing music videos for occult references also be sure to check out his video for "Guess who's back."
CRCamp86 1 day ago
Mad respect to this guy. And he likes Jay-Z, one of my favourites ;)
MrEjals 1 day ago
Rakim should do a track with LiL Wayne. That would be iconic!
2enchant 3 days ago in playlist interviews
@2enchant No Rakim should do a song with Nas.
jason60152 1 day ago
HE LAUGHED??
lavabone 1 week ago
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You're right: Rakim is the greatest MC of all time - you don't get the title "God MC" because of luck or charity or selling-out. You get it for consistency, impeccable ryhme skills and legendary status. You all realise, of course, that Kane and Rakim are good friends and that Kane has conceded that Rakim is "from another planet altogether." Love Kane, dope brother. But Rakim...man, it gets no doper!
MrJazzHOP 1 week ago
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MrJazzHOP 2 weeks ago
i wal lovin it till he said jayz cmon rah tell me it aint so
ciscoallah 2 weeks ago
yeah thats wut i wanna see...a flavor flav sex tape
ciscoallah 2 weeks ago
Funny how Pac is mentioned on here in the same breath as Rakim. Lyrically it's not even close. Rakim was/is an assassin. Pac had a song called "Old School" talking about growing up in NY looking up to Rakim and how he wouldn't be who he was if dudes like Ra didn't pave the way.
spitnificent 2 weeks ago
I hear Naughty By Nature's Hip Hop Hooray in the background. 0:07.
TEACHYOUTEEWHY 3 weeks ago
cause i spoke to kane, and he....you know, but you know
HE COULDA BEEN LYING THO MAN! HE COULDA BEEN LYIN KANE!!!! YOU KNOW HOW IT IS BABY!!!
*DEAD*
beezilla87 3 weeks ago
TUPAC SMASHING RAKIM-HMMM-I LIKELY DOUBT THAT-TUPAC WAS NICE AND HIS RHYMES WERE DOPE BUT RAKIM RHYMES WERE JUST AS DEEP AND HIS WORDPLAY WAS SICK!!IN ONE VIDEO TUPAC CLAIMS HE WOULD HAVE SMASHED RAKIM,KANE AND LL IN A BATTLE-LL COOL J WOULD HAVE TORN INTO TUPAC-HELL I CAN GO SO FAR AS TO SAY TUPAC COULD NOT EVEN BEAT KOOL MOE DEE AND MOE DEE IS A BATTLE TECHNICIAN-THATS THE DUDE WHO HELPED GIVE BIRTH TO THE BATTLE RAPS GENRE.SO ALL U TUPAC FANS CALM DOWN-TUPAC IS NICE BUT HE NEVER GOT TESTED.
MIXPRO68 1 month ago
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MrJazzHOP 1 month ago
Rakim is the greatest rapper ever.. You need to have been listening during the glory years 86-89 to fully understand why.
123kasabian 1 month ago
crazy,,,rakiim has allways been the microphone god,,,,HANDS DOWN!!!!!
Khalill55 1 month ago
Almost? he did on both Follow The Leader and Let The Rhythm Hit Em
BeenaBee 1 month ago
#1 all-time! People on here talking crazy check this dudes flow and delivery he originated the techniques artist use today, before him they rhymed like DMC..no MC can touch him they don't disrespect this dude cuz lyrically he will destroy them. Look at his substance of work, its not even debateable: Rakim hands down all day like he said follow the leader!
bobbymarsh1 1 month ago
@jason60152 i see n respect your selection but if you ask anyone of those dudes u named,they'll tell u Rakim is better.so the teacher will remain and students stay learnin.chain of command homie!
rifdaddy7676 1 month ago
@rifdaddy7676 So that is like saying that Julius Erving is better than Jordan because Dr. J influenced Jordan.Fuck no!!! So you saying that when Nas retire he doesn't have a chance of being better than Rakim? 2 Pac even said that he was influenced by Rakim but he mastered his style.2 Pac isn't my favorite of all time but 2 Pac is the greatest of all time even though he died in his prime.Nas is more lyrical than 2 Pac but I don't think he is better even though I like him better.
jason60152 1 month ago
@jason60152 stop chating shit 2pac can destroy any of these fake ass niggas, 2pac just didnt get chaance to diss these rappers cause there all were bunch of snakes nd pussys that time
AkramPropheci 1 month ago
@AkramPropheci Yes I agree 2 Pac would smash Rakim.
jason60152 1 month ago
@jason60152 No disrepect intended, but 2 Pac is not in the same league - lyrically speaking - as Rakim. 2 Pac was a modern day poet for sure who rhymed from the heart about his life struggles and he did that well. He excelled because he used everyday language which many could relate to easily. Real talk though, Rakim's flow was scientific. It takes great skill to make a verse phonetically match perfectly to a beat and for it to have great substance at the same time. Rakim Allah!
steadyelegance 1 month ago 7
@steadyelegance Lyricist a lot of people are better than PAC, when was PAC ever a lyricist? Overall Tupac is the way better artist
7Know7Thy7Enemy7 1 week ago
AnObviousUsername 1 week ago 2
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@jason60152 No disrepect intended, but 2 Pac is not in the same league - lyrically speaking - as Rakim. 2 Pac was a modern day poet for sure who rhymed from the heart about his life struggles and he did that well. He excelled because he used everyday language which many could relate to easily. Real talk though, Rakim's flow was scientific. It takes great skill to make a verse phonetically match perfectly to a beat and for it to have great substance at the same time. Rakim Allah!
steadyelegance 1 month ago
The best. No competition!
MrWaterisgod 1 month ago
@MrWaterisgod Eminem is better than Rakim.
jason60152 1 month ago
These old school rappers make the current ones so emotional the way kane could say he's better than rakim and no feelings will be caught
90mv 1 month ago 3
THE R! Respect due! One of the gr8est!
rifdaddy7676 1 month ago
@rifdaddy7676 Rakim isn't even in the top 10.I can name 10 rappers better than Rakim.People like Nas,Eminem,Cormega,Tragedy Khadafi,and a couple others are more lyrical than Rakim.
jason60152 1 month ago
@jason60152 2pac is god of all these rappers nd eminem aint shit front of oldskool rappers
AkramPropheci 1 month ago
@AkramPropheci Why isn't Eminem better than Rakim?
jason60152 1 month ago
@jason60152 nah i rate Em over rakim
AkramPropheci 1 month ago
@AkramPropheci That is what I was trying to tell you that Eminem is better than Rakim.
jason60152 1 month ago
@AkramPropheci
so em aint got shit on ol' skool rappers but you rate him over rakim?
i aint hating on you or anything but that sounds kinda off don't you think?
Roffawarrior 1 month ago
@Roffawarrior yeah ur right but em doesnt contradict himself like rakim, rakim ryhms are good but there's lot of song he brings 5 parcenters culture in his song nd which just sound so stupid. to be honest i aint no em fans but rakim was one of my top rappers nd now i realise affter reading his lyrics its not worth it. 2pac nd lowkey all day these 2 rappers i listen to most of the time
AkramPropheci 1 month ago
@jason60152 you gonna disrespect a legend like that and not even put him in the top 10 when he is without a doubt probably the greatest? to which you didnt even have Kane or Kool G Rap up there? dude come on...you sound like you never even heard Rakim spit on the mic...especially when Rakim influenced many of the artists you just named. not saying they are bad but come on, Rakim deserves to be way up there.
nickbbbbbbbb 1 day ago
@nickbbbbbbbb I respect Rakim but he was before my time.You probaly grew up listening to Rakim.I grew up off Nas and Mobb Deep.Nas mastered Rakim's style and made the music more enjoyable.
jason60152 1 day ago
@jason60152 I was actually born in the 90's, I just have a great love and respect for these artists because they are pioneers and legends, ok my bad, I didnt mean anything bad by it and that makes sense since you also grew up around Nas and Mobb Deep. As long as you give Rakim the respect and credit he deserves its all good.
nickbbbbbbbb 1 day ago
@honeegrrl, actually Rakim was suppose to be in the BET cypher in 2009 with Mos Def, Black Thought, and Eminem. But he was involved in a accident that prevented him from doing it. It would be nice for BET to do a cypher with Rakim, Kane, and G Rap with Primo on the tables. Now that would be classic!!
2NDIIO 1 month ago
@2NDIIO GODDAMN I AGREE!!!!!!! Honestly that would be like, incredible.
BiggieSmalls11111 1 month ago
Kane Ra and G Rap... hip hop trinity
dp100eboggan 1 month ago
@dp100eboggan And all three of them has a Leo mentality.
TEACHYOUTEEWHY 1 month ago
Rakim was awarded the Title God MC..what award can trump this? Yeah, it would have been the right thing to do to give Rakim his dues, but all REAL Hip-Hop heads know that this brother is incomparable, just off-the-ropes DOPE!!!!!
MrJazzHOP 1 month ago
Unless I missed but can someone please tell me why Rakim was not included in this years BET Hip Hop Awards Cyphers?
honeegrrl 1 month ago
I feel Rakim because he gave props to his fellow rap artists and kept it 100. Thats big because hes a legend period on the mic
xDTHECHEMISTx 1 month ago
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@callumbrowns As quiet as kept, this is true (i.e., BDK is as good as Rakim). Just as Whodini was just as good as RunDMC.
TheThirdEyeCeesU 2 months ago
Almost? "I Ain't No Joke" was for who then? haha
Garcia72fly 2 months ago
man i was 15 back in those days and i know them boyz was subliminally goin at each other. it made hiphop great lyrically and creatively.
sesmiley 2 months ago
@callumbrowns: I have always maintained that, too - until of late! When you revisit Rakim's battle-styled joints - those that are spiked with multiple metaphores and internal rhyme schemes - it's clear that while Kane is a dope brother, Rakim's ageless jams just eclipse all who step! BDK is certainly in the top three, so don't get me wrong...it's just that Rakim's skillz have now become surgically sharp; he doesn't just spit on a track, he burns it up - every time. Punchlines are just superior!
MrJazzHOP 2 months ago
BDK IS AS GOOD AS RAKIM *
callumbrowns 2 months ago
@callumbrowns As quiet as kept, this is true (i.e., BDK is as good as Rakim). Just as Whodini was just as good as RunDMC.
TheThirdEyeCeesU 2 months ago
@TheThirdEyeCeesU agreed *
callumbrowns 1 month ago
If he isn't top 3 he most definitely is in the top 2 for real!
philscafe 2 months ago 7
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Those not in the game; those who are side-line listeners, fans, etc, are ignorant of what the term "battle rapping" means! Most of these "battles" were done on wax. BDK has already conceded that Rakim's "Let The Rythm Hit "Em" is beyond reproach. Now, Rakim DID street battle in Queens back in the day, and brothers like GZA, Sermon, KRS-One agree that cats feared Rakim! The brother is lethal, not to be messed with, and he's still going hard. "God MC" is not a title, it's THE title!!!!
MrJazzHOP 2 months ago
just dnt find rappers like this anymore still get goose bumps from the beat let the rhythm hit em thats when rap was rap boyyyyyy just to go back in time
TheDoughboy130 2 months ago 2
@h00may841 Mega is my fav, I think he is the most consistant rapper out there his albums NEVER have flopped, tho the sales are down I never heard a rapper as consistent as him, I listen to Freddie gibbs, hopsin, and orlthers and cormega is in top 15 mc's all time, sales or not
xLorDxJake98 2 months ago
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MrJazzHOP 2 months ago
He looks like Ralph Tresvant.
PurpleShades1 2 months ago
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MrJazzHOP 2 months ago
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MrJazzHOP 2 months ago
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MrJazzHOP 2 months ago
new york giants all day, rakim knows whats good!!
egyptian420 2 months ago
BDK vs. Rakim? That would've been a dirty battle, but I'd have to give it to Big Daddy Kane
ankokugaiBOSS 2 months ago
Jay Z is a puppet of the Illuminati, thats the only reason he's relevant. Rakim and dudes of his era are real MC's Illuminati has ruined the game and now hip hop is garbage.
onyxx1976 2 months ago 2
@onyxx1976 paranoid.
TeamOfThe80s 2 months ago
rakim and kane smash jay-c and wang
jonesmat000 2 months ago
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Rakim and Big Daddy Kane are still turning up the heat - these brothers are surgically sharp; seen both live recently and they're just pure swag! And to be honest, if I could have only two MC's to flood my ear and brain-waves- and only two- it would be Rakim and Big Daddy Kane. Particularly brother Rakim: I mean he's doing guest spots on German rap albums and they're fucking off-the-rope dope! I got a feeling Ra's gonna bring it 2012! There's talk about Premo..can't wait!
MrJazzHOP 2 months ago 2
Luda? wft!?!?
mufc187 2 months ago
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MrJazzHOP 2 months ago 2
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MrJazzHOP 2 months ago
jay z is a beast. only pac and biggie are better.
sdavion24 2 months ago
@sdavion24 Nas tore Jay-z apart
BucketBoi420 2 months ago
@sdavion24 Rakim & Big Daddy Kane can outrap 2Pac Biggie & Jay-Z
Sentinel2k1 2 months ago
It's time to build
KnivesnForks 2 months ago
@dienglee krs 1??? Really? LOL nas,eminem,rakim,cormega, are WAY above krs, I mean ABOVE
xLorDxJake98 3 months ago
@xLorDxJake98 Word, but KRS drops that knowledge if your willing to listen and soak up it all up! & props 4 putting Mega up there! respect!
h00may841 2 months ago
haha hes smacked as fugg
Don77Bugatti 3 months ago
Kane vs Rakim would have been the best battle in Hip Hop history....... im so happy it didnt happen! does anyone know what the song Kane did that Rakim THOUGHT Kane dissed him in?
bluescousa 3 months ago
@bluescousa On "I Know You Got Soul" Rakim said 'you keep repeating you miss/the rhymes from the microphone soloist.' Then on "Set It Off" Kane had a line where he said 'the rap soloist, you don't want none of this.' Ra thought Kane was getting at him subliminally. Rakim had a small beef with EPMD 4 the same reason. On "I Ain't No Joke" Rakim says 'you can get a smack for this, I ain't no joke.' Then on "You're a Customer" PMD said 'it's like a dig 'em smack/smack me and I'll smack you back.'
dawb86 3 months ago
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Hold on folks...first of all, KRS-1 is tops of all times. No lyracist can even seriously dream about touching him. Number two is definitely Kane; He was tighter than Rakim, who is a close third.
dienglee 3 months ago
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dienglee 3 months ago
@mrreeg: Yeah I feel you man: Rakim is Hip-Hop's finest: best lyrical MC, most accomplished punchlines and internal rhyme schemes, joints like The 18th letter kill Nas with flow; then his freestyles where he spits: "To me awriter's block is a good block to write on" are killah! This brother is not called God MC 'cause of charity - he's fucking 100% on-point all the time!!
MrJazzHOP 3 months ago
People don't know how much of a legend Rakim is. If you listen to Tupac's earlier tapes when he was a teenager, he sounded just like Rakim.
mrreeg 3 months ago
@SDSOverfiend: No way!!!!! Rakim would have killed Kane - on record he did anyway: Musical Massacre, The Punisher, Let The Rythm Hit 'Em - these were lyrical weapons made sharper by Rakim's respect for Kane...but in 2009 Kane went on record as saying that "Rakim is not called God for nothing." And today he's spitting lines like: "to me a writer's block is a good block to write on." Just a DOPE brother. Punchlines, meataphores, metaphysics, you name it - Rakim reigns supreme!!
MrJazzHOP 3 months ago
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MrJazzHOP 3 months ago
Kane would've ate you Rakim...... You was spitting and are a legend but.. Antonio Hardy would've gotten in that ass.
SDSOverfiend 3 months ago
I don't care how old you are, or how young. You can be a Gay Z fan or a Lil Payne fanatic; hell you can raise Biggy and Pac from the grave for all I care; the greatest rapper of all time is Rakim. Hands down. You can take one of Eric B & Rakim's songs from Paid in Full and write down the lyrics to the song on a piece of paper. Reciting the words, without any music, sounds better than anything hip hop has to offer right now. Seriously, this is the first time I've never seen Rakim smile.
cbose72576 3 months ago 2
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"Competition is none, I remain at the top like the sun
And I burn whoever come in the chambers of torture
I caught ya, you shoulda brought ya, neighborhood to support ya...".
Musical Massacre and No Competition are two joints that were written with Kane in mind, and so was Let The Rythm Hit 'Em...which is a joint no MC has been able to equal.
MrJazzHOP 3 months ago
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MrJazzHOP 3 months ago
rakim never wanted to battle kane. i know them both and can prove it. i have pics with both of them and flyrs with both of them on it for events i threw with them. and as a member of zulu nation i am around them all the time. e mail me and i'll give you the sites on my facebook and other places to see them. many rappers behind the scenes know the truth rakim can not see kane. he made great songs but is not a battle rapper
edkbmr 3 months ago
I wished Rakim would have dissed Kane because Kane would have LIT HIS ASS UP!!!
lrob1972 3 months ago
Late 80'S - Big Daddy Kane, Kool G Rap, Rakim, KRS-One
Mid 90'S - Jay-Z, Nas, Notorious B.I.G. , Big L
can yall see the connections?
********East Coast Motherfuckers!**********
TheEpicWarrior2 3 months ago
rakim , chuck d PE , Big daddy kane , run dmc , krs one and bdp , old LL ,
kool g rap , etc
westside159 3 months ago
Rakim hasn't aged a bit since "Move The Crowd" i swear. Man takin' good care of himself.
bigkingsha 4 months ago
@bigkingsha for real lol he's lookin well for his age
carlDJS 3 months ago
anyone who knows hip hop KNOWS deep down RAKIM is no.1...even if you had other favourites.....dont be blinded by your loyality!!
rudeboysw9 4 months ago
rakim wanted no part of kane!!!!!
edkbmr 4 months ago
@edkbmr it's the other way around. trust me,kane wanted no part of rakim. why would rakim lie and say kane said, "i did not mean it that way?" kane could of easily cleared it up! if he could. rakim is still tooo nice4anyone! and, rakim lied about taking all the verses out. he said in "let the rhythm hit him", "word to daddy,indeed!" as in big DADDY kane! kane knew it. and never responded.
saladooq 4 months ago
@saladooq rakim did lie. freddy foxxx a-k-a bumpy knuckles even exposed it. and if you search on here even big daddy kane says rakim is not a battle rapper. which he is not. he made great songs but rakim never freeestyles off the head or freestyles much at all. 4 bars in a song at kane does not cut it. this rakim interview was alot of hype. look up kane interview and you will see he said rakim is no comp. and if you need proof that i know them both e mail me at edkbmr @ aol. com
edkbmr 3 months ago
@edkbmr even if you know them both, you'll have to prove rakim was lying. because that verse in "let the rhythm hit him", is consistant with what rakim is saying in this vid. he probably did take some verses out when kane retracted his statements. just cause kane says rakim is no comp. does not make it true! "4bars in a song at kane don't cut it"?! yes it does! back in the day when someone says ur name,the battle was on! kane did not respond so rakim left it alone.
saladooq 3 months ago
@edkbmr
Too much is made of that. Truth is, battle rappers are one-trick ponies who almost never forge a real career. Making classic records is what this is all about, and Rakim did that more than any emcee of his time. His records may not have hit as big as the others sales-wise, but he had a greater influence on the generation ahead of him than Kane or any of the others, and nobody was influenced by Freddie Foxxx, let's be real. Foxxx is still mad he fucked up by blowing off Eric B.
AllPro777 3 months ago
@edkbmr Sounds like Kane wanted no part of Ra, hearing this story.
JayNJayShow 3 months ago
i like his gear
jcaretsk2 4 months ago
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What's all this rating chart business below? Rakim is, as his joint proclaims on the 1988 album Follow The Leader: "No Competition"! Period. Joints like Follow The leader, The Saga Begins, are milestones in Hip-Hop - and while KRS is a sage-like brother 'n all, nobody can step to the God.....as they say, the leader leads, word to Daddy, indeed."
MrJazzHOP 4 months ago
1 pac
2 nas
3 jay z
4 jada kiss
5 biggie
vinylcreations1 4 months ago
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MrJazzHOP 4 months ago
1 KRS1
2 RAKIM
3 BIGGIE
4 KOOL G RAP
5 KANE
C3WISE 4 months ago
@C3WISE I would throw the rhyme animal ( Chuck D ) in your list of top ten if you had one. Just for coming out & saying what he said at that time.
fab5frk 4 months ago
@fab5frk
Chuck was nasty. no doubt. so many forms of lyrical content. If we stating str8 battle, how isnt Lord Finesse up there? He would be in my top 10 if we talking str8 battle.
C3WISE 2 months ago
Alive or Dead, Rakim remains in the top five of greatest rappers of all time…
1. Biggie
2. Rakim
3. Big Daddy Kane
4. Jay-Z
5. Nas
7valleywest 4 months ago
@7valleywest ummm my list is
Rakim
KRS-One
Biggie
Nas
LL Cool J
hiphoplegend1 4 months ago
can some tell me what rakim said about him dissing big daddy kane because the quality is bad
jayd4ever 4 months ago
@jayd4ever Ra said that he'd written some of "Let The Rhythm Hit'em" for Kane @ :44.
whos2beisthis 4 months ago
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Nuttn like the 80's, man. Kurtis Blow had us mad wild at parties; KRS-1 taught us how to dis; Biz & Doug E. showed us how to "be" the box; The Ruler taught us how to tell stories; Moe Dee showed us cool; LL said dis, and get the ladies --- dont be cool, be hard; Rakim & Kane came along and, "WTF?!" We did want them to battle...but imagine if they'd collaborated? Rakim is my all-time fav, though.
Even if it's jazz or the quiet storm, I hook a beat up --- convert it into hip-hop form. - The R
whos2beisthis 4 months ago
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whos2beisthis 4 months ago
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whos2beisthis 4 months ago
Rakim makes it cool to be smart and intelligent while Young Money makes it cool to be dumb...period. I can say that Rakim has had a huge impact on my life than all the dumbass lyrics from Young Money have.
BeenaBee 4 months ago
D-Block recognized by the GOD MC that's what's up! Y.O. in the building!
teeblack06 5 months ago
Ludacris, Jadakiss, Styles P, and Jay-Z should feel fuckin' honored.
ta719208 5 months ago
real artist recognize and respect real artist.
719kai719 5 months ago
Some REAL shit right here. forget the new rappers. too much beefing
detroitMC313 5 months ago
would have been one of the greatest battles of all time.
Brockthepain 5 months ago
@Brockthepain Absolutely man I remember EVERYBODY gassin about the possibility of Rakim vs Big Daddy Kane
ATACXGYM 5 months ago
wut follow the leader wasnt that a diss to kane
pontus227 6 months ago
rakim did not show up to the battle when money was put up. freddy foxxx told the true story
edkbmr 6 months ago
I love Rakim, always real.
SpinDoctor91 6 months ago
2 dope emcees one in '86 one in '88
thepolodon21 6 months ago
I have never seen Rakim so animated.
TypoDan 6 months ago 3
When he said "He could've been lying"......That's the most excited I've ever seen Rakim, lol
SouthernRapNews 7 months ago 29
@SouthernRapNews for real lol first time i seen him smile HYPE like that
bigkeezo 3 months ago
It pisses me off how even some kids who listen to real hip hop like us put jay-z in their top list before Rakim. Jay-Z sucks, when he was with Big L, they would do freestyles like 8 minutes long and L made Jay-z sound TERRIBLE, he's not that good, just another sellout in it for the money. I guarentee if he didn't get rich he wouldn't be rapping for the passion of it like real MCs.
MJrealhiphopandkobe 7 months ago 8
@MJrealhiphopandkobe
Damn right.
mesmerizedbyamy1 6 months ago
@MJrealhiphopandkobe I disagree. And you can't say you listen to real hip hop, if you won't listen to anyone who has sold out. Triple six mafia, Jay Z, Eminem. All those guys had serious talent when they started. And you can't call yourself a hip hop fan if you don't like them because of a decision they made.
I'm sorry, but you aren't even worth a minute of conversation if you wouldn't accept fat lumps of cash.
And anyways, anyone who isn't mainstream rap or hip hop, is doing for the passion.
tonyisserious 3 months ago
@MJrealhiphopandkobe Jay is a legend. You need to listen to that track again. Jay-Z held his own.
DaRealPhenomenon 3 months ago
@MJrealhiphopandkobe WORD!!!!! Jay-Z is only in it for fame, money, and paparazzi photography.
chj2 3 months ago
@MJrealhiphopandkobe Only good album Jay-Z made that I could bump is Reasonable Doubt. And that shit even gets old after a while. I'm 14 and I would put Rakim over most of my favorite rappers. You can hear Rakim's influence all over true 90s rappers' flows. He turned simple rhyming to the artistic and complex art you see in the independent & underground circuit. I'll never doubt this man, he changed hip-hop from New York to Cali. (btw New York to Cali is the name of one of his tracks from 95.)
ThaMuzikFiend 3 months ago
@MJrealhiphopandkobe How can you sit there and type Jay-Z sucks? Have you listened to joints like Dead Presidents, Can I Live, Where Im From, Grammy Fam freestyle, verses like his one on Blackout, Dynasty Intro, plus many more...don't let your biases and agendas blind you. You may hate Jay, but to say he "sucks" is just ridiculous.
cibida1 3 months ago
@MJrealhiphopandkobe yeah, im 15. and i would fuckin never include jay z in a list, he cant flow or produce complex lyrics.
and i agree, big l whooped him allll day
theteensurvivalist 2 months ago
@theteensurvivalist Big L; restinpeace
BucketBoi420 2 months ago
@MJrealhiphopandkobe na youre trippin on jay z if you say jay z wasnt killing shit before all this mainsream shit and hes not a real mc you are not a true fan up hip hop, shit like that maddens me youre talking out your ass.
dankchops 2 months ago
i like jadakiss too but jay z is nothing but a sellout right now the best are the game,ti,lupe is okay and jadakiss rest are wack or just sellouts
jayd4ever 7 months ago
Such a battle would have shaken the entire planet
yultome 7 months ago
It should've happened
Sentinel2k1 7 months ago
YOU COULD OF BEEN LYING KANE, but nah. LOVE IS LOVE!! Rakim is an Aquarius. He could be pretty Unpredictable at times.
TEACHYOUTEEWHY 7 months ago
big daddy kane rakim ll cool j and kool g rap were the best rappers from back in the day
1realdeal 8 months ago
no need to speed slow down and let the leader lead word to daddy indeed!!come on ra u sent dar sublime at kane and got at epmd on follow the leader!!!!ra the best rapper EVER!!
chittlns 8 months ago
Yo I'm sayin when people gone give son his respect when he dead? 1 jay ain't get where he at by making garbage. 2 at one point he was the only NY nigga holdn ish down at the top. 3 if it wasn't for son shifting flos constantly 98% of the game would still be dik ridding the south wit auto toons on they ish. Be happy NY still in the game.
theoriginalgunfish 8 months ago
It's so funny how the streets be pushing cats into each, hyping battles up like it was a fight in a crowded hallway.
envyops 8 months ago
To be honest Ra I ain't gonna follow you with that jay z bull shit that nigga ain't that great as a rapper maybe when back in the day but he wasn't on top. In beef the nigga gets chewed all the time, nas did eat him, jadakiss did that, dmx come on jay z was aight same goes to Eminem they were aight but mad overrated.
12pussylicka 8 months ago
Rakim didnt want no parts of Kane period...the game was much more subtle bac then and the juice crew would have ate Ra's lunch...still he is one of the greatest ever!!
sliccmoufschalaa 9 months ago
if Rakim, Big Daddy Kane and Kool G Rap ever sat in the same room together let alone made a song together............ time would stop.
Richie2k6 9 months ago
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Fire burns in me Eternally Times Eternity Followers turn on me They’ll be in a mental infirmary Determinedly Advance technology Better than Germany Since the first days you know of Til the last days is over I was always the flower I made waves for Noah From a compound To the anatomy To the breakdown Of a atom Some of my rap patterns Still surround Saturn From the ancient hieroglyphics To graffiti painted pictures I study I know the scriptures RAKIM 18th Letter=GOD
Sirgreaseflick 9 months ago 2
Rakims like Ali Kanes like Larry holmes both have similarities but Rakims got a little more tools to onslaught no shame in takin a backseat to the most lyrically gifted mc in rakim.
ReignSupreme287 9 months ago
@ReignSupreme287 RAKIM'S MORE LIKE SUGAR RAY ROBINSON....THE 18TH LETTER RULES 4 EVER, WHETHER IT'S BOXING OR RAPPING....
JUNGLEJUSTICE9mm 9 months ago
@JUNGLEJUSTICE9mm Yep. Rakims my all time number 1.People who dont have him number 1 what can u say theyve never heard his best work.
ReignSupreme287 9 months ago
@ReignSupreme287 his raps are to boring nuthin signifigant at all. but hes ONE OF THE BEST... bbut KANE is the best!
h1ph0pjunk1e 9 months ago
on my profile i got a remix with bdk kool g rap and rakim spittin on some crazy beat
REALKILLADEALRECORDS 10 months ago
@cflore01
oooh iight. Thanks man.
flavjuniorgrill 10 months ago
Nobody wanted it with Ra
tigerhoodz777 10 months ago
Hello, I am intrested in this. Can somebody message me and tell me & explain to me why Rakim & Big Daddy Kane were gonna diss each other.
flavjuniorgrill 10 months ago
@flavjuniorgrill It was just because Kane was such a great lyricist just like Rakim and there was a guy who both artist knew that was telling each person that the other was rappin about him just to see if they would REALLY battle. They later spoke on the phone and Kane clarified that he was never talkin about him
cflore01 10 months ago
@flavjuniorgrill Rakim felt Kane's song Aint No Half Steppin was about him, and the guy with braids in the video represented Eric B. So he got at him. Kane heard his response and wanted no parts of it. I knew Kane personally when he would visit in Durham, NC. I talked to him and he said Rakim's diss for him was career ending. I asked him what he said and he said he aint gonna repeat it. lol
coreyaustin1 9 months ago
I thought 'Follow the Leader' had a subliminal message for Kane - Rakim telling BDK to 'follow the leader!'
DrewCityCentral 10 months ago
RAKIM is GOD: lyrically peerless, unmatched flow, Freestyle Master: I've seen this dude in NY, and he shredded the seemingly intrepid wanna-be freestylers point-blank! Eminen is stupendously on point...but as far as flow goes, empirical off-the-dome kinda shit, The R has got it bagged, no doubt. Lil Wayne? I'm bent over crying with laughter. Nas? No dice. Rakim is GOLD, you can all squabble over Silver and Bronze, but Rakim's legacy and abilities are infallible....flow forever!
Sirgreaseflick 10 months ago
Rappers take note! THIS IS WHAT AN MC IS
And who said you couldn't have lyrics AND swag.
Rakim had it all, the total package.
So fuk outta here with these lame excuses of why you can't be lyrical no more and you gotta have swag and money to be a nice rapper.
Just a pathetic reason to accept mediocrity and the dumbed down ignorant mentality in our society.
*Follow @ ma_THT
TrueHopTunes 11 months ago 41
rakim the realist raw rhyming reprasentour hip hops epicentour
jellybalboa 8 months ago
This is The Hiphop "GOD" Not even Tiger Blood Could save you Trying to Battle The Great One!! RAKIM.
keyz-
Triton88keys 11 months ago