Thank You for the respect & you're right - "Real always recognizes real". But truth be told, I needed to hear that I was accomplished cuz my surroundins sometimes declare otherwise. I got a finished book, am almost completely finished with my second, & am in the process of completin a collaboration project with anotha poet. So again, I thank you. One would definitely wonda how could I get any negative feedback considerin what I've already done at the tender age of 20, but I just keep one thing in mine, & it keeps my head up too - people crucified Jesus & he did nothin but good.

I saw yo Nas comment & I agree. Nas was definitely influenced by Rakim & he definitely rose the lyrical level of Hip-Hop when he released "Illmatic". He paid so much homage to Rakim throughout his career, in his lyrics. Especially considerin "Street's Disciple's", "UBR (Unauthorized Biography of Rakim)". Track 3 on disc 2, he gave Ra mad love, but he's actually more lyrically brilliant than Ra & that's almost impossible to be. But just cuz' you recognize real music, I extend this friend invite.