Build Wealth From Scratch

It was never about the money.
"I always wondered if people understood it" said Rakim, The God MC, backstage of the New Jersey Performing Arts Center after tearing down the arts center's Horizon Foundation Sounds of the City summer concert series in Newark, NJ.
Reflecting on his state of mind when penning the Hip-Hop classic 35 years ago, "Being paid in full is about being the best in everything you do ... regardless of where you come from, you got a choice."
On the surface - like literally on the iconic Paid In Full album cover - are Eric B and The God laced in custom Dapper Dan suits, truck jewels, and fists full of dead presidents.
But dig deeper into one of the best hip-hop verses of all time and you'll find a story about starting with nothing, acting on your dreams, and relying on your spiritual being to transform your physical.
Of course, The God would never come straight at us.
The beauty of Rakim's multi-layered rhyme style is in his ability to incite insight:
"When I was writing Paid In Full, I thought ... 'what's the resolution?' ... it's easy to see a successful brother ... go pick up the hammer and wait to rob him, or you might want to say my brother what's good, how'd you do that ... but people are afraid to ask".
Said another way, the pursuit of knowledge is the jewel. The wisdom that comes from that pursuit empowers all aspects of our lives - financial, social, physical and spiritual.
Wealth begins in our mind.
It's time to get paid in full.

[@ackvig]

Incredible. I date back to a time when The God didn't speak. An interview of this length was just a day dream. To see this and be back from the era... damn.

[@np_management1931]

Peace to the GOD M.C. I truly appreciated the jewels you dropped, definitely is a blessing to have grown up in this era of HIP HOP, you’re the culture. I have too much to express, however I’m keeping it brief, hearing you speak of Jazz , and the keys gives me more insight on DON’ T SWEAT THE TECHNIQUE

[@JoseLuisBarreto-mj2ip]

Rakim seems to be a good man.

[@TheoWrites]

Greatness & Legacy 🎙

[@W.Y.L.A.T.V.]

Thanks 🙏 for this interview man RAKIM always drop jewels 💎

[@coldcorner9902]

i wish Rakim and DJ Premier would do atleast EP with a video or two. like for example something smooth like DJ Premier & Common - In Moe. man we need that

[@edwardcouncil852]

GREAT INTERVIEW!!!!

[@amfmpodcast]

Always dropping Jewels. The God MC

[@foodbythewordmedia]

This was a privilege to hear, thank you!

[@boygorge4166]

The real goat 🐐

[@TeamHarlem]

Respect!!!! 💯

[@bornrashid3409]

Word!!!!

[@klccostello1273]

Good convo

[@KingNiyyce]

This should have way more views

[@friscolianrick8224]

Yes sir.

[@JITBChurch]

Passion.

[@JITBChurch]

Difference between ‘good & great’

[@big-l5771]

My top 5 all time. Tupac biggie Eminem DMX Rakim

[@realitydrakesrealitydpoet3727]

Every rapper that you mentioned are true emcees who are great contenders to be included in the top five for certain, definitely the top 20. But my personal top 5 list will always be the emcees who are part of the Mt. Rushmore for lyrical emcees, and they are: 1. RAKIM 2. BIG DADDY KANE 3. KRS ONE 4. KOOL G RAP 5. SLICK RICK And 6-10 would include: 6. MELLE MEL 7. CHUCK D 8. LL COOL J 9. ICE CUBE 10. SCARFACE After those 10 I would have to start including great female emcees like: 11. MC LYTE 12. QUEEN LATIFAH Then I would mention the great emcees from the 90s: 13. NAS 14. TREACH 15. BIGGIE 16. TUPAC 17. EMINEM 18. BIG PUN 19. DMX 20. JAY Z

[@Johnelilopez]

@@realitydrakesrealitydpoet3727 cant argue that a lot of dudes dont know or choose to respect the true foundation. Those that build styles, word play, different genres etc. Creating something from nothing. A lot of dudes put the ones who just ran with it as “goat” status never created anything just nice lyrically. Rakim said “i could take a phrase thats rarely heard, flip it now it’s a daily word”…To many to say now but “flow” has been around ever since he said it in the 80’s. Prophetic…Rappers nowadays don’t create anymore just rinse & repeat…smh

[@realitydrakesrealitydpoet3727]

@Johnelilopez I fully agree. No lie detected.

[@lyrikalinyoswiminpoo]

Is he paid in full though?

[@askdeefaircommonsense1014]

100k a show....I think he's straight...he doesn't stop performing...

[@DU-Dew-jr]

He just got a HALF mil tax free grant. I'm sure the God flipped that. I use to live with the God he's brilliant

[@Johnelilopez]

Listen to the god network he said “I’m still spending 86 money im good”