Eric B. & Rakim - I Ain't No Joke (Cut #1)

[@tutistic7743]

Who thinks that Rakim's the G.O.A.T!

[@tutistic7743]

@@Grandmaster__Gee no doubt that he did!

[@DandyOh]

Should be in everyone's top 3 at least! Easily the goat MC for me

[@tutistic7743]

@@DandyOh totally agree with you man!

[@msindymusic]

Yep

[@zelbongrimmage3770]

Me

[@singingchef23]

Rakim will always be the reason I became obsessed with lyrical ability. His barz are timesless

[@Non-Serviam300]

singingchef23 YES. His characteristic smooth flow is unparalleled.

[@Lokey_8664]

Back when niggas spoke the queens English and could actually string a sentence together.

[@bradronngobe5735]

" I got a question, as serious as cancer" I don't know, this will be corny if someone said it now.

[@blkenuf8943]

He completely revolutionized lyricism.

[@sunniblacc78]

Str8 up

[@Marcus-nt8yx]

When this came out in New York, everything changed. The air was different. It was electric. It came unexpected out of nowhere. This was the beginning of a new cycle. This brother was 19 years old.

[@lewadkins1828]

Facts 💯💯💯 Look at the crowd Look at the expressions on their faces Even as New Yorkers They seemed amazed Almost like they were witnessing Something phenomenal right B4 their very own eyes 👀👀👀😎😎😎😎😎

[@Gorilla_Jones]

Saw them and Beastie Boys live at the Roxy, wish I had a time machine.

[@jeffmartin9212]

@@Gorilla_Jones yo the Roxy was THE SHIT. I didn’t see that show but I was there all the time. Legendary spot

[@yaoblack3579]

Honestly, I think it started with Eric B for President. That shit had NY in a CHOKEHOLD, lol

[@eazy-cheez-e8033]

True the environment back then was way better and cool, no social media, no one had phones back then, so no one could be a snitch and record or post everything they see is wrong to social media as if they’re some vigilante, people minded their business and you could just chill in public drinking in crowds or smoke everywhere that you can’t do today.. having street parties, being wild

[@nydawijai5945]

'I hold the microphone like a grudge...' Love that line.

[@evocatimedia]

Only “Control the mic like Fidel Castro” comes close.

[@99alfailiwaqain51]

@@evocatimediaPeace! Jeru ENY!!!!

[@flyingjorts4301]

Rakim is the type of guy that will diss you without cursing once.

[@HeathOverledger]

He did this more often than people realize

[@discosecret6363]

And the whole time you’ll just be speechless, in awe of his prowess.

[@dawntraci]

And make you cry to yo mama.

[@dawntraci]

@@youssefnakhli8996 I wonder if he thought he had to "keep with the times:".

[@Jimmy_BX]

I was at Union Square when Rakim performed Eric B for President. Don’t know if it was staged or he was invited. All the main rappers were there. Run, Kool Moe Dee, LL. He asked if anyone wanted to go “1D” = battle. Nobody stepped up. Rakim was 19 I think, but they ALL knew who he was. He was that nice.

[@blackricktheruler]

This man changed hip hop forever.His voice,flow and style modernized rap.The most important artist in hip hop history,Peace to the God.

[@judahjkt8259]

He is in my top 2 kzbin.info/www/bejne/oWSym3auhMymj6c

[@rgw1380rw]

Back in the day, there were occasionally emcees that came along with something so monumental, they'd set the bar for those that came after them. Two guys that set the bar after Rakim were Das EFX.

[@rgw1380rw]

@SonOf McGringus That was the introduction to the spitter who's look matched the gritty style.

[@805fillmore]

Ehh I think he was great and influential yes. But he’s really one of a kind. Nas is kinda like him though.

[@chart8603]

Yes the 1st and 3rd lines rhymed like the 2nd and 4th....way ahead of his time....study youngings...observe the GOD MC.

[@noriyawoodard476]

I’m here because I was THERE listening in 87” RAKIM!!!!!!!!!

[@FFriday]

Damn must've been great to be there while it was happening. History in the making.

[@ang1stokes]

You know...

[@grumpee8432]

Respect ✊

[@hebrewlion77judah57]

Damn Right Definitely was there...FACTS

[@randee4550]

Yup. I was there too! Chillin' hard, with my Nike Delta Force kicks, my Diadoras, or maybe my Avias. Acid wash jeans, or maybe my Guess velour suit, Kangol, YSL frames, and gold fronts, kicking that serious game, to the honeys, cooling out, on Times Square, just looking for some action, in the NYC, of old. 1987. I was THERE!

[@313_mademe]

Nearly 40 years later and this song is still 🔥, simply perfect in my opinion!

[@ulysses8785]

Damn skippy!

[@Wellington205i]

Wow. Rakim was way ahead of his time. This came out in 1987 but his rapping was 20 years ahead advanced lyrically. Rakim is definitely top 5 rapper of all time.

[@casminray1791]

He's the goat

[@kieran296]

+Darrell Cosey STFU YOU NEEK

[@shonha1]

Yep, ppl call this old school, but Ra was so far ahead, that the transition he set, we're still hearing it now 16 yrs into the the new millennium. From the ones with talent and willing to carry on tradition that is.

[@kieran296]

Guys you probs wont do it but its worth a try init, Have you ever heard of Grime (British Hip Hop) if not that's safe, but you should check out Skepta, JME,Chip,Stormzy,Ghetts,Dave,Section boyz, There good MCs and many more of them you might like! Peace

[@harrygiles8785]

+David Harris rap was shit in 2007 though

[@rasheingwilliams5313]

Rakim is to rap what Miles Davis is to jazz. He totally revolutionized the genre and everyone is still chasing him. I met him at a Lowe's in PA a couple years ago. Nicest guy.

[@Chocolategurl61]

😂Yes Indeed 👍🏾 🙌🏾 👏🏾 😊 he Is! A Rap-A-Magician!!💯👌🏾🥰

[@neldadon]

I think you meant to say John Coltrane

[@Musicienne-DAB1995]

@@neldadon Good point, since Rakim was influenced by John Coltrane and he played the saxophone in school.

[@ksogun3]

He’s A King

[@adamnichols3506]

@@Musicienne-DAB1995and Coltrane played with Miles

[@samiullahhenderson3492]

Straight flow and no profanity. Rakim was a monster!

[@lolosmith8446]

He said damn

[@balance667]

LoLo Smith you really think damn counts? it’s in children’s books for christ sake lol

[@SpicyPablo808]

Is. He is.

[@jasonvogue4487]

GOAT

[@deidragreer4958]

He still is

[@TheUncannyOne]

THE GREATEST RAPPER OF ALL TIME 🐐

[@gladys100011]

2020. Another Decade. Can’t stop a classic.

[@michaelcalhoun1728]

gladys100011 ✅💯

[@Frostgrl681]

It's timeless bae.

[@cornelius7323]

Aint that the truth

[@daryllMiyagi]

Timeless

[@dback544]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/Zl6QmZyOp65pqrM

[@MsVinak]

Another black respectable intellectual...I love it!!

[@Trent_Moorman]

Is each one still shocking to you?

[@thechaz83]

Intellect isn’t determined by race.

[@TheEdub1]

No flashing guns, gang signs, twerkin, cussin, or money flashin, just a dope mc a mic and his DJ!

[@TheHornetsboy]

word!!

[@lynwoodloco77]

exactly! Imagine Young Thug trying to flow like this, he'll probably bite his own tongue off.

[@haelisrael4945]

Well said !

[@kendalljones5211]

CLASSIC RAKIM KING OF HIP HOP

[@JeanneStar101]

And everybody in the crowd was down to earth and natural especially the women

[@musiclover-cn7tb]

Rakim's voice is on my list of favorite hip hop voices ever ❤.

[@tygotcha7]

Rakim, Guru.......

[@noneedfornames24-7]

He doesn’t just have rhymes, innovation, delivery, depth and realness, he has the perfect level of monotone in his voice. NO AUTO TUNE

[@sherrythompson9338]

Dont forget charisma

[@villedocvalle]

That fly style.

[@jbarclay2122]

Yeah it's pretty good, but where's the auto-tune? Then it would be 🔥🔥

[@blueboxkid526]

@@jbarclay2122 Lol. Got em!

[@jbarclay2122]

@Vernon Johnson nothing would go over your head. you're too fast

[@nicksandz3209]

When it comes to Hip Hop people dont know Rakim is a National Treasure, everyone that ever came after him should give praise, He is literally a living legend that changed the way everyone had to rap and is the birth of the lyrical MC..

[@huey9043]

I Agree

[@AnthonyTucker-w1s]

Back when rap was still an ARTform on the streets of New York City,consisting of clever word-play and metaphors!!!! 😮

[@nicksandz3209]

@@AnthonyTucker-w1s Agreed

[@galacticwarlock2271]

Agreed. This is fresh.

[@AAAFilm-yt7gx]

Eminem praised him big time you love to see it

[@bombayrasta7814]

"Rakim was the first to use inside rhyme schemes, he did somthing that had not been thought of yet, he single handedly pushed the genre of hip hop forward to be more complexed" - Marshall Mathers

[@ulysses8785]

Great analysis!

[@damianedwards2327]

Facts

[@LunatiqHigh]

Rakim is a GOAT for sure, but that just seems like a slap in the face to Kool Moe Dee. lol

[@sketcharmstrong8491]

Lame. Marshall Mathers shouldn't be mentioned during a Rakim rhyme session.....sorry bruh

[@rickwilliams4573]

Get out of your feelings. It was a quote from Em, praising Rakim...

[@stevenanderson2555]

What real talent looks like

[@SkilledEddie]

Doesn't even say one curse word and still fire.

[@MelShibson]

Will Smith before Will Smith

[@ivanfidalgo9395]

facts

[@thinkhard2808]

+FonchCakes wtf are u talking about.... real hip hop will never!

[@masondarden2423]

+Think Hard well back in the the 80s if they cuss their record would no air play

[@jayforbes5774]

He said Damn in the first 6 bars😂

[@juniorog4080]

The attire, the dookie chain, graffiti, the lyrics, the DJ and beats cameo of Flavor Flav = Classic NY

[@kaannagumanov1185]

Original Hip Hop

[@nealmcgillum3921]

FLav did his thing like only Flava Flav can.

[@dem6870]

Cause NY aint no joke ✌

[@kingsuneal6866]

Every time i listen to this it make me wanna watch beat street 💚

[@ReedHarrison]

I love it . And I really like how there isn't any n words , cuss words or innuendo it's just great rap

[@lemondishonor7736]

Eric B is the most serious DJ ever. No smile, no talking, just insane turn table work.

[@rp9674]

He holds a mic like a grudge too

[@swade8375]

Terminator x

[@socproductionsofficialtv1]

ΝΟΤ EVEΝ ΤΟP 50 DJ

[@kareemsupremet.v.5189]

Terminator X never said a word in 35 years

[@lemondishonor7736]

@@kareemsupremet.v.5189 he had an album

[@JuanRamirez-um6uk]

Ppl say Rakim was ahead of his time, nah. He's just Rakim, one of a kind. Never be another one like him. Rakim. Respect!

[@Grandmastergav86]

He was lightyears ahead of his time, what are you talking about?

[@WhoTheHellIsHarvy]

This is without a doubt still the hardest hip hop track, and without any curses, just pure lyrical assassination. Never known any artist to receive such universal acclaim and respect, and never been challenged. Just widely accepted that he is the God.

[@ruqone]

💯

[@MassimoTullio-wc9yr]

LL put the whole rap industry on notice when put out murdergram

[@BRock94610]

Can't sleep on 10% Dis by MC Lyte!

[@DarrellDindial]

"I hold the microphone like a grudge." Outstanding

[@nelsonairforce]

Haha, I wanted to comment this too

[@jameslawrencejr6417]

​@@nelsonairforcedo it 1:12

[@Olhado256]

Still impressive today but I can't even imagine how much it must have blown minds back in the day.

[@Docavelli]

Earl Lemongrab You had never really heard anything like him. Changed the game. For real.

[@soulCracka1]

Earl Lemongrab I was 8 years old and listening to Motley Crue and Bon Jovi. My older brother taught me how to record songs on casette tape from the radio. I was turning the dial and came on to Power 99 FM in Philly and this was on. Blew my fucking mind!!! From that point on it was Rakim, Public Enemy, KRS One, Big Daddy Kane etc. I liked Run DMC who came before Rakim and them but as soon as I heard this song it was a done deal. Instant fan for life. 😀😀😀

[@coreybeats3335]

Earl Lemongrab so true hip hop was so dope back in the day !!!!

[@MrAbagaz]

+Lance Givens What was that thing,that made this song sound so much different?What was the norm back then,that this song managed to change?

[@Docavelli]

MrAbagaz​ Listen to Run DMC, Schooly D, UTFO, Robb Base, Beastie Boys, Fat Boys, BDP, and Kool Moe D. Then listen to Erik B and Rakim. It wasn't just this song. It's was the style they were bringing. Rakim's lyrical, sometimes off time but always on time rhymes and his ability to tell stories and paint pictures paired with the quick paced, often jazzy, drums and grimey baselines that showed a different way than the traditional boom-bap, ABC style that was so prevalent before them. As a matter of fact, if you haven't already, go listen to "Know the Ledge". In my opinion, one of the best hip hop songs ever. It's everything Erik B. and Rakim brought to the game.

[@gabrieldantasdasilva9221]

0:10 There is a Brazilian band that mixes reggae, rap and rock, called O Rappa. On their second album "O Mundi", there is a song called "Ilê Ayê", which I believe they took inspiration for the intro in this song by Rakim

[@9MagTV]

Imagine Telling Your Grandkids Your Were In An Eric B. & Rakim Video!

[@blusterya6540]

Who that grandpa?? 😂

[@michaeliverson5789]

@@blusterya6540 💀💀

[@blusterya6540]

@@michaeliverson5789 ??

[@michaeliverson5789]

@@blusterya6540 Was laughing at ya comment dawg lol

[@musiclover-cn7tb]

Imagine what someone's grandma would say like yeah girl that was me with Rakim lol 😆😂,?.

[@MementoMori_2070]

I can’t even imagine, living in the 80s and seeing this for the first time on tv. I bet his flow amazed a lot of people at that time. I bet his style was a game changer for hip hop

[@MaKiNthaMoViE]

all that

[@tinyky2598]

Changed the game.

[@angelaweaver4603]

It was all that 😊

[@Chocolategurl61]

🤯 3:53 blew my mind!🌋☄️☄️🔥🔥🔥😳😂🥰

[@davidslindsayjr.9243]

i was around back then and trust it did change the game

[@TB-vv1yq]

All us old heads, were young when this came out. I’ll bump this forever!

[@TheIntrovert83]

@Energetic Coach Pretty Much!

[@chrissys3598]

Pretty much, just turned 35 in Dec, but is still 🔥 in 2023. This was Hip-Hop real Rap Lyricist

[@maxcrawfordsr9919]

🥰Damn rite..4 eva n eva.. klassick quality Tru Hip Hop 🤌🏾

[@malikqadir3325]

I'm 58 from Brooklyn and still bumping this

[@sellmusiconline]

forever

[@antswindlee]

The first verse on this one of the craziest opening verses in hip hop history 🔥🔥

[@RuckRuRaggie]

You don't even hear him breathing between words, unlike like a lot of rappers. Mr. Rakim is indeed a G.O.A.T

[@xilee5993]

Jerissa Martinez it's not love. you can't say that.

[@javieravila8749]

Jerissa Martinez he would tear these clown rappers today apart. No contest not even close

[@ToniLHall]

real mcsssss stand up

[@lebronbarkley6038]

Jerissa Martinez exactly gorgeous Rakim has no equal

[@NICCAGE26]

Engineers can take the breaths out when mastering....

[@Zylo24]

This song never gets old. One of the greatest rappers of all time, KING RAKIM 👑

[@thebrownfilmshow]

Lyrics Explained kzbin.info/www/bejne/sJiWqZaQo9-Vedk

[@alonso68joe1]

Ive always had 'Rakim" as my all time greatest M.c. His lyrical wordplay is mind blowing. Insane delivery, and his clean voice. Got 'Big" 2nd. He was just gifted. Greatest storyteller. Takes you on a trip!

[@xazzxazz13]

💯 ☝🏼 Rakim

[@Phacdiubit]

I'm really sorry but this song has got old. Few people come to hear this song nowadays

[@alonso68joe1]

@@Phacdiubit Is a timeless classic. Paid in full is the greatest hip hop album ever made, bar none. One of those rare gems that you dont dare skip over any songs. Rakim on the mike and Eric B on the cut are simply the best hip hop duo. They were on some next shit!

[@ilm_seeker]

0 - curse words 0 - N* word 0 - ratchet 0 - smashin' anyone This is what our music should be. Respectful of our people.

[@young_coolio407]

seetv569 true

[@willkessinger1208]

Notorious Nas I get your point, and my favorite Group is NWA, and they cuss like it's second nature. However the fact that Eric B and Rakim didn't cuss at all in this song, and still made a hit, it's cool and all. We also have to take into consideration that to get a record deal as a hip hop artist in the 80s, your slate had to be shining brighter than the stars, but that changed in the 90s, and in today's music you have to cuss up a storm to be considered "A Great Artist", and quite honestly, I'm fucking tired of artists today thinking their better than anyone from the 90s or 80s. All he wanted to say was that it was amazing how the song didn't cuss one bit.

[@willierobinson9913]

seetv569 I couldn't agree 💯 with you anymore

[@torontofinest4564]

0- drugs

[@JacoBluezz]

Check out an artist named Shad. Best canadian rapper out there imo (though i think he retired) I saw him live in Chicago and he freestyled for ten minutes straight taking suggestions from the crowd without swearing once. It's so hard to freestyle, let alone not rely on profanity for filler words, it was extremely impressive. Artists like him keep my hope in hip hop alive.

[@CherryAustin-nl9ww]

*2024" Old School Music 💯

[@j13741374]

Still rockin this in 2019 !! Shout out to the R.

[@dakarawilliams228]

💯

[@ladygemini5967]

Love your statement

[@lorenzohaynes6142]

Bless the Mike with the Gods

[@doowkcaj]

Hip hop in it's most concentrated, unadulterated form.

[@likemike2945]

That second verse is one of the greatest of all time. That flow and word play in 1987??? That shows me that Rakim influenced a lot of future rappers.

[@erichardin2635]

To this date,..........THIS IS THE GREATEST LYRICAL HIP-HOP SONG EVER!

[@darnellwilcox4600]

LikeMike294 This verse is the apex of all lyrics. I'll take you for a walk through hell,freeze your dome, then let your eyeballs swell, guide you out of tripple stage darkness...

[@asittig]

LikeMike294 Rakim is the most influential rapper ever. He totally changed the game. There'd be no Nas, Jay-Z, Biggie, etc... without him.

[@thiefonthacross4162]

MC= MoveTha Crowd and Pass Tha Loud $$

[@g-tallfrmda6661]

Tha year I was born 80s bby

[@Posidon-r2m]

Number 1 MC of all time. King Rakim

[@alphapred]

debatable

[@robertmason7553]

@@alphapred NOT

[@bhati938]

Rakim is undoubtedly one of the hardest mc's to ever touch the mic.

[@damieneikerenkoetter9556]

The G.O.A.T.

[@bigdaddypiggy]

Rakim is prolly the best to ever do it

[@jshow7314]

He is "The God"

[@DT24K]

You damn skippy, on that!!! Cant stand it when I hear/come across any1 (espcly a lot of these youngbloods of the present day) who try n say ...hell... any1 other than this man as being the coldest, baddest ass m’fckr to touch the mic when it came to just smooth ass creative lyrics that (just like he says in 1 of his greatest hits..) ‘flowed like water’! He was the 1st and the absolute best when it came to ‘the smooth flowing style’ that he and SO MANY MANY MANY others that were to follow in his footsteps thruout all these yrs! Hell, 1 thing the man had accomplished in his career... (take it now, this was even back when he was still at the top of his game thruout the late 80’s / early 90’s) was to be awarded THE Rap Master’s lyricist of the year 4 yrs in a row! Count ‘em now...4! And if not mistaken... it was within a 6 yr period, 4 in a row, the 5th year he was a slight runner-up and then took it back again the following yr to make it his 5 time in 6 straight yrs! None of your Nas’, your Eminem’s, your 2Pac’s, your Biggie’s etc etc etc... Look, no disrespect to any of those guys by any means! And I say that w/true meaning now (!) to any/all of however many diehard fan/followers out there reading this who are probably gtng themselves all worked up n what have ya?! I’m just laying out what I feel is absolutely true respectful props that must should be given! And the thing is too... hey, Eric B. & Rakim were no doubt up there in my overall top 3 favorite rap artists of all time but not my favorite! That top ranking of mine is/was/STILL IS & has ALWAYS been some lil’ band/group that goes by the name of one ...’Public Enemy’! Yeah, all this ranting/raving over some man born under the name of Mr. William Griffin who’s better known worldwide as one ‘Rakim’... yeah, you’d think after all of that hoo-ha I kept going on with of how/why I declare n think he’s the greatest lyricist/rapper of all time but nah! No, I’ve always loved the man’s style, delivery & ultra lyrical talent that’s nothing but undeniably the best ever, period!

[@thebrownfilmshow]

Yup! and check out his lyrics broken-down kzbin.info/www/bejne/sJiWqZaQo9-Vedk

[@JulezWinnfield]

"I HOLD THE MICROPHONE LIKE A GRUDGE, B WILL HOLD THE RECORD SO THE NEEDLE DON'T BUDGE". Still one of hardest lyrical lines ever dropped.

[@coolb8545]

Lol..I hold the microphone like a grudge".."E hold the record so the needle won't budge".."I hold a conversation"..he used the word "hold" in 3 different contexts..genius

[@JulezWinnfield]

@@coolb8545 No, it's "B will hold the record so the needle don't budge". Rewind and listen again, sucka......lol.

[@coolb8545]

@@JulezWinnfield dope regardless..he uses the word "hold" in 3 different contexts.thats the point I was making lol..

[@thebrownfilmshow]

The GOD MC Rakim's lyrics Explained kzbin.info/www/bejne/sJiWqZaQo9-Vedk

[@michaelsquare9325]

Fire 🔥 📛 👨‍🚒 🚒 🧯 🎆

[@timwilliams8496]

"I hold the microphone like a grudge" that line is so simple and yet so deep it's the epitome of Hip-hop !!!

[@whatdupdoh]

@theosmelek1 for real...I thought the same exact thing. How you hold a grudge is how he holds the mic lol.

[@Yuvyhiphop1309]

Rakim and eric b are the legendary duo hand down.

[@dognit]

His level of confidence in this is no joke. 2023 and it’s still beyond reproach.

[@herintuion88]

U are Right

[@ia4687]

Solid as a rock 10 toes down

[@juliusstuckey3913]

The song title speaks for itself. Rakim ain't no joke and neither is this song. CLASSIC!!!

[@SavageNova]

Straight OG

[@tonycervz89]

Or Eric B. He Had Them Scratches On Lock

[@therealflamelit]

Rakim was a G ... but Eric B was/is the one that REALLY aint no Joke

[@juliusstuckey3913]

Hold This L. Debarge INDEED, INDEED!

[@typus6471]

Julius Stuckey another real nice bol thats out today is a dude named Chris smoak, y'all should check his shit out on KZbin

[@darkknight7011]

This is the BEST 'lyricist" in ALL of hip-hop. His cadence, tone and articulation have yet to be topped. Argue with me....

[@craz1974]

No arguing needed because it's true.

[@paulmenel7734]

Pimp C is a possible opponent, the art of story telling

[@OhthatKt1]

Kane.

[@dannycuriel6060]

Him and Em are on Mount Rushmore. Next 2?

[@staciejones4059]

True story

[@kamargee9680]

Classic! Rakim and BD Kane. No one could touch either of them!

[@kelseydotc8172]

He changed hip-hop forever with this song!! ❤❤❤❤

[@dazednconfused-r4o]

Graffiti in the background, Rakim rapping, breakdance in some parts of the video, Eric B djing, scratching. All the elements of HIP HOP.

[@atilla4372]

The 80s would've been such a sick time to be born in

[@goodgod326]

@@atilla4372 some pluses but a lot of minuses during that period

[@dcclark8870]

@@goodgod326 Culturally speaking I think he was saying. True, far better from the sports and entertainment perspective. Black people also had a greater sense of self. College and education mattered more.

[@mrjones5880]

Ole Skool like this will never die unlike this trash today.....

[@SheriFromDetroit]

Absolutely ❤

[@brentjames6049]

50 years of hip hop

[@georgelopez4193]

Facts

[@Greg-ur8cv]

Trash...I always call it garbage , myself , when the kids play it at work. It's the worst rap I ever heard , in my nearly 60 years of loving hip hip ..I like my beats hardcore ..rough , that old boom bap shit.. that neck snapping shit. The beats are all watered down , and diluted now.The rappers actually sing now too. It sucks .☹️There's never DJs mixing and scratching up their music either. They have no idea who DJ red alert is , DJ Revolution , DJ Scratch , Mix master Mike , etc..These guys never listen to old school rap either. It's funny because all I listen to is 70s ,80s, 90s , 2000s music. They're all depressed ... obviously that shitty mindless music they listen to isn't helping them , like real music has the ability to. I enjoyed listening to Lakeside , Cameo , SOS Band , Con Funk Shun , Stevie Wonder , Dazz Band . All these kids listen to is that crappy rap music. Over and over. Never ever any variety or something different. They're ridiculous. And I'm griping about it like a stupid old man would . 💯🥹 I always wondered too, if I'd ever reach a point in my life, when I actually would experience a generation gap between myself , and other rap listeners. It happened.

[@mrjones5880]

@Greg-ur8cv Jazzy Jeff Mt all time favorite and u named my 2nd....DJ Scratch.

[@denariuswright8284]

CONSCIOUS RAP IS THE MOST MENTALLY ENRICHING format of HIP HOP

[@Militantreturns]

Its not conscious though Its. Straightiest. Example of. Rapping in its purest form

[@FirebrickFoxx]

"write a rhyme in graffiti and, every show you see me in, deep concentration, cuz I'm no comedian" PEOPLE. This was the 80's!!!!! This man had No business being this ahead with wordplay during that era. Crazy.

[@RareFilesMusic]

Just saw him live last night. Can confirm he was in deep concentration. No joke.

[@99alfailiwaqain51]

@@RareFilesMusicPeace To The Gods!!!!!! Yo that’s amazing my G…how was the show…

[@tonestewart4318]

💯💪🏾

[@joeyhuey8340]

new school cant fuck with this.

[@sharkdeepwater8]

joey Huey Sheeeeeid, new old school can't fuck with this.

[@Genkimark]

Rakim, NAS, Big Daddy Kane, Slick Rick = REAL Hip-Hop.

[@gregorynetus8361]

nas and rakim is my 2 favorite rapper of all times

[@denizaksoy9145]

dont forget kool g rap krs one and jay z

[@jamietaylor98]

+Deniz Aksoy kool g rap DAT dude

[@gregorynetus8361]

+Wayno Soze gay z sucks.nas .Eric b and rakim.kool g rap.wutangclan

[@KerkinWayno]

That was my point

[@mrmarwingee1]

Man nobody like Rakim and Eric B these days. this IS a classic. NO JOKE.

[@Tiren-ky3cu]

💯 percent facts.💪💪💪

[@danftwgg]

1987:Wow,this song is legendary 2019:Wow,this song is legendary 2045:Wow,this song is legendary

[@patrick12657nck]

Kids today just don't know what they missed.

[@ladygemini5967]

Yep

[@bau8476]

Detroit Ruffin ima kid and i love this old school rap

[@richb5477]

👊🏾

[@lisah2063]

I'm 11 and I love old school rap

[@lazarorodriguez5161]

This Guy!!!! Rakim was 16-17 years when he wrote this track and when he wrote Paid In Full 1986 Classic!!! His mind was so mature and wise beyond his years........

[@charlesjonessr3684]

He was 18

[@DARKANGEL_X5-452]

They know they're *Hebrew Yisraelite Yahawadahites* aka so-called African Americans

[@charlesjonessr3684]

@@DARKANGEL_X5-452 What are you talking about?

[@benjiibenz1944]

Was it Queens or Long Island

[@lavelhare3723]

@SUPREME MEGATRON I an say adults also

[@tygetb7785]

The world was different then. These were true hip hop pioneers. Legends

[@Bonescratcher]

Strange tho he didn’t survive into the mid 90’s

[@60kai_57]

@@Bonescratcher what do you mean didnt survive!?

[@Bonescratcher]

@@60kai_57 meaning he was no longer very relevant like other big rappers of that era like Snoop, Pac, Biggie, Nas, etc…

[@Hborn]

That Mural is fly

[@Walshy94]

@@Bonescratcher not being as well known as those lads doesn't mean Rakim didn't survive. He made a good few songs in the 90s. When I b on da mic was a very good song

[@charleswest4418]

Wow Rakim was ahead of his time. All time great.

[@bryansmalley]

I want a refrigerator made by Rakim, 'cause this is still fresh after 30+ years

[@rafi5659]

Ice cold, too!

[@calvinmyers5085]

👍

[@kimberlygokool5346]

Ice cold but still fire

[@deidragreer4958]

Lol

[@deidragreer4958]

@@rafi5659 lol

[@therealjuuha]

Got his point across with no cussing, no n-word, no B-word and still let you know that He ain't no joke. Real hip hop

[@tracywhite3284]

All that started in the West Coast . East Coast created it West Coast murdered it And the South buried it.

[@leeleea4164]

@Ben Shapiro I believe it's because of the music industry telling the people what good music instead of the people showing the music industry what great music is supposed to be.

[@ESDAce]

@@leeleea4164 fr man outta all the things they coulda changed hip hop to they just had to change to this crap we have today maaaaan I wish I was around during the 80s and 90s

[@Cloudieok]

@@tracywhite3284 😐

[@lalasmith2]

Yes yes yes..preach it!!!

[@TheMelancholicTigah]

Yo them damn JUMPSUITS WAS PHAT!!!!!

[@tyreseoutlaw9125]

sweat suits...smiling

[@daniilmcdonald5166]

lol when ppl stopped saying phat and calling jumpsuits track suits

[@str8alphamale]

MIA quavo MIA Phat is still dope.. My era . Let's bring it back.

[@prospecktor1999]

and the gold was watered down

[@RFJersey]

The Italian guys in NJ and NYC still wear the track suits, lol.

[@master_at_social_game6005]

This Is Real Hip Hop.

[@LP-my2ml]

Wouldn't be understood at all!!! Now days...

[@goptions4678]

100%

[@eabsurfs808]

"I hold the microphone like a grudge..." Top THAT! LOL

[@forcedtohaveahandle]

eabsurfs808 Reminded me of Common’s ”Hold the mic like a memory”. Ra said it first though ofc.

[@johnrodriguez9839]

E will hold tha needle so the record won't budge!!

[@gregsander8439]

Im flowing like blood on a crime scene.

[@ms.wilson6439]

They can't For sure.

[@stoneythagod7374]

eabsurfs808 “you can ask bevis, I get nothing but head” “Voice inside my head told me ‘wet em if they test you’, so it’s ragging water season “And stories ‘bout my life hit the net like a bad serve” “Put him in the ground he was down to earth” “The game need change and I’m the muafuckin cashier” “Tryna get her groove back like Stella, grab the umbrella” “Feds come around, then I turn to Helen Keller”

[@lamontsanford6330]

So ahead of his time. So hard 2 believe this is 86

[@alirezamodares3463]

Sounds more like mid-90's

[@therandomgamer18]

It's 87

[@halukkilic3171]

True. I passed out a minute or so when I first heard it the summer it was released. The best rap tune ever.

[@marquisferguson5478]

Harder to believe he was 19..

[@cjhepburn7406]

With an Eric B for President Mix?

[@AyJay0804]

This song shows exactly what the 80's was like👌😎

[@leslieharris89]

Yes

[@octaviabarleston7012]

It was a friggin party!! Literally 😜😁 miss the 80's

[@BuddaGheeski]

Man I swear the 80s and 90s looked LIT

[@YahChild]

Yes 80 was very fun in the day I miss it

[@midnightmarauder1393]

This is the standard for a timeless track..it holds up damn near 40 years later

[@anudarib]

2019: this song is a masterpiece

[@scotthartley31]

Seline B epic track of all time

[@johnrodriguez9839]

Perfect description for it!

[@lisadunham9319]

Seline B wat ......... I HOLD THE MICROPHONE LIKE A GRAG

[@juleswinnfield1738]

The 4K plus people that dislike this don’t know a damn thing about hip hop

[@marlonburden3117]

Know they don't... 🔥

[@DB800187]

For real. How the hell can you be a fan of hip hop and dislike a classic that was way ahead of its time like this. Smh. A 1980s Rakim lyrically run circles around current clowns claimin to be rappers today.

[@allanwilliams317]

That's the new feeble-minded generation don't know shit 💯🤤👊🏾

[@mr.ridley8255]

DB800187 that’s the problem, this is hip hop. 💩 that’s being put out these days is just rap, lyrics over a good to decent beat

[@Onedayatatime50]

So true

[@tylerrodriguez7772]

Lyrically one of the best of all time

[@rivaisrave]

If they had social media back then, Rakim would've been the most viral artist of all time.

[@kharis87]

Who still listening to Rakim in 2018? Classic

[@shakir7194]

me! old hip hop and rap never gets old!

[@pinklasagna2131]

🙋‍♀️ Meeeee

[@keithwisdom1663]

goat- south Bronx in the house- I was there when it started in 1970s

[@Echassiscj]

Me

[@easyrider252]

Me!

[@Gabriel-gv1mx]

Rakim's flow, erudition and ability to bend and blend words seamlessly- along with classic beats, make all his output timeless and untouchable. Rakim has more punchlines in a joke than Chapelle or Richard Pryor. The Greatest to ever bless a mic! And that's No Joke!

[@roslynballard727]

Great hip hop.better than anything today.!!!!!

[@djcrystalclear420]

I’m 30 years old Rakim is in my top 20

[@siyabongabhongoza939]

But it sounds funny ! lol

[@TenaciousZen]

dude was WAY ahead of his time. "i hold the microphone like a grudge/E will hold the record so the needle don't budge.."....jesus lol

[@2Slow2Gaf]

@@roslynballard727 future better

[@theomen864]

TRUE HIP HOP!! ONE OF THE GREATEST OF ALL TIME............. i still have the cassette tape!!

[@igotthemagicinm3843]

The Omen my boy

[@malikimcguinness8955]

The Omen I wasn't even born in this era of music and I think you can't get better than this

[@j2323j]

👍💯

[@joeyhuey8340]

same📛📛

[@casdandrapierre604]

Yes Yes

[@thirdgen377]

I am a metal head. Friends with hip hop artists from Flint and LA. They took me to Rakim's concert in Detroit in '22. I'm still a metalhead but Rakim is the shit. He was on point the whole time. Voice was clean, beats were hard and the crowd was badass. It was a show that showcased old school MCs from the early 90s and beyond. I was never much of a fan of Detroit being I am not from there, so I am always on guard as one should be, but everyone was so chill and friendly, we lit up our joints to send out smoke signals of love and friendship and boy oh boy would I do it again.

[@bluboysss]

The GOAT....no one had lyrics that could touch Rakim. Biggie, 2Pac, Jay Z, no one period!!

[@rafaelmorgado2229]

Wtf is wrong with you guys? Why are you always repeating the same shit over and over again?!

[@Phearsum]

MF is insane, but artists like him wouldn't exist if Rakim and pioneers of his time didn't push the culture forward the way they did. Rakim & Kool G the godfathers of lyricism.

[@user-ir6dt3dv6u]

nav kaile doom nice fasho but ion kno if he the goat bra

[@QueenCraftsChannel]

Absolute facts and nobody is silly enough to try to say they did!

[@charlesjonessr3684]

@nav kaile No he isn't

[@edwardburks2868]

He's on the Rushmore of rap 🎤 no doubt.

[@corrimahannibal5417]

He is the rushmore

[@wallacecreed4746]

He is the only rapper who should be on everyone's. The other 3 feel like they could be interchanged to some degree, but no disputing Rakim

[@farhaan1243]

@@wallacecreed4746 totally agree

[@Duneek]

He's first on my Rushmore

[@dickflair4538]

He was way ahead of his time

[@darrylwoodbury]

I grew up during this era of Hip Hop. It was my childhood. 35 years later, this song still gives me chills.

[@bless520]

Still gives the same vibe 😌

[@ede4961]

On my playlist with Big Daddy Kane

[@31ctp]

This is the epitome of hip hop. Timeless.

[@ladybhive1210]

@@bless520 💯

[@ROBERT-wq7cj]

STRAIGHT CHILLS

[@JamesTucker-z1s]

When brothers rapped about smoking you on the mic not with a gun !!!

[@STR8GHTBALLIN]

😢

[@trebolerolifeeastside4314]

I k87iibm😂😂ck

[@mr.c332]

Yep, and no words that disintegrate the people.

[@masteraether4789]

The simplicity of being himself...the experience is what separates him... he mastered himself first.... so psychological he FUUUCKS u with that ... the part where he EXPLAINS how a hater will REWIND his lyrics TO REVERSE engineer it.... and add or take out...

[@arifrostburn3787]

Who’s here cause they like old school hip hop

[@wptaries]

arifrostburn This was my era of hip hop! Rakim and Biggie, my favs!! #teenageyears

[@stephenperales1811]

hell yeah man

[@MannyBReviews]

Eric B and Rakim are hip hop icons I grew up listening to them. No white folks around where I live even know who these fellows are.

[@williampscott3539]

Word up

[@ch.illmatic]

Everybody from the Jordan documentary don't even know

[@zyrover]

Millenials, you are watching the best rapper and best lyricist of all time. No profanity and still one of the dopest rap songs ever. This is what real Hip-Hop sounds like.

[@bigdaddypiggy]

Not one cuss word,not one reference about guns/killin someone,not a single diss to another rapper? This is what they call “having talent” for all you youngun’s out there,Ra is the best to ever do it

[@notycg1444]

I'm Gen Z and I have been listening to Old Hip hop for about 2 years.

[@darrenrichards4332]

THE GOD MC!!!!!

[@goth9160]

Gen Z here, and yes. Rakim, Nas, and even Joey Badass are still SEVERELY slept on.

[@kreolekidd84]

@@bigdaddypiggy This what I try to tell them whenever someone swears Pac is the Goat

[@stainofm1nd]

Am i the only one that thinks the first verse is like the greatest rap verse of all time? It perfectly encapsulates an MC's confidence, stamina, knowledge, wittiness, aggression, and eagerness to be the greatest

[@gaffle-411]

I was just thinking the same thing…

[@stainofm1nd]

@@gaffle-411 Im so glad im not the only one

[@OnALivingSpreeLLC]

Well actually, every lyric line within every stanza is a classic

[@vondelpark8141]

Its great bit there are other great verses

[@allinonethegreat]

Actually the greatest verse of all time is the last verse of The Message from Melle Mel from Grandmaster Flash & The Furious 5 but this whole song goes hard. They’re both classics.

[@SugaFree2387]

I remember hearing this on NBA 2K and fell in love with Rakims style and music

[@montimiller2267]

Been listening to Rakim & Eric B. since '86 and they're still legends!!!

[@doubledanny2792]

damn i born in 91` but still listen since i got memory true OG man mad respect

[@Aluvsloans]

“ Even if it’s jazz or the quiet storm I hook a beat up and turn it into hip hop form “ - this dude is simply incredible - he just described hip hop in a line

[@daddykool295]

Exactly aint that what sum groups did like digable planets but it was still hip hop

[@toidean6953]

🎉🎉🎉

[@DamnYou22Times]

So man classic lines from bar to bar on all his jams yo. Like he said they smash pause 😂😂😂

[@AnthonyTucker-w1s]

Back when Rap was still an ARTform on the streets of New York City,consisting of clever word-play and metaphors!!!!😮

[@Bo3iuu]

Yes Rakim you made us wondering DAMN!

[@rochiggidy]

30 years today! 7.7.1987 and 7.7.2017 it still stands.

[@BreuckelensFinest]

rochiggidy Yes, remains CLASSIC!

[@Eagles4life221]

rochiggidy definitely!

[@kratosfuckedmymotherbecaus6264]

rochiggidy 2018 now 😏

[@dreadmanlv6700]

Peace to the Gods

[@Ijustdontknowanymore3]

Yeahhya

[@Unxpekted]

Bumping to the GOAT in 2025

[@Ifixstuf]

How do you not instantly get chills when he drops the first bars lol

[@Non-Serviam300]

Ifixstuf THANK YOU👊🏻

[@michaelcox3353]

Man imagine hearing this cat in '87? This is pretty complex for now a days, imagine then? Nobody had ever heard anybody put words together so perfectly before. His flow on the beat was like an instrument itself. Peace to the God MC.

[@Lea-bz9be]

Can't imagine!

[@patellipaschal6039]

I was at a record store when this came out. 12 inch,cd, and cassette tape

[@rhondaatkins1776]

It definitely was like nothing we'd heard before.

[@TheRealSinjinsmyth]

Definitely the blueprint for what rap would evolve to in the 90s.

[@OdiesMama]

It was so much fun hearing these tunes as a kid....still rocks.

[@jthomas1716]

“ I hold the microphone like a grudge”!! It was insane how great this is! 🙌🏾😆🎉

[@KoiAndDrug]

I wake you up and as I stare in your face you seem stunned Remember me the one you got your whole idea from

[@ericbell3840]

The BEST bar EVER

[@MaineSWH]

🔥 gotta love that Flav was just hanging out dancing buggin out like he wasn’t in another group 💿 classic 📀

[@davisdowell1986]

It's crazy that at nearly 40 years old the vibe, flow and feel of this performance is more creative than most things out today. Simplistic and cool, crazy bars and production

[@rakim6466]

Than all things out today G

[@hideaway9686]

Say it for the tone deaf waay in the back!

[@Millienfilm81]

Feels fresh and brand new, even though I am the same age as this song.

[@weedman1168]

Real rap died back in 00 after that shit went downhill

[@MAXIMA347]

My things is a good song is always going to be a good song, in our words timeless, this is the only genre of music we're songs get old and played out. Shouldn't be that way...🤷🏾‍♂️🤷🏾‍♂️🤷🏾‍♂️

[@Queen_solomon54]

This was back when you understood what the rappers were saying. Respect!

[@michellemolina4247]

Yessss

[@DefKiller90]

Agree now rappers using auto tune and mumble

[@scottbentham7466]

Say it again for the people in the back..

[@bitterbold]

best rapper ever. period.

[@monsterkis]

TC mekanik no designer is

[@colbyNQ]

take these L's, everyone knows lil yatchy is the GOAT

[@alterrage3255]

+Colby Hemming who's "Everybody" lol yatchy's trash

[@jonnyhundley]

TC mekanik No Taylor swift

[@jakemartinez8803]

I disagree nas is the best but this guy is still really good

[@skyy_diamond3127]

I Grew Up On These Hits! 💯🎶🎵🎼🎧🎤

[@GoInternational2024]

Still banging this classic in 2021 🔥🔥🔥

[@thebrownfilmshow]

Lyrics Explained kzbin.info/www/bejne/sJiWqZaQo9-Vedk

[@DavidRichardson95]

Imagine, Kane and Rakim were the same age (19) with so much lyricism and swagger nothing today can compete with the golden age.

[@ZZZ-Hip-Hop]

+David Richardson Joey Badass was 18 when he made "Survival Tactics" and in my opinion it's a better song

[@ZZZ-Hip-Hop]

+zzz011012 actually he was 17

[@ZZZ-Hip-Hop]

+Viloxmasta Nah Sorry, I can compare Joey Bada$$ to whoever the hell I want. Listening to this song or many other Rakim songs doesn't do much for me, listening to Joey Bada$$ does end of story. It only makes sense for music to grow over time since people can look at what others did in the past and find a way to innovate/improve it. Rakim was sweet in his time when there was nothing else but now he's ass.

[@clark4023]

+ZZZ HipHop Better how? Lyrically it isn't even on the same planet. See, that's why your generation is looked at like it is, you can't even admit the obvious. You have an excuse for everything and then cry about how something's unfair if you don't get what you want. You should not be involved in any conversation about Hip Hop. Stick to rap!

[@clark4023]

+Viloxmasta Lol! That kid just wants attention like most of his generation. They have no skills or clue!

[@TheIncredibleStories]

That first verse goes down as one of the best in HipHop history forever.

[@Spiritof_76]

No one today can do it like Eric B and Rakim. I used to play this on cassette on my Walkman. They are ranking with the best of all time.