Rakim: NPR Music Tiny Desk Concert

[@nprmusic]

Hey Tiny Desk Fans, Check out NPR’s Black Stories, Black Truths - a collection of podcasts hosted by journalists who speak truth to power. Our voices are as varied, nuanced, and dynamic as the Black experience. And stories should never be about us without us. Listen now: www.npr.org/podcasts/510372/black-stories-black-truths

[@GONZOSARTIMPORIUM]

Let agree to disagree

[@Kimbrough74]

​@@GONZOSARTIMPORIUMwhy disclose your investment in the preservation of inequities?

[@jwilli850]

correction… Rakim is the greatest lyricist of all time

[@beautifullifemedia2733]

Timeless!

[@gabrielleelliott2487]

​@@jwilli850that's facts

[@adrian-zr6eu]

Rakim, the man who said " Age don't matter in the booth, as long as your flow stays submerged in the fountain of youth". Respect for still flowing true to your style

[@blueballedtech]

That's hard!

[@kay_mac138]

On which track?

[@BEsaddiqali]

@@kay_mac138 classic..krs,nas,kanye,Rakim

[@ChristopherSoltis5]

@@BEsaddiqali the dj primo track, Classic :)

[@lakeisharobinson2132]

💯💯

[@JohnConstantine1710]

Rakim need to release a jazz album this is fire

[@TheSolution4Kickz]

That would be dope because he's actually nice on the horn.

[@savannahmorgan6924]

Austin S please and thank you

[@bolder2009]

The Solution!4Kickz You heard him play?

[@TheSolution4Kickz]

@@bolder2009 he grew up playing. Do a search there's footage of him playing.

[@bolder2009]

The Solution!4Kickz I have searched. I can't find any footage. Just a photo from his high school band class.

[@finaltouchpro648]

"Rakim is basically the inventor of flow. We were not even using the word flow until Rakim came along. It was called rhyming, it was called cadence, but it wasn't called flow. Rakim created flow!" - Kool Moe Dee

[@Gofuccyoself7474]

No he isn't not at all

[@sobe9ograff]

@@Gofuccyoself7474 enlighten us then wise one

[@Gofuccyoself7474]

@@sobe9ograff bro no one raps like him today!!!! Y'all claim he's the best boom bap is the best etc... But it's all gone and Dead. No one cares about y'all sub genre of hip hop anymore but y'all still claim it's superior. Lol. Ice T is more duplicated today than anyone from the past.

[@sobe9ograff]

@@Gofuccyoself7474 lol you tripping. read his comment again.

[@duv6866]

​@@Gofuccyoself7474 Rakim helped to pioneer the use of internal rhymes and multisyllabic rhymes, and he was among the first to demonstrate the possibilities of sitting down to write intricately crafted lyrics packed with clever word choices and metaphors rather than the more improvisational styles and simpler rhyme patterns that predominated before him.[2] Rakim is also credited with creating the overall shift from the more simplistic old school flows to more complex flows. Educate yourself

[@AzraelJLH]

Kingfish on the guitar with Rakim!!!!! That's hard

[@susannewarren2487]

? Wh

[@AzraelJLH]

@susannewarren2487 what does "Wh" mean?

[@mr1597]

When Rakim comes to your house, you're the guest.

[@TidyDisarray]

you realy nailed it lollol

[@aliciaseay9160]

Facts!

[@1michaeltodd]

Amen to that!

[@erich1070]

Werd👍

[@johnbaltimore1212]

Inshaallah...

[@oiramsq73]

Rakim was so far ahead of EVERYONE 30 years ago that now, 30 years later, he’s a lifetime ahead.

[@unbreakablerogue]

Yesssss!:)

[@michaelmachupa3854]

He's timeless.

[@deshaun5419]

So true

[@Averroes1]

💯

[@AngelRodriguezFritoLay]

Brilliant point

[@rd4660]

Old skool. No swearing, no disrespect, no vitriol. The true definition of keeping it real.

[@yorkyoung6439]

Word Up ....... No need for vulgarity when your grammar is nice!!!

[@yohannesb1946]

York Young most def homie, you know deal

[@lookbovine]

I don’t mind severe and constant swearing.

[@TYMZTABLZ]

I enrolled in a poetry class a few years back and I brought Paid in Full as my example of a great poem. Greatest MC in the game.

[@miguelacosta5446]

check out Mavi- "miracle baby"

[@chriskasatka2095]

I would pay serious money to watch him do a full set with this band.

[@OnanX501]

I 2nd that

[@April-201]

🙋🏾‍♀️ 3rd that

[@leviescott4819]

A colorblind Masterpiece

[@stephnash4637]

Chris Kasatka Me also.

[@bollie4431]

I 4th that 🔥🔥🔥

[@seand8415]

I’ve never been to New York in my life, but when I hear lyricists like Rakim and Nas, they verbally paint pictures of New York with their lyrics. For me, their voices, along with their flow, IS New York.

[@ThePolominican]

Salute King! This is why I Fell in Love wit Hip Hop back in 85. It’s Universal... It Ain’t Where Ya From It’s Where Ya @! ✌🏽

[@SuperBabytee1]

We all from different areas. Rah speaks about the nyc boroughs but he's a long island kid. We absolutely LOVE RAKIM

[@ThePolominican]

SuperBabytee1 .... Nahhhh... Rakim Allah.. The 7th Letter... The God Always S/O Strong Island!!! I know Nothing About L.I... But I’m A Die Hard Hip Hop Fan... Public Enemy/EPMD/K-Solo/Keith Murray/LONS/Busta Buss/Method Man... SIP Craig Mack... Get Well Soon To The LI Don.. That put ya on the map.... NOBODY (WILL EVER!) BEAT THE BIZ!!!

[@lorigray1150]

I've been twice and you're right, Rakim kills it!!!

[@larryh2228]

I know exactly what you mean..when I went last year I finally felt it!

[@yopacific]

Let’s be clear....Rakim is the greatest MC of all time

[@poerava]

You ain’t lying

[@mariusgate3030]

MF DOOM?

[@josephasci]

Agreed 100....

[@irishseano]

It’s hard to argue isn’t it?

[@pgreen3250]

Uhhh say it a little louder for the kids sittin in the back.

[@kublakhanican7486]

The dude with the grey guitar is ill. Props to Ali Shaheed Muhammad for being there too. This whole thing is sick, Rakim is amazing

[@jasonjohnson3318]

@Ernesto Mendez yes. The one and only!

[@desullcrappie]

Just rewatched this and noticed Ali and Kingfish. 😲

[@nickrizzo4635]

He’s definitely sick with it

[@Obscurity202]

Ali is one of my favorite bass players!

[@sinkhole_sussurus]

Came for Rakim, coming back for Kingfish 🤌

[@OdinOfficialEmcee]

Even if he just does old songs, I want Rakim to release an album done like this, all live instruments. It sounds so dope and just elevates his songs to a whole other level 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@jamiej5229]

you should listen to "school of hard knocks" the whole album is in that style and it is dope, even though its not rakim :)

[@OdinOfficialEmcee]

@@jamiej5229 thanks for the reccomendation man, I'll check it out 🙂

[@timekabolden5309]

🙌🙌🙌💯💯💯🎶👏🔥🔥🔥🔥😲

[@yamtenfour]

YES! Rakim, RA Orchestra & Flow

[@jamestaylor841]

Ye ngl always knew he was an OG but think am just to young to get into his music on record but this was amazing

[@MichaelDracula2000]

Ali Shaheed on bass, Kingfish on guitar and of course mr. Rakim on vocals... what a legenadary band. mind it guys!

[@TrippiePineapplz]

+Adrian Younge on keys🔥

[@buddha757]

Priceless!

[@veegob5287]

@@TrippiePineapplzI was coming to say it.

[@albertsmith99]

That sound engineer really deserves props for enhancing such beautiful sounds.

[@03jones08]

Yessssss

[@Capgpro1]

ikr

[@Phred7447]

Back there with the earphones on.

[@fahimaljahangir3059]

the bass levels are so good

[@slicksilver9441]

@@Phred7447 and groovin

[@kingjellybeans7823]

Got backstage to meet Rakim a few years ago on his European tour and he signed my Don't sweat the technique Album and gave me his Hat as well. Put his arm around me for a photo. Lovely down to earth man who cares for his fans. GOD MC NO DOUBT

[@ghostshipone]

Rakim was the MC that changed the tempo from nursery rhymes to soul. Legend

[@unbreakablerogue]

Legend for sure :)

[@allofasudden6997]

You have Kool G Rao

[@sirjellybeans1st19]

I met him after one of his gigs and he signed my Don't sweat the technique album and gig poster plus he gave me his Hat! Still have it Legend and one Lovely Soul

[@timy9197]

Perfect way to describe it

[@JtothaMajesty]

JU-Neek "Survival" (feat. MC Don-E) -> see iTunes, Amazon Music, Spotify, etc.

[@Slntpsych]

This is the only way Rakim should tour from now on. He deserves a full band.

[@siyabongabhongoza8201]

Slntpsych tupac started this

[@chiz420420]

Slntpsych agreed

[@662chillin]

@@siyabongabhongoza8201 Actually Too Short is the first rapper to record an album with a live band (of course we know his early music was funk influenced so it's not surprising that live bands would be incorporated into his music)

[@jwright8794]

EXACTLY!!!!

[@1p4p_akqb99]

I legit thought this nigga was dead😂

[@HacksawJimThuggin]

Rakim... We need more than 9 mins!!!

[@DEVINEJUSTICEALLAH72]

Leroy Walker Jr FACTS!!

[@thewriterdri]

Just disrespectful! They know we need more.

[@turtleislandchief]

Leroy Walker Jr Right!

[@Wally-H]

Agreed, I'd have liked Follow the Leader. Would have sounded great with the brass and strings live as they play a big part on that track. Ali could have played the bass synth part.

[@tsadare11]

He should had played follow the leader

[@MsSlimbee]

I'm from the UK. Jamaican/Welsh parentage. Aged 16, 1988, my mum and dad sent me to New York for the six weeks summer holidays. I stayed with my aunt in South Bronx. That's when I got deep into hip hop. This reminds me of those times. So many adventures.

[@jakecowley5726]

I've seen him live in the UK, I was at the front and he shook my hand. I went on my own because none of my friends were hip hop heads, one of the best nights of my life. A true living legend.

[@Huntlylawnmowingnz]

💙💙 Niiice

[@fahimaljahangir3059]

yea mate i feel you. None of my friends are either. I go to shows by myself

[@andythehumbleman3307]

U need new friend my g

[@fahimaljahangir3059]

@@andythehumbleman3307 ain't got time when you reach your 30s. It's all about money.

[@andythehumbleman3307]

@@fahimaljahangir3059 tell me about it lol

[@DtMcNulty12]

We're witnessing the evolution of NPR Tiny Desk into its best form. This is the Tiny Desk golden age, ppl

[@Itsme_1648]

Damn, his words are smooth like jazz.

[@Landyachtz471]

The lyricists of the 90s are the equivelants of the jazz greats passed

[@sharblades1582]

Right

[@makmak3081]

Rakim actually gets a lot of influence from jazz artists Thelonious Monk and John Coltrane. His flow is just impeccable.

[@thegamingchef3304]

He said he played the Sax so he just flowed to the beat like a sax player swingin to the beat.

[@nicolasperkins5669]

Right? But of course

[@robertosterman2503]

It’s pure jazz in the background. My man is flowing over soulful jazz. This is music

[@jaybee5832]

"Dig into my pockets all my money is spent." "I dig deeper still coming up with lint." One of my all time favorite lines. Long live the King Rakim.

[@jimmyfelton2825]

Rakim Allah

[@brentchasm1167]

The man is telling straight fables of life. He is a fucking national treasure. A true artist.

[@Jillady]

jay bee hell yeah!!

[@keithmoran5695]

I take 7 MC's put them in a line. Add 7 more brothers who think they can rhyme. It will take 7 more before I go for mine that's 21 MC's ate up at the same time. Coldest line in rap history.

[@brentchasm1167]

@keith moran- “Because I'm number one, competition is none I'm measured with the heat that's made by sun. Whether playin ball or bobbin in the hall, I just writin my name in graffiti on the wall. You shouldn't have told me you said you control me... So now a contest is what you owe me. Pull out your money, pull out your cut, Pull up a chair, and I'ma tear shit up. My name is Rakim Allah, and R & A stands for "Ra" Switch it around, but still comes out aR.” The GOAT. The GAWD. Struggle, strife, the games...Rakim made it a verbal mosaic, and burned it down with that fire 🔥. Brother created, destroyed and still moves mountains with his words and flow. Peace y’all.

[@MVBillcdd]

king!

[@alurastasantos1422]

Maximo respeito tio Bill

[@gessecrash]

You too, Bill!

[@COMANF01]

Salute, colosso reconhece colosso

[@nemmeviutiio]

Tio bill sabe o que é bom !

[@camaradamiles42]

Tio Bill no próximo

[@jackgillespie3431]

Rakim needs to do an album with a live jazz band. This is dope!

[@stephencarl7827]

Remember the Jazzmatazz volumes that Guru put together? That shit was incredible.

[@greedokenobi3855]

It would be 2nd nature for him. Maybe even 1st.

[@marvinhagler4721]

EXACTLY bro..he STILL the TRUTH..

[@EMMmaximino]

i know ghostface did, and that shit is fucking fire.....

[@siyabongabhongoza8201]

Jack Gillespie tupac started that

[@charletruesdale2459]

Why am I just now seeing this masterpiece? Rakim!!! GOAT. Take notes youngin's, this is when rap had a meaning, a flow, a message.

[@blackbuddha7731]

Man I'm like why am I just hearing this!

[@ashkeygii9449]

Exactly! I had to come up on it on social media. Smh all these tiny desks and I miss THIS?! I also see there's a BDK one 😮

[@topshelf6771]

Don’t feel bad I’m just seeing it 11 months after you! I found this because a post about how DMX acted the first time he actually spoke to Rah….guess I’ll be looking at his videos for the rest of the day now.

[@realchriskash]

Hold on to your seat !

[@arttali81]

THAT BAND IS DANGEROUS!!!👌👍💪

[@deaneawilliams2272]

Art Tali yes they are amazing

[@shizot]

right??!!

[@stirfry7987]

...because they killed it.

[@Kmakmizzle]

I'm Not gonna kick Saxophone's Chicks back in.

[@FilmStockReelTalk]

Surgical

[@Smiff74]

Ali Shahid Mohammed on bass....that is lethal.

[@tavencio879]

From A Tribe Called Quest

[@anthonyjones3932]

Of chorus Gods reconiZe Gods

[@maciek77winiarski]

Dope suit

[@gaugezpup5040]

Ali Shahid Mohammed is a musical genius

[@duanegrady5790]

@@gaugezpup5040 yes indeed

[@dushyantpal6638]

This is criminally short.

[@ispearedbritney]

I feel blessed to have heard even one minute. The normalization of greed has left you perpetually wanting.

[@yamezsr]

Therein lies the challenge though! Who else can tell the story of an entire City in this short amount of time? He captured New York so beautifully in this picture he painted through music!!! Wow!

[@KTone459]

That has been my thought for years. But last year i just appreciated how they did and said so much in such a short space. Timeless.

[@tskinner5439]

I was thinking the same thing. He has such a deep rich urban poetry catalogue. Just as I was getting comfortable and ready to hear a couple more.. It's done.

[@tskinner5439]

My thought exactly.

[@DualisticPerspective]

the guy with the guitar is a legend!

[@JUNNY923]

Kingfish!

[@dantag5195]

His name is King Fish

[@berniewighton1496]

Kingfish a Legend

[@berniewighton1496]

Kingfish a Legend

[@DrChainsawHandz]

Legendary Kingfish

[@Wayne-pr3ye]

Is music not a beautiful thing when all cultures, all instruments and all ages coming together to make it happen

[@saibotouray8036]

Facts

[@kkrobertson1]

It would be even better if life worked that way.

[@simoncheester]

Agreed

[@davemcmanus6218]

Truth right here! One love

[@trummerjoel]

Yes Lord

[@alanronaldo2817]

Lets take care of Rakim... The living legend.

[@ThothTheAtlanteanK]

FOR REAL! TRUTH!

[@irishseano]

One of,if not THE GREATEST of all time!

[@mwanziesaffa3071]

True. If balling was rapping? I hate to combine TWO game changing, league-evolving players into ONE to most accurately describe the R's effect on the game, but? You would need TWO game changing players to most accurately describe Rakim Allah's effect on MCing but Rakim is to hiphop what Bill Russell and Rafer "Skip-To-My-Lou" Alston is to balling. Rakim is the Rafer Russell of hiphop!

[@DamTheKid]

Also keep that big man on the guitar in your prayers

[@crazyaboutboxing9385]

He’ll yeah The R ......

[@gdiggedy9]

Ra's vocals haven't aged at all. Exact same as they were in 86'. He sounds exactly the same. Amazing!!!

[@keithmoran5695]

Just saw Rakim a month ago. It was like being a time machine. Rakim is still smooth like butter.

[@brentchasm1167]

The man has ascended to an Elder Master. His word is hip-hop scripture. You can see the craft and talent just exude from him. Still humble at that.

[@everydayPianoPractice]

Love to each and every one of these GREAT MUSICIANS - Rakim (vocals), Adrian Younge (keys), Ali Shaheed Muhammad (bass), Jack Waterson (guitar), David Henderson (drums), Loren Oden (vocals), Saudia Mills (vocals), Angela Munoz (vocals), Stephanie Yu (violin), Bryan Hernandez-Luch (violin), DeAndre Shaifer (trumpet) , Jordan Pettay (saxophone), Joi Gilliam (vocalist), Christone Ingram (Kingfish) (guitar).

[@bryansimpson9858]

You can smell the streets of New York through his lyrics. He’s a God MC. One of the smoothest to do it.

[@mok1453]

NPR IS INSANE FOR THIS!

[@gabrielleelliott7388]

Yep

[@kisswriters]

You're right, Abraham Sun. NPR deserves a lot of credit for giving Rakim this platform, great musical taste...

[@angelreed2276]

A poetic genius, full string section, real fender Rhodes, fantastic guitar and bass; NPR you have outdone yourselves! We cannot thank you enough for what you do for music culture

[@jjaywill]

Well put!

[@DogZy9]

I agree. And we need Hiatus Kaiyote here!!

[@angelreed2276]

Absolutely! Choose Your Weapon is my shit fr

[@DogZy9]

Joshua Reed Yes bro, I tweeted that same thing and got a like from Lianne La Havas, so it means something lol. I love all from them, cant wait for new album. Nai laid vocals for new Drake track, but did not listen to it yet...

[@durandfrierson4113]

00😊0😊000​@@DogZy9

[@Sabidox-]

I am 45 yo and a fan of Rakim since the late 80’s, Clean lyrics, clear decisive flow and legendary content , one of the best honorable MC’s ever, may god give you health old G. ❤

[@firefox7696]

43 yo. Paid in Full the first song I memorized

[@khrashingphantom9632]

Rakim is legendary for a reason. The only thing that makes me especially sad is that "hip hop at large" will only care about him after he passes away. Even in his own city they will only play his music on the radio in memoriam. Love the greats while they're here, acknowledge their trailblazing, and don't write off the vary talent they often still retain in spite their are. Thanks for posting. This was soul food.

[@johnwalter5875]

Indeed.. Deserves "Heart Beat Props" ....( Digital Under Ground...Son of the P )

[@kelsoulforreal1]

Preach !! This is what’s wrong with “music “ as we speak

[@dp7047]

💯

[@IMONTHEROOF]

well said

[@dreskyline5450]

Facts facts

[@positivedestiny7152]

The Legend has never lost it. Rakim for Life.

[@robertoacevedo1544]

True Original. Hadn't lost a beat

[@Redant23]

Legend for sure but Krayzie Bone and Tech N9ne are veey great imo. But we all have opinions. Glad Rakim did this. That guitar solo waa liiiiit.

[@simon-b]

No way!! I said like 2 months ago on the GZA video "Whats next, Rakim or Slick Rick!?!" NPR you guys have outdone yourselves yet again bringing in another rap legend! Thank you so much!!!

[@t3dlifestyle650]

Paid in Full never gets old. Lyrically Rakim was ahead of his time and shifted the culture to birth MCs like NAS. To this day the lyrics are relevant and fire!

[@coryjackson6944]

Tell me about it! As I continue to get my paper up I go back to that song for inspiration 😊

[@sonjaistheone4614]

Paid in Full is still my favorite by him!

[@t3dlifestyle650]

@@coryjackson6944 It definitely has inspired me throughout my journey!

[@t3dlifestyle650]

@@sonjaistheone4614 No doubt. It's my favorite song as well!

[@Rennyblue]

Why isn't anybody mentioning the sick solo from that dude that makes his guitar look like a tooth pick 2:00

[@earldarnell5221]

Thats "Kingfish".

[@Cadmium_Dream]

He was on luke cage season 2 right?

[@Renata110193]

@@Cadmium_Dream yes

[@pera184]

Fuck that was awesome!

[@TauronB2G]

spunky xetron bruh!

[@grendelz]

This is one of the greatest things. Rakim is the #1 lyricist ever. and with live music he's even greater.

[@dmoore4520]

Absolutely not #1 lyricist ever... he's just a classic. I ain't tryna take away from legends but shit got so much more intricate with hip hop over time

[@Jspore-ip5rk]

@@dmoore4520 i think you haven't heard some of his intricate songs, just sayin

[@chip12424]

@@dmoore4520 Who? Follow the Leader youngin!

[@nihilist3915]

You can’t compare talent but he’s mostly respected as the ultimate goat.

[@islamadibul]

With MF DOOMs discography, no other rapper can take the title of best lyricist ever

[@jamesgunz944]

*Wow, the God Rakim!..* .. The best 9 minutes I've spent on KZbin in years!

[@bendyman_72]

Same here. Had to make it into 18 minutes.

[@joshkroenke7693]

James Gunz, yes sir. I totally agree. I’m not consumed by social media like my younger counterparts... However, I gave my staff an extra 10 minutes added to their tea break time, just so I could go watch this without any distractions. Rakim is a lyrical genius, and was clearly ahead of his time!

[@veevee4461]

Let em know Rakim!! Still listening to your music in 2024🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@sallysson]

And beyond......

[@veevee4461]

@@sallysson Yes!!!!

[@andjelkozlotvor]

00:00 "King's Paradise" 03:06 "Paid In Full" 05:47 "Know The Ledge"

[@austinmonroe3894]

❤️❤️❤️💯

[@OtherMike5000]

The REAL hero!

[@xenoblack3]

Not needed for Rakim. This is not someone you fast forward on.

[@edn3rd]

@@xenoblack3what if you wanna rewind lol this perfect for that

[@g..._anthony27]

🍪🍪🍪

[@harveysque]

Rakim, Brother Ali, and King Fish!!! Perfection!

[@thomaslove1355]

In my opinion the best Rapper whoever walked on the face of the earth. God-like, legend and still so down to earth. He influenced me the most when it comes to rap. I love Rakim since I bought his first record while being 17 in 1987 LOL

[@Nigmatics]

Thomas Love facts bro. The Langston Hughes of our time. People gonna look back and study this man.

[@iloveoldschool888]

I agree.

[@mr.neqtan]

I was 7 in 87. Still look back at this man in awe and respect. Will continue decades on.

[@johnnydoe5318]

I was about that age when I found him too. Eric B and Rakim, Big Daddy Kane, Boogie Down Productions.... My best friend supplied me with a steady stream of the best of the best. His uncle was a radio DJ in NYC, right in the middle of it all, so he had an amazing supply of rap. Back then, where I was at, it was still weird to be a white boy into rap.

[@jamieberry1813]

Rakim, kane,nas,big, cube.

[@TurkeyTurkey808]

Kingfish and Rakim and the ensemble have made for some of the best versions of Rakim's songs!!!!! This is incredible

[@williedynamyte]

What's surprising and wonderful is how well Rakims voice translates to an acoustic setting. Oh yeah, that guitar solo at 2:01 is fire. I'd buy an album of this.

[@bisonawesome4448]

Willie Dynamite that there is Christopher “Kingfish” Ingram - he does more blues stuff but rips out sick solos like that often and he’s only 20! You should check him out

[@TsetsiStoyanova]

This was dope indeed

[@lordbuddhamonk5702]

Wow U r hot!!!

[@theon_ean_donly]

Your name matches you, sexy

[@RaphaelOcasio]

was gonna say this is dope... I saw your comment.

From the violin, to the homie on the guitar and Rakim himself this was a masterful performance 🏆🏆

[@t9190kp]

Kingfish on guitar..Sort of a child prodigy blues player! He's NICE!

[@bigtay522]

Being a blues head and a Kingfish fan made me a Rakim fan today.

[@bigdawg4614]

Man when and how did this band come together!!! And soooo nobody gonna acknowledge Ali and kingfish is play bass and guitar in it!!! 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@eugenepinex5002]

It’s so sad that hip hop don’t celebrate him at all#One of my favorites🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@donellis5005]

Rakim is Trueblood Hip Hop all killer no filler this industry is just rap all filler no killer but I wish him and Dr.Dre could have completed their project I think it would have been colossal cuz I heard one leaked song and it was amazing

[@mikeychainsaw9760]

Because this the hip pop era hip hop is comatose right

[@ThaDON40]

Watchu talking bout brah..rakim gets saluted daily...come to Boston .the Bean loves Ra

[@Jillady]

Eugene Pinex Eminem does.

[@eillwill3144]

One of the best who ever do it 💯💯💯💯💯

[@90geek90]

That big dude killed it with his guitar solo, fuuuuuuuuuuu!!!!

[@kwamestamps35]

That's the mighty Kingfish on guitar.

[@SlickDanger]

I need him and Thundercat to get on some bs together

[@masonjohnston2427]

My man Kingfishhhh

[@Boomslang1]

@MiNd Of MaVeRiCk living legend Christone is. Dude's a monster on the strum

[@fayate_6984]

Same thing I'm sayingggggg

[@bahiafromthehood]

Who is still mesmerized by this performance in 2022? All hail the KING of legendary classical rap!

[@jankomango]

Wish GURU was here ........., still legends , Rakim forever God of flow

[@PaulMatthewMusic1]

That would have been super epic

[@poerava]

1. Rakim 2. BIG 3. Nas 4. KRS1 5. Black Thought 6. Kool G rap 7. Slick Rick 8. Big Daddy Kane 9. Wu tang clan (Genius, GFK, Method top3) 10. Kendrick Lamar 11. Andre 3000 12. Chuck D 13. Common 14. Big L 15. Big pun 16. Redman 17. Mos Def 18. Gangstarr 19. Guru 20. Busta 21. Q tip 22. Lupe fiasco 23. Posdnuos 24. AZ 25. J cole 26. MF Doom 27. Eric sermon 28. Ice cube Honourable mention: Phife Dogg, EPMD, Sugar Hill gang, DAS EFX, Onyx, souls of mischief, Del the funky homosapien, digable planets, pharcyde, Cabibus, Jay Z, Jeru the damaja, naughty by nature, killa priest, Capone n noreaga, Mobb deep, Dogg pound, Tupac, warren G, mac10, Tim Dogg. Jadakiss, Fabulous, Jurassic 5, jungle brothers, Ludacris, channel live, young MC, Kanye west, Eminem, bizmarkie, fuschnikens, snoop, cypress hill. Please note. Never to be mentioned in the top 1000 MC’s: Drake

[@snuffslopez2336]

@@PaulMatthewMusic1 like super super epic

[@olandsmith2660]

Never needs to curse. Man this man is smooth.

[@digitalomen2013]

Man's a legend

[@olandsmith2660]

@@digitalomen2013 100%

[@patjenkins1308]

If I'm not mistaken know the ledge is the only song where he uses the n-word

[@macd95]

when he came out most people didnt curse alot on records. But he did curse on records, I dont know why everybody says he never had to curse. That was from an incorrect meme. peep Mahogany, my melody, and a few others, but when you put it up against todays music forget about it....

[@exoticcar5482]

@@macd95 Seems like cussing in hip hop and music in general didn't become common until NWA made it big

[@Gabriel-gv1mx]

You don't go to see Rakim; Rakim goes to see you. Just as Bob Dylan was awarded the Nobel prize in Literature, so too should Rakim for his poetic contribution to Hip-Hop. In God we trust. Peace fron Australia✌

[@kendrickcalhoun7187]

Yes he should

[@Averroes1]

Agree

[@estebanb7166]

Right on

[@Major98]

Rakim forever one of the pioneers and GOATs of rap

[@EricAndrewDodson]

He should make an album with this band.

[@abe1sapien]

They should 100% take this whole thing on tour! Have the band and a few iconic MCs come out and do 3 to 4 songs each and it’d be golden!!

[@carytowncat]

Rakim won't ever know how he helped save a young white cats life back in the 80s. A sony walkman and a Eric B and Rakim tape playing while i walked through the one night. Man i was in so much pain, but Rakim kept saying "maybe i might just search for a 9 to 5, cuz if i thrive maybe i'll stay alive as i walk through the streets whistling this, feeling out of place..." I can't even listen to it, had to ff through it. I don't ever want to be there again. Much love homie. Thank you for keeping it authentic.

[@mucho1966]

That's REAL

[@unbreakablerogue]

Boom! :)

[@joeycoco5396]

Carytown? Must be RVA ✌🏾

[@SalahadeenBetts]

I could watch him do his entire catalogue like this. Not sure how I missed this but thank you! The GOD MC.

[@carlbernard7615]

I would pay good money to see more mc's perform with live bands like this. Especially these smaller more intimate kind of gigs. You get a much better impression of the artists and who they are, and the audience participation seems more genuine.

[@outmindbeats]

seriously i was thinking the same thing. this would be great to see live

[@mentalandfloss2550]

Totally agree!

[@etfishing661]

The Roots

[@Frostgrl681]

Amen.

[@jcincorporated6207]

Carl Bernard Yep. I’d pay $300 on 8th row

[@nebstaism]

He’s hip hop royalty... what a living legend... and the band sounds amazing .. it would be amazing they started making new hip hop albums with a live band like this .. it just sounds so real 🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@TechOutAdam]

Rakim is the epitome of what it means to be hard in hip hop. No one will ever duplicate his vibe.

[@Rocanala]

Effortless. Completely natural 💯

[@davidsantini4496]

How I enjoyed this. For a minute I was back in 86 passing some 40’s around with my crew back in The Bronx. Beautiful time. Glad I survived it. Rakim was everywhere. Thanks King. ☝️🇵🇷

[@NothingButTheNews247]

MIND BLOWN! I CAN'T BELIEVE I AM JUST NOW SEEING THIS! I LOVE RAKIM AND KINGFISH AND JUST LEARNED ABOUT THIS TODAY! AMAZING!

[@atonegames]

Right on brother, this is just amazing. Next level. All around class fine wine

[@NickDvolleyball]

I listen to this set like once a week! Glad you found it

[@MsQ9677]

Same

[@donnellynell]

I feel the same

[@hvacjay4037]

I know! I just saw it myself. Rakim is one of the dopest emcees ever.

[@LGKids]

Dude like a Professor teaching a college course on Ryhming! Peace!

[@corneilmadison9436]

Yess

[@stevemelendez]

AMEN!! Word life!!!

[@johermeah6540]

With Nas as his star student graduating with high honours, and then teaching a whole bunch of others.

[@connorp3030]

Rakim is a legend, he elevated rap by writing bars that contained many multi syllable rhymes which rhymed with the next bar as well as other words in that bar (internal rhymes), which is what creates that sweet sound of flow. Ultimately he sounded so incredible that everyone started doing what he was doing, and that's why he's really most influential emcee ever.

[@TheeDuhscientist]

Indeed!

[@damiantv2760]

gj watching vox

[@GODHATESADOPTION]

connorp3030 exactly assonance and alliteration

[@marLamaDeo]

Wize One Writing and MCing has gotten better and better, it’s better now than it ever was. Those who followed Rakim definitely surpassed him

[@marLamaDeo]

Nas for one?

[@martinhancock8633]

The Violinists reaction once the Sax kicks in on Paid in Full says it all for me! Pure enjoyment, makes me smile 😊

[@orgeebaharvin8892]

What a smooth cut, each note and rhyme is perfectly laid.

[@cbears312]

Deep man. I grew up on this. 39 years old now. Passing this stuff on to my kids. True legend 🙌

[@debmart59]

Hip Hop ... Rakim changed the game🎤🎧 AINT NO JOKE 🐐

[@MistressofReads]

thank you, for knowing the score!

[@Jeeyaz]

Facts.

[@nolasoul71]

Damn I wish he would have did that one!

[@BadreddineAmine]

rakim started the game

[@raggattacksuperpower]

Fi Real

[@patrickmichael2760]

Definitely an innovator. Needed that follow up work after paid in full. One of my favorite early rappers. The intelligent high conscious lyrics set Rakim apart. Relatable. Flow is top notch.

[@DJRichyRain]

Jazziest hardest music I've heard in 10 years. Rakim never disappoints, true legend of hip hop

[@marcbronze1]

"know the ledge" is by far one of the best composed written lyrics of the street life of all time. you wanna know what living in NYC was like in the 80's, there it is . timeless classic

[@dondemarko212]

As A 45 year old man who been listening to rap/hip hop since sugarhill, I appreciate this.. thank you.. 🙏🙏

[@myronsmith2114]

You to young for Sugarhill

[@keithmoran5695]

56 here Bro old school rap for me. Long live Rakim.

[@bollie4431]

@@keithmoran5695 👍49 bruh The God MC

[@The_Touring_Jedi]

40 here Bro, long live Rakim!!!

[@RuslanMykolaiv]

The first song is bomb, especially live variant!!! Respect. He is proving that rap is music

[@alkebulon7488]

This needed to be at least an hour long.... I need to hear more of Rakims classics....

[@kuntakinteix4302]

RAKIM = LEGEND No profanity and STILL A LEGEND. FLOW IS STILL FLAWLESS. SALUTE

[@JtothaMajesty]

JU-Neek "Survival" (feat. MC Don-E) -> see iTunes, Amazon Music, Spotify, etc.

[@RLICGNT]

Yup... I could listen to Rakim around my mom as a kid. Only song I worried about was Mahogany, which had 1 cuss word but was my favorite song

[@itsthediabolical1187]

They didn’t curse because they weren’t allowed! Nobody was gonna press up albums on the east coast with cussin lol y’all kids giving the God a pass for something that’s not relevant for those days.. It was only the West that pushed too short, Ice tea, spice one, NWA.. Cursing was never a East Coast thing trust me I was there and before you try to tell me what it was just know I’m 55

[@donovanscott8401]

@@JtothaMajesty checked out your song, keep going and growing and working your craft 🤜🤛

[@nara0dhipa]

you've outdone yourself npr!

[@2211tomash]

It’s because of Adrian Younge

[@louisdelsarto1374]

WoW!! Rakim sounds unreal. His flow is as good as ever. And ever is the best!!

[@Cavball9]

This set is all about Rakim, but can we please appreciate the absolute masters providing these musical waves for Rakim to ride? Adrian, Ali & rest of the the Midnight Hour crew. and Kingfish. My god. Incredible.

[@johng.6129]

I'm sure I'm not the first to notice this, but that's 'Kingfish' Ingram on guitar. Dude is incredible and he's only 20.

[@ASSman864]

Yea i remember his videos from awhile back and i was talking to him about big pun so i know he loves hip hop so this must have been a crazy moment for him

[@dr6209]

They both did musical features on Luke Cage as well.

[@townman1]

Dude sick fa real !

[@Y20XTongvaLand]

Fat bol? He's fucking sick. Thanks for the name!

[@Kazadufunky]

Rakim's one of the best ever. I'll neva forget when I saw an interview and he said he wanted to be like John Coltrane but rapping. Shout out from São Paulo, Brazil.

[@James.k1373]

I think you're talking about the red bull academy interview, thats the interview that got me into Ra's music

[@leematthews5142]

Love seeing Ali Shaheed on the bass❤️

[@straightedge_eli2062]

Tears literally just built up in my eyes.. THANK GOD FOR REAL HIP HOP!

[@godschild4158]

God isn't real but rakim is a god

[@MrSpuentes]

You said it! This is what grew up with and what I still compare everyone else to. Needless to say, I've been disappointed for a long time.

[@dashseck7595]

ME TOOOOO!!!!!! I cried !!!!!!

[@enriquestewart3834]

Mind you he recorded these 30 yrs ago ... he was was ahead of his time his music is timeless... its easy to imitate someone and say you the best !

[@BigPoppa529]

As the youngsters say - THAT PART

[@frankmerlino7534]

This guy was so far ahead its Crazzzzy. The voice, the flow, lyrics, the way he phrazes and Where in the bar he chooses to put it is amazing. I cant believe this is from the 80's! Fire

[@-love-life3267]

I need this to be a Tour. Bring everyone involved along. Charge whatever you want. I’m there! This was amazing. G.O.A.T

[@strauqq1]

Jesus. How in the hell does this sound so funky and good live?

[@torrancegore8473]

Indoors less distortion

[@WizoIstGott]

Have you seen the Line Up? Kingfish on Guitar, Mr Ali Shaheed on Bass, Adrian Younge on Keys, Rakim on the mic. Each one of these deserves their own Tiny Desk and yet here they are in one room playing together

[@rulisa1131]

That drummer got me pissing my pants and not even noticing.

[@thesensei9212]

Drummer is smacking! Pocket I couldn’t stop bouncing lol

[@markb.humble6945]

@@rulisa1131 Were you ok? Able to change and not stuck downtown, hopefully..

[@exitenterrobin294]

I’m only 20 so rakim is way before my time, but I always listen to him from time to time because his lyrics are just that good

[@bendyman_72]

Rakim is Timeless. 4 year old kids be bopping to The Microphone Fiend....

[@tn5671]

Rakim is the best rhymer l've ever heard... Wow

[@kingmoney209]

Tanyaradzwa Nyagweta must never listened to em cole Kendrick or Joyner 🤷🏿‍♂️

[@tn5671]

@@kingmoney209 rakim if the father of those multi syllabic rhymes mann. Maybe it depends on time you were born. Some of us really know what rap is, we're grown, we came a long way listening to real rap

[@Raul-ku8fb]

@@kingmoney209 they wouldn't be who they are if it wasn't for Rakim

[@Jspore-ip5rk]

@@kingmoney209 lol

[@oscar-fp1ji]

@@kingmoney209 did u really compare joyner and J cole to Kendrick 😂😂 Em is past his prime but still a great rhymer nonetheless