Rakim - Rap history with a legend | Red Bull Music Academy

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Hip-hop's golden age began in 1986, the day Rakim stepped to a microphone to record “Eric B Is President.” Only 18 years old, Rakim had a smooth, effortless flow that brought a cool melodicism and high intelligence to the rap game.
In this talk at the 2013 Red Bull Music Academy in New York, Rakim discussed living in the moment, the ’80s, and the various challenges of the music industry.
► More info at www.redbullmusicacademy.com/l...
#Rakim #RedBullMusicAcademy #HipHop
____
Rakim's partnership with his DJ, Eric B, yielded four great albums and numerous classic singles before Rakim split for a solo career. Despite initial success with 1997's The 18th Letter, he endured several frustratingly fruitless years signed to Dr. Dre's Aftermath, working on an album that never came. Yet in 2012, The Source named him the greatest MC of all time.
TOPICS:
05:35 - The lyrical process
12:28 - Hip-hop on Long Island
25:21 - Meeting Eric
37:47 - Going solo
49:10 - Empowering the listener
1:10:32 - External expectations
MUSIC:
01:22 - Eric B. & Rakim - "Don't Sweat the Technique" • Eric B. & Rakim - Don'...
16:42 - Kid Wizard - "Wyandanch High School Jam"
30:08 - Eric B. & Rakim - "Eric B. is President" • Eric B & Rakim Eric B ...
39:44 - Eric B. & Rakim - "I Know You Got Soul" • Eric B. & Rakim - I Kn...
58:33 - Eric B. & Rakim - "In the Ghetto" • eric b & rakim - in th...
The Red Bull Music Academy is a global music institution committed to fostering creativity in music. We celebrate music, its culture, and the transformative minds behind it. Begun in 1998, the Academy has taken the core principles that underlie its annual workshop for selected participants and applied this curatorial approach to events, lectures, and city-wide festivals throughout the year.
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[@RBMA]

If you want to know more about Hip-hop's golden age from Rakim ► www.redbullmusicacademy.com/lectures/rakim-lecture

[@tonyevan1241]

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[@tuckerlangston8528]

@Tony Evan instablaster =)

[@tonyevan1241]

@Tucker Langston I really appreciate your reply. I found the site thru google and im waiting for the hacking stuff now. Takes a while so I will reply here later when my account password hopefully is recovered.

[@tonyevan1241]

@Tucker Langston It did the trick and I finally got access to my account again. I am so happy:D Thanks so much, you really help me out :D

[@tuckerlangston8528]

@Tony Evan No problem :)

[@leonwdent156]

"I take 7 MC's and put em in a line, and take 7 more brothers that think they can rhyme, well it'll take 7 more before I go for mine, now that's 21 MC's ate up at the same time'. BEST HIP HOP BAR OF ALL TIME! IT'S NOT EVEN CLOSE!

[@LCH.RawMan]

I heard that bar so often in relation to the statement "best bar ever" but never heard any other bar in that relation. And hell yeah that bar is dope af

[@shakurdavis2426]

Leon W Dent man even old school mc during his time is still trying to decipher that. New school won’t get it.

[@sozboy1]

Shakur Davis decipher what? 7+7+7? Lol.

[@dariangregory6182]

@@sozboy1 these kids don't understand, numerology and that 5%er talk. lol Cut em some slack.

[@rasmussten1206]

Eminem did a twist on it on I’m Back if remember correctly.

[@nate4nate5]

Rakim revolutionized the rhyme patterns,& cadences(Which every rap artist uses today). He basically birthed all these rap bastards,before that everybody was rhyming loud, flatline type style Melle Mel, Sugarhill,Grand Master Caz,Cold Crush Bros...Etc.

[@kfletcher7820]

I VERY much so agree!

[@fadedoutt]

str8 up! they use to try to be the loudest back then Rakim came and killed all of that he even killed on Jody Watley's song "Friends"

[@mustafahajj]

Writers BLOC Great comment. The Jody Watley joint was a no-no back then for a rap artist. That was like placing a rope around the neck and jumping from a cliff. But, Ra' and Jo' pulled it off and today its the norm of which Ra' and Jo' gets no credit for. R&B/Rap

[@j.j.j9152]

BIONIK DIKK Wurd ta friggen herb ;)

[@joemarcia6434]

***** true

[@EddyCutz]

Rakim is my #1 MC of all time. He totally changed the game. Props to Big Daddy Kane too. Both those cats started rapping in such a crazy style that other rappers just couldn't keep up so they all had to switch and copy them. Most of today's rappers don't give them the love they deserve, but the game changed after Rakim and BDK never forget that.

[@thirdshift47]

+Eddy Cutz You better believe it!

[@LIVEFRMNYC]

+Eddy Cutz Even today, I still think "Let the Rhythm Hit Em" and "Run for Cover" are the best lyrical tracks ever.

[@romecasanova3871]

THINKING OF A MASTER PLAN I USED TO BE A STICK UP KID

[@051290ma]

What if i told you're favorite rapper might had a ghost writer by the name of Stevie Blast?

[@thirdshift47]

051290ma I'd say provide evidence. That "might" shit don't cut it.

[@blazesimpson8830]

The Mike Jordan of rap

[@LCH.RawMan]

Even though jordan was hating on rappers lol

[@zee6786]

I was thinking the same.

[@mre8928]

@@LCH.RawMan well Rakim is an MC 🤷‍♂️

[@bigdaddypiggy]

Oh yeah...like Ali in the ring or Joe Montana in the pocket (I can’t call Brady the GOAT over Montana cuz Joe never LOST a Super Bowl) Ra is the greatest to ever do it

[@rodmills737]

Facts

[@bernardsimmons9888]

crazy no derogatory language towards women or men total intellect todays music should take heed to messages from this era.

[@Kmakmizzle]

RAKIM SHOULD HAVE HIS OWN TV SHOW!

[@rankingtrevor]

+Darren Palmer Very true comment - with obviously no disrespect to the lyrical genius Rakim.

[@cjhepburn7406]

This is close. It's a Rakim Allah Seminar...

[@MrWARBUCKS24]

Damn Biz Markie was everywhere back in the day nigga was with LL early Rakim early and Kane damn when Biz gonna sit down and tell his story

[@RevolutionFromBelow]

MrWARBUCKS24 He didn't already?

[@jasonmelton9755]

"The never get old, techniques become antiques!" Deep as f**k!

[@smoothcriminal28]

Rakim is always rapping.. his talking delivery has better flow than 90% rappers I've ever heard. That's the greatest rapper of all time right there... living fucking legend.

[@SIAVEK]

Rakim got u HOOKED without a HOOK....WORDS TO REMEMBER, SOUL FOOD!!!

[@theroaringblaze2742]

I slept on the early Rakim from the 1980s and 1990s. But in 1997 when I was 21 I copped "The 18th Letter" and it was a life changing experience. Listening to that album prepared me for the KNOWLEDGE OF SELF that I would encounter the next year.. I owe Ra because he is a big reason for my Spiritual Enlightenment. Nah Mean?

[@cardigansarecool]

Rakim's rhymes really make you think. Even though it sounds dope too on face value there are so many dimensions to the lyrics. I love when hip-hop gives you that "A-ha!" moment when you decipher the words

[@cah8124]

This is why I liked it in the 80’s. I’m not listening to or buying what I as a lay person can do.

[@taxiorlando007]

I wouldn't say he is "One of the Greatest MC's of all time" I would say he IS THE GREATEST MC OF ALL TIME...

[@bigdaddypiggy]

I agree 100%....the more time that passes the deeper my appreciation of Rakim gets & ive been a fan since he 1st dropped in 86,I was 15 & my boy came back from visiting fam up in NYC (I’m from the DMV-Baltimore area) & I was a HUGE Run-DMC fan until hearing that tape recorded from WBLS & I had a new favorite MC & it’s been that way ever since

[@antg007]

Rakim looking like a straight up master poet.

[@creedjustice9401]

8 clowns gave this a thumbs down? *uck is wrong with them fools? This is RAKIM and that's all you need to know period!!

[@americanIDOLfan11111]

They thought it said ''dis i like''

[@creedjustice9401]

Or just voicing an opinion which I can do without your *ucking approval b*tch

[@parlonsrap4505]

Creed Justice where now at 14... wtf

[@creedjustice9401]

I know right

[@nhXCdboy]

AMEN!!!!!!

[@donaldclark7705]

This brother is just to smooth man. The best the greatest ever to touch a Mic.

[@haitianmaniac74]

One of the Greatest

[@bigdaddypiggy]

Facts....even after all these years songs like “Juice(Know the Ledge) or “Dont Sweat the Technique” still sound hot

[@damianclarke8056]

@@haitianmaniac74 nope not one of the greatest. Thee greatest.

[@haitianmaniac74]

@@damianclarke8056 what about G Rap, Kane, KRS, LL, etc.

[@rodmills737]

Facts

[@UncleDean100]

RAKIM......Not Only the Greatest MC in the History of Hip Hop, but also one of the greatest literary minds of the 21st Century.PEACE TO THE GOD!

[@TSBAGELS]

I was 15 when Paid In Full came out. I remember being just baffled the first time I heard that record. Total game changer. Completely different than anything out at the time.

[@mshak395]

I don't know if you will see this But I am 15 right now,and I just started listening to hip hop and RAKIM from a past 4-5 months Completely baffled my mind too :)

[@bobbymarsh1]

This guy is a great interviewer his questions are very solid and really allows Ra to open up

[@poeticlawvideos]

In my book, The R is the greatest ever!!! He is the best lyrically and he delivered hard messages without even cursing!!! Though I was emcing back in the days, he inspired me to continue to deliver my messages through my poetry which I still do today, but in a more spoken word form.

[@BeatStockpile27]

He didn't curse a lot at first but in some of his later work the cursing is there. Maybe the studios wanted that way I don't know.

[@RevolutionFromBelow]

BeatStockpile Rakim curses as much as he wants. Do you really think RAKIM did what studios saying?!? Damn, son....

[@alphabetsoup342]

Is that you writing your book in that picture?

[@gregvaldez1269]

@@RevolutionFromBelow Ive only heard a couple of his songs actually curse , just saying.

[@llgoo740]

No Profanity! MOFOS can't rap clean with skill like his!

[@Dominick_Calvitto.]

The Audience is Bopping like They in a Concert Rakim is The God..Even when they play his Music They have People Lovin his Music..My Man is The Greatest of All Time ! Peace & Love To The God Rah..

[@franktalk5037]

Biz Markie was from Jersey, but he was all over the damn place in the 80s. Out in Wyndanch with Rakim, in Brooklyn with Kane before he became a star...its crazy.

[@MoneyPlethoraAlways]

I thought he was frm Long Island

[@yaoblack3579]

Real talk Biz was EVERYWHERE in those days...on foot. I used to see him at my high school around the same time. Promoting his parties, other people parties. Always cool, friendly approachable. Then he blew up. But he put that work in. Grinding. Every and anywhere.

[@DavidWilliams-th9pm]

damn, rakim still look young and dress like the youth. Peace RA

[@shaunaodiea6184]

Rakim is the total package...the rapper, prophet, poet, leader, humble servant, other artists should aspire to be!

[@V59971]

The best of the best no doubt.Rakim

[@tallatrnnshakoor6703]

I have to pay my out most respect to Rakim. He is to me the greatest rapper of all times, and to me, his craft is still the measuring stick against which I measure lyricists. His voice, his lyrics and his rhyming techniques are still unique and unrivalled. Paid in Full were my first record ever and none of the rappers of the 80 or 90 measured up to Rakim, even though this period gave birth to many new styles and artists. To me his 80 and 90 work is the apex of hip-hop.

[@bkstandard882]

tallat shakoor He came out in a time when cats were still rhyming "school" and "fool". Dude's a true pioneer.

[@SimeonIsraelite]

I remember Rakim, KRSone, & Chuck D of public enemy all came out the same year 1986 I bought all 3 singles. I just wanted everyone in NYC to hear these new brothers.. This is when rap music style was changed forever.

[@1ferrog]

I remember the excitement at the prospect of a RAKIM and Dre collaboration. Somehow I kind of guessed that it was RAKIM who pulled away from the project. I was mad at first because it was at a time that HIPHOP really needed saving. Now that he has explained it all makes sense. RAKIM is an intelligent and dignified man. You can never put a price on that height of dignity, integrity and respect. He is still THE GREATEST MC in 2014.

[@lyrics2challenged]

2019*

[@supremeelectric6967]

He wouldn't let Dre seduce him! He's Rakim Allah! Righteous brother's dont het down like that!

[@bmarkyt132]

Rakim is THE greatest, not one of them.

[@shakel]

With out a doubt. No question. Point blank. I feel you.

[@KTHREE31]

💯💯💯💯💯💯💯💯💯💯💯💯💯💯💯💯

[@cjhepburn7406]

Well somethin' happen, feet start tappin'...

[@cjhepburn7406]

G Rap n KRS are mad nice too. Cj.

[@anthonybey1324]

Top 5 most influential emcees: 1. Rakim (black Muslim science street savvy style, jazzy structure and cadence flow) 2. Krs1 (black power social conscious emcee) 3. Kool G Rap (east coast street science reporter wit heavy bars) 4. Kane (swag bars and money and broads) 5. Ice Cube (high level westcoast street gangsta rap)

[@Diplomastronaut]

Rakim need to do an album with Madlib. Maybe rap over some Dilla beats. They would let him do his thing and they got that old school appeal still. Not to save hip hop, but to reinvigorate the ideas and meaning behind it.

[@Diplomastronaut]

Ya it would be a good challenge for Rakim I think.

[@brandondecarlo8619]

Knxwledge

[@Diplomastronaut]

Knxwledge is good, but I don't see how he begins anything special to the table.

[@brandondecarlo8619]

Ohbliv then, tuame even... Madlib is dope but some younger cats would be cool imo. Madlib kinda old name now

[@johnarundell7951]

You need to change your profile pic - unless it's a joke - which it surely is .. had me in stitches :D

[@bobbymarsh1]

you can just tell this man is legendary they're sitting around analyzing him like Coltrane Miles Charlie etc. He is universally regarded as the true essence of Hip Hop

[@silence3916]

He actually borrowed from Coltrane playing the sax ..in terms of patterning his rhyme cadence, pace and flow

[@propliner]

what i like about Rakim listening to his own rap, his mind must be thinking about the bigger picture things... this time in his life, the studio, the reason he made the song, the producer, the beat decisions etc.... blows me away... my favorite rapper since '86...

[@rollyro71]

This is a great piece. Hip hop has lost me for several years now, or maybe I lost it. Whatever the case, listening to this man breakdown his process and influences is akin to speaking to Hendrix on guitar rhythms or John Coltrane talking abstract chord changes. I've always thought that with the right production the world might get to see another chapter to his career. Sadly, the music industry seems to have a simpleton's point of view as to what Rap music should be. Just my two cents. Thanks Red Bull Music for uploading this

[@itsjob595]

Roel Morillo

[@cjhepburn7406]

Hip-Hop ain't something u do...it's something u live homie. Cj.

[@TheBlackJewelz]

This is before my time but I still feel like nothing compares to the rawness of rhymes and a beatbox. Especially on top of that dirty, grungy tape recorder sound. PURITY.

[@jasonbeville4305]

"The rough get going, the going gets rough/when I start flowing the mic might bust/the next state will shake from the power I generate /people in Cali use to think it was Earthquakes ". One of Rakim's Venom verses.....🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@thepafwaychannel2596]

13:12 to 16:13 "Who inspired the Inspirer!" Kool Moe Dee, Grandmaster Caz and Melly Mel. 15:55 Three favorite MC's melted down to make Rakim. Wow!

[@edwardmarcell2494]

Don't sweat the technique is a real classic. Gave me flashbacks of the good ole days of hip hop big up to the God Rahkim

[@stepheng887]

When I look into Rakim's eyes I can see his life flashing across mine...

[@ravynkat]

👍

[@terucks]

Ra is just so smooth. Calm cool collected. He’s like hip hop protege of Sade. I would love to hear Sade and Rakim collaborate

[@jacksp8de]

Rakim is a legend.! I would love to be at that Red Bulll Academy, so dope

[@OSP_Nonchalant]

Man, always knew the quality of rapper he was, but this video shows the quality of person rakim is. What a genuinely good dude. Makes me appreciate him even more

[@nekronbeast3981]

Man if you can make Rakim laugh then you know you're doing your job

[@bl7man1]

I would love to attend the ceremony of when they bury this man and his note book in Cairo. I am blessed to have been healthy and strong....alive and intelligent to enjoy this man when he first came out. No one compares.

[@marqueshickshicks1012]

Why words? Because self-expression is uplifting and healthy; the parts of us, which separate us and prove to be difficult to explain, find a voice. What this does is inspire creativity, for ourselves as well as others. . No longer do we need to hide or feel outcast, because we’re enabled through words to describe myself, plus my feelings. Often, we can transfer these feelings and thoughts into rhymes (poetry); add a beat, and what used to make me feel strange, now makes myself as well as others feel good. We take a leap of faith as Emcee’s…this is real blood, sweat and tears up here. . Why words? Because sometimes the road isn’t straight and narrow, so we’ve learned to pave our own weigh, strengthen our own minds, plus create our own teams. Rather than force ourselves into a situation that has me uptight and frustrated, rockin’ with words, has me loose and proud of myself. . Why words? Because we get to see our minds at work, first on paper, and then finally, the response from the listener, or the reader. At the same time, our different personalities find voices, as none of us at Forms Of Genius is one dimensional. . Words release our truest spirits; those parts of us that enhance our glow…that inner-voice. To be able to work with words, is quite the gift, an intricate craft. . We can open any doors, by Weigh With Words.

[@jambutty2218]

The man is a genius and creator. His music still sounds good today. Pioneer of the culture to the world.

[@SeanRosati]

LOVE RAKIM!!! GENIUS!!!

[@TonytheSwordsman]

I wanna go to one of these lectures, I would be cheering and geeking out

[@roboythefifthslaughter8147]

+TonyTheSwordsman I wouldn't shut up lol

[@stanleyb2320]

The best gem Rakim said was making his family understand his passion. That he made music that he knew his parents could listen to and approve

[@kevinl.valentine4514]

Really interesting to hear him speak of jazz as an influence b/c his phrasing and Eric B's tracks always had a degree of improvisation to it. Eric B & Rakim. THE DYNAMIC DUO.

[@mast3rfulone577]

Rakim is the greatest hands down.........these young heads don't know shit .........respect the god.........legendary

[@cjhepburn7406]

G Rap

[@oldschoolhiphop2275]

GRap is definitely dope & a legend no question. Rakim changed the cadence of rhyme pattern in hiphop. Before Rakim the rhyme patterns were like elementary styled rhymes. Grandmaster Caz ,Melly Mel & guys from that era had a different style. Rakim came in & completely changed the flow pattern.

[@jckfrst088]

Watching the audience as the music plays just reminds me of how our cultural creativity was just givin away

[@cah8124]

I feel the same way. This is why it was diluted like everything we start.

[@will_cashgrow2294]

This interviewer have interviewed two of my favorite MC’s Rakim and Brownsville Ka. Shout out to him I’m almost envious of him lol Good Job to him. Both have the same demeanor Ra and Ka

[@James.k1373]

this video got me into Ra's music, i had get to his 7 albums after this video man

[@cjhepburn7406]

I want 7th Seal. Cj.

[@TheVibesandStuff]

Must watch for hip-hop fans.

[@defmaster88]

The God Of Rap.... Rakim...... Changed the whole game. Respect.

[@bossdaddy4867]

I`m happy to see these young white kids get a history lesson and show love to the culture but where in the hell are the young brothas and sistas they need to be there more than any.

[@bossdaddy4867]

+Boss Daddy Rakim reminds me of Sheik Khalid Yasin ..he looks like Sheik Yasin too me . All praise be to Allah.

[@lissamelone9230]

dats on rakim too stop feeling yo self n help dah yuuff odb lol

[@tarifel]

FACTS

[@bigdaddypiggy]

Yeah I noticed that too,strange 🤨but it’s no secret that (back in the day at least) white kids accounted for a large chunk of hip hop album sales ....when people still bought music

[@jdmislove]

Hey there, i am white and the first time i ever heared of rakim was when i was in a very big music shop in Germany. Shit i just saw his face on his "The 18th Letter" album and knew that this gotta be it. The REAL....i just felt that man. At that time there where CD Players in the shop so the people could check out the joints before buying it. So i just stood there for an hour and listened to the whole album and was so overwhealmed that i didnt realised i was jumping around, raising my hands up 😂. I mean i love his style but there are still some quotes of him i dont agree on. Anyways man...take care everybody, peace...

[@BCAICulturalArtsHumanities]

this is one of the most beautiful conversations and expressions of Hip Hop culture and self I've ever seen

[@darnellplayer743]

Eric B is President is the joint that kicked shit off for me. Classic.

[@reynegroblackking8912]

The best ever in my opinion. The way Rakim put words together and the things he say Oooh weee!!!

[@caramelkimmiekim8272]

Rakim was the man back in the day 🎤🎙️🎼🎤🎙️🎼🎤🎙️🎼🎤🎙️🎼🎙️🎤🎤🎼🎙️🎼🎙️🎙️🎤🎙️🎤🎙️🎼🎤🎤🎤🎤🎼🎙️🎤

[@RobertoFlack]

Greatest of All Time

[@pbee73]

***** The two of them almost battled on wax... I would have loved to see that to be honest.... I was a big Kane fan too.

[@ashtonjackfanny]

***** kane had two years in rap where he was hot rakim lasted seven and made niggas millionaires by them bitin his rhyme patterns you're fuckin crazy

[@pbee73]

Kane and Rakim have different styles of writing... Kane does write some harder type lyrics but is more of a lover and proclaims it in many of his songs. Rakim is more spiritual and knowledgeable. Rakim's lyrics are more about power, strength and wisdom. Both are versatile and can cross over to each others forte but overall they are still different in their own right. Both of them had lengthy runs in their career and attained enough longevity to award them icons of rap... It is difficult to compare the 2 of them and say who is greater because they both have unique styles. Its not just the lyrics its also the delivery as well. Kane, Rakim and Kool G Rap are the holy trinity of hip hop!

[@mrsexxc1]

***** If you put Kane's best rhymes against Rakim's best rhymes Kane would win....However Kane didn't have the longevity that Rakim had. More Rappers quote Rakim than other rappers.Kayne fell off and start getting corny. But I think Kool G Rap would killed them both in his prime!

[@XLTelevision]

Kane's wishes he was Rakim... People like Kane, Gang Star, and King's Son, were just copying Rakim, and his style... When God came through, others just followed... This brother brought 5% Nation, and Islam to Hop Hop. When you speak speak about "God Rakim Allah", no other MC from from the 80's shouldn't ever spoken of..

[@heruapocalypse2021]

Lol I always Smile inside because as a, Student and Former Aspiring MC Myself.Of Hip-Hop.I always admired RA'S Righteous State of Mind and His Dillagence.To Me it made His Rhymes and Flow even more Potent.

[@rizwanmahmud93]

Tupac himself said that Rakim is his favourite rapper.

[@Kloppsserialbottlers]

+Rizwan Mahmud The list is long of rappers who think Rakim is their favourite and there are better MC's than Pac on it.

[@rollyro71]

IAMIAN True

[@cjhepburn7406]

Rightly so.

[@gregvaldez1269]

@@Kloppsserialbottlers I love Pac but your right.

[@anthonybey1324]

Kurrupt, DMX, Nas, etc.

[@MegaAli213]

Indisputable, no debate necessary Rakim broke the mold and set the bar higher than any lyrical poetic master. He was different because his background shaped him during the 60s/80s. Imagine shaping your poetical style around the jazz greats of Malcolm X time, and the social political times of the 70s and 80s. His study of Islam elevated his consciousness to Introduce the 5% movement philosophy into style.

[@TeatroTigre]

Thank you RBMA!! Dope interviews and content!!Respect from Hollywood,CA!!

[@QueenCraftsChannel]

I love you Rakim! THE GREATEST OF ALL TIME!

[@billystrayhornsghost]

Great interview with the master of the art.RAKIM.Peace!!!

[@ashtonjackfanny]

"cuz everytime i stop it seems you're stuck soon as you try step off you self destruct"

[@nycrhythmcom-Vnylperv9pmfriday]

THE GREATEST!!!

[@Bradbluebathgate]

Rakim is just too cool...

[@Talan274]

31:06 Everyone's head all bobbing different! hahahaha

[@adictiveadictive]

lmfao!

[@forevershampoo]

U Kno why because people are mentally keeping Pace with different parts of the music. Not just riding the drums. I'm sure there's some people out there with riddim but there's alot of ways u can interpret music not just one

[@steeevooomoscato3572]

@@forevershampoo wow, that's dope! Never thought of it like that

[@MOIRECREATIVEPARTNERS]

When people ask me, what kind of Rapper / Mc are you? Are you a gangster rapper? A conscious rapper? A drill rapper? A trap rapper? An autotune rapper? My answer is Im a man first. I have my ups, my downs, my moments of clarity, confusion, joy, and despair. That will dictate what I want to write about regardless if its in past, present, and future format. Because of this Im aways appreciative of my lineage as a lyricist. As a disciple of Nas, Jay-Z, Biggie, Black Thought, and Mos Def; I acknowledge Rakim like my grandfather or great uncle. I am an MC and Im proud to be one of the keepers of the flame that Rakim Allah ignited.

[@DCee73HDD]

This is hip hop history, why is their any dislikes

[@saifhasan4481]

DCee73HDD cuz they like Nicky Minaj. Rakim is the greatest, period. You are right, this is hip hop history

[@travis1972Libra]

I would love to see & hear a jam made by Rakim, Kool g, Nas, KRS1, and DMX!

[@travis1972Libra]

Bizzy Bone, Busta Rhymes, and Twista

[@bankheadpolo]

Thank u rakim for the art as a musician I would speak for many u is highly appreciated G 🙏🏿

[@fordhammie]

Rakim isn't one of the greatest, he's THE GREATEST! Rap God and the Master of Ceremonies!

[@jameszond8805]

the best Lecture I have seen in years, I have to get on my grind

[@palomino13]

Rakim is a great man.much respect,

[@bossdaddy4867]

I`m so glad to have been part of every Rap (Hip-Hop) era love it as a young child in the Sugar Hill stage then and 80`s B-Boy break dancer in the 90`s I was a crazy 20 year old when Hip-Hop got even more lyrical til now..But My late 80`s to 90`s and eraly 2Gee is what I loved.

[@bakpakchan]

Legendary and very helpful for a emcee like myself that get confused sometimes about my existence in this world

[@sincere74007]

Classic interview from my fav emcee RAKIM!!!

[@benyaminyisrael4634]

No cussin, No Drugs, No Murder! just Dope Rhymes

[@vent3089]

This was a pure inspiration,thanks yo!

[@24sevencinema]

the greatest of all time the ghetto can be listened to by most and they will never understood what he meant he was saying with his lyrics explaining the universe and......

[@adventurouspeach9043]

We love Ra..What a blessing to have you educate those up and coming artists on the true game of the artistry..May God give them the strength to grow from your blueprint, You truly one of the greatest mcs from our era to do it and do it well..Big ups to Eric B, Mad Love Yo! and to all our pioneers before you, U a beast. The God Mc. HIPHOP 4EVER..Thank you red bull and the interviewer his dope as well..

[@stevestarscream5182]

This is a great interview

[@rareheart22]

Thank you for this. Very educational. Respect to the God. I still bump his classics like they just came out....

[@StupidIsAsStupidDoe2]

It has to be a rough to be a living legend yet have people who wont support your music. He's a year older than Jay-Z. He should be able to come out with music and have a buzz. But the game is so fucked up.

[@janglyjohn4635]

I get what your saying but Jay-Z is leagues ahead of Rakim commercially, financially and in the public eye. The game ain't fucked up, Jay-Z just played it to the massive extent and hes halfway to a billionaire. Rakim is a great rapper, but he's not businessman.

[@polishbroadcast]

StupidIsAsStupidDoe2 That goes for most of the art world. Being a good artist and good at business are usually separate skillsets. I'd argue some of the greatest artists were not good at business.

[@marquittaringer5020]

Jigga is touchy for me, he's a smart guy...but HIS come up was far from organic. He was definitely sleazy in his rise to power, overall he's a grimey dude #imo. The climb isn't as important to most, so he's labeled 'Great'....this is an arguable title in my eyes. Great in business, yes...but HIS talent doesn't touch that of Rakim or even Kane. He mixed their styles, added some B.I.G. bandwagoning, called himself great and the world jumped on D!! He's alright...but he's not real.

[@lesbridges3040]

That is so RAW Rakim

[@kfletcher7820]

The Original Flow Master!! I grew up listing to this guy!

[@RichardClosure]

They all look like they havent the slightest clue whats going on...

[@RoninAli1]

They know now...or they knew right then. Now they have no excuse to be ignorant. It's not their fault they were born after this good stuff. That's why I say in this "information age" there's no reason to be ignorant. They have google, KZbin, whatever. If they want to know something it's just that easy look .

[@LCH.RawMan]

@@RoninAli1 partially true. For example, eric b. Ain't got a lot of stuff you can find on i.e. youtube (interviews and stuff) And in my opinion here should be like 50 more interviews with rakim

[@RoninAli1]

TheTekvine I forgot I made this comment.

[@Mr.International82]

Its because that audience grew up on garbage hip hop. Not like what we know as true MCs with skill

[@ehmiguel7602]

Ammata Pierron yeah, it’s not like they have the advantage of going back and being able to listen to every era of rap.

[@marquittaringer5020]

Rakim and Kane...period. My top 5 will always have these MC's at spots 1 and 2, they are the architects of lyricism and innovation in Hip Hop/Rap hands down. If they ain't your favorite, I'd bet money they inspired your favorite. Period. Oh, and I SWEAR when he says knaa mean....it gives me LIFEEE!!! Lol! So NY, so great.

[@NejiRulzzz]

You don`t see Ra laughing a lot but the Janet Jackson talk got him to smile :)

[@Huumf]

Hahaha this interviewer says the same thing every time!!! " sometimes I like to start these off my playing a bit of music" 😂😂😂😂

[@standbackorgetwhackedwithm6586]

lol

[@itsallaroundyou7085]

This is funny. I'm coming off the crooks corner interview and it's essentially the same interview 12 years later same questions in the same order and rakim answers them the exact same way

[@sageejumanjee]

big up to red bull for putting this together...they should do extempo it is carribean rap battles...from before hip hop era...

[@monicabella7894]

J'adore RAKIM ♥ Thanks for posting.

[@Dominick_Calvitto.]

Inspirational..Rakim's a Genius..