Rakim Salutes Kendrick Lamar-Drake Rap Battle, Producing For Snoop Dogg, DMX on New Album | TMZ

Rakim -- the man, the myth, The 18th Letter -- is back on the hip hop scene after a 15-year break from releasing albums!!!
FOLLOW ALL TMZ PODCASTS: www.audio.tmz....
About TMZ:
TMZ has consistently been credited for breaking the biggest stories dominating the entertainment news landscape and changed the way the public gets their news. Regularly referenced by the media, TMZ is one of the most cited entertainment news sources in the world.
Subscribe to TMZ on KZbin for breaking celebrity news/ gossip and insight from the newsroom staff, the best clips from TMZ on TV, Raw & Uncut TMZ video (from TMZ.com) and the latest video from TMZ Sports and TMZ Live!
We love Hollywood, we just have a funny way of showing it.
Need More TMZ?
TMZ Website: tmz.me/fPrTwZt
LIKE TMZ on Facebook! tmz.me/9sGB00a
FOLLOW TMZ on Twitter! tmz.me/9LeeNWQ
FOLLOW TMZ on Instagram! tmz.me/ep7d8Bn
TMZ on TV & TMZ Sports on FS1 Tune In Info: tmz.me/ccuirUZ
TMZ is on iOS! tmz.me/ecOjgiH
TMZ is on Android! tmz.me/pkwieRA
Got a Tip?
Contact TMZ: tmz.me/UsxYCvE
Check out TMZ Live, TMZ Sports and toofab!
TMZ Live: tmz.me/GxCXCfl
Subscribe! TMZ Live: tmz.me/cLxA82p
TMZ Sports: tmz.me/jMBERbb
Subscribe! TMZ Sports: tmz.me/jMBERbb
Toofab: tmz.me/dsXztns
Subscribe! toofab: tmz.me/VeVLMmi
/ tmz

[@ChiraqMaybach-ii9wm]

These young kids nowadays don't know how great Rakim was, the goat

[@notmrpronot3179]

I'm 16 and I gotta respect any 16 from the God mc

[@shaamlowery2632]

I’m 35 my dad is 53 he’s a huge Big Daddy Kane fan but as I get older I’ve been doing my homework and I place Rakim above Kane , Krs -1 an G Rap his raps on that Paid in Full album still hit hard an that came out in 1986 in sane

[@notmrpronot3179]

@@shaamlowery2632 facts personality my favorite projects by rakim are don't sweat the technique and the master, and the 18th letter, they're prefect displays of lyricism

[@bronxkies]

For real. That's why when people talk about their Top 5 I'm like I can't take a Top 5 seriously if Rakim ain't in it.

[@malcomshabazz2809]

​@@bronxkies Rakim can't be in a top 5 because he's in a class of his own. The God MC

[@esdeozzy]

Rakim never got rich like Jay, Dre, Snoop or Nas and them but he’s the original.

[@22625223]

Well like 50 cent said some people know how to life been wealthy or not he stuck to himself and maybe he didn’t needed that

[@queenearth7808]

​@@22625223Agree! Not everyone wanted that kind of life. It's not always sweet.

[@TrueSankofa7]

@@22625223 the first mc to get a million dollar contract never got rich? Even though it doesn't matter, I think Rakim been Paid N Full for a min

[@mrbigyooo]

Maybe not Rich like those guys,but he’s definitely rich. He tours all over the world. He probably grossed A couple of million a year for touring and licensing his music. Slow money is better than no money

[@b9479]

He's definitely a millionaire, not on their level but he's rich

[@Grandmaster_Vic]

His influence is so god damn strong even in today’s hip hop. What a legendary MC

[@DeViLiShGoD72]

Legendary....🤔....🤏🏽 Don't be Mad I'm 🤥 like a MFCKr....be good tho

[@BestBecky78]

*got

[@Chelle7104]

REAL HIP HOP LEGEND!!!!!

[@OVOGerald]

Only drake is I’m afraid

[@DeViLiShGoD72]

​@@OVOGeraldOnly🤔....😮....U been hanging out with AkAdEmikS....👀

[@yolanda9504]

Absolutely!

[@thatgirl4633]

“I hold a microphone like a grudge” 😊

[@DJ_MARIANO]

one of my favorite lines ever

[@vernonjohnson1198]

@@DJ_MARIANOyou kings are speaking real facts and pure truth..no cap

[@highcee11]

We had K.R.S. 1, Big Daddy Kane, even a very slept on Heavy D, but when Rakim, came out, rhyming on records with a skill set like we had never heard before, unmistakable voice, most versatile flows of the time as well, an innovator, brought style and fashion to the game as well. One of Hip Hops GAME CHANGERS. Salute The GOD MC.

[@TheTSSTC]

I was putting my boy up on that Heavy album (1999) just the other day. RIP. Incredible talent

[@RevengeOfThaNerd]

Bro I love Heavy.

[@michaelharris680]

Heavy D. Severely underrated 🎤

[@RazorReg]

Rakim came out first in 86, KRS was second 87 and Kane in 88 Kool G Rap 89. They all had their own style. IMO KRS is the best.

[@highcee11]

@@RazorReg Criminal Minded came out in 87 along with Paid in Full. But from 87-90 we got some classics.

[@derrickrankinjr2798]

Having a Triple OG like Rakim give our top generation rappers respect is real humbling.. Hip Hop is a beautiful thing 💯

[@TunmidaO]

I don’t think you can have a top 10 without including this guy. He’s the sole reason most of the greatest rappers rap the way that they do.

[@guelmis]

I was on my cellphone on a NYC street. I saw a hand reach in front of me and it was Ra. This man gave me his hand without knowing me. Ra is a real one 👁 love

[@kcidd12]

👁️ 👄 👁️???

[@diverseuniverse7701]

I’m usually r

[@tigerlilyblooming]

You’re better than me. I’d still be holding his hand squeezing Super Glue despite the restraining order. 😂 😂 😂

[@Cjordanstudios]

What an honor bro!! Nice!!

[@crystalriley9671]

Put some Respect on his name! Rakim is one of the founders and innovators.

[@urbanguerrilla3022]

Peace to the Original Asiatic Blackman for performing his duty, and NEVER ABANDONING HIS POST!!!

[@vernonjohnson1198]

Facts ..no cap

[@TheLovely990]

Rakim the legend! His swag is unmatched.❤❤❤❤

[@Theenrichmentlab]

UNMATCHED!

[@OVOGerald]

Y’all ain’t heard of the boy drizzy?

[@burgermind802]

@OVOGerald you mean bbl?

[@osiawideman4851]

@@OVOGeraldhow is a dude who needs a ghost writer a great rapper 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂that shit is hilarious 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@vernonjohnson1198]

@@OVOGeralddrizzly just lost to Kendrick in a battle and drizzy is a straight up simp just like you are,,no cap

[@kalyanachamplain-spears6266]

We love you Rakim!!! So excited for the new album!

[@emmanueldurr7645]

GOAT!!! No One Come Close To Rakim

[@OVOGerald]

Drizzy way better🔥

[@DeViLiShGoD72]

​@@OVOGerald☹️....😮

[@123Foreverblessedone]

@@OVOGeraldOVHOE is this you ???! 😂😂😂

[@blackmcbain3145]

​@@OVOGeraldstop glazing this Canadian bozo

[@vernonjohnson1198]

@@OVOGeraldyou sound like a person on crack big time…he’s a simp compared to Rakim..no cap

[@DisneylandZombies]

First time I ever seen RAKIM smile..😮

[@rockhills]

You should watch the BizMarkie documentary…it’s wild cause Rakim cried on it. That was something I could’ve never predicted.

[@TheTSSTC]

TMZ is included in that too 🌚

[@mujicgreeningram5071]

This might be the first time in my 43 years of living that I seen Rakim laugh.. And it happened on.... TMZ?? Crazy crazy ish crazy!

[@deed8915]

RIGHT! 😮😂😂😂😂

[@LadybugLuv]

Lol right? Because even right now his resting face is like 'Dont play with me, I will f you up right here and now!' 🤨 Lol😂

[@Becauseimme]

Kan!😂

[@alklaka5372]

he smiled.. he really smiled!

[@AnyRight-jm4rd]

💯💯💯💯

[@charlestoncharles7235]

This is the greatest mc of all time right here and I am from the south

[@OVOGerald]

Drake bodies him I’m afraid

[@mctud817]

Same here. Texas

[@aya9af]

​@OVOGerald 😂 🤫 "Better to be silent and be thought a fool than to speak and remove all doubt"

[@PR-WAY]

Not to me

[@Dredd-od2xs]

​@@PR-WAYu don't know shit

[@jamesSt.PatrickII]

Rakim just in conversation sound like he ready to take off on a 🎤

[@DarkSunRider1]

A brother before his time. I'm 52 and my kids who are young adults now know Rakim is a true Lyricist.... This brother truly was way before his time, highly disciplined in his writing style but he showed up at the right time!!! MUCH LOVE!!! "MOVE THE CROWD"....

[@bxchef829]

18th letter! The R baby!

[@ChiraqMaybach-ii9wm]

The master, both classic albums, it's a shame they didn't get the proper promotion people don't know how good those albums were

[@Theenrichmentlab]

ALL DAY "R"

[@Espectro1680]

every modern style rapping is based on his original flow and cadence . wether they know it or not

[@oc4515]

💯

[@LoveMusic-px6yw]

I love listening to RAKIM. His voice is incredible, and I'm in my 40s STILL loving RAKIM. He's phenomenal, and I can't wait to hear more of him... RESPECT. PERIODT.

[@deewoo2776]

Rakim is a REAL RAP LEGEND. He looks the part and is the part.

[@binnybrand2563]

Hip hop . Drake is rapper. R is a hip hop MC. It's a difference

[@DeViLiShGoD72]

​@@binnybrand2563u nailed that Ish....😎

[@DeViLiShGoD72]

7:11 we happy as a MFCKr that he decided to go towards the 🎤....he got that Raw voice perfect for HiP-HoP....😮

[@deewoo2776]

If you know the history of Rap music which became Hip Hop you would know that Rap is spittin out the lyrics and Hip Hop is the beat. Somewhere in the mid to late 90s / early 2000s the category of Rap music became Hip Hop. Hip Hop comes from Jazz Music from the "BeBop" era in Jazz. I'm from the Old School and I still call it "Rap Music" because that's what it is.

[@binnybrand2563]

@@deewoo2776 And that makes you not invited to the COOKOUT ! IM A HIP HOP BABY ! RAP IS SOMETHING YOU DO HIP HOP IS SOMETHING. YOU LIVE! YOUR WHITE! I CAN TELL ! AND THAT THOUGHT PROCESS RUINED HIP HOP! AND THATS WHY A ACTOR LIKE DRAKE IS PLAYING IN YOUR CAR AND NOT MINE ! YOUR DISMISSED. Ps it was called A B BOY. MC AND DJ GRAFFITI ! HIP HOP! CULTURE VULTURE YOU SOUND LIKE

[@tennaj1367]

Probably the coolest cat off the mic to ever spit a bar!

[@darrenbradly2702]

2024 feels like home again. The greats are coming back. Stetsasonic too. Thank you!

[@Becauseimme]

The microphone solo Wiz. Uncle Rakim, NUFF RESPECT. 🎤

[@latymz]

Dre and Rakim getting another shot? Man I hope it comes together this time.

[@romeusdracul9531]

For Ra to give credit to KDot and say he wishes he was there too … 🫡 MAJOR Salute. Super Dope!

[@XBOXBIGMAC1]

After 12, I'm worse that a Gremlin Feed me Hip-hop and I start trembling

[@drerush9065]

Microphone fiend was banging and still bang!💯

[@latymz]

Man that still hit different even today.

[@markjones3402]

CLASSIC LINE ! ! !

[@goodfella1401]

Every lyricist since 1987 has been heavily influenced by Rakim. No other person you can say that about after half a century

[@ryleerichter804]

I’m 26 now I paid to see rakim and meet and greet when I was 24 the 🐐 fr

[@maritzacaruth9283]

Saw him recently, he didn't tell us til afterwards, his son opened for him. He's 🔥 too!

[@theressak]

That's dope!What's his son's name? I would love to check him out.

[@maritzacaruth9283]

@@theressak Tahmell

[@theressak]

@@maritzacaruth9283 thx!!!

[@MrLjg510]

Timeless, so age don't count in the booth when your flow stay submerged in the fountain of youth

[@RumGod]

Back in 07 when I was 15 I bought "Paid In Full" on CD hopped on the train to my job in the city & was so happy even in 07 I totally see why kats never tested The 👑R💖💛💚

[@caseycameron5370]

Rakims old stuff still sounds new its crazy once in multiple generations talent

[@mathematicalfacts1439]

Fact's 💯...He was ALWAYS ahead of his time and this new track is still showing and proving how ahead his time he was and still is. That's why you gotta want to/try and reach for something to be great and ahead of your time. That's why Rakim music and lyrics is timeless and classic.

[@OWU0101]

As a matter of fact. Rakims The 18th Letter art cover had an Artificial Intelligence face on it behind his face. Rakim was the first presenting AI way back then.

[@LEYTHLEGACY]

That's not really a good thing though

[@theafricachild5773]

@@LEYTHLEGACYit not lol

[@blackmcbain3145]

RAKIM and del the funkee homosapien

[@skizzyskitzo]

I love Rakim

[@kenyakimbrough7152]

Y'all might not understand... I'm not a Stan!! But I love & respect this dude.. To a point..I feel some kinda of way whenever I see him.. Might be nostalgia.. or just the appreciation of HIP HOP!! 1!!

[@ra-neter6662]

u deff a stan but its cool. he a legend from an era where dudes were true supporters of everything. music ,sports , shows etc. true loyalty . my generation the adhd amnesia generation

[@kenyakimbrough7152]

@@ra-neter6662 Was that an insult?.. Mixed with a compliment?... 😀 Either way..Ok!!

[@keashadaily6765]

He is still fine ❤

[@tonjastandley375]

Facts

[@thatgirl4633]

Wow…he actually smiled 😊Nice to see.

[@msa6844]

RAP LEGEND

[@MrsBoyd4500]

REAL LEGEND 💯💯💯

[@--REGULAR--REGULAR]

The goat for real

[@ElPrezidenteKeno]

I like that he didnt get into his feelings like the rest of the critics about Drake using ai. I felt the same thing. It was "Entertaining and creative" more than it was "disrespectful " to Tupac... we should be able to be creative in all forms of hiphop.

[@blackjay3771]

Anytime I hear Drake, Kendrick, Eminem, or Jay Z call themselves the GOAT, I legit feel like they disrespect this dude. Rakim is clearly the GOAT and it’s not even close.

[@blackmcbain3145]

Kendrick ONLY says he's the greatest rapper in our time. Griot. Not all time. He shows respect to the legends.

[@blackjay3771]

@@blackmcbain3145in “Family Ties” Kendrick literally says “Don’t you address me unless it’s with four letters”. He means G.O.A.T. And before you come back with some nonsense about “he could mean king”, let me say that’s cap. His choice of the word “letters” clearly means an abbreviation. There is only one G.O.A.T. in which all modern hip hop artists have modeled their styles. His name is Rakim.

[@merrekeste3385]

LEGEND RAPPER MC GOAT TOP 5🐐🎤💯 GOT LOVE FOR K DOT🐐💯 ❤

[@arianadams5598]

The Goat for real!!!!😮😮

[@andremcpherson6395]

This man right here is the best lyricst in the history of hip hop

[@jj7126]

Rakim was the goat 🐐 of his generation. #1 of my top 5. He influenced a lot of rappers.

[@JosephOkori]

I’m so glad he mentioned the 18th Letter joint. One of my favorite joints of all time. Incredible writing.

[@ronaldwilliams9635]

Rakim is the Truth🔥🎯

[@JosephSciegns]

“You should’ve just listened to what he told you.” I am the HE.😁

[@wolfpack8275]

The king has passed the crown to the new king

[@garymclean1679]

Kings don't need to be outspoken...but when they do speak out...followers know what to do.

[@chiwalker7325]

Legendary Man right there Boys. CPT ✌🏾

[@roachfatthenostalgist7535]

The Goat 🐐

[@propaneoaklane8781]

The 18th letter 🔥🔥🔥💪🏽🐺

[@onwon81]

Heard a new track by rakim kurupt and masts ace, sick!!

[@Randy-os2zz]

Gotta say really just started watching tmz content never disappoints...

[@EyeTunz]

He only gets stronger as the years pass. A true GOAT. Follow the Leader is the greatest hip hop song ever.

[@spicetbedhead]

The Real King 👑 Of Rap!!!❤

[@lolo2real]

Legendary brother right here!!! 🔥🔥🔥 Such wisdom too

[@chulababy2120]

He’s still fine as wine 🍷 ❤

[@chaptervixo]

Whatever rakim says about battle rap is the gospel

[@JRob1125]

He deserves so much more recognition than he gets. He's the foundation of "lyrical" Hip Hop.

[@jotroupe4470]

One of my top five of all time

[@RapPhilosophy]

It boggles my brain how genz has all this rap history to discover and don’t even bother. When we was young hip hop was just getting started. I wish I had all this rich history to discover back then

[@karieammuhammond5327]

ONE OF THE ORIGINAL G.O.A.T.'S : VERY HUMBLE BROTHER!!!!!!!!!

[@tberryberry7480]

MIc fiend Was So DOPE.!!!!!

[@tunaricemetters3387]

Soul brotha #1❤ This is a HUGE honor for Kendrick

[@user-vq3kw3ze3f]

Rakim was a shift in music. He had that much of an impact. Rap would never be the same.

[@dudettevlogs4257]

10years from now there will be another Kendrick and he will be answering questions like this.. life moves fast!

[@shaamlowery2632]

My Top 5 ever

[@MrYoel77]

Much respect 🙏 father of hip hop.

[@Suge8263]

When The God speaks we listen.... it's always feel special when rakim pop out

[@DefinitelyDice]

If y’all haven’t already go listen to his new solo albums they’re literally some of the greatest albums to ever exist despite the views. You can hear the love and passion he puts into it 💯

[@TheMMFamily9]

Its the Aura ❤😊

[@shereserobinson6535]

Hip Hop 1.0 here. I looooove this man. I saw him at B. B. king’s doing the Paid In Full album. With a backing BAND. It was so magical. I cried. This will always be my guy.

[@david_king_music]

Rakim is on the vast majority of your favorite rapper's top 5 or top 10 lists. He's the foundation for most of the greats and their rap styles in one way or another. The multisyllabic, internal rhyme schemes were fundamental to modern rap, akin to the discovery of relativity or quantum physics in the early 20th century spawning modern technology. Nas was the "heir" to his style, and then spawned even more complex lyricism than that. Wisdom, technical prowess, stoic, teacher, presence, style, etc. etc. Plus I'm hearing more about how good a producer he is

[@torrancenorwood1349]

Wuhooo!! From the God's own mouth! ( i.e Rakim hasn't Done many interviews!) For him to say," I hear the technique "I started" and where they took it!!!" Is Profound, glad he voiced it before leaving this planet... All the Greats!! Any emcee you can ever consider Nice!! They All play with that word phrasing, syntactical structure, Flowin type shit. Because of Him! The Real Question IS, " what would hip hop " SOUND" like if Rakim never was !

[@arri5448]

I’ve had and still do have thee biggest crush on this man 😊😊

[@yolandapenn6211]

People wasn't stupid they didn't mess with Rakim is a legend.

[@lolitaharley8701]

Legend

[@jameswilson1522]

Incredible... ....Legend ! 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥 !

[@Wes-y4b]

2:15 .... Fish, which is my favorite dish....But without no money it's still a wish! Hands down most memorable!

[@mrgrimble9017]

Check the record him and Big Daddy Kane went at it. Kane didn't back down neither did Rakim

[@deed8915]

🐐 THE G.O.A.T. 👑 (IMO)

[@OPTIMYSTIK2013]

18th Letter is 🔥🔥🔥🔥 IYKYK!!!

[@YasharelYahawadah]

Legendary Rakim.

[@George-ds3pu]

I say he's one ofNYC finest 😊

[@MikeGenius-qh2xj]

Masta Killa Kurupt & Rakim. DARTS.

[@djdocstrange]

Damn i can’t wait to hear his stuff. The 18th letter was imo his best album. Most of the tracks if not all were great. He still has what it takes so im glad hes still going. And with underground guys like Planet Asia… damn!! I still hope the big daddy kane versuz rakim might happen!!

[@RPMaster71]

What I Write Is Like Shoving A Mike Down Your Windpipe Don't Let Him Bite Rhymes Rakim Write No Mike To Mouth Resuscitation Is Necessary...No Obituary, It's Nothing Left To Bury

[@mathematicalfacts1439]

Rakim Fact's 💯 !!!...Well quoted

[@SolomonFitt]

18th was my favorite rhyme from him I thought he would say microphone fiend.

[@renegadebrad7448]

The 18th letter is perfection in a hip hop album the saga begins produced by Pete rock check that out young or old generation the whole album is just perfection not 1 slacking track it’s a masterpiece

[@Anderson_Se7en]

Rakim moves with God. Pioneer of the new rap style, double rhymes and such.

[@MarkDaugherty-xw1eq]

Old School Smooth Rakim 👌 🎙

[@THETRAVELGOD410]

Being a Kid listening to Rakim it wasn’t “ Intimidating” “ ! Listen to ” Set Em Straight “ and he tells you the formula to the style!

[@trueself247]

“One thing I don’t like is a spotlight, cause I already got light”.

[@Amy-f3e]

Thank you for everyting. You are the God. Salute.

[@Yahpah]

Rakim still fine!