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Hip Hop Legend: Rakim
Tuesday 9th July 2013 | Magdalene
Dubbed the ‘god MC’ rapper Rakim is the man responsible for the transformation of Hip-Hop from ‘a street thing’ into an art imbued with depth. Renowned for being the ‘master of the mic’, the rapper proved that the art of rap lies deep within its poeticism. With his introduction of vivid metaphors, internal rhyme in rap and a new laid-back rapping style that greatly contrasted the fierce rapping technique that was dominant in the 80s- Rakim was certainly the spearhead of hip-hop’s golden age.
‘Rakim wrote the best lyrics of all time..he is just the apex of lyricism’- Talib Kweli
Whether you know it or not Rakim is likely to be your rappers favourite rapper. Rakim still remains unrivalled as the ultimate hip-hop lyricist. In 1987 Eric B and Rakim released their debut album Paid in full. Rakim’s contribution to the iconic album singlehandedly created the ultimate blueprint for future rappers and even went as far as weakening the credibility of rappers before him.
‘He always maintains the integrity of his brand… he never tried to chase commercial success or relevance and when you do that your legend doesn’t lose any lust’ Noah Callahan Bever
In an industry where it is usual to exchange your art for commercial success, Rakim’s refusal to alter his musical direction is admirable to say the least. His originality meant that the mainstream came to him and for the first time in hip-hop, rap was provided with a lexical fusion that commanded academic respect and review. With critics going as far drawing comparisons between the rapper and Shakespeare, the conception of his first album instantly established him as musical legend.
Prior to Rakim’s rapping debut the dominant rap style was a very simply constructed with the last word of every line rhyming. Rakim’s musical entrance brought with it this new polysyllabic rapping technique that dominates rap today, of course some rappers have done well in attempting to master Rakim’s art, Nas being a good example. However Rakim’s individuality is something that can never be imitated. Rakim’s lyricism brought about a semantic complexity that rap fans had never witnessed.
Rakim’s reign over rap has proved eternal with his contribution to hip-hop increasing the credibility of the art form.
Rakim we salute you!
ConstantRigor @ConstantRigor http://constantrigor.wordpress.com/
