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

10 ай бұрын

Let agree to disagree

@Kimbrough74

9 ай бұрын

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

@jwilli850

8 ай бұрын

correction… Rakim is the greatest lyricist of all time

@beautifullifemedia2733

8 ай бұрын

Timeless!

@gabrielleelliott2487

8 ай бұрын

​@@jwilli850that's facts

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

@TidyDisarray

4 жыл бұрын

you realy nailed it lollol

@aliciaseay9160

4 жыл бұрын

Facts!

@1michaeltodd

4 жыл бұрын

Amen to that!

@erich1070

4 жыл бұрын

Werd👍

@johnbaltimore1212

4 жыл бұрын

Inshaallah...

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

@poerava

3 жыл бұрын

You ain’t lying

@mariusgate3030

3 жыл бұрын

MF DOOM?

@josephasci

3 жыл бұрын

Agreed 100....

@irishseano

3 жыл бұрын

It’s hard to argue isn’t it?

@pgreen3250

3 жыл бұрын

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

"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

@adamnoyb7853

Жыл бұрын

No he isn't not at all

@sobe9ograff

Жыл бұрын

@@adamnoyb7853 enlighten us then wise one

@adamnoyb7853

Жыл бұрын

@@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

Жыл бұрын

@@adamnoyb7853 lol you tripping. read his comment again.

@duv6866

Жыл бұрын

​@@adamnoyb7853 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

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

Жыл бұрын

@Ernesto Mendez yes. The one and only!

@desullcrappie

Жыл бұрын

Just rewatched this and noticed Ali and Kingfish. 😲

@nickrizzo4635

Жыл бұрын

He’s definitely sick with it

@Obscurity202

Жыл бұрын

Ali is one of my favorite bass players!

@smeadows1910

Жыл бұрын

Came for Rakim, coming back for Kingfish 🤌

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

3 жыл бұрын

That's hard!

@kay_mac138

2 жыл бұрын

On which track?

@BEsaddiqali

2 жыл бұрын

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

@ChristopherSoltis5

2 жыл бұрын

@@BEsaddiqali the dj primo track, Classic :)

@lakeisharobinson2132

2 жыл бұрын

💯💯

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

@OnanX501

4 жыл бұрын

I 2nd that

@April-201

4 жыл бұрын

🙋🏾‍♀️ 3rd that

@leviescott4819

4 жыл бұрын

A colorblind Masterpiece

@stephnash4637

4 жыл бұрын

Chris Kasatka Me also.

@bollie4431

4 жыл бұрын

I 4th that 🔥🔥🔥

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

4 ай бұрын

check out Mavi- "miracle baby"

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

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

@unbreakablerogue

3 жыл бұрын

Legend for sure :)

@allofasudden6997

3 жыл бұрын

You have Kool G Rao

@sirjellybeans1st19

3 жыл бұрын

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

2 жыл бұрын

Perfect way to describe it

@JtothaMajesty

2 жыл бұрын

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

Rakim need to release a jazz album this is fire

@TheSolution4Kickz

5 жыл бұрын

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

@savannahmorgan6924

5 жыл бұрын

Austin S please and thank you

@bolder2009

5 жыл бұрын

The Solution!4Kickz You heard him play?

@TheSolution4Kickz

5 жыл бұрын

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

@bolder2009

5 жыл бұрын

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

He should make an album with this band.

the guy with the guitar is a legend!

@JUNNY923

Жыл бұрын

Kingfish!

@dantag5195

Жыл бұрын

His name is King Fish

@berniewighton1496

Жыл бұрын

Kingfish a Legend

@berniewighton1496

Жыл бұрын

Kingfish a Legend

@DrChainsawHandz

Жыл бұрын

Legendary Kingfish

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

@unbreakablerogue

3 жыл бұрын

Yesssss!:)

@michaelmachupa3854

3 жыл бұрын

He's timeless.

@deshaun5419

2 жыл бұрын

So true

@Averroes1

2 жыл бұрын

💯

@AngelRodriguezFritoLay

2 жыл бұрын

Brilliant point

This is criminally short.

@ispearedbritney

3 жыл бұрын

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

@yamezsr

3 жыл бұрын

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

3 жыл бұрын

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

21 күн бұрын

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

21 күн бұрын

My thought exactly.

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.

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

10 ай бұрын

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

@sonjaistheone4614

7 ай бұрын

Paid in Full is still my favorite by him!

@t3dlifestyle650

7 ай бұрын

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

@t3dlifestyle650

7 ай бұрын

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

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

4 жыл бұрын

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

3 жыл бұрын

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

@ThePolominican

3 жыл бұрын

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

3 жыл бұрын

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

@larryh2228

3 жыл бұрын

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

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

@saibotouray8036

4 жыл бұрын

Facts

@kkrobertson1

4 жыл бұрын

It would be even better if life worked that way.

@simoncheester

4 жыл бұрын

Agreed

@davemcmanus6218

4 жыл бұрын

Truth right here! One love

@trummerjoel

3 жыл бұрын

Yes Lord

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

Жыл бұрын

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

@ashkeygii9449

Жыл бұрын

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

8 ай бұрын

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

5 ай бұрын

Hold on to your seat !

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

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

@yorkyoung6439

6 жыл бұрын

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

@yohannesb1946

6 жыл бұрын

York Young most def homie, you know deal

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

@ThothTheAtlanteanK

4 жыл бұрын

FOR REAL! TRUTH!

@irishseano

4 жыл бұрын

One of,if not THE GREATEST of all time!

@mwanziesaffa3071

3 жыл бұрын

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

3 жыл бұрын

Also keep that big man on the guitar in your prayers

@crazyaboutboxing9385

3 жыл бұрын

He’ll yeah The R ......

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).

Lyrical MASTERPIECE

@lakeisharobinson2132

2 жыл бұрын

Facts!!!

@supercap3000

2 жыл бұрын

Lyrical masterpiece no doubt but remember everyone Rakim has an awesome flow and voice too

Damn, his words are smooth like jazz.

@Landyachtz471

4 жыл бұрын

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

@sharblades1582

4 жыл бұрын

Right

@makmak3081

4 жыл бұрын

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

@thegamingchef3304

4 жыл бұрын

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

@nicolasperkins5669

4 жыл бұрын

Right? But of course

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

@TrippiePineapplz

11 ай бұрын

+Adrian Younge on keys🔥

@buddha757

8 ай бұрын

Priceless!

@veegob5287

7 ай бұрын

@@TrippiePineapplzI was coming to say it.

The God MC!! The invincible, microphone fiend, Rakim!! ✊🏽✊🏽

@Mr.EeToMyself

Жыл бұрын

I just learned of him today.... my apologies. Shoutout to the guitarist.

@allemander

10 ай бұрын

In E. F. F. E. C. T. A smooth operator - Operatin’ correctly.

Rakim is so authentic! The band is LIVE!

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

@siyabongabhongoza8201

5 жыл бұрын

Slntpsych tupac started this

@chiz420420

5 жыл бұрын

Slntpsych agreed

@662chillin

5 жыл бұрын

@@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

5 жыл бұрын

EXACTLY!!!!

@1p4p_akqb99

5 жыл бұрын

I legit thought this nigga was dead😂

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

3 жыл бұрын

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

3 жыл бұрын

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

@timekabolden5309

3 жыл бұрын

🙌🙌🙌💯💯💯🎶👏🔥🔥🔥🔥😲

@yamtenfour

3 жыл бұрын

YES! Rakim, RA Orchestra & Flow

@jamestaylor841

2 жыл бұрын

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

Rakim forever one of the pioneers and GOATs of rap

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

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

@03jones08

4 жыл бұрын

Yessssss

@Capgpro1

3 жыл бұрын

ikr

@Phred7447

3 жыл бұрын

Back there with the earphones on.

@fahimaljahangir3059

3 жыл бұрын

the bass levels are so good

@slicksilver9441

3 жыл бұрын

@@Phred7447 and groovin

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

@stephencarl7827

6 жыл бұрын

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

@greedokenobi3855

5 жыл бұрын

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

@marvinhagler4721

5 жыл бұрын

EXACTLY bro..he STILL the TRUTH..

@EMMmaximino

5 жыл бұрын

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

@siyabongabhongoza8201

5 жыл бұрын

Jack Gillespie tupac started that

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

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

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

NPR IS INSANE FOR THIS!

@gabrielleelliott7388

5 жыл бұрын

Yep

@kisswriters

4 жыл бұрын

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

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

Жыл бұрын

43 yo. Paid in Full the first song I memorized

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

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

@DEVINEJUSTICEALLAH72

6 жыл бұрын

Leroy Walker Jr FACTS!!

@thewriterdri

6 жыл бұрын

Just disrespectful! They know we need more.

@turtleislandchief

6 жыл бұрын

Leroy Walker Jr Right!

@Wally-H

5 жыл бұрын

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

5 жыл бұрын

He should had played follow the leader

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.

@HOEA-WAKA

3 жыл бұрын

💙💙 Niiice

@fahimaljahangir3059

3 жыл бұрын

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

@andythehumbleman3307

3 жыл бұрын

U need new friend my g

@fahimaljahangir3059

3 жыл бұрын

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

@andythehumbleman3307

3 жыл бұрын

@@fahimaljahangir3059 tell me about it lol

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

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

you've outdone yourself npr!

@2211tomash

6 жыл бұрын

It’s because of Adrian Younge

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

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

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

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

@MistressofReads

6 жыл бұрын

thank you, for knowing the score!

@Jeeyaz

6 жыл бұрын

Facts.

@nolasoul71

6 жыл бұрын

Damn I wish he would have did that one!

@BadreddineAmine

6 жыл бұрын

rakim started the game

@raggattacksuperpower

6 жыл бұрын

Fi Real

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

2 жыл бұрын

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

@kelsoulforreal1

2 жыл бұрын

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

@dp7047

Жыл бұрын

💯

@IMONTHEROOF

Жыл бұрын

well said

@dreskyline5450

11 ай бұрын

Facts facts

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. ☝️🇵🇷

Love seeing Ali Shaheed on the bass❤️

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

@keithmoran5695

4 жыл бұрын

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

@brentchasm1167

4 жыл бұрын

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.

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

@tavencio879

5 жыл бұрын

From A Tribe Called Quest

@anthonyjones3932

5 жыл бұрын

Of chorus Gods reconiZe Gods

@maciek77winiarski

5 жыл бұрын

Dope suit

@gaugezpup5040

5 жыл бұрын

Ali Shahid Mohammed is a musical genius

@duanegrady5790

5 жыл бұрын

@@gaugezpup5040 yes indeed

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

Rakim is untouchable.

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

@corneilmadison9436

4 жыл бұрын

Yess

@stevemelendez

4 жыл бұрын

AMEN!! Word life!!!

@johermeah6540

4 жыл бұрын

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

"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

5 жыл бұрын

Rakim Allah

@brentchasm1167

4 жыл бұрын

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

@Jillady

4 жыл бұрын

jay bee hell yeah!!

@keithmoran5695

4 жыл бұрын

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

4 жыл бұрын

@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.

I must take the time to thank NPR music Tiny Desk Concerts for all the Excellent music on KZread! 👍👏👏👏

This needed to be way longer sooo good. Rakim a legend!

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

@kwamestamps35

4 жыл бұрын

That's the mighty Kingfish on guitar.

@SlickDanger

4 жыл бұрын

I need him and Thundercat to get on some bs together

@masonjohnston2427

4 жыл бұрын

My man Kingfishhhh

@Boomslang1

4 жыл бұрын

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

@fayate_6984

4 жыл бұрын

Same thing I'm sayingggggg

THAT BAND IS DANGEROUS!!!👌👍💪

@deaneawilliams2272

6 жыл бұрын

Art Tali yes they are amazing

@shizot

6 жыл бұрын

right??!!

@stirfry7987

5 жыл бұрын

...because they killed it.

@Kmakmizzle

5 жыл бұрын

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

@FilmStockReelTalk

5 жыл бұрын

Surgical

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

I'm having goosebumps...literally. OMG, this is pure gold from the golden age of hip hop. He really inspired and influenced some of best rap artist, like Notorious B.I.G., Nas, Eminem Jay-Z, etc. with this live instrumental built, everithing is perfect. absolutely amazing

Never needs to curse. Man this man is smooth.

@digitalomen2013

4 жыл бұрын

Man's a legend

@olandsmith2660

4 жыл бұрын

@@digitalomen2013 100%

@patjenkins1308

3 жыл бұрын

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

@macd95

3 жыл бұрын

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

3 жыл бұрын

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

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

6 жыл бұрын

Indeed!

@damiantv2760

6 жыл бұрын

gj watching vox

@GODHATESADOPTION

6 жыл бұрын

connorp3030 exactly assonance and alliteration

@marLamaDeo

6 жыл бұрын

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

6 жыл бұрын

Nas for one?

Impeccable behaviour. Rakim was the inventor of 'flow' in Rap. Amazing band in this performance too. Love from England to you ALL!

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

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

5 жыл бұрын

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

4 жыл бұрын

They both did musical features on Luke Cage as well.

@townman1

4 жыл бұрын

Dude sick fa real !

@Y20XTongvaLand

4 жыл бұрын

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

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!!!

How good was know the ledge, RKin still got it after all these years! Real lyricist with flow..not many around nowadays! Big props to Rakim

Rakim the God Mc brought along young Blues great Christone Kingfish Ingram. Amazing from start to finish. Live instruments give new life to these classic tunes. Well done Ra, Kingfish, the band and thank you NPR.

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

3 жыл бұрын

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

@NickDvolleyball

3 жыл бұрын

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

@MsQ9677

3 жыл бұрын

Same

@donnellynell

3 жыл бұрын

I feel the same

@hvacjay4037

3 жыл бұрын

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

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

@Rocanala

7 ай бұрын

Effortless. Completely natural 💯

This was it right here! 🔥🔥🔥🎸🎻🥁Didn’t want it to end! Oh how I miss this era!

Hiphop needs to be shown in this light more often. I really feel it would make people that don't like hiphop to have a different understanding of it.

@bishop1228

5 ай бұрын

Absolutely!!

That guitar player tho...🔥🔥🔥

@ernestivanreyes2876

5 жыл бұрын

Kingfish Ingram is the name he had a great voice too.

@musicismypassion1994

4 жыл бұрын

Kingfish is such an amazing guitar player, he has some of Hendrix soul in him.

@stevedalton7885

4 жыл бұрын

yeah kingfish man. Hes the man

@carltonblend

4 жыл бұрын

5:30 look at that kid's face lol dude already a legend

@jamesjohnson1522

4 жыл бұрын

Kingfish is one of the best modern blues artists running around.

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

The rhythm section was sick…🎹

Unbelievable all-star backing band!

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

Ali Shahid Muhammad on bass. This is pure class

@ivanlowjones

3 ай бұрын

I never knew he played bass.

Know the Ledge! That bass intro still gives me chills!

When your music never gets old so people will still be listening to it in spirit!! Can we have a soul clap for the band too because they tight AF!

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

@dublinrupepupkin

6 жыл бұрын

Same here. Had to make it into 18 minutes.

@joshkroenke7693

5 жыл бұрын

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!

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

6 жыл бұрын

Well put!

@DogZy9

6 жыл бұрын

I agree. And we need Hiatus Kaiyote here!!

@angelreed2276

6 жыл бұрын

Absolutely! Choose Your Weapon is my shit fr

@DogZy9

6 жыл бұрын

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

22 күн бұрын

00😊0😊000​@@DogZy9

Rakim will always be one of my favorite MCs of all time to have been able to enjoy these greats during the Golden Era I was so privileged to pay homage to this King and give him his flowers while he was able to smell them! Salute to a legend! ✊🏽✊🏽

Living legend gets madd respect from his peers in the industry just look at the band backing Rakim aka Microphone Fiend 💯🔥❤🍫👑🖋🎤🎼😌✊. Fan from day one and forever I shall remain one 😌.

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

@dmoore4520

5 жыл бұрын

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

5 жыл бұрын

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

@chip12424

5 жыл бұрын

@@dmoore4520 Who? Follow the Leader youngin!

@nihilist3915

5 жыл бұрын

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

@islamadibul

4 жыл бұрын

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

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

3 жыл бұрын

That's REAL

@unbreakablerogue

3 жыл бұрын

Boom! :)

Let's be CRYSTAL!! Rakim is the Marlon Brando. From then on, MCs knew the possibilities.

Rakim truly broke the on beat rhymes from early 80's such a EPMD, Grand Masta Flash, Sugar Hill gang, but RAKIM changed it into actual flow, rhyming on and off beat, creating flows that weave in and out of the rhythm. He was the chosen one. Legend with no exaggeration and no equal. - Lion

@poerava

Жыл бұрын

And story telling

@adamnoyb7853

Жыл бұрын

No he didn't

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

@PaulMatthewMusic1

5 жыл бұрын

That would have been super epic

@poerava

5 жыл бұрын

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

3 жыл бұрын

@@PaulMatthewMusic1 like super super epic

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

@earldarnell5221

5 жыл бұрын

Thats "Kingfish".

@Cadmium_Dream

5 жыл бұрын

He was on luke cage season 2 right?

@Renata110193

5 жыл бұрын

@@Cadmium_Dream yes

@pera184

5 жыл бұрын

Fuck that was awesome!

@TauronB2G

5 жыл бұрын

spunky xetron bruh!

This man is the absolute definition of hip hop.

This concert should've been two hours. I can listen to this all week!

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

@dublinrupepupkin

6 жыл бұрын

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

king!

@alurastasantos1422

6 жыл бұрын

Maximo respeito tio Bill

@gessecrash

6 жыл бұрын

You too, Bill!

@COMANF01

6 жыл бұрын

Salute, colosso reconhece colosso

@nemmeviutiio

6 жыл бұрын

Tio bill sabe o que é bom !

@camaradamiles42

6 жыл бұрын

Tio Bill no próximo

It was privilege growing up in NYC during the awakening of rap and watching Rakim, and Big Daddy Kane, come of age. His flow reminds me so much of jazz.