rakim Archives

GZA Pens An Editorial, Claiming Lyricism Is Absent Today. Do You Agree?

They don't just call him The Genius 'cause it sounds good. Wu-Tang Clan co-founder GZA has used his mental to open many doors. The Brooklyn, New York veteran MC lectures frequently at prestigious academic institutions, including Harvard and Massachusetts Institute of Technology. The gold-certified MCA Records soloist has incorporated many... Read more

May 31, 2015 Fresh

Finding The GOAT: The Match That Had to Happen – Big Daddy Kane vs. Rakim

The votes have been cast and the decision has been made. Eminem and Tupac will face off against one another in the final battle of the Finding the GOAT competition to name Hip-Hop's greatest MC (as determined by you). Since the elimination, bracket-style tournament was launched in September of 2014,... Read more

May 22, 2015 Throwback

Hear Rakim Rarities, Pete Rock Freestyles From 1996 Future Flavors Set (Mix)

Just like in the late 1980s, Marley Marl and Pete Rock transmitted dopeness into radio waves in much of the 1990s. The Juice Crew founder and The Chocolate Boy Wonder brought their ear for excellence and supreme Rap mixing skills to airwaves for the HOT 97 Future Flavors radio show.... Read more

May 21, 2015 Throwback

Just 2 Hours & 1 Percent May Decide Who Goes To The GOAT Championship: Tupac Or Rakim

Tonight may be the most critical moment in "Finding The GOAT" to date. In the second of two Final 4 match-ups, Tupac Shakur and Rakim have see-sawed since the battle began Monday (May 18). The debate, running strong on Facebook, has bled onto Twitter, and certainly has occurred offline to... Read more

May 20, 2015 Fresh

Too Close to Call: Tupac Leads Rakim by 1% in the Battle to See Who Reaches The GOAT Final.

Since September 2014, Ambrosia For Heads has been conducting an elimination, bracket-style tournament to name Hip-Hop's greatest of all-time MC (GOAT), as determined by you. More than 200 MCs have been considered and millions of fans have been engaged along the way. After Eminem soundly defeated Big Daddy Kane in... Read more

May 19, 2015 Throwback

Killer Mike Names His Favorite MCs and Talks Deep Hip-Hop History With Snoop (Video)

Killer Mike is the latest guest on Snoop Dogg's GGN. The Run The Jewels co-founder brings some flammable treats for Tha Doggfather, as the two wax poetic about a range of topics. Snoop, a confirmed R.T.J. fan, asks Mike about linking up with El-P. "You spend your whole life looking... Read more

May 19, 2015 Video

Finding The GOAT (Final 4): Rakim vs. Tupac…Who You Got?

There are now only 4 MCs remaining in the ultimate battle for the title of the GOAT (Greatest of All-Time). Since the elimination, bracket-style tournament was launched in September of 2014, including more than 200 overall MCs, there have been six completed rounds, featuring contenders from all eras of Hip-Hop,... Read more

May 18, 2015 Throwback

The People Have Spoken. Here Are The GOAT Competition Final 4 MCs

It's official. Ambrosia For Heads' "Finding The GOAT" MC competition has its final four. Approaching nine months in the making, and more than 200 MCs vetted, voters are nearing the finale. After some outed cheaters compromised the first run of the poll, Tupac Shakur's faithful fans will be pleased to... Read more

May 14, 2015 Fresh

Can An MC Be Considered The Greatest of All-Time After 5 Years? This Short Film Says YES (Video)

“Can it be that it was all so simple then?” The nostalgia effect is a strong one in Hip-Hop, and causes us not only to look back with optimistic revision, but also, at times, prevents us from embracing the greatness of late. It is not uncommon to hear someone argue... Read more

May 8, 2015 Video

Finding The GOAT: Who Is the Greatest MC Of All-Time & Why Do We Care? (Video)

Chances are, if you are a Hip-Hop fan, at some point in your life, you've been embroiled in a conversation about who is Hip-Hop's Greatest Of All-Time (GOAT) MC. Whether it was in a lunch room, on a school bus, in a barber shop or in a board room, there... Read more

May 7, 2015 Video

Finding the GOAT: The Final 6 MCs Have Been Decided By YOU. Who Will Be The 1?

Round 5's polls have closed today (May 4). Although there was a late push, the definitive margins (and projected winners) held, by and large. With that, Ambrosia For Heads' "Finding The GOAT" series has its final 6 MCs. The Round 5 bye (Big Daddy Kane) returns to competitive combat for... Read more

May 4, 2015 Fresh

These MCs Are Nearing Elimination in the Finding The GOAT Competition. Round 5 Ends Tomorrow.

Ambrosia For Heads’ Finding The GOAT series, the search for the Greatest Of All Time MC (as determined by you), began in September, 2014 and is soon down to its final 6 contestants. At 4:59pm EST on Monday May 4, Round 5 polls will close, and Round 6 will kick... Read more

May 3, 2015 Fresh

Rakim is Releasing His First Solo Album in More Than 5 Years (Video)

Montreality, with their original and spirited questions, spoke to Rakim, again (after his grabbing 2012 look). Sitting down with the God MC, a lot is covered in less than 10 minutes. Notably, Rakim confirmed that he is fast at work on his fourth solo studio album. "This is one of... Read more

April 27, 2015 Video

Finding The GOAT (Round 5): Rakim vs. Mos Def…Who You Got?

With just 11 MCs remaining we have reached the critical Round 5 in the ultimate battle for the title of the GOAT (Greatest of All-Time). Now, only five match-up's—all running this week—separate Round 5 from the final six MCs, including Round 4 bye winner Big Daddy Kane. Since the elimination,... Read more

April 27, 2015 Throwback

Finding the GOAT: Here Are Your Top 10 MCs + 1

The polls have closed and, after a fiercely competitive and unpredictable Round 4, 10 MCs advance to Round 5 (along with Rakim who had a bye), making a grand total of 11 rappers remaining in the quest to name Hip-Hop’s greatest MC, as determined by you. Since Round 1 began... Read more

April 26, 2015 Fresh

Finding the GOAT: These MCs Are Going to Round 4

The polls have closed and, after a fiercely competitive and unpredictable Round 3, there are only 21 MCs remaining in the quest to name Hip-Hop's greatest MC, as determined by you. Since Round 1 began in September, more than 200 MCs have been considered and millions of Hip-Hop fans have... Read more

April 12, 2015 Fresh

Finding The GOAT (Round 3): Slick Rick vs. Rakim…Who You Got?

We have reached the third round in the ultimate battle for the title of the GOAT (Greatest of All-Time). With 42 MCs remaining, we are asking you to help us rank who is the greatest MC to pick up a mic. We will take over 35 years of Hip-Hop into... Read more

April 3, 2015 Throwback

Big Daddy Kane Names His List of the Greatest MCs of All-Time. Who Made the Cut? (Video)

"Me, KRS and Rakim changed the whole way people rhymed..."--Big Daddy Kane Big Daddy Kane is widely considered to be one of the greatest MCs of all-time and, for many, he is the GOAT. So, when Kane speaks about his list of Hip-Hop's best lyricists, it takes on a different... Read more

March 24, 2015 Video

Ever See This Show-Stopping Rakim Freestyle? (Video)

Imagine you're in a crowd on the street witnessing one of the greatest MCs of all-time unleashing a vintage verse. What would you do? If that MC's name was Rakim, you would probably join in the chant of "Go Ra" with those others fortunate enough to witness the event, creating... Read more

March 22, 2015 Throwback

A Rakim Quick Mix Is Always Welcome…Especially By The Master DJ Revolution (Mix)

DJ Revolution is not a DJ who constantly feeds Heads with artist-driven mixes. Instead, much like his personality, the Wake Up Show alum/Malcolm and Martin-backer picks his spots. The West Coast DJ took a long look at Rakim's impact on Hip-Hop throughout the ages, and made a mix on the... Read more

February 25, 2015 Throwback

Finding The GOAT (Round 2): Rakim vs. Kool Moe Dee…Who You Got?

We have reached the second round in the ultimate battle for the title of the GOAT (Greatest of All-Time). We are asking you to help us rank who is the greatest MC to pick up a mic. We will take over 35 years of Hip-Hop into consideration, pairing special match-ups... Read more

February 13, 2015 Throwback

Here’s an Unbelievable Blend of Rakim’s In the Ghetto & Phil Collins’ In the Air Tonight (Video)

Here's a mind-bending blend of Eric B. & Rakim's "In the Ghetto" with Phil Collins' "In the Air Tonight." The mix, which was put together by DJ not-I back in 2012, seamlessly combines both the audio and the video from the two classics. The cinematic tone and feel of Eric... Read more

February 12, 2015 Throwback

Remember This Rakim, KRS-One, Erick Sermon, Chubb Rock & MC Serch Freestyle (Video)

As we gear up for Round 2 of our Battle for the GOAT, there is no doubt that Rakim and KRS-One will be atop many people's lists of the greatest MCs of all time. So, as a sneak preview, here's a look back at part of one of the legendary... Read more

December 27, 2014 Throwback

Big Daddy Kane Says He’ll Finally Battle Rakim For Half A Million Dollars (Video)

This week, VladTV asked Big Daddy Kane, in the multi-part interview, if he'd battle longtime rival, contender as one of the greatest MCs of all-time, Rakim. Specifically, DJ Vlad proposed the notion of the Brooklyn, New York Juice Crew legend taking on his Long Island, New York contemporary for a... Read more

November 15, 2014 Fresh, Video

Chris Rock & Tracy Morgan Name Their Top 5 MCs of All-Time (Video)

"Tupac might be in a Tyler Perry movie right now (if he were alive today)." The Chris Rock written and directed film, Top Five, is getting rave reviews and there is already Oscar chatter. Here's a sneak preview clip from the film which features some lively discussion between Rock and... Read more

November 6, 2014 Video

Can You Imagine Finding Rakim’s Lost Rhyme Book?? The God MC Speaks (Audio)

Here's a fantastic interview of Rakim by Shawn Setaro from earlier in the year. Setaro, former Editor in Chief of Rap Genius, has a podcast series called The Cipher, and he approaches the conversations with the intellect and depth of a true student of the game. He questions Rakim about... Read more

October 25, 2014 Audio, Throwback

Young Masters At Work: Eric B. & Rakim’s My Melody Rare 1986 Marley Marl Remix (Audio)

Although it was not released until July 7, 1987, Eric B. & Rakim's debut album Paid In Full was made extensively throughout 1986 and early 1987. While production credits went to the group, Heads know that Marley Marl—who used his home for many sessions, was a producer on many of... Read more

October 4, 2014 Audio, Fresh, Throwback

Deojae Remixes Eric B. & Rakim’s I Know You Got Soul with a Classic Beat (Audio)

Shout out to our readers. Heads have put us on to some dope finds over the years. Now, DJ and producer Deeojae alerts us to his own ill remix of Eric B. & Rakim's classic, "I Know You Got Soul." 80's R&B heads will recognize the blend instantly. Press play... Read more

August 30, 2014 Throwback

Follow A$AP Rocky’s Rise To Stardom In SVDDXNLY Pt. 1 (Video)

A$AP Rocky's ascension to the spotlight has been anything but sudden. Influenced by his older brother, Rocky has been rapping since he was 8 years old and it wasn't until 2007 that Lord Flacko, A$AP Yams and the introductory members of the A$AP Mob collective linked up for the first... Read more

August 5, 2014 Fresh, Video

If Joell Ortiz’ Original House Slippers Was Too Wavy, Watch Him Tear Down A Coldcut-Style Remix (Video)

Joell Ortiz's "House Slippers" single from the album of the same name shows a new sound from the Brooklyn, New York MC. While the LP features executive production from !llmind (Skyzoo) and Heatmakerz (The Diplomats), the single suggested a subdued sound from the artist known for his work from DJ... Read more

July 22, 2014 Fresh, Video

This Week in Hip-Hop Video Brought Vintage Interviews of Death Row & Bad Boy and Much More (Video)

This week in Hip-Hop video unearthed some extremely rare footage of Biggie, Dr. Dre, Snoop, Suge and Puffy...all in the same room. There were also stellar videos from Talib Kweli, Doppelgangaz, Trae Tha Truth, Slum Village, The Lox, Hi-Tek and Rakim, as well as great pieces on Bushwick Bill and... Read more

March 29, 2014 Playlists, Video

Rakim Joins Op1 on a Walk With God (Video)

Rakim is often referred to as Rakim Allah or The God MC. Well, The R has joined Op1 on a rap some would call "spiritual" or at a minimum, "high-minded." No matter the terminology, this is a song with a positive message that has been blessed with a verse from... Read more

March 24, 2014 Video

D’Angelo Covers Al Green and Reminds Us of Mahogany at the Same Time (Audio)

As we reported last week, a re-issue of D'Angelo's Live at the Jazz Cafe, London album is being released with several additional songs. Among them is an amazing cover of Al Green's I'm Glad You're Mine, which Heads might also recognize as the sample anchoring Eric B & Rakim's Mahogany.... Read more

March 23, 2014 Audio

Rakim & Linkin Park On the Same Track? Guilty as Charged (Audio)

In one of the more unexpected collaborations of the year, Rakim and Linkin Park have come together on the track, Guilty. Check it out below and let us know your thoughts. Linkin Park - Guilty All The Same Related: This Portrait Of Rakim Will Give You Goosebumps With Hip-Hop Pride... Read more

March 6, 2014 Audio

Rakim, Q-Tip, Erykah Badu & Brian Eno Are Among Those Who Discuss Creativity In This Red Bull Music Academy Documentary (Video)

The Red Bull Music Academy may be one of the all-time best examples of arts and entertainment sponsorships. The energy drink's dedication to music education far surpasses most of what Heads see, but simply treating people like Rakim, Mannie Fresh, and El-P as the artistic luminaries they are on video,... Read more

February 19, 2014 Fresh, TV/Film, Video

The Week in Video Featured Kanye Uncut, Words by Rakim, Redman’s Release & More (Video Playlist)

Last week was a strong one in Hip-Hop video programming. We got a spectacular short film on Rakim, a hilarious promo from Redman, a behind the scenes look at how Ice Cube got his name on the Goodyear blimp, an uncut speech from Kanye West, music videos from Phife, Mac... Read more

February 17, 2014 Playlists, Video

This Portrait Of Rakim Will Give You Goosebumps With Hip-Hop Pride (Video)

The lyrical giants of Hip-Hop's mid-'80s aren't the type of guys to always appreciate a camera up in their world. KRS-One, Big Daddy Kane, Rakim (as well as Kool G Rap, Kool Keith, Ice Cube, and Scarface) are big on their privacy. Rakim's not a Twitter guy, and he's never... Read more

February 11, 2014 Fresh, Video

Taking A Page From Nas, Rakim Makes An Unauthorized Biography Of Nelson Mandela (Audio)

Almost a decade after Nas made "U.B.R." (the unauthorized biography of Rakim), Rakim raps the life of the late South African President Nelson Mandela. The song is called "Madiba," (Mandela's nickname, in part, meaning "father") and is said to appear on the upcoming film soundtrack, Mandela: The Long Walk To... Read more

December 19, 2013 Audio, Fresh

Members Of Ultramagnetic MCs & Main Source Remember The Late Paul C.

For those that don't know, one of Hip-Hop's unseen hands in the late 1980s was a Queens, New York engineer/producer named Paul "C" McKasty. Large Professor, who came up with Paul (both with works uncredited) on albums by Eric B. & Rakim and Kool G. Rap & DJ Polo, named... Read more

October 16, 2013 Fresh, Throwback

AFH: The Week in Video (10/6/13) (Video Playlist)

The week in video brought a sneak peek of Kendrick Lamar's controversial Cypher verse, an in-depth interview with Astro, DJ Quik decoding Justify My Thug, footage of Rakim and DMX recording their new song, music videos from Pusha T, Young Buck, Ka, Wale, Organized Konfusion and more. Catch up on... Read more

October 6, 2013 Playlists, Video

Behind the Scenes Look at the Recording of Rakim & DMX’s Don’t Call Me (Video)

Rakim and DMX took the 'net by surprise last week with the release of their joint track Don't Call Me. Here's a behind the scenes look at the recording of the song. Check out the video. Related: Rakim Performs at Brooklyn SummerStage 2013 (Video)... Read more

October 2, 2013 Video

Rakim & DMX – Don’t Call Me ft Shontelle

Here's a new track with the unlikely combination of Rakim and DMX. It's a rock-inflected song with a singer named Shontelle on the hook. Check out Don't Call Me. Related: Rakim Performs at Brooklyn SummerStage 2013 (Video)... Read more

September 24, 2013 Audio

DJ Kool Herc, Rakim, Big Daddy Kane & More To Do Free NYC Park Show (Event)

If you're within a day's drive of New York City on August 10, you have an opportunity to live, breathe, hear, and see true hip-hop history. The Godfather DJ Kool Kerc, pioneer Coke La Rock, iconic MCs Big Daddy Kane & Rakim, and our friend DJ Premier are all slated... Read more

August 2, 2013 Fresh, Throwback

Rakim Performs at Brooklyn SummerStage 2013 (Video)

Rakim recently ripped a set at the Brooklyn SummerStage. Here's some high quality footage of the God MC performing Eric B. is President, Microphone Fiend, Paid in Full and more. Check out the video (starting at the 1:22 mark). Related: Rakim – Get Visual (Audio)... Read more

June 7, 2013 Video

AFH: Best Hip-Hop of May 2013 (Audio Playlist)

As the year heats up, so does the music. May brought new and previously unheard tracks from Rakim, Jay-Z, Wu-Tang Clan, J. Cole, Aasim & Nas, Styles P, Jadakiss, Sheek Louch, Black Hippy, Joey Bada$$, Action Bronson, Goodie M.o.B., Prodigy, Havoc, Tito Lopez, AZ, Kanye West and more. You can... Read more

June 2, 2013 Audio, Featured-homepage, Playlists

Rakim – Get Visual

Here's yet another incredibly dope previously unreleased joint from Rakim from circa 1995. How many more of these can there be?? Check out Get Visual. Related: Rakim – What’s Wrong (Audio)... Read more

May 13, 2013 Audio

Rakim Speaks With Chairman Mao (Video)

Rakim Allah, the God MC, sat down with veteran hip-hop journalist Chairman Mao for an extended conversation about his storied career. You can watch the entire video (nearly 2 hours) below. Related: Living Legends: A Playlist Celebrating the Career of the One and Only Rakim (Playlist) ... Read more

May 6, 2013 Video

Marco Polo – Newport Authority 2 (Mixtape)

Marco Polo has been dropping some RIDICULOUS HEAT the last few weeks. Here's his full mixtape which features previously unreleased music from Rakim, Big Daddy Kane, Lil Fame, Large Professor, Das EFX, The Artifacts and more. This ish is FIRE!! You can listen to and download all of Newport Autority... Read more

May 1, 2013 Mixes

Rakim – What’s Wrong

Here's a previously unreleased track from Rakim from 2009. Straight fire! The God MC is still dropping knowledge. Check out What's Wrong below. Here's the story about the track: “What’s Wrong,” was initially produced and recorded for Rakim’s “Seventh Seal” (2009) LP, but due to clearance issues was nixed from... Read more

March 9, 2013 Audio

The Legacy of Donald Byrd

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February 9, 2013 Audio, Throwback