N.O.R.E. Greets Rakim with Iconic Energy at Rock The Bells Festival 2025 [VIDEO]

N.O.R.E. Gives The God MC a Hero’s Welcome at Rock The Bells Festival 2025

On June 28, at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey, N.O.R.E. (Victor James Santiago Jr.) delivered what many are calling the moment of the night at Rock The Bells Festival 2025. In a backstage hallway buzzing with energy, the rapper known for Capone-N-Noreaga and the podcast “Drink Champs” approached Rakim (William Michael Griffin Jr.) with arms wide open. Afterwards, bursting into an enthusiastic, heartfelt greeting that immediately lit up social media.

This now-viral exchange was captured in a video shared by RockTheBells on X (formerly Twitter) at 12:36 AM EST on June 29. The caption read: “.@noreaga gave @thegodrakim the biggest greeting of the night at #RockTheBellsFestival25.” After that, within minutes, the video began circulating across platforms. The clip, just over 52 seconds, shows N.O.R.E. visibly thrilled as he greets Rakim—offering multiple hugs, laughter, and loud praise.

Respect for a Pioneer: Rakim’s Revered Status

Rakim is often referred to as “The God MC,” a title earned through his groundbreaking work in the late ’80s and early ’90s alongside Eric B. Their albums Paid in Full, released in 1987 and Follow the Leader, released in 1988 remain foundational to hip-hop. They are known for Rakim’s complex internal rhyme schemes and stoic delivery that rewrote the genre’s lyrical blueprint. Even with a quieter musical output post-2009, Rakim’s cultural relevance remains intact, as evidenced by his top billing at Rock The Bells 2025 and the reverence he commands among his peers.

Nearly four decades after his debut, Rakim remains a favorite. Often, the term “your favorite rapper’s favorite rapper” is thrown around. However, Rakim is a rapper most of the legendary rappers cite as their inspiration. In 2002, Jay-Z featured “The God MC” on The Blueprint 2. Additionally, 50 Cent cited Rakim as his favorite rapper, early in his career. Most notable, 50 shouted Rakim out on “Hate It or Love It.” As a result, these efforts introduced him to a newer generation.

Backstage Love: Capturing the Hip-Hop Spirit

The video’s indoor setting—likely a hallway or VIP access area—was full of artists, media personnel, and behind-the-scenes crew. N.O.R.E., in a vibrant patterned outfit and gold chain, and Rakim, dressed sharply in a coordinated ensemble, embraced as others watched on. Key moments at the 2.62-second, 5.24-second, and 13.09-second marks show not only their connection but also the crowd’s appreciation.

The crowd’s response was one of genuine warmth. People laughed, pulled out their phones, and gave the two artists space to embrace without interruption. It wasn’t just a backstage moment—it was a passing of cultural energy and recognition that encapsulated what the Rock The Bells Festival is all about.

When the Rock The Bells 2025 lineup was announced, fans were promised a memorable show. The legends created several memorable moments during the event. N.O.R.E. created a memory within itself with how he paid homage to Rakim.

X Reactions: A Viral Moment of Respect

The X post immediately drew engagement, with fans and artists alike chiming in:

• @KelvYoung: “This is how all rappers should approach Rakim.”
• @sigmapoet1914: “Rakim is the GOAT. Period.”
• @_MatthewMcGahey: “We gotta give our flowers to all our legends while they’re here.”
• @JoeyGold24k: “This gotta lead to a Drink Champs episode with Rakim. Make it happen.”
• @PatrickJnmarie: “I’m proud of our generation for showing Rakim the respect he deserves.”

While the overwhelming tone was celebratory, one user (@mjoji) shared a more skeptical take: “Doing too much because a camera is around,” suggesting N.O.R.E.’s gesture may have been performative. Still, the broader reaction favored authenticity and appreciation for the unity on display.

A Festival Built on Legacy: Rock The Bells 2025

This year’s Rock The Bells Festival, themed “Class of 2025: Summer’s Kool,” wasn’t just about performances. It was about preserving, celebrating, and passing down hip-hop history. Curated by LL Cool J in partnership with the Black Promoters Collective, the event took over the 19,500-seat Prudential Center with a powerful lineup: Busta Rhymes, Redman, Remy Ma, Too $hort, Scarface, Plies, Boosie, Fabolous, Lil’ Mo, Coast Contra, and more.

Special attention was paid to the Uptown Records tribute, led by DJ Eddie F and featuring classic R&B and hip-hop acts like Al B. Sure!, Donell Jones, Monifah, Christopher Williams, and Soul for Real. This blend of rap and R&B legends emphasized Rock The Bells’ mission of multigenerational appeal.

Why N.O.R.E.’s Greeting Hit Home

What made N.O.R.E.’s embrace of Rakim resonate so deeply was more than fandom—it was acknowledgment. N.O.R.E. himself is a veteran with decades in the game. He understands Rakim isn’t just an old-school figure—he’s a cornerstone. His lyrical influence can still be felt in countless rappers today.

The moment also drew strength from N.O.R.E.’s personality. As the animated host of “Drink Champs,” he often blends celebration with education, giving hip-hop pioneers their flowers in real time. His greeting to Rakim felt like an extension of that ethos—a living, breathing tribute to a man who changed the game.

Final Thoughts: Legacy, Love, and Loud Cheers

The clip of N.O.R.E. dapping up Rakim wasn’t staged or scripted—it was hip-hop in its purest form: raw respect, loud joy, and shared history. In a culture often defined by ego and competition, this moment reminded fans what hip-hop was built on—connection, community, and honoring those who paved the way.

Rock The Bells Festival 2025 didn’t just deliver a night of performances—it offered a masterclass in reverence. As the genre continues to evolve, it’s moments like these that cement its soul.

Often, N.O.R.E. is complimented for knowing how to steer conversations and gain attention on “Drink Champs.” N.O.R.E. proved he can do this with our without a podcast. With him walking up to Rakim and greeting him how he did, N.O.R.E. wound up trending on social media. Now, there are fans asking if N.O.R.E. will have Rakim on the podcast.

Rakim is still here. Still relevant. Still respected. And thanks to N.O.R.E., he got that reminder in front of the world.