Rakim praises Kanye West, says hip hop needs more like him

By The Hip Hop Writer
Hip Hop Vibe Staff Writer

Faces, names, trends, and topics often change in hip hop, but the high regard Rakim is held in remains the same. Rakim is considered by many to be one of the greatest emcees of all-time, if not the best, ahead of Tupac Shakur and The Notorious B.I.G. Remaining relevant for nearly three decades, Rakim last released an album in 2009, The Seventh Seal.

Old school hip hop fans point toward Rakim when they describe the hip hop they used to know and how they feel hip hop should be now. Usually, the biggest critics of the rap game are veteran rappers, themselves. Rakim has had positive things to say about the current hip hop landscape, unlike many other veterans.

Recently, Rakim discussed the rap game, praising Kanye West. Revealing he is a big fan of Kanye’s music, Rakim went on to say hip hop needs more Kanye Wests. Early in his career, Kanye West focused on social topics. While he has become more materialistic, Kanye West remains one of the best lyricists in the game and Rakim holds him in high regard.