My Melody
Eric B. Rakim Lyrics

Turn up the bass, check out my melody, hand out a cigar
I'm commanding you to listen closely to the powerful rhythm and flow of my music, and celebrate with me by handing out cigars

I'm lettin' knowledge be born, and my name's the R
I'm using my music to educate and enlighten, and my name is Rakim, representing my unique style and skills

A-K-I-M, not like the rest of them, I'm not on a list
I spell my name to emphasize my individuality and originality, I don't conform to any predetermined category

That's what I'm sayin', I drop science like a scientist
I'm emphasizing that I deliver deep knowledge and wisdom in my lyrics, comparable to a scientist conducting experiments

My melody's in a code, the very next episode
My music contains hidden meanings and messages, and the next song I release will continue this pattern

Has the mic often distortin', ready to explode
I use the microphone in a way that creates a unique distortion effect, building anticipation for the explosive energy in my music

I keep the mic at Fahrenheit, freeze MC's to make 'em colder
I handle the microphone with precision and intensity, freezing other MCs in their tracks and making them appear insignificant

The listener's system is kickin' like solar
The audience is captivated by my music, energized and excited like the power generated by the sun

As I memorize, advertise, like a poet
I commit my words to memory and use them to promote myself and my art, similar to a skilled poet

Keep you goin' when I'm flowin', smooth enough, you know with the rough
I maintain a smooth and effortless flow while also containing a raw and gritty edge, keeping the audience engaged and captivated

That's why the moral of my story I tell'll be
The important message and lesson behind my music is that no one can surpass my talent and skill, I am unmatched

Nobody beats the R, check out my melody
I want everyone to recognize and acknowledge that nobody can outshine or defeat me, listen to my music and witness my greatness

So what, I'm a microphone fiend addicted soon as I seen
I'm obsessed with the microphone and addicted to using it as soon as I see it, it's my instrument of choice

One of these four MC's so they don't have to scream
I have such command and skill on the mic that I only need one of these four MCs to join me, they don't need to shout or raise their voices

I couldn't wait to take the mic, flow into it to test it
I eagerly anticipate taking the microphone and flowing effortlessly, testing its capabilities and showcasing my talent

Let my melody play, then a record suggest it
Once I unleash my melodic style, the record will suggest itself as a hit and become highly regarded

I'm droppin' bombs, but I stay peace and calm
I'm delivering powerful and impactful lyrics, but I remain calm and composed, not letting aggression or negativity consume me

Any MC that disagree with me wave your arm
If any MC dares to challenge or oppose my skills, they can raise their arm and make themselves known, but they will ultimately fail

And I'll break, when I'm through breakin' I'll leave you broke
I will break down and dismantle any opposition, and once I'm done, they will be left completely defeated and shattered

Drop the mic when I'm finished and watch it smoke
After delivering my final verse and leaving a lasting impact, I will drop the microphone and watch as it smokes from the intense performance

So stand back, you wanna rap? All of that can wait
I advise anyone who wants to challenge me in rap to step back and wait their turn, as I am currently in control and dominating the scene

I won't push, I won't beat around the bush
I won't forcefully assert my superiority, nor will I be vague or evasive in expressing my talent and skill

I wanna break upon those who are not supposed to
I desire to surpass and overcome those who are deemed superior or untouchable, proving that I am the true talent

You might try but you can't get close to
Others may attempt to reach my level, but they will never come close, as I remain untouchable and unparalleled

Because I'm number one, competition is none
I proclaim myself as the ultimate and unbeatable artist, leaving no room for competition or rivals

I'm measured with the heat that's made by sun
My impact and influence are comparable to the heat generated by the sun, radiating power and brilliance

'Cause I'm playin ball or bobbin' in the hall
Whether I'm playing basketball or moving smoothly in the hallway, I always exude confidence and skill, impressing those around me

Or just writin' my name in graffiti on the wall
Even while engaging in artistic expression by writing my name on walls as graffiti, I leave a lasting mark and make my presence known

You shouldn't have told me you said you controlled me
Someone made the mistake of claiming to control or manipulate me, but now they must face the consequences of provoking me

So now a contest is what you owe me
As a result of their challenge or claim of control, they now owe me a contest or competition to prove their worth

Pull out your money, pull out your cut
I demand that they pay up and fulfill their obligation, offering their money and giving me their best effort

Pull up a chair, and I'm a tear shit up
I invite them to sit down and witness my extraordinary talent and skill, as I confidently and forcefully dominate the stage

My name is Rakim Allah, and R and A stands for Ra
I introduce myself as Rakim Allah, and the letters R and A in my name symbolize the powerful sun god Ra

Switch it around, it still comes out R
Even if you rearrange the letters in my name, it will still spell out R, emphasizing my singular identity and impact

So easily will I E-M-C-E-E
I effortlessly excel as an MC (master of ceremonies), commanding the stage with my presence and skill

My repetition of words is check out my melody
I frequently repeat and emphasize certain words and phrases to draw attention and highlight the captivating nature of my music

Some bass and treble is moist, scratch in and cut in a voice
The combination of bass and treble in my music creates a rich and captivating sound, enhanced by the scratching and cutting of vocals

And when it's mine that's when the rhyme is always choice
When I take control and deliver my verses, the rhymes are always exceptional and of the highest quality

I wouldn't a came and said my name and run same weak-
I wouldn't have come forward and introduced myself if I was just going to deliver weak and uninspiring lyrics

Puttin' blurbs and slurs and words that don't fit
I don't waste time or compromise the quality of my music by including meaningless or ill-fitting words in my verses

In a rhyme, why waste time on the microphone
I prioritize efficiency and quality when using the microphone, refusing to waste time on trivial or ineffective rhymes

I take this more serious than just a poem
I approach my craft with utmost seriousness and dedication, recognizing its significance beyond just a simple poem

Rock from party to party, backyard to yard
I perform and captivate audiences at various parties and venues, moving seamlessly from one location to another

I tear it up, y'all, and bless the mic for the Gods
I deliver an exceptional performance, impressing everyone present and offering my gratitude to the gods for my talent and success

The rhyme is rugged, at the same time sharp
My rhymes are intense and forceful, yet precise and clever

I can swing off anything even a string of a harp
I possess the ability to effortlessly adapt and excel in any musical situation, even using a harp's strings as a foundation for my rhymes

Just turn it on and start rockin', mine, no introduction
As soon as I begin my performance, I establish a strong and captivating presence, grabbing the audience's attention without the need for an introduction

'Til I finish droppin' science, no interruption
I will continue delivering profound and knowledgeable lyrics until I have finished, not allowing any interruptions or distractions

When I approach I exercise like a coach
When I arrive on the scene, I demonstrate control and expertise similar to that of a coach, leading and guiding the situation

Usin' a melody and add numerous of notes
I utilize a melodic style and incorporate various musical elements and techniques, enriching the overall sound and experience

So when the mic and the R-A-K-I-M
When the microphone is in my hands and I introduce myself as Rakim, prepare for an extraordinary performance

It's a task, like a match I will strike again
It is a challenge and undertaking for others to face me, as I am comparable to a match that creates fire and sparks

Rhymes are poetically kept and alphabetically stepped
I carefully craft my rhymes with poetic precision and order, ensuring they flow smoothly and harmoniously

Put in a order to pursue with the momentum except
I arrange my rhymes in a specific order to maintain and build upon the momentum, with the exception of any disruptions or disturbances

I say one rhyme out of order, a longer rhyme shorter
If I accidentally deliver a rhyme out of its intended order, it may disrupt the flow and make a longer rhyme shorter in comparison

A pause, but don't stop the tape recorder
A brief pause may occur, but the recording of the performance should not be stopped or interrupted

I'm not a regular competitor, first rhyme editor
I am not an ordinary or average competitor, I excel and stand out as the first editor of rhymes, crafting them with precision

Melody arranger, poet, et cetera
I also excel as an arranger of melodies, a poet, and more, possessing a versatile and multifaceted skill set

Extra event, the grand finale-like bonus
I bring an extra and exceptional element to any event or performance, resembling a grand finale that adds a thrilling bonus

I am the man they call the microphonist
I am known and recognized as the master of the microphone, possessing unparalleled skill and expertise

With wisdom, which means wise words bein' spoken
I deliver my lyrics with wisdom and intelligence, ensuring that my words carry profound meaning and insight

Too many at one time watch the mic start smokin'
When I deliver a large number of exceptional rhymes simultaneously, it causes the microphone to appear overwhelmed and smoke with excitement

I came to express the rap I manifest
I arrived with the purpose of expressing the rap style and talent that I possess and make it a reality

Stand in my way and I'll veto on the word's protest
If anyone opposes or obstructs my progress, I will firmly reject and override any protests or objections they may have

MC's that wanna be best, they're gonna
Other MCs who aspire to be the best are going to face disappointment and defeat when compared to my talent and skill

Be dissed if they don't get from in front-a
They will be insulted and disrespected if they do not step aside and recognize my superiority

All they can go get is me a glass of Moet
Their only worthwhile contribution would be to fetch me a glass of high-quality Moet champagne, as they are irrelevant otherwise

A hard time, sip your juice and watch a smooth poet
They can struggle and contemplate their inadequacy while sipping their drink, observing the effortless and smooth performance of a skilled poet

I take seven MC's put 'em in a line
I gather seven MCs and position them in a line, preparing to demonstrate my superiority by defeating each one individually

And add seven more brothas who think they can rhyme
I then include an additional seven individuals who believe they possess the talent for rhyming and challenge me

Well, it'll take seven more before I go for mine
Even after defeating the initial fourteen contenders, I will wait for seven more opponents before I showcase my own talents and skills

Now that's twenty-one MC's ate up at the same time
In total, I will overpower and defeat twenty-one MCs simultaneously, proving my dominance and talent, all happening at once

Easy does it, do it easy, that's what I'm doin'
I tackle this task with ease and confidence, effortlessly defeating my opponents, as that's exactly what I am capable of doing

No fessin', no messin' around, no chewin'
I am focused and serious, not wasting time or fooling around, and definitely not hesitating or doubting my abilities

No robbin', no buyin', bitin', why borrow?
I don't resort to stealing or copying from others, nor do I indulge in unnecessary expenses or imitations, as there is no need to borrow

This slob'll stop tryin', fightin' to follow
Any mediocre or inferior artist will quickly realize the futility of trying to keep up with or surpass my skills, giving up and accepting defeat

My unusual style will confuse you a while
My unique and innovative style may initially confuse and surprise you, taking some time to fully comprehend and appreciate

If I was water, I'd flow in the Nile
If I were compared to water, I would possess a smooth and constant flow, similar to the Nile River, displaying grace and power

So many rhymes you won't have time to go for yours
I deliver such a multitude of rhymes and lyrics that there won't be any opportunity or time for others to present their own

Just because of applause I have to pause
Due to the overwhelming response and applause from the audience, I must pause briefly to acknowledge their appreciation and give them a chance to absorb my performance

Right after tonight is when I prepare
As soon as tonight's performance concludes, I immediately begin preparing for my next show or opportunity

To catch another sucka duck MC out there
I am always ready to expose and humiliate any amateur or untalented MC that crosses my path

'Cause my strategy has to be tragedy, catastrophe
I employ a strategy that involves creating tragedy and catastrophe for my opponents, overwhelming them with my talent and skills

And after this you'll call me your majesty
Once I am done with my performance, you will have no choice but to recognize and refer to me as your majesty, acknowledging my superiority

Yes it's my melody
Indeed, this powerful and captivating music is my melody

Eric B. (check out my melody)
Eric B., my collaborator and DJ, played a vital role in creating and enhancing the melody, so make sure to check it out

Marley Marl synthesized it, I memorize it
Marley Marl, a renowned producer, synthesized and arranged the music, while I memorized and internalized it to deliver the lyrics flawlessly

Eric B. made a cut and advertised it
Eric B. utilized his remarkable skills to create a catchy and memorable cut in the music, promoting and highlighting its appeal

My melody's created for MC's in the place
This melody and music were specifically crafted to captivate and impress the MCs present in this space or event

They try to listen 'cause I'm dissin' them so pick up your face
The other MCs attempt to listen closely because through my lyrics I am criticizing and challenging them, causing them to react with surprise and intensity

Shook off your neck 'cause you try to detect my pace
I shake up and disturb your confidence and composure as you try to keep up with and analyze my rapid and unpredictable flow

Now you're druggin', almost buggin' off my rhyme-like bass
My powerful and captivating rhymes have a mind-altering effect on you, causing you to become disoriented and almost lose control, similar to being under the influence of drugs

The melody that I'm stylin', smooth as a violin
The melody that I deliver is incredibly smooth and refined, comparable to the elegance and grace of a violin

Rough enough to break New York from Long Island
I possess a rough and powerful edge that is strong enough to shake and break the entire New York region, including Long Island

My wisdom is swift, no matter if
My intelligence and wisdom are quick and sharp, regardless of the situation or circumstances

My momentum is slow, MC's still stand stiff
Even if I take a slower or more relaxed approach, other MCs struggle to keep up and remain stiff, unable to match my speed and skill

I'm genuine like leather, reclined to be clever
I am completely authentic and genuine, similar to the durability and quality of leather, and I possess a clever and cunning nature

MC, you'll beat the R, I'll say, 'Oh never'
If any MC believes they can surpass or defeat me, I immediately dismiss and reject that notion, asserting that it will never happen

So Eric B., cut it easily and
I instruct Eric B., my collaborator and DJ, to smoothly transition and cut the music effortlessly

Check out my melody
I encourage everyone to pay close attention and appreciate the incredible melody I have created and am about to deliver