Griffin is the nephew of American R&B singer and actress Ruth Brown. He grew up in Wyandanch, New York, and became involved in the New York hip hop scene at a young age. Eric B brought him to Marley Marl’s house to record "Eric B. is President." At the time Griffin was fresh out of high school and on his way to college, but he decided to forgo higher education and instead chose to record with Eric B. Leshaun
When Griffin turned 16, he joined The Nation of Gods and Earths (also known as the 5 Percent Nation) and changed his name to Rakim Allah.
In 1986, Rakim started to work with New York-based producer-DJ Eric B. The duo — known as Eric B & Rakim — is widely regarded as among the most influential and groundbreaking of hip-hop groups. The duo’s first single, "Eric B. Is President" (#48, 1986) b/w “My Melody,” was a success and got the duo a contract with the fledgling Island Records sub-label 4th & B'way. The duo’s next single, the smash “I Know You Got Soul,” sparked early debate on the legality of unauthorized, uncredited sampling when James Brown sued to prevent the duo's use of a fragment of his music. Their first full length album, Paid in Full, was released in 1987, and has since been hailed as one of hip-hop's seminal albums. Their follow-up LP; Follow the Leader was released a year later, and was also well received by fans and critics. The duo recorded two more albums; Let the Rhythm Hit 'Em and Don't Sweat The Technique before they parted ways in late 1992. Due to legal wrangling over royalties and his contracts with both his record label, and with Eric B., Rakim would not release a solo album until five years later.
After splitting with Eric B., Rakim signed with his good friend at the time DeShamus "Q=BOB" Sallis of Q=BOB Records to commence his solo career, however, the label folded shortly afterward. He eventually returned in 1997 with The 18th Letter, which included collaborations with DJ Premier and Pete Rock; which was released in two versions, one of which included an Eric B. & Rakim greatest hits disc titled The Book of Life. The critical reception of the album was positive, and it was certified gold. In 1999, Rakim released The Master, which received very good reviews as well.
Rakim was signed to Dr. Dre's Aftermath Entertainment record label in 2000, for work on an album tentatively titled Oh, My God. The album underwent numerous changes in artistic direction and personnel and was delayed several times. While working on the album, Rakim made guest appearances on numerous Aftermath projects, including the hit single "Addictive" by Truth Hurts, the Dr. Dre-produced "The Watcher Part 2" by Jay-Z, and Eminem's 8 Mile soundtrack. However, Rakim left the label in 2003 and Oh, My God was indefinitely shelved, a result of creative differences with Dre. Rakim signed with DreamWorks Records shortly afterward, but the label closed its doors shortly after that.
Rakim also made cameos in the Juelz Santana video "Mic Check," the Timbaland & Magoo video "Cop that Disc," and the Busta Rhymes video "New York Shit." Eric B. and Rakim's classic album Paid In Full was named the greatest hip-hop album of all time by MTV. Rakim was engaged in a lawsuit with reggaeton performer R.K.M (formerly Rakim) over the use of the name "Rakim". Rakim won the rights to the name. Recently, Rakim was featured in an All-Pro Football 2K8 commercial.
The Seventh Seal, Rakim's long-anticipaited album, was released November 17 2009. The first single off the album, Holy Are You, was released through his MySpace page on July 14, 2009 and was made available on iTunes July 28. A second track "Walk These Streets" ft. Maino was released in October. Rakim has been active during its recording with several national tours and special events. Rakim recently closed the Knitting Factory in NYC as the last Hip-Hop performer to walk off the historic club's stage after 25 years of underground performances.
Rakim has influenced songs by Jay-Z, Nas, The Notirious BIG, Lil- Wayne and countless others. Other rappers use many of his lyrics in their songs, often without giving credit.
Tributes to Rakim include:
* Tupac Shakur pays homage to Rakim in the song "Old School" off the album "Me Against the World"
* Raekwon of Wu-Tang Clan dedicated a tribute to Rakim titled "Rakim Tribute," which was released on DaVinci Code: The Vatican Mixtape Vol. II in 2006.
* 50 Cent makes a reference to Rakim on his hugely successful collaborative effort "Hate It or Love It" with The Game. "Daddy ain't around, probably out committing felonies/my favorite rapper used to sing Ch-Check out my melody," referencing Eric B & Rakim's hit "My Melody".
* Shock-G paid homage to Rakim by playfully reciting lines from the Eric-B & Rakim song "I Know You Got Soul" in the Digital Underground song Doowutchyalike: "since ya came here ya gotta show & prove, and do that dance until it don't move.."
* Saul Williams mentions Rakim in the song "Twice The First Time", stating: "not until you've listened to Rakim on a rocky mountain top have you heard hip hop" and also in the song "Penny For A Thought" where he says "Someone like Rakim said – 'I could quote any MC, but why should I? how would it benefit me?'"
* Kurupt references Rakim on Snoop Dogg's debut album, Doggystyle. On "For All My Niggaz and Bitches," Kurupt says, "Who's jokin'? Rakim never joked, so why should I, loc? now that's my idol...."
* Ghostface Killah references Rakim in the end of "Paisely Darts," by saying that he is better than every artist except for Rakim, referring to him as "the older god". On his album More Fish, the first track, "Ghost is Back", makes use of the beat from "Juice (Know the Ledge)". He also raps some lines from "Move the Crowd" in "Ghost Deini."
* Eminem has also paid tribute to Rakim's style as an inspiration and references lines from "My Melody"" in his song “I'm Back”. The hook in Eminem's song "The Way I Am" is a homage to the line "I'm the R, the A, to the KIM. If I wasn't then why would I say I am?" from Eric B and Rakim's "As the Rhyme Goes On". Nas made a similar reference in Got Ur Self A...: "I'm the N the A to the S-I-R / and If I wasn't I must've been Escobar". I-Kompleate has also does the same in his song "Rhymes" on the hook: "I'm not I-K-O to the N-I-C, cos if I was I wouldn't be I-Kompleate".Masta Ace uses this in the song by Bekay "Brooklyn Bridge": "I'm from the B-R double O-K L-Y-N, if I wasn't then why would I yell I am"
* I-Kompleate pays tribute and references Rakim in his songs Rhymes, Dominate (The Microphone), and I'm Ready. "Leaving a trace of R, When I chase the stars" "
* Jay-Z paid tribute to Rakim in his 2007 hit "Blue Magic," where he states: "Eighty-seven state of mind that I'm in/I'm in my prime so for that time I'm Rakim."
* Killah Priest references Rakim in many of his songs. He states: "I remind you of Rakim but I'm not him."
* British rapper Scroobius Pip mentions Rakim in his song "Fixed" from the album Angles, as an example of hip hop as art, in the lines "Take it back to the start/Like KRS and Rakim use passion and heart".
* Nas' Street's Disciple album has a track titled "U.B.R. (Unauthorized Biography of Rakim)" where he tells a short version of Rakim's musical career and life.
* The Game directly refers to Rakim in the first line of the third verse of "Da Shit" by saying, "I'm the West Coast Rakim, got niggaz blocked in." He also mentions Rakim in his song "Angel" on LAX: "So I start hip-hop and I understand why Common used to love her. She got me open so I even had to fuck her. But I used the rubber, cause she was married to Rakim".
* Apathy pays homage to Rakim in his song "Hip Hop is Dead" on Baptism by Fire. Apathy raps, "Remember that video 'I Ain't No Joke', Rakim had a chain that'll break your neck, I'm trying to get paid in full and get that check."
* Rapper R.A. The Rugged Man references Rakim in his song "On The Block" referring to the golden age, "that's when Rakim ran shit."
* Rage Against the Machine covered the song "Microphone Fiend" as the opening song on their final album, Renegades, in 2000.
* Canibus pays homage to Rakim on his 1000-bar song "Poet Laureate Infinity", most notably with the bars "I been toe to toe with the best, I ‘Know the Ledge’" and "As odd as it may seem, the Microphone Fiend, Is God of the Hip Hop regime"
* Songs like Lloyd's "Girls Around the World" and Snoop Dogg's "Paper'd Up" sample the beat of Eric B. and Rakim's "Paid in Full" with both Lil Wayne and Snoop Dogg putting their own twist on the Rakim's verse.
* Brother Ali calls Rakim his hero in his song "As Real As Can Be". He also references the line "I came in the door/said it before" from "Eric B is President" in his song "Whatcha Got" where he raps "I came in the door/1984".
* Drunken Tiger (South Korean hip-hop artist) features Rakim on the track "Monster" off of his 2009 album, "Feel gHood Muzik: The 8th Wonder".
* Jay-Z references Rakim in his song "Run This Town" rapping, "Please follow the leader/So Eric B. we are/Microphone fiend/It's the return of the god/Peace god..."
* Jin references Rakim in his song "It's All Over" from "The Emcee's Properganda" album with the line "ya'll needa follow the leader like Rakim gave the orders"
* Nas paid tribute in his song The World Is Yours by saying "The fiend of hip-hop has got me stuck like a crack pipe"
* Scott Van Pelt recently said on his radio show that '...because I'm Paid in Full like Rakim'
* Saigon mentions Rakim in his song 'Hip-Hop' stating "We crown Rakim the king, cos he was calling the gods of earth that came with bling bling"
* Jedi Mind Tricks paid tribute to Rakim by sampling two of his lines from Heat It Up in their song Saviorself, "Elements burst and gave birth to the first/Get the pen from the nurse and hook the mic up first"
Widely considered the greatest rapper of all time, he continues his career with the recently released Seventh Seal.
R.A.K.I.M
Rakim Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Chorus (x2)
Are
Rugged and rough that's how I do it
A
K
Keep it movin'
I
Stand alone
M
Its my crown, my world, my throne
Verse #1
Hey when Rak come along
its a rap ya'll relax
the alminac
just show me where the parties at
seminars and tracks
closed comas and cardiacs
broads and cats screamin "oh my god, hes back"
just imagine, I hit the lab and get it crackin
A thousand styles and one verse wearing the swiss patterns
chicks get stabbed in the back til they have spasms
known to spit a magnum or split a atom
who would of known that jesus would come back to the ghetto
on that level
like a black pharoah with packed metal
so black rebels, a black pedal
the pharoah with 5 bevels and take a word of rap
gettin bazaarre, oh hardcore
this is for y'all, the crib or the par
playin when you get in the car
chill at the bar, spit somethen or split a cigar
get with yah dogs to bring along to the bar
Chorus x2
Verse #2
I used to paint this flo' on nathan scrolls
then learned to make this doe with gangstas roll
think like the late great capone, but the bank is closed
these cats that think they ball but they aint this cold
I'm from new york city, even where pretty chicks act dark
n****s get clapped up, you stack up, they stick that up
put the strap up, you thought my name was kid, back up
big n****s, *spit* pick that up or lick that up
raised by gangsters and gamblers, hustlers, conartists, convicts, killers and dons
drug dealers, players and pimps, smooth talkers, stick up kids, thugs, real n****s and dogs
wanted by every soul and lay dead in the turf
cursed by every spirt and never made it to birth
since the moon seperated from earth
that's why they say that's why I'm the greatest that ever orcahstrated a verse
Chours x2
Verse #3
Hey yo
toast to that, its the cat that broke backs to a sold clap or smoke a track, how dope is that
pope will rap, wrote back the most slack
they know back before they turned coke to crack
to my dawgs hearin sirens on the firearms
i'll come, dyin wars and behind iron bars
the boulevard retire broads when I aint bob
try and rob my dialog, I am god
chicks moan to get next to my throne, sniff my cologne and get rak alone
s** pots at home, the tests gots to go
caress spots, dressed up, fed rocks to bone
hit the floors, its for 2003
hits galore, who rock a style as wild as me
rest assured when I rock dance crowds, they scream
b***h malore, I rock mine out rahim
Chorus x4
The song R.A.K.I.M by Rakim begins with him repeating his name several times, setting the tone for the rest of the piece. The chorus highlights the five letters that make up his name, attributing meaning to each letter (Rugged and rough, Allah, Keep it movin', Stand alone, and Crown/World/Throne). In the first verse, Rakim establishes his rap prowess and the awe and excitement he generates when he shows up at a party. He references his versatility, with the ability to switch between a thousand styles and a single flow. Rakim also introduces the concept of Jesus coming back to the ghetto in the form of a black pharoah with packed metal, showcasing his roots.
The second verse of R.A.K.I.M delves into Rakim's upbringing in New York City and how it has influenced him as a lyricist. He emphasizes the harsh reality of life in the city, where pretty chicks act dark, and people get clapped up for their money. Yet, Rakim is proud of his background, growing up around gangsters, gamblers, and hustlers, and it has given him the edge and insight he needs to create great rap music. He refers to himself as one of the greatest who ever orchestrated a verse, demonstrating his confidence and skill level.
Line by Line Meaning
Rakh (x8)
Rakh is a play on Rakim's name, and it is repeated eight times to serve as a hook for the song.
Chorus (x2)
The chorus is repeated twice to emphasize its message.
Are
Rugged and rough that's how I do it
Rakim's style is rugged and rough, and that is his preferred way of rapping.
A
Allah, who I praise to the fullest
Rakim is a devout Muslim, and he gives his praise to Allah as much as possible.
K
Keep it movin'
Rakim tries to keep his career moving forward and not stagnate.
I
Stand alone
Rakim doesn't need anyone's help or validation to be great.
M
Its my crown, my world, my throne
Rakim is in full control of his career, and he views himself as the king of rap.
Hey when Rak come along
its a rap ya'll relax
When Rakim shows up, it's game over for other rappers, and they can relax because they won't be able to match his skills.
the alminac
just show me where the parties at
Rakim is a party animal, and he just needs to know where the party is to show up and have a good time.
seminars and tracks
closed comas and cardiacs
broads and cats screamin "oh my god, hes back"
Rakim is a master of both live performances and recorded tracks, and his fans get so excited to see him that they have to catch their breath.
just imagine, I hit the lab and get it crackin
A thousand styles and one verse wearing the swiss patterns
chicks get stabbed in the back til they have spasms
known to spit a magnum or split a atom
Rakim is capable of writing a thousand different styles and flows, and he's so skilled that he can make women go weak in the knees with his lyrics.
who would of known that jesus would come back to the ghetto
on that level
like a black pharoah with packed metal
so black rebels, a black pedal
the pharoah with 5 bevels and take a word of rap
gettin bazaarre, oh hardcore
Rakim compares himself to a modern-day Jesus, coming back to the streets like a black pharaoh with a powerful mic in hand. He is a rebel and in control of his career, just like a pharaoh would be in control of his kingdom.
this is for y'all, the crib or the par
playin when you get in the car
chill at the bar, spit somethen or split a cigar
get with yah dogs to bring along to the bar
This song is for everyone listening, whether they're at home or hanging out with friends. They can play it in the car or at the bar and enjoy the lyrics with their friends.
I used to paint this flo' on nathan scrolls
then learned to make this doe with gangstas roll
think like the late great capone, but the bank is closed
these cats that think they ball but they aint this cold
I'm from new york city, even where pretty chicks act dark
Rakim came from humble beginnings, painting floors to make money. But he learned how to make money the smart way in the streets, thinking like a gangster but without breaking the law. He's from New York and even the pretty girls are tough there.
n****s get clapped up, you stack up, they stick that up
put the strap up, you thought my name was kid, back up
big n****s, *spit* pick that up or lick that up
raised by gangsters and gamblers, hustlers, conartists, convicts, killers and dons
drug dealers, players and pimps, smooth talkers, stick up kids, thugs, real n****s and dogs
wanted by every soul and lay dead in the turf
cursed by every spirt and never made it to birth
since the moon seperated from earth
that's why they say that's why I'm the greatest that ever orcahstrated a verse
Rakim grew up around criminals but didn't become one himself. He's been respected by many but also hated and feared by some. He's always in control, and that's why he's considered one of the best rappers of all time.
toast to that, its the cat that broke backs to a sold clap or smoke a track, how dope is that
pope will rap, wrote back the most slack
they know back before they turned coke to crack
to my dawgs hearin sirens on the firearms
i'll come, dyin wars and behind iron bars
Rakim considers himself a master of his craft, making everyone go wild with his lyrics. He's come a long way from back in the day before drugs became a major problem in the streets. He'll always be there for his friends in times of need, whether they're in danger or locked up.
the boulevard retire broads when I aint bob
try and rob my dialog, I am god
chicks moan to get next to my throne, sniff my cologne and get rak alone
s** pots at home, the tests gots to go
caress spots, dressed up, fed rocks to bone
hit the floors, its for 2003
hits galore, who rock a style as wild as me
rest assured when I rock dance crowds, they scream
b***h malore, I rock mine out rahim
Rakim is confident in himself and his abilities, knowing that he can retire women in the streets with his dialogue. He's considered a god in the rap game and women love to be near him. He's not shy when it comes to sex, and he's also stylish and has a great sense of humor. He's a crowd-pleaser and people scream when he performs, which is why he's one of the best rappers out there.
Chorus x4
The chorus is repeated four more times to bring the song to a satisfying end.
Contributed by Chase T. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Deadz
Ra! [x7]
[Chorus: x2]
[R:] Rugged and rough that's how I do it
[A:] Allah who I praise to the fullest
[K:] Keep it moving, I: Stand alone
[M:] It's my crown, my world, my throne
[Verse 1]
Aiyyo when Rakim Allah attack, it's a wrap y'all relax
The arm in that, you show me where the party's at
Seminars and tracks, hors, comas, and cardiacs
Broads and cats screaming "Oh my God he's back"
Just imagine, I hit the lab and get it crackin'
A thousand styles in one verse, rhythms will switch patterns
Chicks get stabbed in the back, till they get spasms
Known to spit a magnum, or split an atom
Who woulda known that Jesus would come back to the ghetto
On that level, and that thorough, like a black hero
And pack metal, so rap rebels, will back pedal
The pharaoh of five boroughs, and take over the rap world
Gettin' bizarre, hardcore, this is for y'all
The crib or the park, play it when you get in the car
Chill at the bar, sip somethin' or split a cigar
Get with your dogs, don't be alarmed, this kid is the bomb
[Chorus]
[Verse 2]
Uh, yeah yo, I used to paint this flow, on ancient scrolls
And learn ta, make this dough, where gangstas roll
Think like the late great Capone when the bank is closed
It's cats that claim they bold, but they ain't this cold
I'm from New York City even pretty chicks act up
Niggas get clapped up, you stack up, they stick that up
Put the strap up, you think my name was "Kid back up"
Big niggas (spittin' noise) pick that up, or lift that up
Raised by gangstas and gamblers, hustlers, con artists
And convicts, killers and dons
Drug dealers, playas and pimps, smooth talkers
Stick up kids, thugs, real niggas and gods
Haunted by every soul that lay dead in the turf
Close by every spirit, that never made it to birth
Since the Moon separated from Earth
That's why they say I'm the greatest that ever orchestrated a verse
It's the
[Chorus]
[Verse 3]
Ay yo, we toast to that, it's the cat that broke backs
To a soul slap, a smoke a track, how dope is that
Poet for rap, wrote backs that most slack,
That know rap before they turned coke to crack
To my dogs hearin' sirens on and firearms
Outcome die in wars or behind iron bars
The boulevard, tire frauds when I evolve
Try and rob, my dialogue, I am God
Chicks moan just to get next to my throne
And sniff my cologne and get Ra alone
Sex spot's at home, I'm testosterone
Caress spots, stress drops, bedrock's the bone
Hit the floor, it's hot for 2003
Hit's galore, who rock a style as wild as me
Rest assure, when I rock dance crowds and scream
Bis-Mi-Allah A-Rahman A-Rahim it's the
[Chorus x6]
nomar manuel-munoz
I use to paint this flow on ancient scrolls
(saying hes been in the game so long aka ancient scrolls)
and learn to make this dough with a gangstas roll(refering to playing dice on the streets)
think like the late great capone when the bank is closed(saying rob that bitch like the late mobster)
3 lines with incredible meaning
WHAT!!!!!
If hes not in ur top 10 get out...now
Dritan Jaupaj
[Grep (përsërit 2X)] R: I thyer dhe i përafërt, kështu e bëj A: Allahun të cilin e lavdëroj në maksimum K: Vazhdoni të lëvizni Une rri vetem M: crownshtë kurora ime, bota ime, froni im
.
[Vargu 1] Aiyyo kur sulmon Rakim Allah, është një përfundim i qetësimit Almanaku, thjesht më trego se ku është festa Seminare dhe pista, kurva, koma dhe kardiake Broads dhe macet që bërtasin "O Zot, ai është kthyer" Vetëm imagjinoni, unë goditi laboratorin dhe e goditi atë ' Një mijë stile në një varg, ritmet do të ndryshojnë modelet Zogjtë goditen me thikë në shpinë, derisa të marrin spazma Dihet që pështyn një magnum, ose copëton një atom Kush do ta dinte që Jezusi do të kthehej në geto Në atë nivel, dhe kaq të plotë, si një hero i zi Dhe paketoni metalin, kështu që rebelët rep, do të kthehen me pedale Faraoni i pesë lagjeve, dhe të marrë përsipër botën e repit Gettin 'e çuditshme, hardcore, kjo është për y'all Djep ose park, luajeni kur të hipni në makinë Bëni ftohtësi në lokal, gllënjosni diçka ose ndani një puro Shkoni me qentë tuaj, mos u shqetësoni, ky fëmijë është bomba Theshtë ...
.
[Grep (përsërit 2X)] R: I thyer dhe i përafërt, kështu e bëj A: Allahun të cilin e lavdëroj në maksimum K: Vazhdoni të lëvizni Une rri vetem M: crownshtë kurora ime, bota ime, froni im
.
[Vargu 2] Uh, po yo, unë e pikturoja këtë rrjedhë, në rrotullat e lashta Dhe mëso ta, bëje këtë brumë, ku rrokullisen gangstat Mendoni si Capone i ndjerë i ndjerë kur banka është e mbyllur Janë macet ato që pretendojnë se janë të guximshme, por nuk janë aq të ftohta Unë jam nga New York City, madje edhe zogj të bukur veprojnë Niggas ngrihen duartrokitur, ti grumbullohesh, ata ngjiten lart Vendosni rripin lart, ju mendoni se emri im ishte "Kid back up" Niggas të mëdha (zhurma e pështymës) e marrin atë, ose e ngrenë atë lart Të rritur nga gangsta dhe bixhozxhinj, mashtrues, artistë të dashur Dhe të dënuar, vrasës dhe don Tregtarët e drogës, lojërat dhe pimpët, folës të butë Mbaj fëmijët, banditë, niggas dhe perëndi të vërteta I përhumbur nga çdo shpirt që rrinte i vdekur në terren Mallkuar nga çdo frymë, që nuk e bëri kurrë të lindë Meqenëse Hëna u nda nga Toka Kjo është arsyeja pse ata thonë se unë jam më i madhi që orkestroi ndonjëherë një varg Theshtë
.
[Grep (përsërit 2X)] R: I thyer dhe i përafërt, kështu e bëj A: Allahun të cilin e lavdëroj në maksimum K: Vazhdoni të lëvizni Une rri vetem M: crownshtë kurora ime, bota ime, froni im
.
[Vargu 3] Ay yo, ne dolëm për këtë, është macja që theu shpinën Një duartrokitje shpirti, një tym një udhë, sa dopio është kjo Poet për rep, shkroi të pasmet që janë më të plogëta Kjo e di rep para se ata të kthehen koks për të thyer Qentë e mi dëgjojnë sirenat dhe armët e zjarrit Rezultati vdes në luftëra ose prapa hekurave Bulevard, mashtrime gomash kur evoluoj Provo dhe vjedh, dialogu im, unë jam Zoti
Zogjtë ankohen thjesht për të shkuar pranë fronit tim Dhe nuhas kolonjën time dhe merr Ra vetëm Seksi është në shtëpi, unë jam testosteroni Pika përkëdhelëse, pika stresi, kocka e themelit Goditi dyshemenë, është nxehtë për vitin 2003 Bollëk i Hitit, që trondit një stil aq të egër sa unë Të jem i sigurt, kur unë lëkund turmat e vallëzimit dhe bërtas Bismillah Ir-Rahman Ir-Rahim është
.
[Grep (përsërit 2X)] R: I thyer dhe i përafërt, kështu e bëj A: Allahun të cilin e lavdëroj në maksimum K: Vazhdoni të lëvizni Une rri vetem M: crownshtë kurora ime, bota ime, froni im
mega marios3105
Lyrics from Genius
Ra! (repeat 7X)
[Hook (repeat 2X)]
R: Rugged and rough that's how I do it
A: Allah who I praise to the fullest
K: Keep it moving
I, Stand alone
M: It's my crown, my world, my throne
[Verse 1]
Aiyyo when Rakim Allah attack, it's a wrap y'all relax
The almanac, just show me where the party's at
Seminars and tracks, whores, comas, and cardiacs
Broads and cats screaming "Oh my God he's back"
Just imagine, I hit the lab and get it crackin'
A thousand styles in one verse, rhythms will switch patterns
Chicks get stabbed in the back, till they get spasms
Known to spit a magnum, or split an atom
Who woulda known that Jesus would come back to the ghetto
On that level, and that thorough, like a black hero
And pack metal, so rap rebels, will back pedal
The pharaoh of five boroughs, and take over the rap world
Gettin' bizarre, hardcore, this is for y'all
The crib or the park, play it when you get in the car
Chill at the bar, sip somethin' or split a cigar
Get with your dogs, don't be alarmed, this kid is the bomb
It's the...
[Hook (repeat 2X)]
R: Rugged and rough that's how I do it
A: Allah who I praise to the fullest
K: Keep it moving
I, Stand alone
M: It's my crown, my world, my throne
[Verse 2]
Uh, yeah yo, I used to paint this flow, on ancient scrolls
And learn ta, make this dough, where gangstas roll
Think like the late great Capone when the bank is closed
It's cats that claim they bold, but they ain't this cold
I'm from New York City, even pretty chicks act up
Niggas get clapped up, you stack up, they stick that up
Put the strap up, you think my name was "Kid back up"
Big niggas (spittin' noise) pick that up, or lift that up
Raised by gangstas and gamblers, hustlers, con artists
And convicts, killers and dons
Drug dealers, playas and pimps, smooth talkers
Stick up kids, thugs, real niggas and gods
Haunted by every soul that lay dead in the turf
Cursed by every spirit, that never made it to birth
Since the Moon separated from Earth
That's why they say I'm the greatest that ever orchestrated a verse
It's the
[Hook (repeat 2X)]
R: Rugged and rough that's how I do it
A: Allah who I praise to the fullest
K: Keep it moving
I, Stand alone
M: It's my crown, my world, my throne
[Verse 3]
Ay yo, we toast to that, it's the cat that broke backs
To a soul clap, a smoke a track, how dope is that
Poet for rap, wrote backs that most slack
That know rap before they turned coke to crack
To my dogs hearin' sirens on and firearms
Outcome die in wars or behind iron bars
The boulevard, tire frauds when I evolve
Try and rob, my dialogue, I am God
Chicks moan just to get next to my throne
And sniff my cologne and get Ra alone
Sex spot's at home, I'm testosterone
Caress spots, stress drops, bedrock's the bone
Hit the floor, it's hot for 2003
Hit's galore, who rock a style as wild as me
Rest assure, when I rock dance crowds and scream
Bismillah Ir-Rahman Ir-Rahim it's the
[Hook (repeat 2X)]
R: Rugged and rough that's how I do it
A: Allah who I praise to the fullest
K: Keep it moving
I, Stand alone
M: It's my crown, my world, my throne
Marc Tezon
R - Rugged and Rough, that's how I do it
A - Allah who I praise to the fullest
K - Keep it moving
I - Stand Alone
M - It's My Crown, My World, My Throne
Mark Petriccione
RAKIM! Can’t do much better than an album with him, 50, jay, em and nas all on it. Love the 8mile soundtrack
Nicholas Lupo
this song made it on ems album through the label. not rakim him self, hes the microphone soloist normally. em and ra on a song together would be like 10 minutes long without collab, ra ems biggest idle.
Maxym Vasin
If you r still listening to this you deserve a respect!
Andrewzaua Ngaling
nice respected Rakim 😎
Jamie
Better put some respek on my name
Susi Kiss
2022 - 🔁 endless..8 mile 🤘
Jim Forty
This was best song on 8 mile soundtrack in my opinion
Mariah Covey
2022
SwagOnMax
This album is a masterpiece