Rakim
Rakim Lyrics


Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴  Line by Line Meaning ↴

Ra, Ra, Ra, Ra, Ra, Ra

R, rugged and rough, that's how I do it
A, Allah, who I praise to the fullest
K, keep it movin'
I stand alone
M, it's my crown, my world, my throne
R, rugged and rough, that's how I do it
A, Allah, who I praise to the fullest
K, keep it movin'
I stand alone
M, it's my crown, my world, my throne

Ayo, 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, 'til 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 R, rugged and rough, that's how I do it
A, Allah, who I praise to the fullest
K, keep it movin'
I stand alone
M, it's my crown, my world, my throne
R, rugged and rough, that's how I do it
A, Allah, who I praise to the fullest
K, keep it movin'
I stand alone
M, it's my crown, my world, my throne

Uh, yeah, yo, I used to paint this flow, on ancient scrolls
And learn to 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
Quick to strap up, you'd think my name was "kid, back up"
Big niggas, pick that up or lift that up
Raised by gangstas and gamblers, hustlers, con artists
And convicts, killers and dons
Drug dealers, players 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 R, rugged and rough, that's how I do it
A, Allah, who I praise to the fullest
K, keep it movin'
I stand alone
M, it's my crown, my world, my throne
R, rugged and rough, that's how I do it
A, Allah, who I praise to the fullest
K, keep it movin'
I stand alone
M, it's my crown, my world, my throne

Ayo, toast to that, it's the cat that broke backs
To a soul clap, I smoke a track, how dope is that
Pope of rap, wrote backs that most slack
That note back before they turned coke to crack
To my dogs hearin' sirens on the firearms
Outcome die in wars or behind iron bars
The boulevard, retire 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 pots at home, I'm testosterone
Caress spots, dress drops, bed rocks the bone
Hit the floor, it's hot for 2003
Hits galore, who rock a style as wild as me?
Rest assured, when I rock def crowds and scream
Bismillah ir-Rahman ir-Rahim

It's the R, rugged and rough, that's how I do it
A, Allah, who I praise to the fullest
K, keep it movin'
I stand alone
M, it's my crown, my world, my throne
R, rugged and rough, that's how I do it
A, Allah, who I praise to the fullest
K, keep it movin'
I stand alone
M, it's my crown, my world, my throne
R, rugged and rough, that's how I do it
A, Allah, who I praise to the fullest
K, keep it movin'
I stand alone
M, it's my crown, my world, my throne
R, rugged and rough, that's how I do it
A, Allah, who I praise to the fullest
K, keep it movin'




I stand alone
M, it's my crown, my world, my throne

Overall Meaning

The song R.A.K.I.M. by the American rapper Rakim is a self-aggrandizing anthem. The lyrics read like a calling card, introducing himself in a braggadocious manner to his fans and foes alike. Rakim speaks to his abilities and accomplishments, confident in his place in the rap game. The title is an acronym made up of the letters in Rakim’s name, with each letter standing for a different attribute. Throughout the song, each attribute is explained, with Rakim asserting his dominance in each area.


The opening line of the song is “Ra, Ra, Ra, Ra, Ra, Ra,” which sounds like a mantra or a chant, emphasizing the importance of the name and the person it represents. The acronym follows shortly, with Rakim beginning with "Rugged and rough,” a line that exemplifies his hardcore rap persona. The attribute "Allah” reflects Rakim's Muslim faith and his admiration for Allah. The “Keep it movin’” line implies that Rakim doesn’t pause to rest on his laurels, always striving and pushing forward. The line “I stand alone” asserts Rakim’s independence and self-reliance, while “My crown, my world, my throne” symbolizes his dominance and reign over the rap world.


Line by Line Meaning

R, rugged and rough, that's how I do it
I approach things in a tough and unyielding manner


A, Allah, who I praise to the fullest
I have complete devotion and admiration for Allah


K, keep it movin'
I continue to progress and never stay stagnant


I stand alone
I am independent and self-reliant


M, it's my crown, my world, my throne
I hold dominion and control over my own life


Ayo, when Rakim Allah attack, it's a wrap, y'all, relax
When I, Rakim Allah, come with force, it's game over, so no need to worry


The almanac, just show me where the party's at
Give me the details and I'll bring the energy to the party


Seminars and tracks, whores, comas, and cardiacs
I captivate audiences with my knowledge and skills, even causing intense reactions


Broads and cats screaming, 'oh, my God, he's back'
Both men and women are ecstatic and amazed by my return


Just imagine, I hit the lab and get it crackin'
Picture me entering the studio and creating something incredible


A thousand styles in one verse, rhythms will switch patterns
I display a diverse range of flows and constantly change up my patterns


Chicks get stabbed in the back, 'til they get spasms
Women who betray me face severe consequences until they suffer the consequences


Known to spit a magnum, or split an atom
I have the ability to deliver powerful lyrics or cause disruption on a small scale


Who woulda known that Jesus would come back to the ghetto
Just like Jesus returning unexpectedly, I bring a divine presence to the streets


On that level, and that thorough, like a black hero
I operate on a high level and represent strength and heroism for the Black community


And pack metal, so rap rebels, will back pedal
I carry weapons, causing rival rappers to retreat


The pharaoh of five boroughs, and take over the rap world
I am the commanding ruler of the five boroughs of New York City and have a significant impact on the rap industry


Gettin' bizarre, hardcore, this is for y'all
I bring an unconventional and intense style that caters to the audience


The crib or the park, play it when you get in the car
Whether you're at home or in the streets, play my music when you're driving


Chill at the bar, sip somethin' or split a cigar
Relax at the bar, enjoy a drink, or share a cigar


Get with your dogs, don't be alarmed, this kid is the bomb
Hang out with your friends and don't worry, I'm highly skilled and impressive


Uh, yeah, yo, I used to paint this flow, on ancient scrolls
In the past, I crafted my flow like an artist painting on historical documents


And learn to make this dough where gangstas roll
I acquired knowledge and skills to earn money in places where criminals operate


Think like the late great Capone when the bank is closed
Adopt the mindset of the legendary gangster Capone in moments of financial hardship


It's cats that claim they bold, but they ain't this cold
There are individuals who proclaim their bravery, but they can't compare to my level of toughness


I'm from New York City even pretty chicks act up
Even attractive women from New York City display assertiveness and toughness


Niggas get clapped up, you stack up, they stick that up
Individuals get killed, while you accumulate wealth, they attempt to rob you


Quick to strap up, you'd think my name was 'kid, back up'
I swiftly arm myself, giving the impression that I'm commanding others to step back


Big niggas, pick that up or lift that up
Even larger individuals struggle to handle the weight of my lyrics


Raised by gangstas and gamblers, hustlers, con artists
My upbringing involved growing up around criminals, gamblers, and individuals involved in deceptive schemes


And convicts, killers and dons
I was surrounded by convicted criminals, murderers, and powerful figures


Drug dealers, players and pimps, smooth talkers
I interacted with individuals involved in selling drugs, being players, and controlling prostitutes, all of whom had good persuasiveness


Stick-up kids, thugs, real niggas and gods
I associated with individuals who committed robberies, were violent, authentic individuals, and had god-like qualities


Haunted by every soul that lay dead in the turf
I carry the memories and spirits of those who lost their lives in the streets


Cursed by every spirit that never made it to birth
I'm affected by the tragedy of lives that were never given the chance to exist


Since the Moon separated from Earth
Metaphorically, since a significant event occurred, like the separation of the Moon from the Earth


That's why they say I'm the greatest that ever orchestrated a verse
This is why people regard me as the best who has ever crafted a verse in hip-hop


Ayo, toast to that, it's the cat that broke backs
Raise a toast to my success, as I'm the one who impresses and overwhelms others


To a soul clap, I smoke a track, how dope is that
I bring soulful energy to the music, making it enjoyable, and showcase my talents effectively


Pope of rap, wrote backs that most slack
I hold a high position in rap, writing verses that outperform the competition


That note back before they turned coke to crack
I remember the time before cocaine was converted into crack cocaine


To my dogs hearin' sirens on the firearms
I pay tribute to my loyal friends who are familiar with the sound of gunshots


Outcome die in wars or behind iron bars
The result of their actions may be death on the streets or imprisonment


The boulevard, retire frauds when I evolve
In the rap industry, I eliminate fake artists when I progress and evolve


Try and rob my dialogue, I am God
Those who attempt to steal my style or content will face the wrath of my divine talent


Chicks moan just to get next to my throne
Women express intense desire to be in close proximity to me and my position of power


And sniff my cologne and get Ra alone
They eagerly indulge in my scent and seek the opportunity to be alone with me


Sex pots at home, I'm testosterone
At home, there are sexually attractive women, and I embody masculinity and virility


Caress spots, dress drops, bed rocks the bone
I satisfy women intimately, causing pleasure and excitement


Hit the floor, it's hot for 2003
My music motivates people to dance, and it's especially popular and trendy in 2003


Hits galore, who rock a style as wild as me?
I have numerous successful songs and no one can match my unique and energetic style


Rest assured, when I rock def crowds and scream
Be confident that I will captivate and excite audiences when I perform


Bismillah ir-Rahman ir-Rahim
In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful




Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, RESERVOIR MEDIA MANAGEMENT INC
Written by: Denaun M Porter, William Griffin, Lawrence King

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
To comment on or correct specific content, highlight it

Genre not found
Artist not found
Album not found
Song not found
Most interesting comments from YouTube:

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



All comments from YouTube:

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

21 More Replies...

SwagOnMax

This album is a masterpiece

More Comments

More Versions