Rakim reveals shocking truths about his new album and rap’s hidden ghostwriters

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Rakim, often revered as the “God MC,” has been a colossal figure in the rap industry since he and Eric B revolutionized the genre with their 1987 album, “Paid in Full.” Credited with inventing the intricate “flow” that modern rappers employ, Rakim’s influence is comparable to Thelonious Monk on the piano or John Coltrane on the saxophone. He has not only excelled as a rapper but has also made a significant mark as a producer, contributing extensively to both his solo projects and collaborations.

Rakim’s new album and his evolving role as a producer

For his recent album, “G.O.D’s Network (REB7RTH),” Rakim has taken on a much more intricate role. Unlike before, he has produced every beat for each song on the album. “This is the first time I’m really showcasing myself as a producer,” Rakim stated. Previously, he contributed significantly to the production of Eric B & Rakim’s music, but rarely took credit.

Rakim grew up in a musical family; his aunt was the legendary actress and singer Ruth Brown. This background allowed him to explore various samples and sounds, and his production skills shone through tracks like “Juice (Know the Ledge)” from the Juice soundtrack. The new album, a seven-track collection, features both veterans and newer artists, including the late Nipsey Hussle and Fred the Godson, Chino XL, Canibus, and Wu-Tang’s Method Man.

The notion of taking complete control of a project seemed natural to someone who has always sought to break barriers. The icon shared that it was not merely about making music but presenting a cohesive vision. “I’m kind of enjoying this from a different point of view by being able to produce and mold the project together,” Rakim added.

The evolution of rap : from lyrical battles to modern vibes

Rakim has witnessed firsthand the evolution of rap music from its early days. “I come from that era when a lot of people didn’t think that hip-hop would last. So, to see it come from where it came from and to see where it’s at now is a blessing,” he mused. Hip-hop has grown to become the dominant genre in the music industry, a significant leap from its humble beginnings.

Modern rap frequently embraces an R&B/hip-hop fusion, diverging from the traditional 16-bar structures. Artists like Future and Young Thug use their voices almost as instruments. “We watched it go from being lyrical to it being what they call ‘a vibe’. As long as it’s a vibe, they rock to it,” Rakim observed.

This shift owes much to changes in how music is produced and consumed. The advent of the internet has made it possible for diverse styles to coexist. Rakim appreciates this flexibility but warns that the community should not fragment. “We gotta break the limitations down. We have to stop letting them separate hip-hop and take control of our genre,” he emphasized.

Ghostwriting : an evolving perspective

One contentious issue Rakim addressed is ghostwriting. Historically, ghostwriting was an anathema in the rap community. “Back early in the game around ’87-’88, people started asking me to write. The first person that asked me, I was so offended by that sh—t,” Rakim recalled. The art of rapping was intimately connected to personal expression, making the idea of another writing one’s lyrics almost sacrilegious.

Certainly, ghostwriting possesses a different context within singing. “For singers, it’s more complicated. The singer still has to hit those notes and make it theirs,” Rakim noted. However, in rap, the MCs earn respect through their words. “If your words aren’t from you, then how am I supposed to know what you wrote and what you didn’t write ?” he questioned.

However, perspectives are shifting. The younger generation may accept ghostwriting, and Rakim acknowledges this change while sticking to his principles. “Everything I ever said that was a verse, I wrote,” he asserted.

The future of rakim’s music and staying true to roots

Rakim’s journey into self-production serves as a significant evolution in his career. He has taken a year off from touring to focus on studio work, revealing plans for more self-produced projects. “I’ve got a lot of tracks over here. I just been storing them for the right time,” he mentioned.

Working alongside new and established artists, Rakim bridges the gap between different rap eras. “We got MCs from every part of the United States,” he said. Featuring underground talents like Hus Kingpin and 38 Spesh, he continues to celebrate lyrical prowess and the essence of hip-hop.

Even as the landscape changes, Rakim maintains a focus on what matters—craftsmanship and authenticity. “I think we made a statement with the project. Straight hip-hop orientated and wasn’t looking to make radio-friendly songs,” he declared. The underground scenes and platforms like Bandcamp allow artists to remain true to their art without crumbling under commercial pressures.

Rakim’s enduring influence often humbles him. “People ask you how you came up with your style because you changed how people rap,” he noted. Being aware of his impact fuels his motivation. “I use that as fuel. I would rather people expect me to succeed than to expect me to fail,” he concluded.

For avid listeners like me, who revel in discovering underground artists and exploring layered lyrics, Rakim’s journey signifies an inspiring blend of legacy and innovation. As he gears up for more musical ventures, the essence of true hip-hop remains profoundly intertwined with his craft and vision.

Featured artists on “g.o.d’s network (reb7rth)”

From the intricate cadences that redefined rap to his latest profound contributions as a producer, Rakim’s journey remains a testament to versatility and enduring influence within the rap genre. His upcoming projects promise more innovation and adherence to the core values that have shaped his legendary status.

Crédit photo :

“Rakim at Paid Dues 4 (cropped)” by Flowizm is licensed under CC BY 2.0.

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