Then I explain verses, that remain on the surface. At times it get deep, but I never defeat the purpose. — Rakim Copy Share Image
Every time someone come out with an album don't change the whole style up but don't do what they are expecting. Surprise… — Rakim Copy Share Image
I try to support my kids in what they do and, at the same time, not push them towards anything. — Rakim Copy Share Image
It's been a long time...I shouldn't have left you Without a strong rhyme to step to. — Rakim Copy Share Image
I saw a lot when I was young. The first time I got arrested I was twelve years old. — Rakim Copy Share Image
Don't even go to the studio if you don't think that your music's going to do something. You're wasting your time and… — Rakim Copy Share Image
As a young artist, especially in rap and at that time that I came out, originality was big. — Rakim Copy Share Image
I'm very smart with my paper! I stopped buying things for myself a long time ago - now I just buy things… — Rakim Copy Share Image
I try to stay true to my style, and I understand the foundation of my style and where it came from. But… — Rakim Copy Share Image
I've always tried to insert consciousness and spirituality in my records, interpreting the writings of all cultures and religions and how they… — Rakim Copy Share Image
A lot of times when people listen to music it's because they feel down, and that's when serious hip-hop comes into play.… — Rakim Copy Share Image
I get the Martian look all the time even in the hood. I walk down to the shopping block and people just… — Rakim Copy Share Image
I got one of the illest crews in NY but when I travel it's mostly me and my girl, me and my… — Rakim Copy Share Image
One of the main reasons why it didn't work out for me and Aftermath is because I felt my music should sound… — Rakim Copy Share Image
My aunt Ruth Brown was a jazz musician. I got hooked on it at a young age, understanding what John Coltrane was… — Rakim Copy Share Image
I don't accept that the new generation is looking for anything different than what we've always been looking for. Depending on the… — Rakim Copy Share Image
I never tried to crossover or be in the public's eye everyday. I'm laid back with it and at times I wondered… — Rakim Copy Share Image
When you come out the streets. I ain't braggin'. I never sold drugs but I kept a joint on me. I got… — Rakim Copy Share Image
Every time I sit down and write I got to put something conscious in there. It's like I got a job now.… — Rakim Copy Share Image
When you're trying to please both sides of the fence at the same time you really can't do that. — Rakim Copy Share Image
The laws are gonna have to change. And it's 2016. We can't keep using all the laws that was made back in… — Rakim Copy Share Image
I love Jay-Z, I love Kanye, and I praise the way he's been able to bring more business out of the jungle. — Rakim Copy Share
Elements burst, gave birth the the verse, get the pen from the nurse, but hook the mic up first. — Rakim Copy Share
I think rap was a better move for me but football's been my love since I learned how to walk. I was gonna be… — Rakim Copy Share
There are certain things that I wish people knew - certain things that I feel I started and certain things that I'm responsible for.… — Rakim Copy Share
So I start my mission- leave my residence Thinkin how could I get some dead presidents — Rakim Copy Share
My approach to writing rhymes went hand in hand with the music. I'd try to make different rhythms with my rhymes on the track… — Rakim Copy Share
My whole thing is if it wasn't for people like ya'll and people like them I wouldn't be me. I love every minute of… — Rakim Copy Share
My son plays football so I coach a couple of his teams. My youngest son just started playing last year and I assistant coached… — Rakim Copy Share
I always had deep respect for my peoples 'cause of the love they gave me and the know how that they showed me through… — Rakim Copy Share
When I broke up with Eric B., I went on a little hiatus. Then all I was trying do is find producers. It's real… — Rakim Copy Share
![“A lot of times when people listen to music it's because they feel down, and that's when serious hip-hop comes into play. When times is hard, people can hear a rapper that inspires them to do what they [are] supposed to do.” quote by Rakim](https://sms4smile.com/q/img-quotes/44b/rakim-1390_down-and_a-lot-of-times-when-people-listen-to-mus_2496852.jpg)
![“I get the Martian look all the time even in the hood. I walk down to the shopping block and people just look at me with their mouth open man like what are you doing out here and I'm like I'm trying to get a pair of sneakers duke what's good? What are you doing [and I'm like] I'm hungry I wanted…” quote by Rakim](https://sms4smile.com/q/img-quotes/167/rakim-1390_block_i-get-the-martian-look-all-the-time-even_3130599.jpg)
