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My thing was, I loved music. I played music: I played the…

“My thing was, I loved music. I played music: I played the saxophone. So the little bit of music knowhow I had, I tried to implement that in every thing I did, from my style, my cadence, the way I tried to pause and stagnate it; that all came from John Coltrane and listening to jazz albums. Trying…” quote by Rakim
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“My thing was, I loved music. I played music: I played the saxophone. So the little bit of music knowhow I had, I tried to implement that in every thing I did, from my style, my cadence, the way I tried to pause and stagnate it; that all came from John Coltrane and listening to jazz albums. Trying to rhyme like a jazz player.”

Rakim

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Integrating musical improvisation into lyrical flow creates a unique, rhythmic style.

In simple terms: Use jazz ideas to shape rap cadence.

Key Takeaway

Blend musical influences into your art.

Themes

creativity music hip‑hop

Mood

innovative energetic

Type

artistic educational

When to use this quote

  • songwriting
  • beat making
  • live performance
  • studio recording

Key Concepts

improvisation rhythm cultural fusion

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can you balance improvisation with clear storytelling?
  • What jazz elements best suit your rap style?
A Different Perspective

Risk of losing lyrical clarity if over‑complex.

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