New York is responsible for bringing that raw, that real gritty hip-hop, because we... originated it. — Rakim Copy Share Image
Hip-hop has taken a lot of different routes throughout the years, man. I've been around since 1986. — Rakim Copy Share Image
Every generation wants that real hip-hop. And I've always been able to bring that. — Rakim Copy Share Image
So I start my mission- leave my residence Thinkin how could I get some dead presidents — Rakim Copy Share Image
We need a few more Kanyes, people that's really passionate about hip-hop and who keep it alive. — Rakim Copy Share Image
I'm not in that state of mind that I was back in '86 - hip-hop is not in that state of mind… — Rakim Copy Share Image
I think things are gonna change. I'm gonna take the age limit off of hip hop. — Rakim Copy Share Image
We gotta let hip-hop grow. We gotta let it go through its different phases throughout the different places that's accepting it. — Rakim Copy Share Image
Being in this game if you are gonna sell drugs and make records too then as many records you make is gonna… — Rakim Copy Share Image
The golden age was when people were starting to understand what hip-hop was and how to use it. I was lucky to… — Rakim Copy Share Image
I came in the door, I said it before I never let the mic magnetize me no more. But it's biting me,… — Rakim Copy Share Image
When you look at hip-hop, I want to do that: to spit fire and take our best from the ashes to build… — Rakim Copy Share Image
Now it seems like hip hop belongs to the people you see in the videos and radios. So I want to give… — Rakim Copy Share Image
So all hail the honorable, microphone phenomenal Persona is unbombable? Trust me son, I continue like a saga do, bringin' you the… — Rakim Copy Share Image
What I want to do right now is give hip hop back to the hood. Before it was a neighborhood thing where… — Rakim Copy Share Image
I go to Queens for queens to get the crew from Brooklyn, Make money in Manhattan and never been tooken. Go Uptown… — Rakim Copy Share Image
My son plays football so I coach a couple of his teams. My youngest son just started playing last year and I… — Rakim Copy Share Image
I seen her in the subway, on my way to Brooklyn. "Hello, good lookin, is this seat tooken?" On the A Train,… — Rakim Copy Share Image
Let's travel at magnificent speeds around the universe What could you say as the Earth gets further and further away Planets are… — Rakim Copy Share Image
I used to roll up: this is a hold up, ain't nuthin funny. Stop smiling, be still, don't nuthin move but the… — 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'm a fan of hip-hop as well. I like everybody who keeps the game on their toes and keep it pushing. — Rakim Copy Share Image
I wake you up and as I stare in your face, you seem stunned. Remember me? The one you got your idea… — Rakim Copy Share Image
I get a craving like I fiend for nicotine. But I don't need a cigarette, know what I mean? — Rakim Copy Share Image
I love listening to old records to keep nostalgic feeling; it allows me to not lose the love for hip-hop. — Rakim Copy Share Image
Dabbling in music and being in music when I was young I had my own view of what I thought music was… — Rakim Copy Share Image
And I'll break, when I'm through breakin, I'll leave you broke, Drop the mic when I'm finished, and watch it smoke — Rakim Copy Share Image
Take 7 emcees put em in a line And add 7 more brothers who think they can rhyme It'll take 7 more… — Rakim Copy Share Image
Some of you been trying to write rhymes for years, But weak ideas irritate my ears. Is this the best that you… — Rakim Copy Share Image
Tried to put shame in my game to make a name, I'mma put it on a bullet...put it in your brain. — Rakim Copy Share Image
I ain't no joke, I used to let the mic smoke, Now I slam it when I'm done and make sure it's… — Rakim Copy Share Image
I've always been a fan of hip hop and there are cats out there that I admire. — 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 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 Image
Elements burst, gave birth the the verse, get the pen from the nurse, but hook the mic up first. — Rakim Copy Share Image
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 Image
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 Image
So I start my mission- leave my residence Thinkin how could I get some dead presidents — Rakim Copy Share Image
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 Image
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 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. 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/quotes/img-quotes/44b/rakim-1390_down-and_a-lot-of-times-when-people-listen-to-mus_2496852.jpg)
