I had a little more freedom when I started sampling because you could actually do what you wanted to do. — Rakim Copy Share Image
I never wanted to do the mixtape circuit and 300,000 people hear it and that's a chapter of my life and when… — Rakim Copy Share Image
I was heavily influenced by Melle Mel, Kool Moe Dee, Grandmaster Caz, but I kind of wanted to take it somewhere else. — Rakim Copy Share Image
A lot of reasons I didn't do records with people is because I never wanted their light to reflect on me. — Rakim Copy Share Image
I always wanted to kind of make the listener feel like it was them that I was talking about, or to the… — 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 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
![“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/quotes/img-quotes/167/rakim-1390_block_i-get-the-martian-look-all-the-time-even_3130599.jpg)
