Hip-hop legend Rakim has been cited by countless artists today as a major inspiration, but The God MC also has love for the younger artists. Speaking to Montreality spoke about the newest generation of hip-hop superstars, in particular, J. Cole and Kendrick Lamar. He praised both rappers and said he was grateful for what they are adding to the hip-hop game.
"I came from the old school where underground was successful hip-hop at that time. And now, it's a bigger market. I just like the way that so many young cats are taking the torch and keeping it lit. I look at hip-hop now and it is lucrative," he said of the new generation in general. "Of course, we have to shape some things up and you gotta get some things in order so the outside world can respect us as a genre. But hip-hop as a whole is still alive."
Speaking on J. Cole, who mentions Rakim in his song "January 28," he said it was "a blessing to get love like that from people who are on fire."
"A young artist coming up doing his thing and reaching back towards the past and showing love, I appreciate that man," he added. "J. Cole. Big ups. Keep doing your thing."
He went on to call Lamar "that new fuel,' noting that his lyrics have substance and are meant to make a statement.
"Kendrick Lamar is that new fuel, know what I mean?" he said. "It's a conscious new fuel where he's not just doing what's hot for today. He has substance, he ain't scared to make a statement neither. He's nice, man. Big up to the young artists that are coming up and keeping the torch lit and have something to say."
Elsewhere in the interview, he revealed that he's prepping his next solo album, his first in six years. Following up The Seventh Seal, Rakim hopes to drop his fourth solo album sometime this year.
"I'm working on something now, man. I'm trying to get a few of the right producers in pocket and get the chemistry of the album together," Ra told them. "I'm working on something now and trying to get it out in the middle or towards the end of this year. This is one of them albums where I can have fun. My last album, The Seventh Seal, was somewhat of a conscious album. I wanted to make sure I made a statement with that album. This one here, I can have a little fun with and enjoy hip-hop on this one."
Watch the full interview below, and let us know what you think in the comments section!
