Rakim believes the recent battle between Drake and Kendrick Lamar is a good thing for hip-hop and “puts a lot of things right.”
In an interview with Billboard released on Friday (July 26), writer Angel Diaz asked God if MC has been paying attention to the expensive feud. Diaz describes it as Drizzy representing the “mainstream” for many fans, while K.Dot “represents the genre in a more traditional sense.”
This framework elicited Ra’s thoughtful answer.
“I think [the battle] It’s important because these brothers are at the top of their game and respected in hip-hop,” he responded. “You know, a lot of guys in this position won’t take on any challenge because they have too much to lose. So it’s stupid for these brothers to put aside mainstream success and say, ‘Yeah, let’s do this.’ “
“This fight puts a lot of things into perspective – because it shows the difference between real hip-hop and mainstream hip-hop,” the legend continued. “Young artists now know there’s a difference. A lot of them don’t even understand it.
“They just listened to what the majority said and didn’t realize that a lot of people didn’t see what they were hearing as real hip-hop. This fight is sorely needed for the genre. I salute them bro .
The sometimes reclusive Rakim recently gave interviews to promote his new album GOD’s Network – REB7RTH, his first since 2009’s The Seventh Seal.
Although God MC provided vocals (verses and/or choruses) on six of the project’s seven songs, his primary role on the project was not as a rapper, but as a producer. He also provided scratches.
“I’ve always had a passion for making beats,” Ra told Grammy.com. “But I’m confident in my work now. I got the chance to make this album and I took it.
GOD’s Network — REB7rth features a host of guest artists including Kurupt, Masta Killa, Method Man and BG.
Nipsey Hussle, Fred the Godson and Prodigy all have rhymes, while DMX comes in as a prayer. Markov explains that all sounds are “in my hiding place or owned by me.”
