Legendary MC Rakim had some props to give to two of hip-hop’s new generation of talented rappers: Kendrick Lamar and J.Cole.
In a recent interview with Montreality, the Long Island native spoke about his upcoming new album and his sentiments towards K.Dot and Cole, both of whom he professed to listening to during his spare time. Listening to Cole’s “January 28th,” on which he makes a reference to “the great Rakim,” the man himself acknowledges the nod.
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“It’s a blessing to get that love from people like that, that’s on fire,” he said. “A young artist coming up doing his thing, reaching back towards the past and showing love, I appreciate that. J. Cole. Big ups, keep doing your thing heavy.”
Rakim also gave props to K. Dot for transcending the times and making statements in his music.
“He’s again that new fuel, a conscious new fuel where he’s not just doing whats hot for today you know what I mean?,” he said of Kendrick. “He has substance, and he ain’t scared to make a statement neither you know what I mean? And he’s nice man.”
Watch the full interview above. – Richy Rosario