Rakim praises B.o.B x Lupe Fiasco

Currently in the UK, Rakim spoke to The Guardian about the current state of Hip Hop, substance in the music, the future and more.

The conscious level is definitely low and the substance of the music is so much lighter, but you have to understand the game is young in new places. It's still growing.

We really need some of that consciousness, that fly on the wall that watches over us and comments. I like B.o.B and Lupe Fiasco a lot, they're both exploring the music, but I don't see a lot of artistry out there.

Read the full article HERE

Rakim Mentions Lupe During an Interview with AHH

Chuck “Jigsaw” Creekmur did an interview with Rakim for AHH. Besides other things, they also talked about the state of Hip Hop and Rakim revealed which Hip Hop artists he's feeling right now....

AllHipHop.com: Back in the day, we used to argue for hours who was the best: you, G Rap or Kane. In the 90’s, they’d say Jay-Z, Biggie and Nas and now…it’s a new era. Overall, what are your thoughts on the state of Hip-Hop and who are you feeling?

Rakim: The overall state, I think its aiiiiight. We get a lot of flack for the lyrical content but I think its gonna change, because its been so much talk about the difference between the rap back then and the rap now. I think hearing them say “that’s a rapper” and “that’s a lyricist,” I think the young rappers want to be known as lyricists as well.

If its their vocabulary for them saying something political. Right now, a lot of people are doing the negative rap and a lot of them are living it. A lot of them are not and that’s unfortunate. The consciousness is needed.

AllHipHop.com: Right.

Rakim: As for the second part, I like Papoose, I like Juelz [Santana], I like Lupe Fiasco. I’m a fan as well. That’s why I like rap so much, so I like a lot of different artists for what they do. From the G-Unit artists to the Dipset artists…a lot of rappers are beefing right now, but I like good music.

Hopefully, everybody keep doing what they doing and in the future we start taking over this rap s**t. And talking over this craft to the point where we in more control.

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