Eric B. and Rakim: "Microphone Fiend"
One it comes to some of the images that are burned in my memory for an eternity, the image of Rakim in this video comes to mind. A man who I think is undoubtedly the best MC ever to hold a microphone, when I saw this video as a kid it's what made me want to be a life long devotee to Hip Hop. This is going to sound silly, but then again it might not since I have admitted to having a 2 minute sexual prowess, but every time I am in a crowded club I recite the words to this song in my head as I make my way through the crowd like he did in this video. I'm not a big Kanye West hater, or a fan, but his "arrogance" to me seems like it is a reaction to being a very weak and insecure person inside. Rakim on the other hand, his swagger has everything to do with him knowing that no one has the ability to fuck with him, or even contend with the title. That Ladies in Gentlemen, is Hip Hop..
7 comments:
I feel you, HC. Though a humble emcee is about as rare as a Kobe assist (sorry...couldn't resist! LOL!), Kanye's arrogance is just so extra. Yes...we all know you're a dope producer, Kanye, and you're nice with the mic too, but Jeez...do you HAVE to be such an asshole? Excellent post, as usual, HC.
Damn man, I was just telling my friend Nicee, that Rakim was the coldest rapper ever to rhyme. I then introduced her to Big Daddy Kane,(she's still a young un). Now she is all about trying to find more Old Skool.
I stopped talking to younger people about Hip-Hop and what it used to be after I realized that younger people growing up on this new Rap music thought people like Rakim were jokes.
I've run into younger guys/girls that say: "A Tribe Called Who?? Who they?"
Rakim is without a doubt the greatest. Your recognition of this is one of the reasons I like your blog.
HC I know your not in my area...but those that are...
Rakim - Lyricist Lounge
BB Kings
Feb. 27
New York
you know i can still listen to Rakim and still be in awe...
No doubt! That vid is one I think about every time I think about Rakim, PERIOD.
"Thank you Yo! MTV Raps!"
and thank you HC for providing the peanut gallery
It's a great picture. I can see why he makes such an impression. But is there really such a thing as a swagger that isn't just wrapping itself round the hobble of a frightened kid? Sometimes the packaging's more impressive, that's all.
Post a Comment