Rap legend Rakim praised Eminem’s technical skill during a recent interview with DJ Whoo Kid on Shade 45, calling him a “beast.”
DJ Whoo Kid: It’s crazy how Jay Z kidnapped Big Daddy Kane and Eminem kidnapped to you. Like, you can see the lyricism in the party side. I mean, Kane had bars too but he was more like ladies’ guy like Biggie and Tupac. You were first in anything but the way I can compare it is like Big Daddy Kane was more like a club guy and you are more serious lyrical dude and Eminem gravitates towards you more because he’s lyricist.
Rakim: He’s beast. That’s my man.
Then Rakim was asked whether he had more respect for “lyricists” or rappers, and gave a measured, thoughtful response.
Rakim: It depends/ You got some rappers that just make dope songs, and of course, you got lyricists that make us rewind the song… I’m still a fan of hip-hop… It could be male, female, white, black. I know it when I hear it, and I love to hear it. People pushing the envelope, keeping the genre alive.
Watch the interview below:
