Rakim – R.A.K.I.M (Audio, Lyrics)

Throwback to Rahim’s single self-titled “R.A.K.I.M”. Listen, stream, buy, mp3 download and read the lyrics to the song produced by Denaun Porter.

Rakim R.a.k.i.m

Today marks the 53rd birthday of one of hip-hop’s most legendary and revered emcees: Rakim, the forefather of many flows and styles that still occur in hip-hop today. And while his discography is absolutely storied, one of the most intriguing eras of his career — despite not yielding very much music — arose during his brief tenure on Dr. Dre’s Aftermath label. Though the output was scarce, Rakim did come through to offer a track to Eminem’s 8 Mile OST, taking to an off-kilter Denaun Porter instrumental for another effortless body.

No matter how you feel about the production choice, it’s impossible to deny the brilliance of Ra’s lyricism. For one, his vocabulary is impeccable, stringing together sentences with a confident swagger. “A thousand styles in one verse, rhythms will switch patterns, chicks get stabbed in the back, till they get spasms,” he spits. “Known to spit a magnum, or split an atom.” By his own admission, each flow has been painted on “ancient scrolls,” a testament to his timeless spirit. On that note, Rakim continues to age gracefully, and on his fifty-third birthday deserves to be respected as such.

Rakim – R.A.K.I.M (prod. Denaun Porter)

Lyrics

Ra! (repeat 7X)

[Hook (repeat 2X)]
R: Rugged and rough that’s how I do it
A: Allah who I praise to the fullest
K: Keep it moving
I, Stand alone
M: It’s my crown, my world, my throne

[Verse 1]
Aiyyo when Rakim Allah attack, it’s a wrap y’all relax
The almanac, just show me where the party’s at
Seminars and tracks, whores, comas, and cardiacs
Broads and cats screaming “Oh my God he’s back”
Just imagine, I hit the lab and get it crackin’
A thousand styles in one verse, rhythms will switch patterns
Chicks get stabbed in the back, till they get spasms
Known to spit a magnum, or split an atom
Who woulda known that Jesus would come back to the ghetto
On that level, and that thorough, like a black hero
And pack metal, so rap rebels, will back pedal
The pharaoh of five boroughs, and take over the rap world
Gettin’ bizarre, hardcore, this is for y’all
The crib or the park, play it when you get in the car
Chill at the bar, sip somethin’ or split a cigar
Get with your dogs, don’t be alarmed, this kid is the bomb
It’s the…

[Hook (repeat 2X)]
R: Rugged and rough that’s how I do it
A: Allah who I praise to the fullest
K: Keep it moving
I, Stand alone
M: It’s my crown, my world, my throne

[Verse 2]
Uh, yeah yo, I used to paint this flow, on ancient scrolls
And learn ta, make this dough, where gangstas roll
Think like the late great Capone when the bank is closed
It’s cats that claim they bold, but they ain’t this cold
I’m from New York City, even pretty chicks act up
Niggas get clapped up, you stack up, they stick that up
Put the strap up, you think my name was “Kid back up”
Big niggas (spittin’ noise) pick that up, or lift that up
Raised by gangstas and gamblers, hustlers, con artists
And convicts, killers and dons
Drug dealers, playas and pimps, smooth talkers
Stick up kids, thugs, real niggas and gods
Haunted by every soul that lay dead in the turf
Cursed by every spirit, that never made it to birth
Since the Moon separated from Earth
That’s why they say I’m the greatest that ever orchestrated a verse
It’s the

[Hook (repeat 2X)]
R: Rugged and rough that’s how I do it
A: Allah who I praise to the fullest
K: Keep it moving
I, Stand alone
M: It’s my crown, my world, my throne

[Verse 3]
Ay yo, we toast to that, it’s the cat that broke backs
To a soul clap, a smoke a track, how dope is that
Poet for rap, wrote backs that most slack
That know rap before they turned coke to crack
To my dogs hearin’ sirens on and firearms
Outcome die in wars or behind iron bars
The boulevard, tire frauds when I evolve
Try and rob, my dialogue, I am God
Chicks moan just to get next to my throne
And sniff my cologne and get Ra alone
Sex spot’s at home, I’m testosterone
Caress spots, stress drops, bedrock’s the bone
Hit the floor, it’s hot for 2003
Hit’s galore, who rock a style as wild as me
Rest assure, when I rock dance crowds and scream
Bismillah Ir-Rahman Ir-Rahim it’s the

[Hook (repeat 2X)]
R: Rugged and rough that’s how I do it
A: Allah who I praise to the fullest
K: Keep it moving
I, Stand alone
M: It’s my crown, my world, my throne