Eric B. and Rakim know you got soul. If you didn't, you wouldn't be in here! Amen. This Eric B. & Rakim feature interview is from Spin Magazine in November-December of 1987. It's always dope when Rakim sits down for an interview and shares his perspective and we get insight into the mind of a living legend. For example, Rakim says: “I’m not a rapper. I’m a lyricist. Rappin’ is sum’n that you do when you coolin’ out, just poppin’ shit, know whumsayin’? I take this more serious than just a poem. Tryin’ to make this art. Instead of people comin’ up to me and sayin’, “Oh, you’re a rapper?”, I’d rather them come up to me and say, “Oh, are you an artist?” My music isn’t hip-hop; I call it Knowledge, a Lesson with Music.” For more wisdom and just Rakim waxing poetics about the culture, religion, lyrics and more, read the interview above from nearly 30 years ago. Then, ask yourself - where do you place Rakim on the list of greatest of all-time? Is he the God MC? And, what is their best (or your favorite) song? My favorite is an obvious choice, but it's hard to argue... 'Juice.'
