Rakim Reflects on Respect From JAY-Z and Eminem

When you are widely recognized as the architectural foundation of modern rap flow, receiving praise is hardly new. But for Rakim, hearing two of the biggest icons in Hip-Hop history—JAY-Z and Eminem—pay homage to his blueprint on his project remains a deeply moving experience. In an interlude sampled on his project, JAY-Z famously references Rakim’s iconic lyric, “constant elevation causes expansion” (from Eric B. & Rakim’s 1990 classic “In the Ghetto”), while Eminem discusses how Rakim single-handedly revolutionized Hip-Hop rhyme schemes.

When asked by VIBE magazine what it means to hear that level of reverence from two titan peers, The God MC offered a humble and introspective response about what those endorsements signify to him. “It’s confirmation that what I do is relevant,” Rakim explained. “Two people that I admire and respect crazily, Jay and Eminem, to hear your peers show you love and speak on you in their moment is very humbling. I’m a humble person. I put art out, and I hope people love it. When I hear people like that show me love, it makes everything that I do make sense.”

The project, executive produced alongside veteran A&R and producer Matthew “M-80” Markoff, aims to bridge gaps across regions, eras, and styles. Bringing together legendary voices—including collaborations with Masta Killa, Kurupt, and archival reflections from JAY-Z and Eminem—the album serves as both a celebration of lyricism and a rallying cry for unity in the culture. Highlighting M-80’s dedication to curating high-caliber collaborations and orchestrating the interlude, Rakim shared high praise for the executive producer’s vision and passion.

“Big up to M80, man, because he’s really passionate about putting all of these different artists together, matching different music and making us sound like one,” Rakim stated. “Even with the JAY-Z and Eminem interview, M-80 felt that was something he wanted to show people and highlight. Being able to work with all of these different artists on one album should show the industry that this is something we should have been doing a long time ago. And a lot of people did it, but let’s continue to bring Hip-Hop together.”

For an artist whose multi-syllabic cadences and internal rhyme schemes redefined what it meant to be an MC in the late 1980s, Rakim’s influence is woven into the DNA of every generation that followed. Rather than resting on his laurels, Rakim continues to use his platform to remind the industry of Hip-Hop’s true strength: collaboration, mutual respect, and infinite growth. As the lyric says, constant elevation causes expansion—and Rakim’s legacy only continues to grow.

For the full interview, visit VIBE magazine.

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