Rakim was the first rapper with complex lyrics. Every rapper evolved rakim styles when it comes to lyrics conscious

Pusha T must be smoking what he is pushing! Kane and Rakim were sending shots at each other and rakim lines were casket closers...

I've always looked at Kane as one of the best in his era. I've always looked at Rakim as one of the best in ANY era. Just one man's opinion.

Big Daddy Kane is my favorite rapper. Rakim is my other favorite rapper. I heard Rakim first, and I was instantly mesmerized. I later heard Kane and became instantly terrified. I was 16 when Rakim dropped Paid In Full, and 17 when Kane dropped the single Raw. Back in '87, Kane's song Raw was a pure adrenaline rush. I never considered putting another rapper on Rakim's level until I heard that song. I know people chose Rakim for depth and intelligence, and they are not wrong for doing so. I choose Kane for attitude. Kane made me want to go out and shake shit up. The energy that Kane exhibited in his early days was passed on to my favorite group M.O.P It depends on the vein of hip hop that you relate to.

Aye Sway, you give the purest interviews! No loaded BS qestions, no provoking BS, just REAL TALK.

Not gonna front I think Rakim is the best ever but if your put BDK, KRS, or GRap as your #1 I can't argue. All four are dope as can be. But as far as pen to paper and lyrics no one is touching the R.

They did have 2 different styles. Overall my opinion Rakim was the better mc. I think he was ahead of his time. Kane was a dope rapper but rakim painted pictures with his words.

Rakim is the goat outta the east coast, dude said some of the coldest shit without even cussing..

Kane was was the shit but once he called Rakim and asked to remove his diss verse that says it all. He knew he didn't want it with the R. the same with EPMD

Nas is to rakim as Jay is to Kane

Man Rakim is not called The God MC for nothin'. He is THE BEST!

Big Daddy Kane and Rakim are two sides of the same coin. They are equally great.

KANE & RAKIM BOTH LYRICAL GODS OF THE 5% NATION...…….BLESS

Is he kidding Rakim is the best rapper ever

I can't choose between 2 legends! I STILL listen to both of them and you can't go wrong either way! Their OLDEST jams sound better than any of this garbage that's out in 2015!!!!

Push! (in Denzels voice) "My Man" I think the tightness of your braides over time is messing with your evaluation. All true Hip Hop heads know shit! even BDK (can't admit it publicly... cause rappers MUST know that no one is better than themselves) know Rakim is the superior Mc period.

No way! Rakim was too far ahead of the game. No malice is still better than pusha t in my opinion if we talking Clipse.

they are both great. I have no personal favor about them. I love rakim's smooth flow and with kane the raw flow. they have both great lyrics. with kane u hear his battle style and with rakim his clever rhymes.

Rakim is in his own class. His rhymes are far more complicated to construct than Kane's. He's intelligent as well. As far as versatility to my ignorant constituents he produced the majority of PAID N FULL & FOLLOW THE LEADER, plays saxaphone, PLAYED DRUMS on KNOW THE LEDGE as well as did the scratches on MUSICAL MASSACRE! He's always MAINTAINED his signature flow. Just because the beat is uptempo doesn't always mean flow changes ...just the pace of delivery. WE MUST LEARN BEFORE WE SPEAK..LOL

I feel you on that one. BUT still Ra started rhyming compound syllables first!Ra is better in my opinion, that's all.

Eric B and Rakim were ahead of their time and BDK was cold but Ra is the GOAT lyrically.

Rakim all day he changed the game to that serious scientific flow no bullshit but he still could rock the party

36 is young to me age wise!!! He would've had to be there literally in Ra's era for me to take him seriously.

The wrath of Kane that's a joke!!! Lyrics of fury by Rakim will destroy that song lyrically.....

Kane top 10 ,, Rakim is the Goat 🐐!!!

Absolutely. I am 36 and rap now sucks. Back in the day there was so much dope shit out it was amazing.

Someone should also tell Pusha T that Big Daddy Kane took a shot at Rakim on his 1987 debut LP single Somethin' Funky with this quote: Get up and get with it, the beat at hand has been perfectly fitted, for the occasion, Kane's invasion, I'll invade, get paid in full, instead of talking all that bull, I'll just invent and present as original, idealistic concept, that'll keep you on step, 3 scratches: James Brown ad lib: ain't it funky, yep. Rakim returned with a subliminal diss on his second self titled LP and album released in 1988 called Follow The Leader. Real Hip Hop heads who listened to this album will state that Rakim has painted pictures with his lyricism definitely more contextual, deep, complex, poetic as a smoothly refined emcee who was way ahead of his time. Kane is known for being a braggadocio type with a flair for exhibiting the pimp image even though he uses more punchlines. Overall Rakim is the better emcee of the two and his impact of Hip Hop has still been felt and the influence of his subject matter is so advanced that you have to go in depth to understand what he is really saying.

rakim Never Curse In His Music RESPECT

After Kane "Got the job done" it was downhill from there. But "Wrath of Kane" was a wicked record. Loved Kane but Rakim was my favorite as his records were much more serious. Kane had alot of slapstick punchlines in his rhymes. Cold Chillin's format at the time.

I listened to "Paid n Full" the other day and you know what? Rakims lyrics would smash 90% of rappers that are out right now.

somebody smoking crillz!!! Rakim is the God..although Kane dope....

I grew up just knowing Rakim was the man,I never really listened to Kane.

The problem is that Pusha T is comparing technique and song writing (which is problematic in itself) when the more important question is who had the greatest historical impact. Infact in all likelihood Rakim even influenced Kane. I personally believe that Kane was the superior live performer.Yet if you're going to compare an emcee to Rakim on a lyrical and technical level then G Rap should warrant a comparison far more than Kane in my view.

Freddie Fox aka Bumpy Knuckles told a story one time. He said Kane and Rakim were supposed to meet up and battle for like $50,000. Big Daddy Kane showed up for the battle and Rakim DIDN'T!!!!!!!!!

"Oh my gosh, he just said that" best quote

Pusha T must have taken a wrong turn when he was driving, missing Rakim's the Punisher. That alone puts Kane's lane in Rakim's rear view mirror. Many may follow but the leader leads. Word to daddy, indeed.

Is he serious nobody can compare to rakim lyrically, the only person that comes close is Krs 1, Rakim change the whole rap game, he embodied hip hop, as for comments claiming that Kane was a better entertainer, Rakim was hardcore , he was not a force to be reckoned with

And that's what I'm talkin about, instead of u runnin off at the mouth and spewing ignorance you're willing to do your research I respect u my Ninja. Wish more ppl were this logical

Rakim was a better lyricist kane was a better punchliner krs was a great battler and conscious rapper either way all are legends and definitely ahead of their time but kane and rakim had the swag like no other

All a got to say is, Lyrics of Fury, Microphone Fiend, Follow the Leader to name a few. Kane never reached those lyrical hights. As great as he was.

I got love for BDK, but let's be honest about his discography versus Rakim's.......ask anybody who says they like BDK this: after BDK's 2nd album (It's a Big Daddy Thing, 1989), name 3 more classic songs after that album! Meanwhile, Rakim remained relevant throughout the next 20+ years.

Rakim was slightly more lyrical but Kane had better songs sought off like Nas and Jay Z. However the gap between Nas and Jay Z is much wider than Rakim and Kane primarily because Kane is a much better lyricist than Jay Z.

at the end of the day, all of this is subjective as it all depends on what your preference is...Rakim & Nas prefer to reach their audience through thought...while Kane & Jay Z prefer to reach their audience through emotion...one wants you to think while the other wants you to feel...those who like to think prefer Ra & Nas and those who like to feel prefer Kane & Jay...it’s not always about penning lyrics

RAKIM IS THE FUCKING G.O.A.T HANDS DOWN SON WORD ! RAKIM ALLAH > ANYONE !

Very refreshing to hear a young cat speak on the ol skool

they both were 2 of the greats forsure.. rakim usually gets more credit by the critics for all round lyricism but that doesnt mean its true

Exactly.. Rakim isn't necessarily the Greatest rapper of all time.. But he is the God of MC's..He fathered & ushered in the era of MC'ing in Hip Hop.. He evolutionized rapping from the Kool Moe Dee,Run DMC style of just being a party starter into transforming rap into methodical art form of concocting rhymes like a scientist.. He made the formula to the serum of artistry that is rhythmic poetry..(rap) He built the foundation for Nas,Pac,Big L,Biggie & other lyricist to build upon

Ra is the better lyricist but Kane overall made the best songs in my opinion. Regardless, they're both legends!

Pusha T damn!!!!!! Kane is my dude that's where you get that laid back smooth shit. Kane is a better live Entertainer. Now the God of the game is Rakim there is no Artist that can Mess with Ra on any lyric. Then there is Kool G Rap the real first gangster shit talker before NWA and that's a fact.

Kane absolutely was better then Rakim overall. Kane had every style and would have chewed Rakim up in a battle.

Word, Kane started fucking with Flow Rakim took you on a trip

u cant compare Rakim 2 Kane they have 2 Different stlyles! Both of them are Dope EMCEES!

My only comment: Rakim - Follow the Leader!

Pusha T sayin Kane is better than Ra is like sayin Pusha T is better than Fab ! STOP PLAYIN ! !

ALL Rakim needs is a D.J. like Jazzy Jeff & it would BE A WRAP!

No question Rakim, he had the biggest impact on Hip Hop even today no one Rhymes like him no one can do it clean like he did and be deep. Using the Jazz the rhymes Pusha T isn't even good enough to rank the two. I mean only Phil Jackson can say Jordan or Kobe. You can't just ask any new cat who's the best because it's opinion. Kane never made a big impact on hip hop and was more of a pimp/new jack rapper he had the dancers he was good but he wasn't Rakim. Rakim took it to a whole other level.

Pusha is a very well spoken and well mannered man.

I agree with this statement 110%. I've been saying from day 1 how Kane was/is better then Rakim. And I said a long time ago how Pun was better then Biggie.

I agree as a kid I always thought Kane was better than Rakim. Still do.

Kane was commercial,Ra is universal and the original, but he's young and possibly may not know.

At the end of the day, the argument is debatable so his opinion is valid

pusha done lost his daym mind! PERIOD!

G Rap would rap circles around both !!

True...if anything Kane and G Rapp had similar styles to start out with and they had beef over they style Kane kicked on The Symphony

Disocraphy wise Pusha dead wrong. Kane albums don't compare but he's definitely just as dope

The fact that 13 people liked that Lil B comment.. That's what's wrong with music today.. That shit right there..

No joke. it might still be on youtube somewhere because that is where I heard it before. Cuz Freddy Fox and Rakim had a little situation in the past. It might be his interviews with Johnathan Hay. Fox said it himself how they were supposed to battle for $50,000 back in the day and Rakim never showed up. That says it all right there. If I can find it I will.

Nah he bugging he’d have a better argument saying Kool G.Rap

I like both Rakim and Kane.Why we always got to choose one or the other.

KANE CANT FUCK WITH RAKIM ON HIS BEST DAY. PUSHA T YOUR STOCKS CRASHED WITH THAT COMMENT. KANE NEVER WANTED ANY PART OF RAKIM. I GOT REAL STREET STORIES AS TO WHY.

I'll put it to you all like this and end it here. Rakim had the craziest introduction song to the industry with My Melody in 86. The original song was 90 minutes long and he wrote it when he was 14. Who can touch that song as grown men before or since? If you are into lyrics, the song is ridiculous and most people still get the words wrong because the science is over their heads!

i read the title wrong. i thought it sayed kanye and not kane. woo, i can relax

KOOL G RAP IS DEFINITELY THE MC WITH LONGEVITY, OVER THE REST, RAKIM HAS ONE OF THE BEST FLOWS EVER THOUGH IN MY OPINION. KNOW THE LEDGE JUICE SOUNDTRACK, PROVED EVERYTHING TO ME!!

Not taking anything away of Kane but Rakim was more streets and lyrically Street. Kane is like that but Rakim has the edge and still on top and respected today with his latest hits. KRS one has been on some weak political BS in the last 15 yrs . Rakim still making hits but I would love to see Kane in the game with Rakim.

The Ying/Yang of the 80s. Both were those dudes. You can't make nobody prefer your rapper. Big/Pac,Jay/Nas,etc....same thing

When you're talking about rappers on this level, it's about preference. Rap is an artform that has produced many greats and this is two from a particular era. It's just not that simple.

Kane is better ??? What ??? Rak took 7 mcs and put 'em in a line. Then took 7 more brothers who thought they could rhyme. You know the rest son !!!

Kane is one of my favs but Rakim is mo beastly on that mic

Kane, Rakim, G Rap, KRS, and Kool Keith pretty much laid the format for new school MCs. In a battle, I'm picking KRS

TRUE, but HIPHOP says it because of his SKILLS!

Pusha T ain't delusional at all. He just stated that he thought Rakim was better until a recent event that took place on the radio. He wasn't being bias, which means he's being honest to the fullest. If you can't respect day than go cry in the corner somewhere. In my opinion, I always thought kane was better than rakim and kool g rap was a toss up depending on who you liked more.

I despise when people use the term "invented" as an argument for whos better. "Invented" should be used as an amenity for an artist who is influential - not for skill. People have said Kane is the most complete artist of all time. Thats just an opinion but at least it was backed up by sustainable facts rather than irrelevant statements.

Hey. I agree with him. Plus, its his opinion. album for album, he is correct.

No disrepect but KOOL G got them both.

Kane inspired me to rap... Rakim inspired me to up my rap game to the next level! ✨

tupac lyrics were really overlooked by a lot of people matter of fact the only time i think biggie smalls couldn't be touched is when he rapped nonstop on a track like 10 crack commandments and warning. as for big daddy kane, kane was a very dope rapper.if it wasn't for him , there would of never been a jay z

Tupac is the politician/philosopher NWA are the hell-raisers D12 are the underdogs RUN-DMC are the game-changers

Kane is better all around. Better stage performer. Better battle emcee. Better versatility. Better at writing *songs*. Better freestyle emcee. Better personality. Rakim is the better lyricist. Ra is the more groundbreakibg of the two and had greater impact on the culture. The argument is a toss up.

@Sean Rosati wrong Rakim didn't come out 2yrs before Kane and Kane didn't even have the same style

Big Daddy Kane is the entertainer Jaz-O is the originator KRS-1 is the educator/professor & Rakim is the God.. Rakim evolutionized the art of MC'ing..

I TOTALLY AGREE WITH HIM. KANE WAS MORE VERSATILE & HE COULD BATTLE

Did you watch the video? Seems like you misread the title, commented, and left.

The 18th letter is better than any rap song daddy kane has in terms in lyrical content metaphor deep story line . My opinion the 18th letter is the best verse ever.

In terms of pure lyricism, I don't think any has gifted that apex as Rakim. He's just in another dimension lyrically. When his voice meets the rhythm, you just consciously get glued to the next word picture his words present. Kane is an immensely superb rapper in his field - but not like Rakim.

1rakim 2krs 3kane

Why do people get mad at others for their Opinion and who "THEY" like or don't?

its totally a matter of opinion, sometimes I think differently when I listen to the same artists, its about where you are when you are listening to them.

Kane was overall better because of versatility as a rapper and an artist/entertainer. Rakim is better with technical skill and lyrics.

Respect Pusha...keep banging them joints yo...Respect.

He is called the God based off of 5% knowledge of self. He named himself the God mc based off of that.