Rakim
Long Island MC widely credited with revolutionizing rap lyricism by introducing complex internal rhyme schemes and introspective themes that raised the entire genre's technical standard.
Pantheon Standing
| List Name | Rank | Combined |
|---|---|---|
| Top 100 Hip Hop Artists of All Time | #1 | 96.0 |
The Age Divide
Voters under 30 and over 35 rank Rakim significantly differently across lists.
The Cultural Record
Discography
Long Island MC widely credited with revolutionizing rap lyricism by introducing complex internal rhyme schemes and introspective themes that raised the entire genre's technical standard
Awards & Recognition
No Grammy data on record.
—
Paid in Full (1987
with Eric B.)
Rolling Stone's Greatest MC of All Time
The Case For Rakim
“The longevity argument alone puts them in a category of one. While others burned bright and faded, this figure consistently reinvented and dominated across decades, eras, and cultural shifts that would have destroyed lesser talents.”
“Technically unmatched. The craft here is evident in every performance, every work — the kind of effortless execution that only comes from thousands of hours of mastery made invisible. They make the impossible look inevitable.”
“Commercial success should never be held against artistic legacy. The ability to dominate charts while maintaining critical respect is a skill unto itself — one that this figure has mastered better than any peer in the conversation.”
Rank History
Ranking history for Rakim will appear here as votes are cast and positions shift over time.
Often Compared To
Redman
#2Hip-Hop / Rap — Newark, New Jersey · 1990–present
Newark rapper whose wild, comedic energy and razor-sharp lyricism made him one of the most beloved cult figures in hip-hop and one-half of the Method Man & Redman duo.
Remy Ma
#3Hip-Hop / Rap — South Bronx, New York · 2000–present
South Bronx rapper who maintained her reputation as one of the most formidable lyricists in hip-hop even after serving six years in prison and returning to a reformed industry.