Rakim Applauds Kendrick-Drake Battle for Reviving 'Real' Hip-Hop

Rakim Applauds Kendrick-Drake Battle for Reviving 'Real' Hip-Hop

In a recent interview with Billboard, legendary rapper Rakim shared his thoughts on the Kendrick Lamar and Drake battle that took place this spring, praising it for revitalizing hip-hop. According to Rakim, the battle demonstrated the crucial distinction between "real" and "mainstream" hip-hop, something that many younger artists might not fully understand.

"I think that it was important because these brothers are at the top of the game and revered hip-hop," Rakim told Complex alum Angel Diaz. He admired Kendrick and Drake for stepping up to the challenge despite their mainstream success, stating, "You know, a lot of people in that position won’t accept no challenge because they got too much to lose. So, it was dope that these brothers put the mainstream success down and said, 'Yeah, let’s do it.'"

Rakim continued by emphasizing that the battle clarified the differences between genuine hip-hop and its mainstream counterpart. "The battle put a lot of things in perspective because it showed the difference between real hip-hop and mainstream hip-hop," he explained. "Younger artists now know that there’s a difference. A lot of them didn’t even understand that. They just listened to the majority, not knowing that a lot of people don’t categorize what they were hearing as real hip-hop. The battle was very needed for the genre. I tip my hat to them brothers. Let’s just hope that it stays to the music."

Not everyone shares Rakim's positive outlook, however. Questlove criticized the feud, claiming it exemplified why "hip-hop is truly dead." He described the battle as mere "wrestling match level mudslinging" rather than a display of skill, arguing that it was detrimental to the genre. "Nobody Won The War," Questlove wrote on Instagram in May. "This wasn't about skill. This was a wrestling match level mudslinging and takedown by any means necessary --- women & children (& actual facts) be damned. Same audience wanting blood will soon put up 'rip' posts like they weren't part of the problem. Hip Hop Is Truly Dead."

Ice-T also dismissed the feud as "male gossip," indicating that not all old-school rappers see the Kendrick-Drake battle as a positive force in hip-hop.

Despite the differing opinions, Rakim remains hopeful that the battle will inspire future artists to prioritize lyrical skill and authenticity over mainstream appeal. The Kendrick and Drake battle, in Rakim's view, is a crucial reminder of what hip-hop truly represents, and he commends both artists for their willingness to engage in it.

By engaging in this high-profile feud, Kendrick and Drake have arguably brought attention back to the core values of hip-hop, pushing younger artists to reflect on the essence of the genre. The battle may serve as a pivotal moment in modern hip-hop, challenging the industry to embrace its roots while continuing to evolve.