He might not be as high-profile as Tupac Shakur, Notorious B.I.G. or Jay-Z, but hip-hop enthusiasts know Rakim. His detailed, rhythmic flow and delivery have made him a revered figure in the rap community ever since he and partner Eric B. hit the scene with their classic 1987 album, "Paid in Full."
"He is easily one of the top-three rappers of all time," said Rheturik (pronounced rhetoric) a rapper from the show's opening group, Dujeous.
Last Friday Rakim brought his 20-plus years of experience to the Syracuse University Schine Underground, as he headlined the Black Artist League and Student African- American Society Hip-Hop Showcase.
Although Rakim's popularity may have decreased within hip-hop's current fan base, his overall presence has not, as he is still cited as an influence to many of today's rappers.
"When he came onto the scene, he made everyone step their game up," said junior Prince Amartey, a member of the Student African-American Society. "Within today's age group, however, rappers like Rakim are underappreciated. Today it's all about image and not about the message."
On Friday night, however, Rakim's message could be heard in full force. His energy fueled the small crowd as he opened his set with a montage of classic hits. "My Melody," "It's Been a Long Time" and "Paid in Full," had the crowd pumping their fists and singing along in unison.
Halfway through the show, Rakim's old-school flow began to rub off on the crowd as several audience members formed a break-dancing circle in the back of the venue. Rakim's "Follow the Leader" and "Microphone Fiend" served as background music as several breakers flaunted their skills.
Although the crowd for the show was small, it gave the audience a chance to better interact with the artist. At one point between songs, a fan screamed out that he had seen Rakim at Syracuse University 20 years ago, to which the rapper replied "You saw me 20 years ago? Are you trying to make me feel old?" as the rest of the audience laughed.
Later on in his set, he introduced the new head-bobbing single, "It's Nothing," off his soon-to-be-released new album, "The Seventh Seal," Rakim's first solo project in eight years. "It's Nothing" had the audience dancing along as Rakim rapped about the current state of hip-hop.
"We stuck in a time of drought, nothing to rhyme about … who put the fire out?" he asked. "Real hip-hop is dying out."
His overall message in the song has been a constant theme among today's top lyricists. Just recently Nas released "Hip-Hop is Dead," his eighth studio album. In it, Nas discusses the state of hip-hop today and how the genre in its truest form died a long time ago. Rakim, who Nas consistently cites as an influence, seemed to be echoing the same remarks.
As the show came to a close, Rakim thanked the crowd for coming out to support him. He ended with classics "I Know You Got Soul" and "Eric B. is President," and the crowd again joined in.
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