At this point, If someone says Rakim is the GOAT, it's equivalent to saying Kareem is the GOAT in BBall
- Thread starter C-Styles
- Start date
One issue is what makes someone the GOAT? Everybody has their own stipulations. Me personally, I could never consider a player like Kareem to be the GOAT due to the limited area on the court where he is effective. Sure he is dam near unstoppable in the paint. But outside of the paint, what's he doing? Knock down a 3? No. Bring the ball up and break down the defense? No. Too many limitations for centers, particularly from back in the day. That could change tho now that we are seeing centers bring the ball up, set up the play and be a distributor, and knock down 3's, like Jokic and I expect in the future Wemby.
LiveFromLondon
Superstar
If you are to be truly objective, Biggie isnt above Rakim with only 2 albums
The_Third_Man
Superstar
there was a time when the goat debate was always between Rakim and Krs-1.
people now says "I don't get mad if somebody says Rakim is the goat" lol time has changed.
people now says "I don't get mad if somebody says Rakim is the goat" lol time has changed.
Rakim has verses from the late 80s and early 90s that are more advanced rhyme wise/structurally than a lot of verses from some talented dope rappers today…just think about that. I’ll put the imagery and flow exhibited in that first verse of “Follow the leader” up against whoever you wanna name that’s dope today. Not to mention the influence Ra had just in general, dudes wanted to be like him, sound like him, etc…
The only reason Ra may not make my Top 10 is because it didn’t last…he had maybe a 3 year run of greatness and being arguably the best…then it kinda just fizzled out. And his bodies of work, as timeless and great as a couple are, aren’t really motivating and captivating generations after him like Pac, or even some of Big’s, stuff.
Kareem was great for his era, imo. He had an unstoppable move that dominated the league…but in terms of raw talent and all that, nahh. Him and Rakim are two totally different things…I’d say saying Rakim is the best ever is like old heads that say Isiah was the best ever, you had to be there…the raw skill and nigs never seeing nothing like it at the time. If you watch old footage of Isiah Thomas in his prime today that shyt will still have you
, unbelievable. Rakim has that same sort of highlight reel. Kareem is more like 50 Cent, lol…Kareem or Shaq.
The only reason Ra may not make my Top 10 is because it didn’t last…he had maybe a 3 year run of greatness and being arguably the best…then it kinda just fizzled out. And his bodies of work, as timeless and great as a couple are, aren’t really motivating and captivating generations after him like Pac, or even some of Big’s, stuff.
Kareem was great for his era, imo. He had an unstoppable move that dominated the league…but in terms of raw talent and all that, nahh. Him and Rakim are two totally different things…I’d say saying Rakim is the best ever is like old heads that say Isiah was the best ever, you had to be there…the raw skill and nigs never seeing nothing like it at the time. If you watch old footage of Isiah Thomas in his prime today that shyt will still have you
, unbelievable. Rakim has that same sort of highlight reel. Kareem is more like 50 Cent, lol…Kareem or Shaq.
Kareem would dominate in todays game. He already has the stature and foot work, add on he would have access to the same training regiment and modern medicine as today's players too. If he played now, he'd be super scary. Who would stop him?Rakim has verses from the late 80s and early 90s that are more advanced rhyme wise/structurally than a lot of verses from some talented dope rappers today…just think about that. I’ll put the imagery and flow exhibited in that first verse of “Follow the leader” up against whoever you wanna name that’s dope today. Not to mention the influence Ra had just in general, dudes wanted to be like him, sound like him, etc…
The only reason Ra may not make my Top 10 is because it didn’t last…he had maybe a 3 year run of greatness and being arguably the best…then it kinda just fizzled out. And his bodies of work, as timeless and great as a couple are, aren’t really motivating and captivating generations after him like Pac, or even some of Big’s, stuff.
Kareem was great for his era, imo. He had an unstoppable move that dominated the league…but in terms of raw talent and all that, nahh. Him and Rakim are two totally different things…I’d say saying Rakim is the best ever is like old heads that say Isiah was the best ever, you had to be there…the raw skill and nigs never seeing nothing like it at the time. If you watch old footage of Isiah Thomas in his prime today that shyt will still have you
There were players who were products of their era, Kareem isn't one of them.
Hellll naw, I disagree vehemently my nig. I’m more of a basketball nut than a rap nut so we can bust it up but I’m not budging lol. Kareem wasn’t as limited as a Wilt or Bill Russell, of course not, but he wasn’t super skilled like that imo. I think the best center ever, on some skill ish, is Hakeem…like clearly too,
. But regardless, would you compare a Rakim to Kareem? Rakim is too flashy and ill with it, Kareem is more KRS imo
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DontEemTry
Superstar
Greatest of his era.
We need to start describing GOAT's like this.
We need to start describing GOAT's like this.
Derrick Rose was lowkey on his way to entering the debate before the injury, kid was unbelievableYep
My son’s goat is Derrick Rose & J Cole
MegaTronBomb!
Power is in my hair nikka
people truly discredit the fact that Kareem is the most accomplished basketball player at all levels of the sport.
From HS to the NBA, nobody has accomplished more.
From HS to the NBA, nobody has accomplished more.
C-Styles
Superstar
AAANNNDDD That's EXACTLY why the comparison is valid af with Rakim
Rakim was doing GOD TIER things at a young age that nobody else could duplicate at that time! Sure it was a "you had to be there" moment but then you hear it today and think, WHO TRAINED THIS MF??!
I don't think Rakim gets enough respect, and then you have the BET awards a few weeks ago that had me SUPER DUMBFOUNDED as to
why the crowd was quiet af during his performance, i was like HELL NAH, wtf kinda disrespect is this, the youth don't really know huh?
Bboystyle
FIRE MATT LAFLEUR
Thats becuz the youth is looking for some type of opps diss or drug usage. Braindead elementary shyt.AAANNNDDD That's EXACTLY why the comparison is valid af with Rakim
Rakim was doing GOD TIER things at a young age that nobody else could duplicate at that time! Sure it was a "you had to be there" moment but then you hear it today and think, WHO TRAINED THIS MF??!
I don't think Rakim gets enough respect, and then you have the BET awards a few weeks ago that had me SUPER DUMBFOUNDED as to
why the crowd was quiet af during his performance, i was like HELL NAH, wtf kinda disrespect is this, the youth don't really know huh?