stealthbomber
cruising at 30,000
nas is one of my favorite rappers but i gotta go with rakim 


It's very easy to tell who DOESN'T listen to Rakim's music because these are the only people who seriously think that Ra ONLY raps about rapping.
Paid In Full vs Illmatic
vs![]()
![]()
how is rakim the goat? and how would rakim be in the running for it while nas isn't?
Rakim is the standard by which all other MCs are judged. He elevated the art form in a way nobody can truly match.
Nas isn't in contention because he lost his way. He made the greatest rap album of all time, and then proceeded to drop the ball in grand fashion.

rakim was relevent for 4 years. nas has been relevent for 18 years, come on champ. aint too many bigger rakim stans than me but be real
rakim easily he laid the blueprint for nas if it wasn't for rakim nas would'nt even know how to be a great lyricist.
that doesnt mean he isnt better tho

@ the old heads in this threads.
Nas is much better from a lyrical and musical standpoint don't see how Rakim is better in either aspect. Illmatic,IWW,Lost Tapes>>>>>>>