Rakim discusses his songwriting process, his mother's influence on his music, the unreleased album with Dr. Dre, and the time he slapboxed with LL Cool J. The live event explores his life and work, offering insights for rising artists. The episode is packed with gems and showcases Rakim's legendary MC skills.
Rock Kim emphasizes intuition and cosmic inspiration in his songwriting process, utilizing diverse influences for lyrical content.
Rock Kim reflects on the pioneers of early rap, such as Meli Mel and Grandmaster Caz, who shaped his artistic identity.
Rock Kim shares insights into his unreleased album with Dr. Dre, revealing creative differences that led to its cancellation.
Deep dives
Rock Kim discusses his collaboration with the podcast host on a book about his life and creative process
Rock Kim joins the podcast to share insights into his upcoming book, delving into his lyrical complexity, flow intricacies, and creative journey. The episode highlights discussions on songwriting techniques, the influence of musicians like John Coltrane on his work, the unreleased album with Dr. Dre, and memorable moments like slapboxing LL Cool J in 1987.
Rock Kim reveals his approach to songwriting and artistic inspiration
Rock Kim reflects on his songwriting process, emphasizing a blend of intuition and cosmic inspiration. He describes the role of meditation in channeling creative energy and tapping into diverse influences for lyrical content. He also opens up about the voices and concepts that guide his composition, illustrating a deep connection to his craft and a continuous quest for meaningful expression.
Anecdotes on Rock Kim's early exposure to music and admiration for legendary artists
Rock Kim shares nostalgic moments from his musical journey, reminiscing about the influence of iconic artists like Meli Mel, Grandmaster Caz, and Kumo D. He reflects on the challenges and innovations of the early rap era, acknowledging the pioneers who shaped his artistic identity and continue to inspire his creative process today.
Rock Kim recounts the studio session and songwriting approach during collaboration with Dr. Dre
Rock Kim sheds light on his collaboration with Dr. Dre for an album, highlighting the creative differences that led to the project's cancellation. He shares insights into the studio dynamics, revealing the contrasting visions for the album's direction and the decision to part ways due to divergent artistic perspectives.
Rock Kim's memorable experience slapboxing LL Cool J and reflecting on musical influences
Rock Kim recalls a spirited slapboxing encounter with LL Cool J during a tour, adding a humorous touch to their competitive camaraderie. Additionally, he shares formative experiences working with his father, an airplane mechanic, reflecting on how childhood interactions influenced his approach to challenges and creativity in his career.
The greatest MC ever on how to write songs, the influence of John Coltrane on his MCing, the influence of his mother on his music, the real reason why his album with Dr. Dre never came out, and the story of Rakim slapboxing with LL Cool J in 1987. Rakim and I have been working on a book about his life and his work for three years. This first ever Toure Show live event stems from that book and from a collaboration with Fla- vorpill and WeWork. It was recorded at a WeWork space in Manhattan in front of a great crowd. Hope you learn some things that will help you rise. Tons of gems in this one. Let me know what you think. Twitter: @toure. Toure Show Ep 16 Rakim—“How I MC” Host & Writer: Toure Producers: Chris Colbert and Matt Ford The House: Cadence 13