Rakim: The Definition of a Classic

The best part about this video, is the passion and personal connection each person has with the artist and his music. There is no talk about monetization. They simply made the music, and stood behind it because it was original. They weren’t driven by market (or lack of market), and where the buyers were/are at that time. They weren’t chasing a demographic, or over-analyzing the potential market. It was all about the music. Rakim made the music to create and express, not get rich and gloat/brag.

These days, you think about your fans first. Back then, they thought about themselves, and creating first. Maybe artists need to be more self-centered.