50 Cent took to Instagram to air out anyone unaware of Rakim’s power on the mic, as he shared a clip of the legendary New York rapper dropping a verse.
“If you don’t know who this is please don’t talk to me in life, please and thank you,” 50 wrote in the caption.
In the video, Rakim can be seen dropping bars mid-performance of the Eric B. and Rakim track “Know The Ledge” while on NPR’s Tiny Desk series.
“Shells lay around on the battleground/Dead bodies are found throughout the town/Tried to put shame in my game to make a name/I’ma put it on a bullet, put it in your brain/Rip the block like a buckshot,” Rakim can be seen rapping in the video.
It isn’t the first time 50 Cent has paid homage to Rakim. On The Game’s “Hate It or Love It,” 50 rapped, “My favorite rapper used to sing, ‘Check, check out my melody,’” in reference to Eric B. & Rakim’s Paid in Full track “My Melody.”
However, 50 hasn’t been that focused on rap-related outings as of late. He’s mostly been absorbed in his TV and movie ventures, and recently told Jalen Rose on his Renaissance Podcast that he thinks he and Nicki Minaj would be perfect for a rom-com.
“You know who would probably be fun to work with? Nicki Minaj would be fun to be in a romantic comedy with,” 50 said. “I kinda understand her a little bit more than the other people. When she’s being an asshole it’s because she’s telling you, ‘You’re not going to take advantage of me.’”
