Released: 2009
Rakim’s song “Still In Love” serves as a heartfelt homage to his enduring passion for hip-hop. With reflective verses, he delves into the nostalgia and fervor that he feels every time he engages with real hip-hop music. This track underscores his lifelong dedication to the genre and his ongoing love affair with the art of emceeing.
Right from the start, Rakim establishes a personal connection with hip-hop, stating that he falls back in love with the genre whenever he hears authentic beats. He positions himself metaphorically as a prisoner in the booth, suggesting that his dedication to music is as consuming and confining as imprisonment. He further elaborates this analogy by describing music as a woman to whom he is irresistibly drawn, much like an uncontrollable obsession.
Throughout the verse, Rakim reveals how real hip-hop energizes him. The reference to “basement speakers” symbolizes raw and genuine music that echoes through small venues and gatherings, providing the backbone of grassroots hip-hop culture. He loves to “keep it pushing,” meaning he continuously drives forward with creative momentum, fueled by this raw energy.
As a “born entertainer,” Rakim likens himself to someone armed with explosive music capable of blowing away audiences. His metaphor of a “flamer” portrays the potent and fiery impact of his music. He emphasizes that his brand of hip-hop isn’t just about mindless noise; it’s genuine, gritty “gangster music,” intended to move listeners both emotionally and physically, highlighted by the term “screwface included” — a nod to listeners’ intense, appreciative reactions.
The imagery continues as he references the beat’s influence, equating it to the festivities of Cinco de Mayo and the power of a .45 caliber pistol (“quatro cinco”). Rakim suggests that his music turns cars into sound machines, evoking the sensation of a drive-by with its booming bass and high energy. This paints a picture of hip-hop as an exhilarating force.
In an exhilarating wordplay, Rakim boasts of creating an electrifying atmosphere in the club. The “thug” theme music he references is a shout-out to his authentic roots and the tough realities often mirrored in hip-hop culture. His beats are designed to get people moving, bringing life to the scene in both literal and figurative senses.
Rakim, through his dynamic lines, likens his music to natural phenomena — meteors crashing, the unstoppable nature of a flood during “global warming.” These comparisons emphasize his unmatched influence in the rap scene, capable of causing upheaval akin to significant historical or natural events. By mentioning figures like Saddam and Osama, he taps into a darker global context, showcasing the fierce power of his art devoid of violent acts (“the horror without the bomb”).
The verse progresses with Rakim celebrating his continual dominance in the industry, “rolling the carpet out” as if declaring the end of a drought — the dry period without quality hip-hop. His presence signifies the “thriller’s back,” breathing life into the music scene with refreshing vigor. Through these analogies, Rakim frames himself as both an artist and savior of authentic hip-hop.
Further, Rakim explores the dual nature of hip-hop as both a stress reliever and an addiction. His relationship with hip-hop mirrors that of a substance user with drugs, where music alleviates his stresses much like “marijuana” and a “needle hit the record like heroin.” He delves into the physical reactions hip-hop elicits, comparing them to “adrenaline rush” and a “schoolyard crush,” symbolizing both intensity and innocence.
Concluding the song, Rakim emphasizes his eternal connection to hip-hop, proudly affirming, “I told you I’m still in love.” His repeated assertion reflects not just a personal affection but also a profound commitment to contributing enduring art to the world. Rakim’s lines signify an artist who is not merely participating in the industry but shaping its very history, ensuring his impact lasts well beyond his years. His music, in essence, becomes his legacy, uniting listeners in shared admiration for true hip-hop.
