I used to go to Saks, I would go to Bergdorf, I would go to Barneys, I would go to thrift stores in SoHo.

I'm from New York and I love New York and I'm always repping New York, but what I represent is something deeper than just being a New York rapper.

I don't even like New York rappers.

My real name's Rakim - my parents named me after the god MC himself.

I would not consider myself to be a quote unquote real New York rapper. I don't even like New York rappers.

I know that women are smarter than men. I don't wanna sound like I'm on a bandwagon for chicks but I do love 'em, can't front. Women are smarter than men. I know I gotta lot of chicks up my sleeve but you guys are twice as good.

A lot of energy and excitement - that's what a lot of my shows are, energy and excitement.