Rakim has attributed the lack of balance and possible death on Hip-Hop to his hometown of New York. Rakim made the proclamation about New York in an interview with Jenny Boom Boom of Hot 93.7 in Connecticut.

"There is a certain realm of Hip-Hop [that is missing] and you might have to blame that on New York", Rakim said. "New York is responsible for bringing that raw, that real gritty Hip-Hop, because we originated it."

I mean, when you're churning out 'artists' like Ron Browz, then yes, you definitely have a problem.

He said there was hope, if the region got back to the staple sound that hit its zenith in the 80's and 90's.

"New York and the East Coast, we gotta represent and do our part. And it's OK for everybody else to do what they do. Then it will be a balance and everybody'll be happy."

See, this is what people aren't realizing. Every region has it's own sound and flavor and the reason for that is as Rakim says, BALANCE. Unfortunately, there are artists from all regions making music that's just remarkably mediocre, and THAT is what is killing hip-hop right now.

Nevertheless, the pioneering rap artist remained optimistic about the future for the genre.

"I'm feeling good [and] optimistic and I'm hoping people understand that power that Hip-Hop got. I hope everybody understands the time we in right now, and I hope everybody wanna make some good music and keep Hip-Hop alive."

Rakim was hard pressed to pinpoint a savior to return rap to the Golden Era, but he said that it could happen through a unified movement.

How about YOU Ra? What about that Seventh Seal album we were promised? Gah…