Rakim expresses interest in collaborating with Will Smith for hit single sequel
Long Island lyricist Rakim has praised his longtime peer Will Smith and expressed interest in collaborating with the actor for a sequel to one of his biggest songs.
During a conversation backstage at A Grammy Salute to 50 Years of Hip Hop in 2023, Smith told Rakim that he had wished to emulate the rapper on his hit ‘Summertime’, explaining that he had “been screaming all night, and I couldn’t get my ‘happy-go-lucky’ high voice.”
In an effort to overcome the challenge, his producer, DJ Jazzy Jeff, suggested he attempt to emulate Rakim’s signature delivery. “[He] just said, ‘Yo, just gimme that Rakim shit,'” Smith explained.
‘Summertime’ ended up winning a Grammy for ‘Best Rap Performance by a Duo or Group’ and climbed its way up to number four on the Billboard Hot 100.
To commemorate the anniversary of his album Homebase, Smith reposted the video capturing the exchange between himself and Rakim on his Instagram, captioning it: “Yes, I did bite the God MC [Rakim’s] flow on our jawn ‘Summertime’. Hahaha!”
In response, Rakim demonstrated his support, suggesting the two collaborate officially on a follow-up track. “Peace Will! Keep rockin bro, it’s time for SUMMERTIME PT 2 wit me on it,” he wrote.
When ‘Summertime’ was first released, many speculated that Rakim had actually written the track. Although he had no involvement except for his influence on Smith in the studio, he admitted on The Combat Jack Show, that he had been presented with the beat for the first unveiling of the track. “It was ironic that me and Eric B. had sampled it, and we had it ready to go,” he said at the time.
He continued, “But when they came out with it, a lot of people thought it was me because of the style he used. But it was one of those things where that was them. I didn’t write it. That was Will and Jeff.”