I'm So Slick I Make Medicine Sick
When it comes to the world of hip hop, there are few artists who can claim to have made as much of an impact as Rakim. Known for his smooth flows and intricate rhymes, the New York MC helped to revolutionize the genre in the late 80s and early 90s, paving the way for a new era of lyrical excellence. One of his most famous lines comes from the track "Microphone Fiend", where he proclaims "I'm so slick I make medicine sick". But what does this phrase actually mean, and why is it still relevant today?
The Origins of the Phrase
The line "I'm so slick I make medicine sick" is actually a reference to another iconic figure from the world of sports and entertainment: Muhammad Ali. The legendary boxer was known for his brash personality and trash-talking, but he also had a unique ability to outmaneuver his opponents in the ring. Ali's signature move was the "Ali Shuffle", a fancy footwork technique that allowed him to dodge punches and create openings for his own attacks. He was so quick and elusive that opponents often found themselves swinging at thin air, exhausted and frustrated. Ali famously referred to himself as "the greatest of all time", and he had the skills to back up that claim.
Rakim was a huge fan of Ali, and he saw parallels between the boxer's style and his own approach to rap. Both men were masters of their craft, using their natural talents and hard work to create something truly unique. Rakim's line "I'm so slick I make medicine sick" is a nod to Ali's ability to make his opponents look foolish, and it's also a boast about his own skills as an MC. Rakim was confident in his abilities, and he knew that he could outshine any other rapper on the microphone.
The Legacy of Rakim
Rakim's impact on hip hop cannot be overstated. Alongside his DJ partner Eric B., he created a new style of rap that focused on complex wordplay and intricate rhyme schemes. His innovative use of internal rhymes, multisyllabic rhymes, and syncopated rhythms set a new standard for lyrical dexterity, and it inspired countless other rappers to up their game. Rakim's influence can be heard in the work of artists like Nas, Jay-Z, Eminem, and Kendrick Lamar, all of whom have cited him as a major inspiration.
But Rakim's legacy goes beyond just his technical skill as an MC. He also helped to elevate the role of the rapper in hip hop culture. Before Rakim, rappers were often seen as just one part of a larger crew, with DJs and producers taking center stage. But Rakim's solo debut album "Paid in Full" put the focus squarely on his lyrics and his voice, showcasing the power of the individual rapper. This shift paved the way for other solo artists to emerge and establish themselves as major players in the hip hop world.
The Meaning of "I'm So Slick I Make Medicine Sick"
So what does Rakim's famous line actually mean? At its core, the phrase is a boast about Rakim's abilities as an MC. By claiming to be "slick", he's saying that he's smooth, cool, and in control. He's so good at what he does that he can make even the most skilled opponents look clumsy and uncoordinated. The reference to medicine is a play on words, suggesting that Rakim's rhymes are so potent and effective that they could cure any listener's ills. In other words, Rakim is claiming to be the best rapper around, and he's confident that no one can match his skills on the mic.
The Legacy of "I'm So Slick I Make Medicine Sick"
Today, Rakim's line "I'm so slick I make medicine sick" continues to be celebrated as one of the greatest boasts in hip hop history. It's been referenced and sampled by countless other rappers over the years, cementing its place in the pantheon of iconic rap lyrics. But beyond its status as a memorable line, the phrase also speaks to the enduring power of hip hop as an art form. Rakim's confidence and skill as an MC helped to elevate rap from a niche genre to a global phenomenon, and his influence can still be felt in the work of today's most innovative artists.
So the next time you hear Rakim's line "I'm so slick I make medicine sick", remember that it's not just a catchy phrase - it's a testament to the creativity, talent, and perseverance of one of hip hop's greatest artists.