CD Universe noted that Shakur's "flow and lyrical content are more reminiscent of late-1980s/early-1990s icons like Big Daddy Kane and Rakim" than of the later songs of 2Pac himself.
From the late 1980s, at the height of the Afrocentric movement in hip hop (when artists such as KRS-One, Public Enemy, A Tribe Called Quest, the Native Tongues, and Rakim hit success), the movement seemed to be incorporating many doctrines from the Nation of Islam, the Nation of Gods and Earths, and the Nuwaubians.
Rakim (William Michael Griffin Jr., born 1968), American rapper
Rakim | Eric B. & Rakim |
"Dance The Kung Fu" was later sampled by DJ Premier on his 2007 remix of Nike's 25th Air Force One anniversary single "Classic (Better Than I've Ever Been)", featuring Kanye West, Nas, KRS-One and Rakim.
In his review for Rolling Stone magazine, Havelock Nelson said that "Eric B.'s tracks are mellow and mean, while Rakim's lyrics are at once eloquent and threatening".
Writer Ian Condry argues that the rappers on this track are closely emulating the traditional macho posturing of rap, citing influences such as Public Enemy and Rakim.
Kid Capri also made an appearance as Rakim's DJ during the Rock The Bells 2008 show on July 19, 2008 in Tinley Park, Illinois.
Taking inspiration from artists such as Busta Rhymes, Mos Def, Talib Kweli, Common, The Roots, Black Thought, Pharoahe Monch, Rakim, Nas, The Notorious B.I.G., Red Hot Chili Peppers, Coldplay, Snoop Dogg, Dr. Dre, A Tribe Called Quest, Never Yet Contested has developed a music style that blends multiple genres.
The Treacherous Three are remembered as the originators of fast rapping, they directly influenced MCs such as T La Rock, LL Cool J and Rakim.