RZA Tells New Rappers To Step It Up Like Kendrick Lamar & J. Cole

by Daryl Nelson

RZA recently had some advice for the young rappers who like to sip lean. Now he's back with a little more insight.

While visiting Hot 97 with Masta Killa and DJ Mathematics, he said that new MCs should focus on having strong bars if they want longevity.

"I would advise any MC who is coming on as an MC ... to definitely strive to have powerful bars, great lyrics," said RZA. "Because even a singer strives to become a better singer, a guitar player strives to become a better guitar player."

The legendary producer then talked about Kendrick Lamar and J. Cole, and how they provide balance in Hip-Hop.

"But now Kendrick will come on, who I think is an MC who keeps the balance for us, I think J. Cole keeps the balance and I love Future, trust me. Put on Future, I might jump up and start dancing with you. I'm into it, but there has to be a balance, and I think the MCs who aren't putting that focus into it, that they should always consider it and go back and study the great ones, so that they can add that. I mean, we watch Drake just become greater and greater. We watch that happen, even Kendrick. You watch him continue to become a better MC, because he cared about being that."

What do you think about what RZA said? You can hear the rest of his words about today's rappers around the 11:00 minute mark.