Renowned hip-hop artist Raekwon frequently highlights the value of education and self-improvement in addition to musical ability. He is a member of the renowned Wu-Tang Clan, was born in Staten Island, New York, and has put out a number of highly regarded solo albums. His words reveal his conviction that understanding the world around you is just as important to being a successful MC as having good rapping abilities.

Consider a young artist entering the public eye without any prior training or a desire to advance past their current level of development. From Raekwon's point of view, this artist is like a seedling in a huge garden. Even if that seedling is planted in fertile soil, it will struggle to thrive if it does not actively seek out food, sunlight, and water. In a similar vein, an MC will not be able to grow if they lack the drive to learn more about life, culture, society, and themselves.

Aspiring artists are encouraged by Raekwon to read extensively, take in information from a variety of sources, and apply that knowledge to improve their artistic abilities. Similar to laying the foundation for a skyscraper, your career needs a strong foundation based on knowledge and ongoing education if you want it to be strong and long-lasting. This method not only helps MCs write more perceptive lyrics, but it also helps them establish a stronger connection with their audience.

Raekwon's message is essentially about how knowledge and talent work together to shape a successful career. It's about realizing that being an MC is about more than just spitting rhymes; it's about using your platform to spread important messages that come from a deep understanding of the world.