Ice T was guest on a recent episode of Drink Champs with N.O.R.E. and DJ EFN, and praised Rakim's rhyme style.

"Rakim really changed the way we all started rapping," the "6 'n The Mornin'" MC said when asked who wins between KRS-One and Rakim.

"I didn't understand the term flow, but when I heard Rakim, KRS had Criminal Minded out. When I was making my first album I had never witnessed a hit [rap] record outside of Run-DMC, and I was in Harlem and every car was playing "Eric B is President."

Ice explained that "My Melody" was equally as popular at the time. "Every car was playing, 'I'll take 7 MCs put 'em in a line.' I was like, 'Who is this motherfucker?' And early on I thought his name was Eric B. The theory of how Rakim rapped made me wanna rap better, and it was the flow of the rhyme and the confidence."

Ice made sure to recognize KRS-One's skills as well. "Hats off to KRS-One," he said. "You don't wanna go against him live, you'll get destroyed. KRS is big like King Sun, and then he's loud. He commands the stage."

Later in the interview, Ice-T compared Rakim to Kool G Rap. "Rakim could flow, but Kool G. Rap was the birth of complex rhyme styles," he explained. "'It's A Demo' — what the fuck? T La Rock to me was the introduction of the complex rhyme style, but Kool G Rap sped it up. I did a record with Kool G Rap for DJ Kay Slay. I've been fortunate enough to meet all my idols, and they respect me. The worst thing would be to meet your idol and they don't like you."

Check out Rakim live at this year's Rock The Bells Festival at Forest Hills Stadium in Queens, NY on Aug. 5.