You can’t consider yourself a rap fan if you’re not familiar with Roc Marciano, the legendary rapper and producer hailing from Hempstead on Long Island—100 Terrace Avenue to be exact. When I ask Roc, born Rahkeim Calief Meyer, to tell me about his background, he provides little more than where he’s from geographically. “Moved a lot of different places, though,” he says, “lived in a lot of places.” Throughout the interview, I come to realize Roc is a man of few and careful words. He’s a different generation of New Yorker—one that does not easily devote its energy to just anyone. I can’t say I expected him to divulge his darkest secrets to me, but there is definitely more to know than he lets on in an interview. For now, you’ll have to settle for listening to his music for further insight.

He’s been dubbed the “Godfather of the Underground,” known for his steely and exacting lyricism that calls to mind the spirit of hip-hop’s origins, as well as his production with heavily sampled and sometimes percussion-less beats. At the end of 2024, Roc released the excellent The Skeleton Key with longtime collaborator and a legend in his own right, The Alchemist. He also produced all of the beats on Knowledge the Pirate’s early May release The Round Table, flexing his studio prowess yet again. Roc is an artist who occupies rare air; it’s a real feat to release 11 studio albums, along with many EPs, mixtapes, and guest features, and truly have no misses in the catalogue.

Below, Roc and I discuss how he started rapping, why his dream collaborators are all legendary, style and its enduring effect on hip-hop, and plenty more.


Fit One

roc marciano

How did your rap career begin?

I first started rapping around maybe 13, 14 years old, just listening to the OGs. I always wanted to see what I could contribute.

When did you start to pursue it professionally?

Well, even then, I wanted to be a professional. As a kid I always felt like I had the talent to make a living making music, but my first break came with Busta [Rhymes].

How does someone as prolific as yourself continue to find inspiration? You write, rap, you produce, you produce for other people. How do you stay nimble this many years into making music?

It’s a love for the art. First and foremost I love what I do, so it’s an honor to remain relevant in something that’s always changing. That’s how I find inspiration, just the love first and foremost. I always approach music with hunger. I never take anything for granted.

Fit Two

roc marciano

Is there a dream collaboration out there that you’re waiting on? Or, just a dope artist that you haven’t had a chance to work with yet?

No, besides maybe Jay or Nas; you know, the greats. I’ve worked with everybody else that I wanted to work with. Can’t forget D’Angelo.

I listened to an interview with you recently and you were saying something about wanting to do an album of singing.

Definitely, yeah. I want to make a fire piece of work on some Black Moses type shit.

You have a ton of music. Do you have a favorite project at this point?

Nah. I would say every time I make a project, my latest is my favorite.

Fit Three

roc marciano

Was there a moment in which you first became interested in clothing and style?

Always. With hip-hop, that’s part of the culture. People leave that out sometimes. Getting fly is part of the culture, the aesthetic. It says a lot about your sense of style and your taste that’s important, like the music. Looking at Rakim, him and them brothers. “I Ain’t No Joke” with the Sergio Tacchini sweatsuit on, you know what I’m saying. With the chains, that ‘80s drug dealer-chic look. That was probably what kicked it off for me and my love for fashion.

Has your style changed with your rise over the course of your career?

Style changes when you have access to more. Now I have way more access to things that I didn’t have before. It changes with growth and maturity as well.

How about your live shows? Do you dress differently on and off stage?

No, not really. I’ve always felt that if you can’t wear it in real life, don’t wear it on stage. It’s not like I’m a pop star, so I’m not wearing a costume. I take pride in being comfortable with what I’m wearing on stage as well as off.

Fit Four

roc marciano

Do you remember your first significant purchase?

Man, that’s hard to say—probably some Jordans. The Bugs Bunny joints.

What was your most recent purchase?

Some Linea Rossa Prada pants. I’m actually sitting here looking at them. The bag is still sitting here in my living room. I haven’t even opened it yet.

When you’re not working, what do you do with your downtime? How do you chill out?

Movies. I’m a movie buff. I read.

Fit Five

roc marciano

Can you give me three non-negotiable albums you think everybody should listen to?

Voodoo by D’Angelo. Grief Pedigree by Ka. Might have to go Midnight Marauders [by A Tribe Called Quest].

If you had to wear one outfit for the rest of your life, what would it consist of?

It’d be a Gallery Department track suit. Comfort is king. Nothing more comfortable than that. And Chanel runners.

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