DID RAKIM OPEN A CAN OF WORMS

In a recent interview Rakim stated that the reason a certain realm is missing from Hip-Hop may lie with the city that birthed the culture, NYC. The Big Apple was responsible for creating the gritty Hip-Hop we are all accustomed too according to the God MC yet very seldom we hear it today. Do we need more unity between those who represent the East Coast and egos checked to encourage the East’s and in particular the NYC legacy to prevail?
All opinions welcomed.