Griffin is the nephew of American R&B singer and actress Ruth Brown. He grew up in Wyandanch, New York, and became involved in the New York hip hop scene at a young age. Eric B brought him to Marley Marlโs house to record "Eric B. is President." At the time Griffin was fresh out of high school and on his way to college, but he decided to forgo higher education and instead chose to record with Eric B. Leshaun
When Griffin turned 16, he joined The Nation of Gods and Earths (also known as the 5 Percent Nation) and changed his name to Rakim Allah.
In 1986, Rakim started to work with New York-based producer-DJ Eric B. The duo โ known as Eric B & Rakim โ is widely regarded as among the most influential and groundbreaking of hip-hop groups. The duoโs first single, "Eric B. Is President" (#48, 1986) b/w โMy Melody,โ was a success and got the duo a contract with the fledgling Island Records sub-label 4th & B'way. The duoโs next single, the smash โI Know You Got Soul,โ sparked early debate on the legality of unauthorized, uncredited sampling when James Brown sued to prevent the duo's use of a fragment of his music. Their first full length album, Paid in Full, was released in 1987, and has since been hailed as one of hip-hop's seminal albums. Their follow-up LP; Follow the Leader was released a year later, and was also well received by fans and critics. The duo recorded two more albums; Let the Rhythm Hit 'Em and Don't Sweat The Technique before they parted ways in late 1992. Due to legal wrangling over royalties and his contracts with both his record label, and with Eric B., Rakim would not release a solo album until five years later.
After splitting with Eric B., Rakim signed with his good friend at the time DeShamus "Q=BOB" Sallis of Q=BOB Records to commence his solo career, however, the label folded shortly afterward. He eventually returned in 1997 with The 18th Letter, which included collaborations with DJ Premier and Pete Rock; which was released in two versions, one of which included an Eric B. & Rakim greatest hits disc titled The Book of Life. The critical reception of the album was positive, and it was certified gold. In 1999, Rakim released The Master, which received very good reviews as well.
Rakim was signed to Dr. Dre's Aftermath Entertainment record label in 2000, for work on an album tentatively titled Oh, My God. The album underwent numerous changes in artistic direction and personnel and was delayed several times. While working on the album, Rakim made guest appearances on numerous Aftermath projects, including the hit single "Addictive" by Truth Hurts, the Dr. Dre-produced "The Watcher Part 2" by Jay-Z, and Eminem's 8 Mile soundtrack. However, Rakim left the label in 2003 and Oh, My God was indefinitely shelved, a result of creative differences with Dre. Rakim signed with DreamWorks Records shortly afterward, but the label closed its doors shortly after that.
Rakim also made cameos in the Juelz Santana video "Mic Check," the Timbaland & Magoo video "Cop that Disc," and the Busta Rhymes video "New York Shit." Eric B. and Rakim's classic album Paid In Full was named the greatest hip-hop album of all time by MTV. Rakim was engaged in a lawsuit with reggaeton performer R.K.M (formerly Rakim) over the use of the name "Rakim". Rakim won the rights to the name. Recently, Rakim was featured in an All-Pro Football 2K8 commercial.
The Seventh Seal, Rakim's long-anticipaited album, was released November 17 2009. The first single off the album, Holy Are You, was released through his MySpace page on July 14, 2009 and was made available on iTunes July 28. A second track "Walk These Streets" ft. Maino was released in October. Rakim has been active during its recording with several national tours and special events. Rakim recently closed the Knitting Factory in NYC as the last Hip-Hop performer to walk off the historic club's stage after 25 years of underground performances.
Rakim has influenced songs by Jay-Z, Nas, The Notirious BIG, Lil- Wayne and countless others. Other rappers use many of his lyrics in their songs, often without giving credit.
Tributes to Rakim include:
* Tupac Shakur pays homage to Rakim in the song "Old School" off the album "Me Against the World"
* Raekwon of Wu-Tang Clan dedicated a tribute to Rakim titled "Rakim Tribute," which was released on DaVinci Code: The Vatican Mixtape Vol. II in 2006.
* 50 Cent makes a reference to Rakim on his hugely successful collaborative effort "Hate It or Love It" with The Game. "Daddy ain't around, probably out committing felonies/my favorite rapper used to sing Ch-Check out my melody," referencing Eric B & Rakim's hit "My Melody".
* Shock-G paid homage to Rakim by playfully reciting lines from the Eric-B & Rakim song "I Know You Got Soul" in the Digital Underground song Doowutchyalike: "since ya came here ya gotta show & prove, and do that dance until it don't move.."
* Saul Williams mentions Rakim in the song "Twice The First Time", stating: "not until you've listened to Rakim on a rocky mountain top have you heard hip hop" and also in the song "Penny For A Thought" where he says "Someone like Rakim said โ 'I could quote any MC, but why should I? how would it benefit me?'"
* Kurupt references Rakim on Snoop Dogg's debut album, Doggystyle. On "For All My Niggaz and Bitches," Kurupt says, "Who's jokin'? Rakim never joked, so why should I, loc? now that's my idol...."
* Ghostface Killah references Rakim in the end of "Paisely Darts," by saying that he is better than every artist except for Rakim, referring to him as "the older god". On his album More Fish, the first track, "Ghost is Back", makes use of the beat from "Juice (Know the Ledge)". He also raps some lines from "Move the Crowd" in "Ghost Deini."
* Eminem has also paid tribute to Rakim's style as an inspiration and references lines from "My Melody"" in his song โI'm Backโ. The hook in Eminem's song "The Way I Am" is a homage to the line "I'm the R, the A, to the KIM. If I wasn't then why would I say I am?" from Eric B and Rakim's "As the Rhyme Goes On". Nas made a similar reference in Got Ur Self A...: "I'm the N the A to the S-I-R / and If I wasn't I must've been Escobar". I-Kompleate has also does the same in his song "Rhymes" on the hook: "I'm not I-K-O to the N-I-C, cos if I was I wouldn't be I-Kompleate".Masta Ace uses this in the song by Bekay "Brooklyn Bridge": "I'm from the B-R double O-K L-Y-N, if I wasn't then why would I yell I am"
* I-Kompleate pays tribute and references Rakim in his songs Rhymes, Dominate (The Microphone), and I'm Ready. "Leaving a trace of R, When I chase the stars" "
* Jay-Z paid tribute to Rakim in his 2007 hit "Blue Magic," where he states: "Eighty-seven state of mind that I'm in/I'm in my prime so for that time I'm Rakim."
* Killah Priest references Rakim in many of his songs. He states: "I remind you of Rakim but I'm not him."
* British rapper Scroobius Pip mentions Rakim in his song "Fixed" from the album Angles, as an example of hip hop as art, in the lines "Take it back to the start/Like KRS and Rakim use passion and heart".
* Nas' Street's Disciple album has a track titled "U.B.R. (Unauthorized Biography of Rakim)" where he tells a short version of Rakim's musical career and life.
* The Game directly refers to Rakim in the first line of the third verse of "Da Shit" by saying, "I'm the West Coast Rakim, got niggaz blocked in." He also mentions Rakim in his song "Angel" on LAX: "So I start hip-hop and I understand why Common used to love her. She got me open so I even had to fuck her. But I used the rubber, cause she was married to Rakim".
* Apathy pays homage to Rakim in his song "Hip Hop is Dead" on Baptism by Fire. Apathy raps, "Remember that video 'I Ain't No Joke', Rakim had a chain that'll break your neck, I'm trying to get paid in full and get that check."
* Rapper R.A. The Rugged Man references Rakim in his song "On The Block" referring to the golden age, "that's when Rakim ran shit."
* Rage Against the Machine covered the song "Microphone Fiend" as the opening song on their final album, Renegades, in 2000.
* Canibus pays homage to Rakim on his 1000-bar song "Poet Laureate Infinity", most notably with the bars "I been toe to toe with the best, I โKnow the Ledgeโ" and "As odd as it may seem, the Microphone Fiend, Is God of the Hip Hop regime"
* Songs like Lloyd's "Girls Around the World" and Snoop Dogg's "Paper'd Up" sample the beat of Eric B. and Rakim's "Paid in Full" with both Lil Wayne and Snoop Dogg putting their own twist on the Rakim's verse.
* Brother Ali calls Rakim his hero in his song "As Real As Can Be". He also references the line "I came in the door/said it before" from "Eric B is President" in his song "Whatcha Got" where he raps "I came in the door/1984".
* Drunken Tiger (South Korean hip-hop artist) features Rakim on the track "Monster" off of his 2009 album, "Feel gHood Muzik: The 8th Wonder".
* Jay-Z references Rakim in his song "Run This Town" rapping, "Please follow the leader/So Eric B. we are/Microphone fiend/It's the return of the god/Peace god..."
* Jin references Rakim in his song "It's All Over" from "The Emcee's Properganda" album with the line "ya'll needa follow the leader like Rakim gave the orders"
* Nas paid tribute in his song The World Is Yours by saying "The fiend of hip-hop has got me stuck like a crack pipe"
* Scott Van Pelt recently said on his radio show that '...because I'm Paid in Full like Rakim'
* Saigon mentions Rakim in his song 'Hip-Hop' stating "We crown Rakim the king, cos he was calling the gods of earth that came with bling bling"
* Jedi Mind Tricks paid tribute to Rakim by sampling two of his lines from Heat It Up in their song Saviorself, "Elements burst and gave birth to the first/Get the pen from the nurse and hook the mic up first"
Widely considered the greatest rapper of all time, he continues his career with the recently released Seventh Seal.
Addictive
Rakim Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
He fills, my cup, I like, it rough
We fuss, we brawl, we rise, we fall
He comes, in late, but it's, OK
He do, I do, he knows, the rules
He takes care of home, though he's not alone
I'm on, his knee, he keeps, me clean
And gives, me things, he makes, me scream
He's so contagious
Returns my pages
He's got me anxious
He's what I waited for
He keeps me guessin'
Spontaneous
He's so persuasive
And I'm his lady
Oh! Tonight is waitin' (tonight is waitin')
And I ain't complainin' (and I ain't complainin)
I'm entertainin' (I'm entertainin')
My number one fan (my number one)
My back is achin' (my back is achin')
From our love makin' (from our love makin' oh)
Oh yes I'm taken
Ain't no use in fakin'
My ups, my downs
My high and my lows
From head to toe
He makes me glow
He hits the spot
He makes me hot
I'm all that he's got
And he's all that I've got
He's so contagious
Returns my pages
He's got me anxious
He's what I waited for
He keeps me guessin' (he keeps me guessin')
Spontaneous (spontaneous)
He's so persuasive (so persuasive)
And I'm his lady
Thinkin' of a masterplan
You know anything you need baby ask your man
You was there from a half a grand
Now it's kilos to C-notes and high fashion brands
We ball like we own the world
The only concern is you my only girl
And when we speakin' in tongues
Breathing hard when I'm squeezin' your lungs
Keep it strong, but I gotta hit the streets when I'm done
It's joy and pain, when you tryin' to get ahead of the game
It's fucked up, but you never complain
You just pray I don't get killed when I hit the hood
Just another hundred mill' and I'mma quit for good
No more drug wars trips to jail and shootouts
Gettin' loot out for lawyers and bail'll get you boot out
Just me and you, high off sex and twisted
You OG'd and you OD, addicted
He's so contagious
Returns my pages
He's got me anxious
He's what I waited for
He keeps me guessin'
Spontaneous
He's so persuasive (so persuasive)
And I'm his lady (and I'm his lady)
He's so contagious
Returns my pages
He's got me anxious
He's what I waited for
He keeps me guessin'
Spontaneous
He's so persuasive
And I'm his lady
The song "Addictive" by Rakim is about a woman who is in love with a man who is not necessarily the best influence in her life, but she can't help being drawn to him. The woman sings about how he breaks her down and builds her up, fills her cup and takes care of her, but also causes fights and arguments. Despite their ups and downs, she feels like she needs him in her life and that he is worth the trouble.
The chorus describes the man as "contagious" and "persuasive," which highlights his ability to affect the woman's mood and behavior. She is anxious and always waiting for him, but also entertained and satisfied when he is around. The man is referred to as both a lover and a drug, as the woman seems to be addicted to him and will do anything to keep him in her life.
Overall, the lyrics show a complicated relationship between two people who are drawn to each other despite the potential risks and issues that come with it.
Line by Line Meaning
He breaks, me down, he builds, me up
He is able to bring me down when I'm feeling low and also uplift my spirit when I need it.
He fills, my cup, I like, it rough
He keeps me satisfied emotionally and physically, even though we have our disagreements.
We fuss, we brawl, we rise, we fall
Our relationship has its ups and downs, but we always find a way to bounce back and move forward.
He comes, in late, but it's, OK
He may not always be punctual, but I have faith in him and understand that he has other things on his plate.
He do, I do, he knows, the rules
We both do our part in the relationship and understand the boundaries and expectations.
He takes care of home, though he's not alone
He is a responsible partner and helps take care of our home, even though he has other responsibilities and obligations.
I'm on, his knee, he keeps, me clean
I rely on him for support and he takes care of me, both physically and emotionally.
And gives, me things, he makes, me scream
He is generous with me and is able to satisfy me sexually.
He's so contagious
He has a magnetic personality that draws me towards him.
Returns my pages
He is responsive and attentive to my needs and desires.
He's got me anxious
I am excited and curious about him, and can't wait to see what he'll do next.
He's what I waited for
He is the man of my dreams, and I feel lucky to be with him.
He keeps me guessin'
He surprises me with his actions and keeps me on my toes.
Spontaneous
He is unpredictable and likes to keep things interesting.
He's so persuasive
He has a way of convincing me of things and getting me on his side.
And I'm his lady
I am proud to be his partner and am committed to him.
Oh! Tonight is waitin' (tonight is waitin')
We have exciting plans for the evening that are waiting for us.
And I ain't complainin' (and I ain't complainin)
I am happy with what we have and am not complaining about anything.
I'm entertainin' (I'm entertainin')
I am keeping him entertained and happy.
My number one fan (my number one)
He supports and loves me unconditionally.
My back is achin' (my back is achin')
Our physical activities earlier have left me a bit sore.
From our love makin' (from our love makin' oh)
Our physical activities together earlier were intense and passionate.
Oh yes I'm taken
I am committed to him and am not available to others.
Ain't no use in fakin'
There is no point in pretending to be with anyone else.
My ups, my downs
He experiences all the highs and lows of my life with me.
My high and my lows
He is there for me through my best times and my worst.
From head to toe
He is able to satisfy me in every way possible.
He makes me glow
He makes me feel special and radiant.
He hits the spot
He is able to satisfy me sexually in all the right places.
He makes me hot
He turns me on and excites me.
I'm all that he's got
I am his everything and he is committed to me.
And he's all that I've got
He is my everything and I am committed to him.
Thinkin' of a masterplan
He is always thinking ahead and strategizing.
You know anything you need baby ask your man
I am here to support and help him with anything he needs.
You was there from a half a grand
We have come a long way together, from humble beginnings.
Now it's kilos to C-notes and high fashion brands
We have become more affluent and have access to luxury goods and high-end fashion.
We ball like we own the world
We are living in luxury and enjoying our success together.
The only concern is you my only girl
My priority and focus is on you, my partner.
And when we speakin' in tongues
We have a strong, spiritual connection with each other.
Breathing hard when I'm squeezin' your lungs
Our physical activities together are intense and passionate.
Keep it strong, but I gotta hit the streets when I'm done
We need to maintain our strong relationship, but I have other responsibilities to attend to as well.
It's joy and pain, when you tryin' to get ahead of the game
There are challenges and obstacles in trying to succeed and get ahead.
It's fucked up, but you never complain
Despite the difficulties, you are always supportive and never complain about our situation.
You just pray I don't get killed when I hit the hood
You are concerned for my safety and well-being when I go into dangerous areas.
Just another hundred mill' and I'mma quit for good
Once we reach a certain level of financial success, we can retire and enjoy our lives together.
No more drug wars trips to jail and shootouts
Our lives will be free from the dangers and violence associated with drug-related activities.
Gettin' loot out for lawyers and bail'll get you boot out
We no longer have to worry about paying for lawyers and bail money, which used to take up a lot of our resources.
Just me and you, high off sex and twisted
We can finally enjoy each other's company and have fun without any worries or distractions.
You OG'd and you OD, addicted
You are my everything and I am hopelessly addicted to you.
Lyrics ยฉ Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: STEPHEN GARRETT, WILLIAM N GRIFFIN, DAVID BLAKE N HEPBURN, ERROL N MCCALLA
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
dnyl duff
He breaks, me down, he builds, me up
He fills, my cup, I like, it rough
We fuss, we brawl, we rise, we fall
He comes, in late, but it's, OK
He do, I do, he knows, the rules
He takes care of home, though he's not alone
I'm on, his knee, he keeps, me clean
And gives, me things, he makes, me scream
He's so contagious
Returns my pages
He's got me anxious
He's what I waited for
He keeps me guessin'
Spontaneous
He's so persuasive
And I'm his lady
Oh! Tonight is waitin' (tonight is waitin')
And I ain't complainin' (and I ain't complainin)
I'm entertainin' (I'm entertainin')
My number one fan (my number one)
My back is achin' (my back is achin')
From our love makin' (from our love makin' oh)
Oh yes I'm taken
Ain't no use in fakin'
My ups, my downs
My high and my lows
From head to toe
He makes me glow
He hits the spot
He makes me hot
I'm all that he's got
And he's all that I've got
He's so contagious
Returns my pages
He's got me anxious
He's what I waited for
He keeps me guessin' (he keeps me guessin')
Spontaneous (spontaneous)
He's so persuasive (so persuasive)
And I'm his lady
Thinkin' of a masterplan
You know anything you need baby ask your man
You was there from a half a grand
Now it's kilos to C-notes and high fashion brands
We ball like we own the world
The only concern is you my only girl
And when we speakin' in tongues
Breathing hard when I'm squeezin' your lungs
Keep it strong, but I gotta hit the streets when I'm done
It's joy and pain, when you tryin' to get ahead of the game
It's fucked up, but you never complain
You just pray I don't get killed when I hit the hood
Just another hundred mill' and I'mma quit for good
No more drug wars trips to jail and shootouts
Gettin' loot out for lawyers and bail'll get you boot out
Just me and you, high off sex and twisted
You OG'd and you OD, addicted
He's so contagious
Returns my pages
He's got me anxious
He's what I waited for
He keeps me guessin'
Spontaneous
He's so persuasive (so persuasive)
And I'm his lady (and I'm his lady)
He's so contagious
Returns my pages
He's got me anxious
He's what I waited for
He keeps me guessin'
Spontaneous
He's so persuasive
And I'm his lady
Dee
You off the planet, wherever you at you stand out
Plus you specialize in freakin your man out
Put it all in one pot lets see if it pan out
Stick ya hand out, I got it all planned out
Layin out the way, I set a date to wed on
Plus you got your head on, you my queen from here on
Lookin like lady Revlon with all red on
She fiending till I'm in her arms, I'm King
Put the silk bedspread on
Rose pedals and scent candle lit
Victoria's Secret set on
Rough sex turnin her on
So ghetto, innocent but scandalous just bling and fur on
Million dollar habit, she said its a fetish she gotta have it
Once she get it, she holla thats it
Keep the waters rapid
The hotter its automatic
(Chorus)
He's so contagious,ย returns my pages
He's got me anxious, he's what I've waited for
He keeps me guessing, spontaneous
He's so persuasive and I'm his lady
Oh! Tonight is waitin, and I ain't complainin
I'm entertainin, my number one fan
My back is achin, from our love makin
Oh yes I'm taken, ain't no use in fakin
My ups, my downs, my high and my lows
From head to toe, he makes me glow
He hits the spot, he makes me hot
I'm all that he's got, and he's all that I've got
(Chorus)
He's so contagious,ย returns my pages
He's got me anxious, he's what I've waited for
He keeps me guessing, spontaneous
He's so persuasive and I'm his lady
Thinking of a master plan
You know anything you need baby ask your man
You was there from a half a gram
Now it's kilos to C-notes and high fashion brands
We ball like we own the world
The only concern is you my only girl
And when we speakin in tongues
Breathing hard when I'm squeezin' your lungs
Keep it strong, but I gotta hit the streets when I'm done
It's joy and pain, when you tryin to get ahead of the game
It's fucked up, but you never complain
You just pray I don't get killed when I hit the hood
Just another hundred mill' and I'mma quit for good
No more drug wars trips to jail and shootouts
Gettin loot out for lawyers and bail'll get you boot out
Just me and you, high off sex and twisted
You OG'd and you OD: addicted
(Chorus)
He's so contagious,ย returns my pages
He's got me anxious, he's what I've waited for
He keeps me guessing, spontaneous
He's so persuasive and I'm his lady
Danny Chew
Rest in peace Lata Mangeshkar, your beautiful melodious voice will be missed. โฅ๏ธ
AJ 42K
Wait? She died???
OddCreature762
I am shocked I didn't even know rest in peace thank you for that information take care
Tamela Williams
@AJ 42K Yes, she died the day before my bday actually, this year, February 6, 2022.
God child
@Tamela Williams are you talking about the lady on the cover
Iya Shinokaze
@God child she is an indian singer for a whole lot of songs
Swayam Sambhav Rajguru
๐RIP ๐
LATA MANGESKAR JI
Infinite thanks to Lata Mangeskar mam for her magical voice .
1929 - 2022๐
Harpal Jhooti
Correction: 1929 - 2022
Swayam Sambhav Rajguru
@Harpal Jhooti tq
Hess Sabine
๐๐บ๐๐๐๐2022/2023