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 Marl’s 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 — known as Eric B & Rakim — is widely regarded as among the most influential and groundbreaking of hip-hop groups. The duo’s first single, "Eric B. Is President" (#48, 1986) b/w “My Melody,” was a success and got the duo a contract with the fledgling Island Records sub-label 4th & B'way. The duo’s next single, the smash “I Know You Got Soul,” 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 – '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 “I'm Back”. 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 ‘Know the Ledge’" 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.
Finest Ones
Rakim Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Clarkworld baby
Uh, uh
[Repeat: x4]
It's the are baby
It's the god baby
It's like thugs will rush the illustrious
We all love to touch the voluptuous
It's a must that we lust, plus we love to crush
Women pose, from timberland's to feminine clothes
Check there portfolios and put'em in centerfolds
Pen explode, draw crowds respond re-el
I stay calm as hell surrounded by bombshells
Careful as I get near'em, stand near and compare 'em
Or all girl heir 'em, I'm the man with the serum
Assets, probably dressed but still bear 'em
It seem like they wear 'em, just for me to tear 'em
In quakes I see more things shake then spring break
It's like a dream state, perfect shape same date
You got a lot to give and look how hot it is, you so provocative
And it's your prerogative. Baby bounce.
[Chorus]
Ladies, nothing but the finest ones
The lavishist ones, the ain't hard to findest ones
From the boldest to the shy-ist ones
Which city got the livest ones
New York, L.A., Atlanta, V.A., Miami, D.C., tell me!
Bon Jour, baby here go my brochure
Give me a phone call, I'll show you the whole store
It's so raw, I'll have your world in all
You want to know how much the whole package go for?
My spectacle, like a festival, it's majestical, special guest for you
Ready to party hard the party's in yards to the mardygraud
Rap say on's, please give you a body massage
Rock jams, have you hot in your pants and nasty
Forbidden dance with me? Or tickle your there see
Let Ra take you on a ron day vue
Couple of days will do if it's o.k. with you
Deserted isle style middle of winter with no bed
I'll comfort you like you were Jennifer Lopez
You get what you deserve if I said we swerve
I'll hit more than nerve and that's my every word. Baby bounce.
[Chorus]
Houston, Philly
[Chorus]
Baby you wake up the next day laungary negligee
Give you a sex ex-ray before we catch the rays
Let's blaze a lot more games left to play
While you still amazed from yesterday's escapades
Steadily show my pedigree so thoroughly to the B-o-n-e like chemotherapy
Sex and triple x you ready to wed next, relax baby you need plenty of bed rest
You've been a passenger of a high speed crash with a wild style fashioner
Dark skinned ambassador, chiropractor with a passion
For smashin' your ass like a cardiovascular massacre.
You've be through shock heading at your see you-wop
Body'so hot, you need a shot from your new doc.
With better cures where's it sore I'll wetter more.
And let it pour from her to head to her peticular's, baby bounce.
[Chorus]
Detroit, San Fran
[Chorus]
Chi-Town, Boston
[Chorus]
Cleveland, B-More
[Chorus]
Orlando, N.O.
What! Brooklyn, uptown, Queens, Bronx, L.I., Staten Island,
N.J., What! Connecticut, can't forget y'all,
Girls everywhere, ha ha
Girls, girls, girls, girls
Dedicated to the ladies from Rakim the god
And Clark the world, you heard! What!
Rakim's "Finest Ones" is an ode to the appreciation of women, and a declaration of the artist's own sexual prowess. The song begins with Rakim asking where the ladies are, establishing the focus on women for the rest of the piece. He then boasts about his rhyming abilities and desire to find a club to rush, noting that he and other men love to touch and crush women. Here Rakim positions himself as a man of power, one that can have any woman he wants. He continues by remarking on the attire worn by the women he sees, from Timberland boots to feminine clothing, and how it's a privilege for him to be near them. Rakim also describes the physicality of women, noting that their body movements are like quakes, and that they shake more than a spring break. He then lists cities where he thinks the most attractive women can be found. The song ends with Rakim dedicating it to all the ladies and declaring his love for them.
"Finest Ones" features a sample of "Love Serenade" by Barry White.
Rakim produced "Finest Ones" with this being his first solo track after he parted ways with Eric B.
It was released as a single from his 1997 album, "The 18th Letter."
The song was also included on the compilation album "The Master."
Despite never reaching the mainstream charts, "The 18th Letter/The Book of Life" was certified gold.
With over 4 minutes and 30 seconds, "Finest Ones" is the longest track on the "The 18th Letter/The Book of Life."
Rakim asserts his authority, proclaiming that it's his prerogative to choose the woman he wants.
The artist also brags about his wealth, using advertisements in the form of the brochure and the package deal to describe his sexual prowess.
Rakim's lyrics about women have come under scrutiny, with some claiming that they are both objectifying and predatory in nature.
The chord progression for "Finest Ones" is not readily available online.
Overall, "Finest Ones" is a catchy, uptempo song that showcases Rakim's rap skills, but comes with the caveat that its lyrics could be interpreted as problematic.
Line by Line Meaning
Where the ladies at?
Asking where all the women are located.
It's the are baby
Stating that he is Rakim and he is a force to be reckoned with.
It's the god baby
Declaring himself to be a god-like figure in the rap game.
I got rhymes I love to bust looking for a club to rush
He has lyrics that he wants to perform and is seeking a venue to showcase his talent.
It's like thugs will rush the illustrious
He compares the excitement of performing to the rush of adrenaline that thugs feel when they do something noteworthy.
We all love to touch the voluptuous
Admiring curvy women is a universal attraction for both men and women.
It's a must that we lust, plus we love to crush
Lusting after women is obligatory and they enjoy the thrill of conquest.
Women pose, from timberland's to feminine clothes
Women wear a range of styles from Timberland boots to more feminine attire.
Check their portfolios and put'em in centerfolds
Examining the assets of women and placing them in magazines that feature them as centerfold models is a common practice.
Pen explode, draw crowds respond re-el
When he freestyles and pens his rhymes, it elicits a positive reaction from audiences.
I stay calm as hell surrounded by bombshells
Despite being around beautiful women, he remains relatively unphased.
Careful as I get near'em, stand near and compare 'em
He makes sure he is next to them in order to compare and admire their beauty.
Or all girl heir'em, I'm the man with the serum
He sees himself as the person who has the tools to seduce any woman.
Assets, probably dressed but still bear 'em
Women may be clothed but their curves are still noticeable.
It seem like they wear 'em, just for me to tear 'em
He feels like women dress in revealing clothing just for him to take off.
In quakes I see more things shake then spring break
Watching women dance makes him feel like he's experiencing an earthquake as their bodies shake.
It's like a dream state, perfect shape same date
Seeing women with perfect figures feels surreal to him.
You got a lot to give and look how hot it is, you so provocative
Women have a lot to offer and he finds them highly desirable.
And it's your prerogative. Baby bounce.
He acknowledges that women have the right to choose who they want to be with and ends the verse by telling them to dance.
Ladies, nothing but the finest ones
The chorus starts with him addressing women and letting them know they deserve nothing but the best.
The lavishist ones, the ain't hard to findest ones
He is referring to women who are the most expensive and those who are the easiest to find.
From the boldest to the shy-ist ones
Women with different personalities are all considered fine by him.
Which city got the livest ones
He asks in which city are the most attractive women located.
Bon Jour, baby here go my brochure
Using French, he hands women a brochure on what he can offer them.
Give me a phone call, I'll show you the whole store
He offers his services and tells women to reach out if they're interested.
It's so raw, I'll have your world in all
He promises a raw, unfiltered experience that will leave women breathless.
You want to know how much the whole package go for?
He inquires if women want to know the cost of his services.
My spectacle, like a festival, it's majestical, special guest for you
He compares himself to a festival performer who puts on a special show for his guests.
Ready to party hard the party's in yards to the mardygraud
He is ready to party hard with his guests and has made arrangements for this to happen.
Rap say on's, please give you a body massage
He has a rapper onsite who can provide massages for his guests.
Rock jams, have you hot in your pants and nasty
He will play music to excite his guests.
Forbidden dance with me? Or tickle your there see
He is proposing dancing or being tickled to increase intimacy between himself and his guests.
Let Ra take you on a ron day vue
He is willing to treat guests to a trip.
Couple of days will do if it's o.k. with you
He suggests a short trip if his guest is interested.
Deserted isle style middle of winter with no bed
He suggests a location for a trip, asserting that they would be alone and have no beds.
I'll comfort you like you were Jennifer Lopez
He will give his guest the same level of attention as Jennifer Lopez would receive.
You get what you deserve if I said we swerve
If they choose to be with him, they will not regret it.
I'll hit more than nerve and that's my every word. Baby bounce.
He promises to deliver more than expected and ends the verse by telling them to dance.
Houston, Philly
He lists off more cities in the US.
Baby you wake up the next day laungary negligee
After a long night of being with him, the guest will wake up in their lingerie.
Give you a sex ex-ray before we catch the rays
He will analyze his guest's desires before spending more time together.
Let's blaze a lot more games left to play
There are still plenty of activities to partake in, so let's begin.
While you still amazed from yesterday's escapades
He wants to build on the amazing experiences that they shared previously.
Steadily show my pedigree so thoroughly to the B-o-n-e like chemotherapy
He will demonstrate his superiority with such skill that it feels like a cancer cure.
Sex and triple x you ready to wed next, relax baby you need plenty of bed rest
He references sex and puts forth the idea of marriage and suggests taking time to rest.
You've been a passenger of a high-speed crash with a wild-style fashioner
Being with him is a wild experience that is akin to a fast-paced and risky ride.
Dark-skinned ambassador, chiropractor with a passion
He describes himself as being dark-skinned while also comparing himself to a chiropractor.
For smashin' your ass like a cardiovascular massacre.
He will treat his guest in a way that will leave them feeling exhausted.
You've be through shock heading at your see you-wop
He is suggesting that his guest is speechless and taken aback by his prowess.
Body'so hot, you need a shot from your new doc.
His guest's body is so overwhelmed that they will need medical attention afterward.
With better cures where's it sore I'll wetter more.
He has the remedy for any soreness and will make it better.
And let it pour from her to head to her peticular's, baby bounce.
He promises his guest will feel refreshed and ends the verse by telling them to dance.
Detroit, San Fran
He lists off more cities in the US.
Chi-Town, Boston
He continues to list off cities in the US.
Cleveland, B-More
He continues to add to the list of US cities.
Orlando, N.O.
He continues to list off more cities in the US.
What! Brooklyn, uptown, Queens, Bronx, L.I., Staten Island, N.J., What! Connecticut, can't forget y'all,
He finishes with a shoutout to various New York and New Jersey neighborhoods and appreciates Connecticut.
Girls everywhere, ha ha
There are women everywhere and he is enjoying it.
Dedicated to the ladies from Rakim the god And Clark the world, you heard! What!
He is dedicating this song to women and making sure his listeners know it.
Lyrics © Spirit Music Group, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: YVETTE DAVIS, RODOLFO ANTONIO FRANKLIN, WILLIAM GRIFFIN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Brian
on R.A.K.I.M.
Ra, Ra, Ra, Ra, Ra, Ra
R, rugged and rough, that's how I do it
A, Allah, who I praise to the fullest
K, keep it movin'
I stand alone
M, it's my crown, my world, my throne
R, rugged and rough, that's how I do it
A, Allah, who I praise to the fullest
K, keep it movin'
I stand alone
M, it's my crown, my world, my throne
Ayo, when Rakim Allah attack, it's a wrap, y'all, relax
The almanac, just show me where the party's at
Seminars and tracks, cause, comas, and cardiacs
Broads and cats screaming, "oh, my God, he's back"
Just imagine, I hit the lab and get it crackin'
A thousand styles in one verse, rhythms will switch patterns
Chicks get stabbed in the back, 'til they get spasms
Known to spit a magnum, or split an atom
Who woulda known that Jesus would come back to the ghetto
On that level, and that thorough, like a black hero
And pack metal, so rap rebels, will back pedal
The pharaoh of five boroughs, and take over the rap world
Gettin' bizarre, hardcore, this is for y'all
The crib or the park, play it when you get in the car
Chill at the bar, sip somethin' or split a cigar
Get with your dogs, don't be alarmed, this kid is the bomb
It's the R, rugged and rough, that's how I do it
A, Allah, who I praise to the fullest
K, keep it movin'
I stand alone
M, it's my crown, my world, my throne
R, rugged and rough, that's how I do it
A, Allah, who I praise to the fullest
K, keep it movin'
I stand alone
M, it's my crown, my world, my throne
Uh, yeah, yo, I used to paint this flow, on ancient scrolls
And learn to make this dough where gangstas roll
Think like the late great Capone when the bank is closed
It's cats that claim they bold, but they ain't this cold
I'm from New York City even pretty chicks act up
Niggas get clapped up, you stack up, they stick that up
Quick to strap up, you'd think my name was "kid, back up"
Big niggas, pick that up or lift that up
Raised by gangstas and gamblers, hustlers, con artists
And convicts, killers and dons
Drug dealers, players and pimps, smooth talkers
Stick-up kids, thugs, real niggas and gods
Haunted by every soul that lay dead in the turf
Cursed by every spirit that never made it to birth
Since the Moon separated from Earth
That's why they say I'm the greatest that ever orchestrated a verse
It's the R, rugged and rough, that's how I do it
A, Allah, who I praise to the fullest
K, keep it movin'
I stand alone
M, it's my crown, my world, my throne
R, rugged and rough, that's how I do it
A, Allah, who I praise to the fullest
K, keep it movin'
I stand alone
M, it's my crown, my world, my throne
Ayo, toast to that, it's the cat that broke backs
To a soul clap, I smoke a track, how dope is that
Pope of rap, wrote backs that most slack
That note back before they turned coke to crack
To my dogs hearin' sirens on the firearms
Outcome die in wars or behind iron bars
The boulevard, retire frauds when I evolve
Try and rob my dialogue, I am God
Chicks moan just to get next to my throne
And sniff my cologne and get Ra alone
Sex pots at home, I'm testosterone
Caress spots, dress drops, bed rocks the bone
Hit the floor, it's hot for 2003
Hits galore, who rock a style as wild as me?
Rest assured, when I rock def crowds and scream
Bismillah ir-Rahman ir-Rahim
It's the R, rugged and rough, that's how I do it
A, Allah, who I praise to the fullest
K, keep it movin'
I stand alone
M, it's my crown, my world, my throne
R, rugged and rough, that's how I do it
A, Allah, who I praise to the fullest
K, keep it movin'
I stand alone
M, it's my crown, my world, my throne
R, rugged and rough, that's how I do it
A, Allah, who I praise to the fullest
K, keep it movin'
I stand alone
M, it's my crown, my world, my throne
R, rugged and rough, that's how I do it
A, Allah, who I praise to the fullest
K, keep it movin'
I stand alone
M, it's my crown, my world, my throne