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.
Ghetto
Rakim Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Born to be the soul controller of the universe
Besides the part of the map I hit first
Any a rhyme that I can adapt when it gets worst
The rough gets going, the going gets rough
When I start flowing, the mic might bust
The next state, I shake from the power I generate
'Cause times was hard on the Boulevard
So I vote God and never get scarred and gauled
But it seems like I'm locked in hell
Looking over the edge but the are never fell
A trip to slip 'cause my Nikes got grip
Stand on my own two feet and come equip
Any stage I'm seen on, a mic I fiend on
I stand alone and need nothing to lean on
Going for self wit a long way to go
So much to say but I still flow slow
I come correct and I won't look back
'Cause it ain't where you're from, it's where you're at
Even the (ghetto)
I learn to relax in my room and escape from New York
And return through the womb of the world as a thought
Thinking how hard it was to be born
Me being queen wit no physical form
Millions have settled wit one destination
To reach the best part, it's life creation
9 months later, a job well done
Make way, 'cause here I come
Since I made it this far, I can't stop now
There's a will and a way and I got to know how
To be all I can be and more
And see all there is to see before
Called and go back to the essence
It's a lot to learn so I study my lessons
I thought the ghetto was the worst that could happen to me
I'm glad I listen when my father was rapping to me
'Cause back in the days, they lived in caves
Exile from the original man, a straight way
Now that's what I call hard times
I rather be here to exercise the mind
Then I take a thought around the world twice
From knowledge to born back to knowledge precise
Across the desert, that's how to store a radiant
But they couldn't cave me in 'cause I'm the Asiant
Reaching for the city, a Mecca, visit medina
Visions of Neffertiti then I seen a
Mind keeps traveling, I'll be back after I
Stop and think about the brothers and sisters in Africa
Return the thought through the eye of a needle
For miles I thought and I just fought the people
Under the dark skies on a dark side
Not only there but right here's an apartheid
So now is the time for us to react
Take a trip through the mind and when you get back
Understand you're third eye seen all of that
It ain't where you're from, it's where you're at
Even the (ghetto)
Even the (ghetto)
No more props, I want property
In every borough, nobody's stopping me
Because I'm thorough, rhymes are making real estate for me to own
Wherever I bless a microphone
007 is back and relaxing
On poignant reacting and ready for action
I'm so low key that you might not see me
Incognito and taking it easy
Quiet, it's kept on a hush hush
In front of a crowd, I get loud, there's a bumrush
Be calm, keep a low pro, and play the background
Over the wack rapper, put the mic back down
So rip it, break it in half, go head and slam it
'Cause when it's time to build, I'm a mechanic
I'm bonding and mending, attaching and blending
So many solos, there is no ending
People in my neighborhood, they know I'm good
From London to Hollywood, wherever I stood
Footprints remain on stage ever since
As I walk the street, I leave fossils and dents
When I had sex, I left my name on necks
My trademark was left throughout the projects
I used to get rich when I played celo
When I rolled 4, 5, 6, they go we know
So I collect my cash then slide
I got my back, my gun's on my side
It shouldn't have to be like that
I guess it ain't where you're from, it's where you're at
Even the (ghetto)
I'm from the (ghetto)
Word up, peace
Rakim's song "In the Ghetto" is an exploration of perseverance in the face of adversity. Rakim opens the song with a declaration of his origins on planet earth and his belief that he was born to be in control of the universe. He then touches on the rough times he's faced, represented by earthquakes in California, and how he's weathered them by turning to God for strength. Rakim emphasizes the importance of standing on his own two feet and always looking to move forward, rather than focus on the past.
Throughout the song, Rakim reflects on the struggles people face in poverty-stricken areas, while also touching on larger societal issues such as apartheid. It's clear that his experiences growing up in the ghetto have shaped his worldview and have inspired him to keep striving for greatness. Ultimately, Rakim instills a sense of hope in his listeners, encouraging them to keep pushing forward no matter what challenges they face.
Line by Line Meaning
Planet Earth was my place of birth
I was born and raised on Earth
Born to be the soul controller of the universe
Destined to have power and influence over everything
Besides the part of the map I hit first
Apart from the specific area I initially impacted
Any a rhyme that I can adapt when it gets worst
Any verse that I can adjust and use when things become difficult
The rough gets going, the going gets rough
When the situation becomes challenging, I push through and become stronger
When I start flowing, the mic might bust
My skills on the microphone are so powerful that it can overwhelm the equipment
The next state, I shake from the power I generate
When I perform, I have such a strong impact that it feels like an earthquake
People in Cali used to think it was earthquakes
Residents of California believed that the tremors were caused by my presence
'Cause times was hard on the Boulevard
Because life was difficult on the streets
So I vote God and never get scarred and gauled
I rely on my faith in God to protect me and remain unharmed
But it seems like I'm locked in hell
Sometimes it feels like I'm trapped in a never-ending cycle of suffering
Looking over the edge but the air never fell
I'm constantly on the brink of danger, but never actually fall into it
A trip to slip 'cause my Nikes got grip
I won't stumble or lose my footing because of the strong grip on my Nike sneakers
Stand on my own two feet and come equip
I rely on my own abilities and always come prepared
Any stage I'm seen on, a mic I fiend on
Whenever I perform on any stage, I have an insatiable desire for the microphone
I stand alone and need nothing to lean on
I am self-reliant and don't require any external support
Going for self wit a long way to go
I am focused on my own journey, although I still have a long path ahead
So much to say but I still flow slow
I have a lot to express, but I take my time delivering my message
I come correct and I won't look back
I always present myself authentically and refuse to dwell on the past
'Cause it ain't where you're from, it's where you're at
Your current location or circumstances don't define you, but rather how you handle them
Even the (ghetto)
This applies to any environment, even the impoverished areas
I learn to relax in my room and escape from New York
I find solace and peace in my personal space, distancing myself from the chaos of New York
And return through the womb of the world as a thought
I retreat within myself, contemplating my existence and purpose
Thinking how hard it was to be born
Reflecting on the challenges and difficulties I faced during my birth
Me being queen wit no physical form
Despite not having a physical presence, I possess the power and grace of a queen
Millions have settled wit one destination
Countless individuals have accepted the idea of having a singular goal or purpose
To reach the best part, it's life creation
The ultimate goal is to create a fulfilling and meaningful life
9 months later, a job well done
After a period of time, the completion of the process of life creation is regarded as a success
Make way, 'cause here I come
Clear a path, because I am ready to make my presence known
Since I made it this far, I can't stop now
Having come this far, quitting is not an option
There's a will and a way and I got to know how
With determination and resourcefulness, I will find a means to achieve my goals
To be all I can be and more
I strive to reach my full potential and surpass it
And see all there is to see before
I want to experience everything that life has to offer before it ends
Called and go back to the essence
When the time comes, I will return to my spiritual origin
It's a lot to learn so I study my lessons
There is much knowledge to acquire, so I dedicate myself to learning
I thought the ghetto was the worst that could happen to me
Previously, I believed that living in poverty was the ultimate hardship
I'm glad I listen when my father was rapping to me
I'm grateful that I paid attention to the wisdom my father shared through his music
'Cause back in the days, they lived in caves
In the past, our ancestors had to reside in caves for shelter
Exile from the original man, a straight way
They were banished from their ancestral homeland in a direct manner
Now that's what I call hard times
Those were truly challenging circumstances
I rather be here to exercise the mind
I prefer to be in the present, cultivating and expanding my intellect
Then I take a thought around the world twice
I mentally travel the globe, gaining knowledge and understanding along the way
From knowledge to born back to knowledge precise
Starting with knowledge, I use it to create and then return to even greater understanding
Across the desert, that's how to store a radiant
Through the arduous journey, I am able to retain and emit a powerful energy
But they couldn't cave me in 'cause I'm the Asiant
Despite attempts to suppress or confine me, I remain resilient and strong, like an Asian elephant
Reaching for the city, a Mecca, visit medina
Striving to reach a significant destination, like a holy city or a center of religious pilgrimage
Visions of Neffertiti then I seen a
Imagining the beauty and majesty of Queen Nefertiti, and then those visions became reality
Mind keeps traveling, I'll be back after I
My mind continuously explores new horizons, but I'll return once I'm ready
Stop and think about the brothers and sisters in Africa
Taking a moment to consider and empathize with the struggles faced by our African counterparts
Return the thought through the eye of a needle
Narrowing down my thoughts and ideas to a sharp focus point
For miles I thought and I just fought the people
Engaging in intellectual battles and challenging society's norms
Under the dark skies on a dark side
Existing within an environment of negativity and oppression
Not only there but right here's an apartheid
A system of segregation and discrimination exists not only in specific locations, but also right where we are
So now is the time for us to react
The present moment calls for action and response
Take a trip through the mind and when you get back
Delve into introspection and self-reflection, and upon returning, gain new insights
Understand you're third eye seen all of that
Realize that your inner vision has witnessed and comprehended everything
It ain't where you're from, it's where you're at
Your current state of being and mindset matter more than your place of origin
Even the (ghetto)
This applies to any location, even the impoverished neighborhoods
No more props, I want property
I no longer seek recognition, but instead desire ownership and control
In every borough, nobody's stopping me
I aim to establish my presence and achieve success in every district without any hindrance
Because I'm thorough, rhymes are making real estate for me to own
My well-crafted lyrics are creating opportunities for me to possess valuable assets and establish my empire
Wherever I bless a microphone
Wherever I perform and bestow my rap skills onto the microphone
007 is back and relaxing
I embody the sophistication and coolness of secret agent 007, and I am currently at ease
On poignant reacting and ready for action
I am prepared to respond quickly and effectively to any given situation
I'm so low key that you might not see me
I maintain a low profile to the point where people might overlook or underestimate me
Incognito and taking it easy
Remaining anonymous and enjoying a relaxed state of being
Quiet, it's kept on a hush hush
My actions and intentions are kept secret and not openly discussed
In front of a crowd, I get loud, there's a bumrush
When performing in front of an audience, I become energetic and passionate, causing a frenzy
Be calm, keep a low pro, and play the background
Maintain composure, stay inconspicuous, and take a secondary role
Over the wack rapper, put the mic back down
I take control of the microphone and surpass any inferior rapper, forcing them to give up
So rip it, break it in half, go head and slam it
I flawlessly deliver my powerful verses, tearing apart the competition with force
'Cause when it's time to build, I'm a mechanic
When the opportunity arises to create and construct, I possess the skills and knowledge like a skilled mechanic
I'm bonding and mending, attaching and blending
I am forming connections, piecing things together, and harmonizing various elements
So many solos, there is no ending
I take numerous individual efforts and combine them into one cohesive masterpiece, without a definite conclusion
People in my neighborhood, they know I'm good
The residents of my community are aware of my talent and abilities
From London to Hollywood, wherever I stood
Regardless of location, be it London or Hollywood, I have left a mark of my excellence
Footprints remain on stage ever since
The impact of my performances lingers on, leaving a lasting impression
As I walk the street, I leave fossils and dents
Even as I go about my everyday life, my influence and presence leave a lasting impact
When I had sex, I left my name on necks
My sexual encounters were memorable and left a lasting impression on my partners
My trademark was left throughout the projects
My unique style and presence made a significant imprint on the neighborhoods I frequented
I used to get rich when I played celo
I used to accumulate wealth when I engaged in the dice game celo
When I rolled 4, 5, 6, they go we know
When I achieved a specific combination of dice rolls (4, 5, 6), everyone recognized my success
So I collect my cash then slide
I swiftly and discreetly gather my earnings and depart
I got my back, my gun's on my side
I am well-prepared and protected, with my gun by my side
It shouldn't have to be like that
Ideally, the circumstances shouldn't require me to carry a weapon
I guess it ain't where you're from, it's where you're at
Ultimately, your current location and situation matter more than your place of origin
Even the (ghetto)
This concept applies to any environment, including the impoverished areas
I'm from the (ghetto)
I come from a disadvantaged and impoverished neighborhood
Word up, peace
That's the truth, with wishes for harmony and tranquility
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: HERMAN DAVIS, ALVIN RANGLIN, HERMAN E DAVIS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
D. Serrador
I had this LP on cassette back in 1990 in Spain!
Planet Earth was my place of birth
Born to be the soul controller of the universe
Besides the part of the map I hit first
Any a rhyme that I can adapt when it gets worst
The rough gets going, the going gets rough
When I start flowing, the mic might bust
The next state, I shake from the power I generate
People in Cali used to think it was earthquakes
'Cause times was hard on the Boulevard
So I vote God and never get scarred and gauled
But it seems like I'm locked in hell
Looking over the edge but the are never fell
A trip to slip 'cause my Nikes got grip
Stand on my own two feet and come equip
Any stage I'm seen on, a mic I fiend on
I stand alone and need nothing to lean on
Going for self wit a long way to go
So much to say but I still flow slow
I come correct and I won't look back
'Cause it ain't where you're from, it's where you're at
Even the (ghetto)
I learn to relax in my room and escape from New York
And return through the womb of the world as a thought
Thinking how hard it was to be born
Me being queen wit no physical form
Millions have settled wit one destination
To reach the best part, it's life creation
9 months later, a job well done
Make way, 'cause here I come
Since I made it this far, I can't stop now
There's a will and a way and I got to know how
To be all I can be and more
And see all there is to see before
Called and go back to the essence
It's a lot to learn so I study my lessons
I thought the ghetto was the worst that could happen to me
I'm glad I listen when my father was rapping to me
'Cause back in the days, they lived in caves
Exile from the original man, a straight way
Now that's what I call hard times
I rather be here to exercise the mind
Then I take a thought around the world twice
From knowledge to born back to knowledge precise
Across the desert, that's how to store a radiant
But they couldn't cave me in 'cause I'm the Asiant
Reaching for the city, a Mecca, visit medina
Visions of Neffertiti then I seen a
Mind keeps traveling, I'll be back after I
Stop and think about the brothers and sisters in Africa
Return the thought through the eye of a needle
For miles I thought and I just fought the people
Under the dark skies on a dark side
Not only there but right here's an apartheid
So now is the time for us to react
Take a trip through the mind and when you get back
Understand you're third eye seen all of that
It ain't where you're from, it's where you're at
Even the (ghetto)
Even the (ghetto)
No more props, I want property
In every borough, nobody's stopping me
Because I'm thorough, rhymes are making real estate for me to own
Wherever I bless a microphone
007 is back and relaxing
On poignant reacting and ready for action
I'm so low key that you might not see me
Incognito and taking it easy
Quiet, it's kept on a hush hush
In front of a crowd, I get loud, there's a bumrush
Be calm, keep a low pro, and play the background
Over the wack rapper, put the mic back down
So rip it, break it in half, go head and slam it
'Cause when it's time to build, I'm a mechanic
I'm bonding and mending, attaching and blending
So many solos, there is no ending
People in my neighborhood, they know I'm good
From London to Hollywood, wherever I stood
Footprints remain on stage ever since
As I walk the street, I leave fossils and dents
When I had sex, I left my name on necks
My trademark was left throughout the projects
I used to get rich when I played celo
When I rolled 4, 5, 6, they go we know
So I collect my cash then slide
I got my back, my gun's on my side
It shouldn't have to be like that
I guess it ain't where you're from, it's where you're at
Even the (ghetto)
I'm from the (ghetto)
Word up, peace
Juan Troche
I want a refrigerator made by Rakim, 'cause this is still fresh after 30+ years
Demetris Q Washington
No doubt ! Salute.
HollywoodMemoirs
You said it!
Ammolite 1
Nice ;)
Anthony D.
That’s a Rakimerator.
The Soloist 01
Well said lol, I feel the same…
ro3snowman
Rakim was ahead of his time. Pure genius 🙌🏾
Travis Carter
And someone tried to tell me Biggie Nas Em Big Pun is better. I'm like not really because he birthed all of the him and Kool G Rap. I don't have Biggie or Nas or Big Pun being better than Kool G Rap. I don't know if Nas is better than Rakim.
Travis Carter
@Esperanza Landin WoW
shawn baldwin
WORD !!!