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.
HIP HOP
Rakim Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Nick Wiz, turn my headphones up, man
Uh, uh
(Hook)
Ayo, if you miss Hip-Hop, then stand up
Reminisce when this drop, get amped up
Any hit that's this hot is an anthem
Lyricist that spit pop get stamped up
Hit or miss, then flip-flop, them clam up
They fearing this to hit blocks and slam clubs
Put yo' hands up, here ya' man come
(Verse 1)
Its mister word renowned with the best verse
One of the illest the streets, from the east to the west, heard
Get greeted with ghetto gestures like "yessir"
A pre-meditated killer for the way I stretch words
Some of us love to flow 'til the club close
And some in love with blow for the love of dough
In it for fortune and fame, flamboyant for gurls
They extorting the game, exploiting the hood
Rappers ride for bread while the gossip spread
It's only hot 'cause we ride, spotted cops with feds
Plus, lots of heads go Pop instead
That's the word on the block is, "Hip-Hop Is Dead"
So consumers quit copping, rappers flip-flopping
Artist pimped by they labels like a slave pick cotton
Pop Charts killing underground Hip-Hopers
While the world still looking for Ra like Bin Laden, let's go
(Hook)
Ayo, if you miss Hip-Hop, then stand up
Reminisce when this drop, get amped up
Any hit that's this hot is an anthem
Do ya' dance, love, she need a hand, breh
Lyricist that spit pop get stamped up
Hit or miss, then flip-flop, them clam up
They fearing this to hit blocks and slam clubs
Put yo' hands up, here ya' man come
(Verse 2)
Me and my dude's the new cool in the game
That Old-School feel with the New-School slang
The boomerang with the true duke flame
Shoot through yo' brain like smoking poom-shoong-pang
Ghetto galactic, the next level and back shit
Something like heroine, crack, mixed
The combination of Mike and Lebron, the life of a don
Yeah, just give the God the mic and it's on
My brand new vision gives you aneurisms
My fans'll listen, see my words like its camera's in 'em
We just anxious to bust like a new fo'-pound
So, the hood is reacquainted to the New York sound
Every verse is a mountain of proof, a man of my words
Even on the curb when I'm out of the booth
My style's the truth, unlimited amounts to produce
And my flow still tight when I'm about to get loose, let's go
(Hook)
Ayo, if you miss Hip-Hop, then stand up
Reminisce when this drop, get amped up
Any hit that's this hot is an anthem
Do ya' dance, love, she need a hand, breh
Lyricist that spit pop get stamped up
Hit or miss, then flip-flop, them clam up
They fearing this to hit blocks and slam clubs
Put yo' hands up, here ya' man come
(Verse 3)
The boogey-down, the buck-town mic flavor
I'm in yo' hoods like neighbors
Operation shut down, 0-60 like "later"
It's rider, up-town, high-top, nike lacer
In the gut of the beast where they don't dwell
The gut of the streets but they don't sell
I still hold mics and stay so real
My flow tight with mo' sight's than AOL
I change climates like a plane pilot
'Cause hurricanes and rain violent
Crack yo' skull, snatch yo' brain out it, uou out ya' mind if it ain't talent
And keep it out yo' rhymes if you ain't bought it
Raps tsunami, the track's behind me
Cats that try me, the raps too grimey
I rap a mami in black Armani
Clap with a body and tap punani
(Hook)
Ayo, if you miss Hip-Hop, then stand up
Reminisce when this drop, get amped up
Any hit that's this hot is an anthem
Do ya' dance, love, she need a hand, breh
Lyricist that spit pop get stamped up
Hit or miss, then flip-flop, them clam up
They fearing this to hit blocks and slam clubs
Put yo' hands up, here ya' man come
The song "Hip Hop" by Rakim is a tribute to the genre of hip hop music, paying homage to the roots of the genre, while also critiquing the state of the industry. The first verse speaks of the deep connection that some hip hop artists have with the music, staying in the clubs until they close, while others are in it for the wealth and fame, exploiting the hood for their own gain. Rakim notes that the pop charts are killing underground hip hop, and that consumers are quitting because of it. He criticizes rappers who are flip-flopping, changing their style to fit the current market, and getting pimped out by their labels. In the second verse, Rakim emphasizes his commitment to the music and his fans, noting that every verse is a "mountain of proof." He describes his flow as "unlimited" and "tight," and his vision as pushing hip hop to new levels. Finally, in the third verse, Rakim showcases his lyrical skills with clever wordplay and rhymes, showing why he is considered one of the greatest MCs of all time.
The song was released in 2006 as the lead single from Rakim's album "The Seventh Seal." It was produced by legendary hip hop producer Nick Wiz, who has worked with artists such as Cella Dwellas, Rakim, and Ol' Dirty Bastard. The song features a sample of George Clinton's "Atomic Dog," which has been used in many hip hop songs over the years.
Line by Line Meaning
That's what it is, uh huh
Acknowledgment of the current state of hip hop music.
Ayo, if you miss Hip-Hop, then stand up
Challenge to the listeners who long for the old days to show their support.
Reminisce when this drop, get amped up
Recall the good times and get excited for more.
Any hit that's this hot is an anthem
Hip hop music that's popular deserves celebration.
Do ya' dance, love, she need a hand, breh
Encouragement to dance and enjoy hip hop music.
Lyricist that spit pop get stamped up
Hip hop culture doesn't accept those who produce bad rap music.
Hit or miss, then flip-flop, them clam up
Inconsistent performers never succeed in the hip-hop industry.
They fearing this to hit blocks and slam clubs
Songs that are popular in clubs always draw attention.
Put yo' hands up, here ya' man come
Encouragement to get ready to enjoy the upcoming song.
Its mister word renowned with the best verse
Referring to Rakim as one of the best lyricists in the industry.
One of the illest the streets, from the east to the west, heard
Rakim's music is well-known in both the East Coast and West Coast of America.
Get greeted with ghetto gestures like "yessir"
Rakim is respected and appreciated by those from the ghetto.
A pre-meditated killer for the way I stretch words
Rakim is known for his unique wordplay.
Some of us love to flow 'til the club close
Rapping until the end of the night is a popular activity in the urban culture.
And some in love with blow for the love of dough
Drug dealing to make money is ingrained in some in the industry.
In it for fortune and fame, flamboyant for gurls
Some in the industry will do whatever it takes to be famous and impress women.
They extorting the game, exploiting the hood
The hip hop industry is taking advantage of those living in impoverished areas.
Rappers ride for bread while the gossip spread
Money is the driving force for some, while rumors circulate about them.
It's only hot 'cause we ride, spotted cops with feds
Hip hop is popular, but law enforcement is keeping a close eye on it.
Plus, lots of heads go Pop instead
The industry is paying more attention to popular, mainstream music than underground hip hop.
That's the word on the block is, "Hip-Hop Is Dead"
Some believe that the current state of hip hop is not fit for the old-school rap legends.
So consumers quit copping, rappers flip-flopping
The listeners are uninterested and the artists are inconsistent.
Artist pimped by they labels like a slave pick cotton
Hip hop artists are exploited by labels for profit, similar to slavery.
Pop Charts killing underground Hip-Hopers
Mainstream pop is overshadowing hip hop underground artists.
While the world still looking for Ra like Bin Laden, let's go
Listeners are still seeking artists like Rakim, who hold true to the old-school hip hop sound.
Me and my dude's the new cool in the game
Rakim and his crew are the new leaders of the hip hop industry.
That Old-School feel with the New-School slang
Rakim's style is a combination of the old and new school rap sounds.
The boomerang with the true duke flame
Rakim's flow is like a boomerang and cuts through everything, like fire.
Shoot through yo' brain like smoking poom-shoong-pang
Rakim's music is powerful and has an addicting effect.
Ghetto galactic, the next level and back shit
Rakim's music takes the listener on a journey through the streets and beyond.
Something like heroine, crack, mixed
Rakim's music is addictive and powerful, like drugs.
The combination of Mike and Lebron, the life of a don
Rakim is a combination of accomplished athletes and successful gang members.
Yeah, just give the God the mic and it's on
Rakim's nickname 'The God MC' implies that he's the best.
My brand new vision gives you aneurisms
Rakim's new music is so powerful that it can cause aneurysms.
My fans'll listen, see my words like its camera's in 'em
Rakim's fans are able to visualize the words in his music like a camera.
We just anxious to bust like a new fo'-pound
Rakim and his crew are eager to make a name for themselves, much like a new gun.
So, the hood is reacquainted to the New York sound
Rakim is reintroducing the old-school New York hip hop sound to his listeners.
Every verse is a mountain of proof, a man of my words
Rakim's lyrics are always proving his superiority, building on top of each other like mountains.
Even on the curb when I'm out of the booth
Rakim's style is always on point, both in and out of the recording studio.
My style's the truth, unlimited amounts to produce
Rakim's music is authentic and he is able to produce a lot of it.
And my flow still tight when I'm about to get loose, let's go
Rakim's flow is still powerful, even when he's about to let loose.
The boogey-down, the buck-town mic flavor
Reference to his birthplace and the neighborhood where he spent his early days.
I'm in yo' hoods like neighbors
Rakim is present in different neighborhoods, like a neighbor.
Operation shut down, 0-60 like "later"
Rakim is quickly taking over and shutting down the rest of the game.
It's rider, up-town, high-top, nike lacer
Rakim is confident and unstoppable, representing his neighborhood and wearing high-top Nike sneakers.
In the gut of the beast where they don't dwell
Rakim is comfortable in the heart of the hip hop industry, where others may not belong.
The gut of the streets but they don't sell
Rakim is authentic and stays true to the streets, even if it's not popular.
I still hold mics and stay so real
Rakim still performs and stays true to his roots.
My flow tight with mo' sight's than AOL
Rakim's flow is so powerful that it can even improve your vision.
I change climates like a plane pilot
Rakim is able to adapt to different conditions and make a big impact.
'Cause hurricanes and rain violent
Rakim's music is just as powerful as natural disasters.
Crack yo' skull, snatch yo' brain out it, uou out ya' mind if it ain't talent
Those who lack talent in the music industry will be humiliated by Rakim's powerful music.
And keep it out yo' rhymes if you ain't bought it
Only speak the truth in your music, otherwise you're just faking it.
Raps tsunami, the track's behind me
Rakim's music is like a tsunami, sweeping everything behind him.
Cats that try me, the raps too grimey
Those who challenge Rakim in the rap game will quickly realize his music is too powerful.
I rap a mami in black Armani
Rakim enjoys rapping about attractive women and high-end fashion brands.
Clap with a body and tap punani
Rakim is capable of attracting and pleasing women with his music.
Writer(s): WRITER UNKNOWN, LOIZIDES NICHOLAS CHRISTOPHER
Contributed by Thomas W. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@Aksh7995
When Clothes were Loose and Lyrics were Tight.
@kasule8358
You know!!
@bheyadlamini5213
Word...
@krazivan7587
Nowdays its the opposite
@Tupac96
Facts
@nicholasnicholas9821
Now lyrics are loose and clothes are to damn tight
@LeeMchanaji
I'm from Kenya, Africa. And I can confirm that he's internationally known. Respect!!!
@blackjack704
Ukweli na ukweli mtupu
@nikogichana6199
Nilifikiria Kenya iko kentucky
@edwinnjoroge9981
Rakim don't miss