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.
I'll be there
Rakim Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I'll always be there for you
I will always be there
I'll be there
I will always be there
I'll be there
Trying to see how much gritty cash this city has
Meantime harass every bitty that pass
And then here you come with your pretty ass
All petite like you make ends meet on Wall Street
Your for keeps couldn't find a woman more complete
You got your head on tight and when you talk I like
For me and you two different walks of life
I'm in the streets too much I pack the heat too much
Put too much trees in the Dutch and don't keep in touch
You try to get in contact I don't respond back
Where the God at come back smellin' like Cognac
Baby beware I'm tryin' my best to be fair
Aye yo, the key here is repair this love we share
'Cause if we care we would prepare to see clear
Eye to eye we here as long as you be there
I will always be there
I'll always be there for you
I will always be there
I'll be there
Yo, I'm startin' to understand it you like your evenings enchanted
Love is bond, organic, restaurants romantic
Want me to take your hand and take you around the planet
But I take advantage and take you for granted
Call collect explainin' why I ain't came yet
I ain't winnin' the game yet can I get a rain check
Blow me a kiss in the wind, I'm missin' again
Don't let your sisters and your friends tell you this is the end
Talk a hole in your head puttin' bugs in your ear
Make you role in your bed when your thug ain't there
Somewhere around ladies know I get lonely and proud
Open my file baby you should know me by now
Tryin' to get paid and stay away from old sites
Find my place in life plus I like to hold mics
It might be seven whole days and seven whole nights
But yo it's gonna be alright just hold tight
I will always be there
I'll always be there for you
I will always be there
I'll always be there baby
Who said something good won't last forever
I know too much of any thing is bad whatever
Long as we have good and bad times together
Bad times make the good times that much better
Peaches and cream, diamonds and ice
You like pieces of dreams you shinin' in the night
Features of a Queen and your mind frame is tight
Timin' is right get ready for the time of your life
You speak about stackin' gees and havin' seeds
Apparently we know it's no guarantee
But losin' you boo who smooth as you
You unusual this is for the cool in you
And for the chill I will forever come real
Your appeal makes it hard to keep my love concealed
All it took was one look, one kiss, one meal
Now come feel, let's make this a done deal
I will always be there
I'll always be there for you
I will always be there
I'll be there
I will always be there
I'll always be there for you
I will always be there
I'll be there
I will always be there
I'll always be there for you
I will always be there
I'll be there
I will always be there
I'll always be there for you
I will always be there
I'll be there
The lyrics to Rakim's song I'll Be There depict a man confessing his love and devotion to a woman. The singer addresses the woman and tells her that he will always be there for her, no matter what happens. He references their different walks of life but emphasizes that if they care about each other, they can repair their love and see eye to eye. The singer admits to being in the streets a lot and not keeping in touch, but he wants to make things work with her because she is the complete package. He acknowledges that bad times will happen but that they'll make the good times much better. Ultimately, the singer wants to make their love a done deal and promises that he will always be there for her.
Line by Line Meaning
I will always be there
Rakim promises to always be there for his partner, both physically and emotionally.
I'll always be there for you
Rakim will always be available to offer support and comfort to his partner.
I'll be there
A shortened version of his promise to always be available to his partner.
I'm 'bout to meet my comrade on the busy ave where we clash
Rakim is about to meet his friend on a busy street corner where they often hang out.
Trying to see how much gritty cash this city has
Rakim and his friend are scoping out the area to see how much money they can hustle.
Meantime harass every bitty that pass
While waiting for his friend, Rakim is catcalling and intimidating women who walk by.
And then here you come with your pretty ass
Rakim's partner arrives and catches his attention with her beauty.
All petite like you make ends meet on Wall Street
Rakim's partner is small and elegant, like someone who works on Wall Street to make a living.
Your for keeps couldn't find a woman more complete
Rakim believes that his partner is the perfect match for him and that nobody else could compare.
You got your head on tight and when you talk I like
Rakim admires his partner's intelligence and how she communicates with him.
For me and you two different walks of life
Rakim and his partner come from different backgrounds and lifestyles.
I'm in the streets too much I pack the heat too much
Rakim admits that he spends too much time in the streets and carries a gun frequently.
Put too much trees in the Dutch and don't keep in touch
Rakim smokes a lot of marijuana and doesn't communicate with his partner as much as he should.
You try to get in contact I don't respond back
Rakim's partner has tried to contact him before, but he hasn't responded to her.
Where the God at come back smellin' like Cognac
Rakim has been out drinking and partying, and he smells like Cognac when he returns.
Baby beware I'm tryin' my best to be fair
Rakim wants his partner to be cautious because he's attempting to be fair in their relationship.
Aye yo, the key here is repair this love we share
The main focus of their relationship should be repairing any broken love they share.
'Cause if we care we would prepare to see clear
If they both care about each other, they should work together to see each other's perspectives more clearly.
Eye to eye we here as long as you be there
They can look each other in the eyes and be present for one another as long as his partner is there with him.
Yo, I'm startin' to understand it you like your evenings enchanted
Rakim is beginning to understand that his partner enjoys romantic evenings with him.
Love is bond, organic, restaurants romantic
Love is a connection between two people that doesn't need to be forced, and romantic restaurants can enhance the experience.
Want me to take your hand and take you around the planet
His partner wants him to take her on adventures and explore the world with her.
But I take advantage and take you for granted
Rakim admits that he sometimes takes his partner for granted and doesn't appreciate her enough.
Call collect explainin' why I ain't came yet
Rakim calls his partner to explain why he hasn't arrived yet.
I ain't winnin' the game yet can I get a rain check
Rakim isn't succeeding in his endeavors yet and asks for a rain check on their plans.
Blow me a kiss in the wind, I'm missin' again
Rakim asks his partner to send him a kiss in the wind as he misses seeing her.
Don't let your sisters and your friends tell you this is the end
Rakim's partner's friends and family shouldn't encourage her to end their relationship.
Talk a hole in your head puttin' bugs in your ear
Rakim's partner's friends and family are constantly filling her head with negative comments and opinions, causing her to worry unnecessarily.
Make you role in your bed when your thug ain't there
When Rakim isn't there, his partner feels scared or alone and has trouble sleeping.
Somewhere around ladies know I get lonely and proud
Rakim acknowledges that women know he gets lonely but is too proud to admit it.
Open my file baby you should know me by now
Rakim wants his partner to understand him better and learn more about him.
Tryin' to get paid and stay away from old sites
Rakim is focused on making money and avoiding his previous criminal lifestyle.
Find my place in life plus I like to hold mics
Rakim is working on finding his purpose in life and enjoys performing hip-hop music.
It might be seven whole days and seven whole nights
Their relationship may face challenges and disagreements, but they should stay together for a full week.
But yo it's gonna be alright just hold tight
Rakim assures his partner that everything will be alright as long as they stick together and support one another.
Who said something good won't last forever
Rakim rejects the notion that good things won't last forever.
I know too much of any thing is bad whatever
Rakim acknowledges that too much of a good thing can eventually turn bad.
Long as we have good and bad times together
As long as they experience both good and bad times in their relationship, they should stay together.
Bad times make the good times that much better
Experiencing bad times together will help them to appreciate the good times even more.
Peaches and cream, diamonds and ice
Rakim's partner is sweet and precious to him, like peaches and cream, and she sparkles like diamonds.
You like pieces of dreams you shinin' in the night
His partner is like a dream and shines in the darkness, captivating everyone's attention.
Features of a Queen and your mind frame is tight
Rakim admires his partner's physical and mental qualities, comparing her to a queen.
Timin' is right get ready for the time of your life
The timing for their relationship is right, and they should prepare for exciting and fulfilling times together.
You speak about stackin' gees and havin' seeds
Rakim's partner talks about making money and having children.
Apparently we know it's no guarantee
Both Rakim and his partner understand that there are no guarantees in life.
But losin' you boo who smooth as you
Rakim doesn't want to lose his smooth and charming partner.
You unusual this is for the cool in you
Rakim admires his partner's unique qualities and attributes it to her cool persona.
And for the chill I will forever come real
Rakim will always keep it real and stay true to his partner.
Your appeal makes it hard to keep my love concealed
Rakim is so drawn to his partner that he has trouble hiding his love for her.
All it took was one look, one kiss, one meal
Their relationship blossomed from just one glance, one kiss, and one shared meal.
Now come feel, let's make this a done deal
Now that they have mutual feelings for each other, they should solidify their relationship and make it official.
Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: CYNTHIA DE MARI BIGGS, WILLIAM GRIFFIN, DEXTER WANSEL, GROVER WASHINGTON
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