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 Know
Rakim Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Without a strong rhyme to step to
Think of how many weak shows you slept through
Time's up I'm sorry I kept you
Thinking of this you keep repeating you miss
The rhymes from the microphone soloist
And you sit by the radio hand on the dial soon
As you hear it pump up the volume
Then plug in the headphone 'cause here it go
It's a 4 letter word when it's heard, it control
Your body to dance (you got it) soul
Detects the tempo like a red alert
Reaches your reflex, so let it work
When this is playing, you can't get stuck wit
The steps, so get set and I'm a still come up wit
A gift to be swift, follow the leader, the rhyme will go
Def wit the record that was mixed a long time ago
It can be done but only I can do it
For those that can dance and clap your hands to it
I start to think and then I sink
Into the paper like I was ink
When I'm writing, I'm trapped in between the lines
I escape when I finish the rhyme
I got soul
You got it
You got it
You got it
You got it
I know you got soul
Picture a mic, the stage is empty
A beat like this might tempt me
To pose, show my rings and my fat gold chain
Grab the mic like I'm on Soul Train
But I'll wait 'cause I mastered this
Let the others go first so the brothers don't miss
Eric B. break the sticks (you got it)
Rakim will begin when you make the mix
I'll experiment like a scientist
You want to rhyme, you gotta sign my list
'Cause I'm a manifest and bless the mic I hold
You want it next? then you gotta have soul
'Cause if you ain't got it, I'm a make an encore
Take the mic, make the people respond for
The R, 'cause that's the way it'll have to be
If you want to get on after me
Think about it, wait, erase your rhyme
Forget it and don't waste your time
'Cause I'll be in the crowd if you ain't controlling it
Drop the mic, you shouldn't be holding it
This is how it should be done
This style is identical to none
Some try to make it sound like this but you're getting me
So upset that I'm wet 'cause you're sweating me
I drip steam like a microphone fiend
Eager to MC is my theme
I get hype when I hear a drum roll
Rakim is on the mic and you know I got soul
You got it
You got it
You got it
You got it
You got it
I got soul (you got it) that's why I came
To teach those who can't say my name
First of all, I'm the soloist, the soul controller
Rakim gets stronger as I get older
Constant elevation causes expansion
I write my rhyme while I cool in my mansion
Then put it on tape and in the city I test it
Then on the radio the R's requested
You listen to it, the concept might break you
'Cause almost anyone can relate to
Whoever's out of hand, I'm give him handles
Light 'em up, blow 'em out like candles
Or should I just let him melt?
Then give him a hand so they can see how it felt
I'm not bold just 'cause I rock gold
Rakim is on the mic and you know I got soul
You got it
You got it
You got it
You got it
Now I'm a stop to see what you got
Get off the mic before I get too hot
I want to see which posse can dance the best
It should be easy 'cause the beat is fresh
Now if your from Uptown, Brooklyn- bound
The Bronx, Queens, or Long Island Sound
Even other states come right and exact
It ain't where you're from, it's where you're at
Since you came here, you have to show and prove
And do that dance until it don't move
'Cause all you need is soul self-esteem will release
The rest is up to you, Rakim 'll say peace
You got it
In the song "I Know" by Rakim, the artist speaks directly to his fans and acknowledges that he has been gone for some time, but now he's back with his unique style of rhyming. The song speaks to the power of music and how it can control your body and soul. By using a microphone, Rakim explains how he can control the tempo of his fans and get them dancing. He also explains how he feels when he is writing music, "trapped between the lines," and how it feels when he is finally free of them.
Rakim's lyrics convey a sense of confidence and self-assurance. He acknowledges his place in the rap game and how he has "mastered" his style of rhyming. He asserts that he is the one who can write and perform his particular style, and anyone who wants to follow in his footsteps has to have soul. He emphasizes the importance of self-esteem in his fans and encourages them to dance and enjoy themselves freely. Throughout the song, Rakim showcases his unique style of rhyming which combines rhythm, beat, and flow in a way that revolutionized hip-hop in the late 1980s.
Line by Line Meaning
It's been a long time I shouldn'na left you
It has been a significant amount of time since I last provided you with a powerful rhyme
Without a strong rhyme to step to
Without a compelling and impactful rhyme for you to engage with
Think of how many weak shows you slept through
Consider the countless unimpressive performances you have endured
Time's up I'm sorry I kept you
The wait is over, and I apologize for keeping you waiting
Thinking of this you keep repeating you miss
You constantly express your longing for
The rhymes from the microphone soloist
The lyrical prowess of a talented individual in control of the microphone
And you sit by the radio hand on the dial soon
You patiently sit beside the radio, ready to tune in
As you hear it pump up the volume
As the music intensifies and grabs your attention
Dance wit the speaker 'til you hear it blow
You joyfully dance alongside the artist until it reaches its maximum potential
Then plug in the headphone 'cause here it go
Then connect your headphones as the experience unfolds
It's a 4 letter word when it's heard, it control
It is a four-letter word that, when heard, takes control
Your body to dance (you got it) soul
Your body responds with rhythmic movements, showcasing your soul
Detects the tempo like a red alert
It recognizes the tempo immediately, like a warning signal
Reaches your reflex, so let it work
It stimulates your reflexes, so allow it to take effect
When this is playing, you can't get stuck wit
While this song is playing, you cannot resist
The steps, so get set and I'm a still come up wit
The dance steps, so prepare yourself and I will continue to create
A gift to be swift, follow the leader, the rhyme will go
A talent for quickness, follow my lead, and the rhymes will continue
Def wit the record that was mixed a long time ago
Skillfully blend with the record that was mixed in the past
It can be done but only I can do it
It is achievable, but only I possess the ability
For those that can dance and clap your hands to it
For those who possess the skills to dance and applaud to the rhythm
I start to think and then I sink
I begin to contemplate deeply and let my thoughts consume me
Into the paper like I was ink
I become immersed in the paper as if I were the ink itself
When I'm writing, I'm trapped in between the lines
While writing, I am confined within the boundaries of the written words
I escape when I finish the rhyme
I free myself from this confinement once I complete the rhyme
I got soul
I possess a deep and profound soul
You got it
You possess the same soul
You got it
You possess the same soul
You got it
You possess the same soul
You got it
You possess the same soul
I know you got soul
I am aware that you possess a deep and profound soul
Picture a mic, the stage is empty
Imagine a microphone, with the stage vacant and waiting
A beat like this might tempt me
A rhythm like this has the potential to entice me
To pose, show my rings and my fat gold chain
To strike a confident pose and display my rings and extravagant gold chain
Grab the mic like I'm on Soul Train
Seize the microphone with the same energy as on the popular show Soul Train
But I'll wait 'cause I mastered this
However, I will exercise patience as I have perfected my craft
Let the others go first so the brothers don't miss
Allow others to take the stage initially to ensure that everyone has an opportunity
Eric B. break the sticks (you got it)
Eric B. handle the drumsticks and create a captivating beat (you possess the skills to do so)
Rakim will begin when you make the mix
I, Rakim, will start when you have crafted the perfect mix
I'll experiment like a scientist
I will explore and test new ideas like a dedicated scientist
You want to rhyme, you gotta sign my list
If you wish to engage in a rap battle, you must first indicate your commitment by signing my list
'Cause I'm a manifest and bless the mic I hold
Because I will demonstrate and bless the microphone I am in possession of
You want it next? then you gotta have soul
If you desire to perform next, you must possess a deep and profound soul
'Cause if you ain't got it, I'm a make an encore
Because if you lack the necessary soul, I will continue performing after you
Take the mic, make the people respond for
Take hold of the microphone and captivate the crowd
The R, 'cause that's the way it'll have to be
Reinforce my identity as 'The R' because that is the standard
If you want to get on after me
If you wish to perform after me
Think about it, wait, erase your rhyme
Consider carefully, pause, and discard your current rhymes
Forget it and don't waste your time
Disregard it and avoid wasting your time
'Cause I'll be in the crowd if you ain't controlling it
Because I will be in the audience if you fail to captivate them
Drop the mic, you shouldn't be holding it
Release the microphone, as you should not be in possession of it
This is how it should be done
This is the correct way to perform
This style is identical to none
This style is unmatched and unique
Some try to make it sound like this but you're getting me
Others attempt to replicate this sound, but you are experiencing the real thing
So upset that I'm wet 'cause you're sweating me
You are so enthralled and impressed by my performance that it leaves me drenched with sweat
I drip steam like a microphone fiend
Like someone addicted to using a microphone, I emit steam
Eager to MC is my theme
Being enthusiastic about being an MC is the central theme of my performance
I get hype when I hear a drum roll
I become energized when I hear a drum roll
Rakim is on the mic and you know I got soul
I, Rakim, am on the microphone and I possess a deep and profound soul
Now I'm a stop to see what you got
Now I will pause to assess your skills
Get off the mic before I get too hot
Relinquish the microphone before I become too heated
I want to see which posse can dance the best
I desire to witness which group can showcase the most impressive dance moves
It should be easy 'cause the beat is fresh
It should be effortless as the beat is new and invigorating
Now if your from Uptown, Brooklyn- bound
Now, whether you originate from Uptown, Brooklyn, or other locations
The Bronx, Queens, or Long Island Sound
Whether you hail from the Bronx, Queens, or Long Island Sound
Even other states come right and exact
Even individuals from other states can participate and impress
It ain't where you're from, it's where you're at
It is not about your place of origin, but rather your current abilities
Since you came here, you have to show and prove
Now that you are present, you must showcase and demonstrate your skills
And do that dance until it don't move
Perform that dance until it becomes stagnant and unexciting
Cause all you need is soul self-esteem will release
Because all you require is a deep and profound soul, which will instill self-esteem
The rest is up to you, Rakim 'll say peace
The outcome depends on your performance, and Rakim will bid farewell to all
You got it
You possess it
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Eric Barrier, William Griffin, James Brown, Charles A. Bobbit, Clarence Eugene Haskins, Calvin Eugene Simon, Grady Thomas, Michael Williams, Bobby Byrd
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