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.
Juice
Rakim Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
And the thought takes place uptown
I grew up on the sidewalk where I learned street talk
And then taught to hawk New York
I go to Queens for queens to get the crew from Brooklyn
Make money in Manhattan and never been took'en
Go Uptown and the Bronx to boogie down
Get strong on the Island, recoupe, and lay around
Props back up, suckers get smacked up
Don't doubt the clout, you know what I'm about
Knocking niggas off, knocking niggas out
Shaking 'em up, waking 'em up
Raking 'em up, breaking 'em up
Standing on shaky grounds too close to the edge
Let's see if I know the ledge
Corners' trifling 'cause shorty's here
I get cock-d liftin' forty's of beer
Here's a sip for the crew that's deceased
If I get revenge, then they rest in peace
Somebody's got to suffer, I just might spare one
And give a brother a fair one
Stay alert and on P's
And I do work with these, like Hercules
Switch to southpaw, split your right jaw
'Cause I don't like y'all, I'm hype when night fall
Smooth but I move like an army
Bulletproof down in case brothers try to bomb me
Putting brothers to rest like Elliot nness
'Cause I don't like stress
Streets ain't a place for innocent bystanders to stand
Nothing's gonna stop the plan
I'll chill like Pacino, kill like DeNiro
Black Gambino, die like a hero
Living on shaky grounds too close to the edge
Let's see if I know the ledge
Shells lay around on the battleground
Dead bodies are found throughout the town
Tried to put shame in my game to make a name
I'ma put it on a bullet, put it in your brain
Rip the block like a buckshot
Who cares where it goes, just keep the casket closed
No remorse when a life is lost
I paid my dues, paid the cost
And my pockets are still fat
Wherever I'm at, I get the welcome mat
Even if my crew steep with one deep
I attract attention, people like to peep
So come say hi to the badguy
Don't say goodbye, I don't plan to die
'Cause I get loose and I got troops
And crazy juice
In control of many like Ayatollah Khomeini
Hang out with Smith and Wesson, don't try to play me
I'm at war a lot, like Anwar Sadat
But no warning shot, my gun is warm a lot
When I cook beef, the smoke will never clear
Areas in fear but this here's severe
Living life too close to the edge
Hoping that I know the ledge
A brand new morn, no time to yawn
Shower's on, power's on
Late for school, I catch the train
Girls sip "Cristal" and whisper my name
I push up like an exercise
Check the intellect and inspect the thighs
Select the best one, pull her to the side
Keep her occupied for the rest of the ride
Read her my resume she's know I'm 'ready cool
Just meet me after school
We can moan and groan until your moms come home
And you be calling me Al "dope" Capone
Sweatin' me, she didn't want to let me loose
Come get me, that's if you want to sip the juice
'Cause the streets await me, so I take my gun off safety
'Cause a lot of niggas hate me
Coming out of the building, they set me up
Sprayed wit automatics, they wet me up
In a puddle of blood, I lay close to the edge
I guess I didn't know the ledge
The lyrics to Rakim's song "Juice" depict the rapper's life and experiences growing up in New York City. He starts off by asserting his dominance, claiming to have enough "juice" (power and influence) to go around. He mentions growing up on the streets and learning the language of the streets, being street-smart. Rakim then describes his ability to navigate different areas of New York City, from Queens to Brooklyn, Manhattan to the Bronx, and the Island (possibly referring to Long Island). He talks about building back his "juice" and gaining respect, while also knocking down his adversaries. He emphasizes his skills and power, stating that he can shake up and wake up anyone who challenges him. The song also touches on themes of revenge, violence, and the constant danger of living on the edge in the streets.
Line by Line Meaning
Sip the juice, I got enough to go around
Enjoy the benefits and advantages I have, as I have plenty to share
And the thought takes place uptown
The idea and inspiration originated in the urban area
I grew up on the sidewalk where I learned street talk
I acquired knowledge and experience in the rough environment of the streets
And then taught to hawk New York
I was educated to navigate and thrive in the bustling city of New York
I go to Queens for queens to get the crew from Brooklyn
I venture to different boroughs to gather the best individuals from each area
Make money in Manhattan and never been took'en
I am successful and have never been deceived or taken advantage of in the wealthy district of Manhattan
Go Uptown and the Bronx to boogie down
I visit Uptown and the Bronx to have fun, enjoy music, and let loose
Get strong on the Island, recoupe, and lay around
I recuperate and relax on the island, gaining strength and rejuvenating myself
Time to build my juice back up
It's time for me to regain and increase my power and influence
Props back up, suckers get smacked up
I regain respect and put those who oppose me in their place
Don't doubt the clout, you know what I'm about
Do not underestimate my influence and capabilities, as you already know what I am capable of
Knocking niggas off, knocking niggas out
Defeating and overpowering my opponents, both mentally and physically
Shaking 'em up, waking 'em up
Causing disruption and awakening the unaware
Raking 'em up, breaking 'em up
Collecting victories and breaking down obstacles
Standing on shaky grounds too close to the edge
Existing in a precarious and dangerous situation, pushing the limits
Let's see if I know the ledge
Let's determine if I have the knowledge and skills to handle this risky situation
Corners' trifling 'cause shorty's here
The street corners are chaotic and troublesome because I am present
I get cock-d liftin' forty's of beer
I confidently enjoy and drink forty-ounce bottles of beer
Here's a sip for the crew that's deceased
I drink in honor of my fallen comrades and friends
If I get revenge, then they rest in peace
If I successfully avenge them, they can finally find peace
Somebody's got to suffer, I just might spare one
Someone must face the consequences, but I may show mercy to one individual
And give a brother a fair one
I will engage in a fair fight with another man
Stay alert and on P's
Remain vigilant and attentive
And I do work with these, like Hercules
I excel and accomplish great feats of strength and power, similar to Hercules
Switch to southpaw, split your right jaw
I change my fighting stance and deliver a powerful punch to your right jaw
'Cause I don't like y'all, I'm hype when night fall
I have no fondness for you, and I become energetic and excited when night arrives
Smooth but I move like an army
I am calm and composed, but my actions are strategic and coordinated like an army
Bulletproof down in case brothers try to bomb me
I am prepared for potential attacks, wearing protective gear to defend against those who may try to harm me
Putting brothers to rest like Elliot Ness
I am eliminating my enemies and rivals, similar to how Elliot Ness put criminals to rest
'Cause I don't like stress
I avoid unnecessary troubles and conflicts
Streets ain't a place for innocent bystanders to stand
The streets are dangerous, and it's not safe for innocent people to be caught in the midst of chaos
Nothing's gonna stop the plan
No obstacle or opposition will prevent the execution of my plan
I'll chill like Pacino, kill like DeNiro
I'll remain calm and composed like Al Pacino, but I possess the killer instinct and intensity of Robert DeNiro
Black Gambino, die like a hero
I am a powerful and influential figure, capable of sacrificing myself heroically for my cause
Living on shaky grounds too close to the edge
Existing in a precarious and unstable situation, constantly flirting with danger
Let's see if I know the ledge
Let's determine if I have the knowledge and skills to handle this risky situation
Shells lay around on the battleground
Empty bullet casings are scattered around where conflict and violence have taken place
Dead bodies are found throughout the town
Various corpses are discovered all over the city
Tried to put shame in my game to make a name
Others attempted to discredit and embarrass me in order to gain reputation for themselves
I'ma put it on a bullet, put it in your brain
I will retaliate by inflicting harm upon my enemies, shooting them in the head
Rip the block like a buckshot
I create chaos and devastation in the neighborhood, similar to the impact of a buckshot
Who cares where it goes, just keep the casket closed
I don't care about the consequences, as long as the dead bodies are buried and hidden away
No remorse when a life is lost
I don't feel guilt or regret when someone dies
I paid my dues, paid the cost
I have fulfilled my obligations and paid the necessary price for my actions
And my pockets are still fat
I remain wealthy and prosperous
Wherever I'm at, I get the welcome mat
Wherever I go, I am received with warmth, respect, and hospitality
Even if my crew steep with one deep
Even if I am alone or with a small group, I still have influence and power
I attract attention, people like to peep
I captivate and draw attention to myself, as people are intrigued by my presence
So come say hi to the badguy
Approach and greet the villainous figure
Don't say goodbye, I don't plan to die
Don't bid farewell, as I have no intention of dying
'Cause I get loose and I got troops
Because I become wild and uncontrollable, and I have a group of supporters and followers
And crazy juice
And an unpredictable, intense energy
In control of many like Ayatollah Khomeini
I have authority and command over numerous individuals, similar to Ayatollah Khomeini's influence
Hang out with Smith and Wesson, don't try to play me
I associate with dangerous weaponry, and it would be unwise to challenge or deceive me
I'm at war a lot, like Anwar Sadat
I am frequently involved in conflicts and battles, similar to Anwar Sadat's experiences
But no warning shot, my gun is warm a lot
I don't give any warning before taking aggressive action, as my firearm is often ready to be used
When I cook beef, the smoke will never clear
When I engage in conflicts and confrontations, the tension and aftermath will persist
Areas in fear but this here's severe
People are frightened and cautious of my presence, as the situation is intense and serious
Living life too close to the edge
Existing in a risky and dangerous manner
Hoping that I know the ledge
Having faith that I possess the knowledge and skills to handle the dangerous situations
A brand new morn, no time to yawn
A fresh morning begins, and there's no time to waste or be lazy
Shower's on, power's on
I am awake and ready, energized for the day ahead
Late for school, I catch the train
I am running behind schedule, but I manage to catch the train to school
Girls sip 'Cristal' and whisper my name
Women indulge in expensive champagne and speak my name softly
I push up like an exercise
I confidently approach and flirt with women
Check the intellect and inspect the thighs
I evaluate both the intelligence and physical attractiveness of the women
Select the best one, pull her to the side
I choose the most appealing woman and take her aside
Keep her occupied for the rest of the ride
I engage her in conversation and activities, ensuring she remains interested for the entire journey
Read her my resume she's know I'm 'ready cool
I impress her with my accomplishments and experience, making her aware of my confident and cool demeanor
Just meet me after school
Simply join me after school
We can moan and groan until your moms come home
We can engage in sexual activities and pleasure each other until your mother returns
And you be calling me Al 'dope' Capone
You will refer to me as Al 'dope' Capone, emphasizing my status and reputation
Sweatin' me, she didn't want to let me loose
She desires me and doesn't want to let me go
Come get me, that's if you want to sip the juice
Pursue me and engage in a relationship with me, but only if you are willing to handle the power and influence I possess
'Cause the streets await me, so I take my gun off safety
Because the streets call for my presence, I remove the safety mechanism from my gun
'Cause a lot of niggas hate me
Because there are many individuals who despise and resent me
Coming out of the building, they set me up
As I exit the building, they plot and arrange my downfall
Sprayed wit automatics, they wet me up
They shoot at me with automatic weapons, hitting me with an onslaught of bullets
In a puddle of blood, I lay close to the edge
I find myself lying in a pool of blood, teetering dangerously close to the brink of death
I guess I didn't know the ledge
It appears that I underestimated the risks and consequences that came with my lifestyle and actions
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Eric Barrier, William Griffin
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@jumahamis227
Its a blasphemy not to honor Rakim as one of the greatest MCS ever lived
@Salman.khan786
juma hamis Facts!!!! 🙌🏽🙌🏽👏🏽👏🏽
@archiejackson2315
And u know that...
@Kayzef2003
Nobody ever dared.
@rohaaniidaalii9758
The greatest ever. ...goat
@SAMack-xd2fn
He is number 1
@JBalla20
It’s so crazy that Rakim did the drums for this beat. He killed it
@toshizohijikata9164
NATIONAL TREASURE
@3hooks781
Dude's musician for sure! Also plays sax!
@TheArknessm
Wow, didn't know that. Respect the God MC even more now