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.
Man Above
Rakim Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
The man above been talking to me
He said he understands my view
He's always walking with me
'Cause he sees what I've been through
When the world starts kicking me around
Trying to earn, trying to learn, trying to love like a man
Sometimes it feels like it's out of my hands
I'm from the hood that's forever sinning
Where life is took for granted here so death is winning
Nothing but blues around, feels like we're losing out
Times that spent in this environment confuse a child
As a juvenile I ran wild, I ran out of blessings
Been in and out of prison as an adolescent
My goal was getting it 'til something said to turn my life around
Redirect my hustle and go legitimate
'Til I get corporate and invest fortunes
With exec bosses sitting behind a desk at the office
But I'm left jobless, nobody hiring ex-convicts
That don't mean I'm less conscious
It's so hard when they close doors
And when you looking like a so-called hip hoppa you get nada
Stereotyped, scarred for life stigmata
But still a kid's gotta get a dolla
The man above been talking to me
He said he understands my view
He's always walking with me
'Cause he sees what I've been through
When the world starts kicking me around
All in my face, make me want to put 'em down
Trying to earn, trying to learn, trying to love like a man
Sometimes it feels like it's out of my hands
I tackle choices every day that's hopeless
I hear a voice saying, "Stay focused"
Fast money, cars and broads will mislead you
Love backwards here is evil but it's legal
Multi-task, I make a fortune faster
Keep rhymin' 'til I'm climbing up the corporate ladder
In my community, you've gotta go out of your way
If you're out to get paid than back up and wait for opportunity
I try not to blame society
I eat my pride 'cause I know deep inside it's me
But not entirely, when a man try to live righteously
And propriety turn to anxiety
I thought I paid back the system when I stayed in prison
I left the stripes, see what success is like
But the way they set the price
You spent your childhood in the wild hood you're in debt for life
The man above been talking to me
He said he understands my view
He's always walking with me
'Cause he sees what I've been through
When the world starts kicking me around
All in my face, make me wanna put 'em down
Trying to earn, trying to learn, trying to love like a man
Sometimes it feels like it's out of my hands
They say I'm from the hood
That mean I'm no good
I figured out what was talking with me
When I do right I feel him walking with me
So I'm adamant, some call it arrogance
I can cope it 'cause I know I'm broke for having sense
But my back's against the wall, it's getting rough to get a buck
In a job with a minimum wage won't get enough
Faced with giving up and my lady friend's beefing
Ends ain't meeting, we just an argument away from splitting up
It gets lonely, my fam disowned me
Called me the black sheep 'cause I act street
Yeah, it's that deep, I tried to change clicks
Homies flipped on me 'cause I don't hang we have beef
But I'm at peace so that cease, at least
I ain't got no ties on my Porsche ride
And no time for no crime, knowing that the most high
Is watching with a close eye
The man above been talking to me
He said he understands my view
He's always walking with me
'Cause he sees what I've been through
When the world starts kicking me around
All in my face, make me wanna put 'em down
Trying to earn, trying to learn, trying to love like a man
Sometimes it feels like it's out of my hands
They say I'm from the hood
That mean I'm no good
They say I'm from the hood
That mean I'm no good
They say I'm from the hood
That mean I'm no good
In "Man Above," Rakim raps about his struggles growing up in the ghetto and how he seeks guidance from a higher power to navigate through life's challenges. The song begins with the rapper acknowledging the similar struggles experienced by those in ghettos worldwide. He then shares how he has been hearing from the man above, who understands his struggles and walks with him through life. Rakim goes on to describe how his experiences in the hood have shaped him, with death seemingly always a step away, and how difficult it is to succeed and provide for himself and his loved ones. He talks about his time in prison and how he decided to turn his life around, but finds himself facing roadblocks due to his past as an ex-convict. The rapper tackles the complexities of life choices and the lure of fast money, cars, and women that can lead one astray. He concludes with how he believes in himself and his purpose, even amidst the challenging circumstances around him.
Line by Line Meaning
Ladies and gentlemen, ghettos all across the world
Introduction to the idea of people struggling in ghettos across the world
The man above been talking to me
Religious belief that a higher power is speaking to Rakim
He said he understands my view
Higher power empathizes with Rakim's life experiences
He's always walking with me
Rakim feels spiritually guided by the higher power
'Cause he sees what I've been through
Higher power acknowledges and recognizes Rakim's hardships
When the world starts kicking me around
Refers to obstacles and hardships in life
All in my face, make me wanna put 'em down
Rakim is tempted to resort to violence when faced with adversity
Trying to earn, trying to learn, trying to love like a man
Desire to be self-sufficient, educated, and caring
Sometimes it feels like it's out of my hands
Acknowledgement that life can be unpredictable
I'm from the hood that's forever sinning
Rakim's perspective on the negative influences of his environment
Where life is took for granted here so death is winning
People in Rakim's community often don’t value life resulting in high loss of life
Nothing but blues around, feels like we're losing out
Socioeconomic struggles limit opportunities and feelings of hopelessness arise
Times that spent in this environment confuse a child
Growing up in a difficult environment can be mentally and emotionally challenging for a young person
As a juvenile I ran wild, I ran out of blessings
Rakim made poor choices and exhausted his positive opportunities in his youth
Been in and out of prison as an adolescent
Details Rakim's negative experiences with the criminal justice system at a young age
My goal was getting it 'til something said to turn my life around
Rakim realized he needed to change his behavior before something worse happened
Redirect my hustle and go legitimate
Desire to live a law-abiding life and make income legally
'Til I get corporate and invest fortunes
Plan for economic success and wealth accumulation
With exec bosses sitting behind a desk at the office
Rakim's vision for being a high-ranking business professional
But I'm left jobless, nobody hiring ex-convicts
Obstacles faced in finding a job with a criminal record
That don't mean I'm less conscious
Rakim remains aware and intelligent despite societal rejection
It's so hard when they close doors
Impediments encountered when attempting to improve one's life
And when you looking like a so-called hip hoppa you get nada
Stereotyping and stigma faced as a hip hop artist
Stereotyped, scarred for life stigmata
Negative labeling and lasting effects by societal perceptions
But still a kid's gotta get a dolla
Importance of earning money despite difficulties
I tackle choices every day that's hopeless
Daily struggles Rakim is confronted with
I hear a voice saying, "Stay focused"
Positive internal voice encouraging focus and persistence
Fast money, cars and broads will mislead you
Cautionary words on not being seduced by superficial things
Love backwards here is evil but it's legal
Social critique of the dark nature of love in his community
Multi-task, I make a fortune faster
Striving for success and income through multiple income sources
Keep rhymin' 'til I'm climbing up the corporate ladder
Ambition to achieve success as an artist and eventually by becoming a high-ranking professional
In my community, you've gotta go out of your way
Necessity to work harder than what is required to succeed in his community
If you're out to get paid than back up and wait for opportunity
A patient and well-thought-out approach to increasing wealth
I try not to blame society
Rakim's ownership over his life and life choices
I eat my pride 'cause I know deep inside it's me
Admission of personal responsibility in difficult situations
But not entirely, when a man try to live righteously
Societal factors and nuances can affect even someone trying to live a good life
And propriety turn to anxiety
Desire to do the right thing can result in worry and anxiety
I thought I paid back the system when I stayed in prison
Belief that serving time in prison was a form of repayment to society
I left the stripes, see what success is like
Hopefulness in a life beyond crime through success
But the way they set the price
Ways society makes life and success challenging for ex-convicts
You spent your childhood in the wild hood you're in debt for life
The difficult environment Rakim grew up in leaves a lasting impact on his life and success
They say I'm from the hood
Common negative stereotypes about individuals from inner-city communities
That mean I'm no good
The negative perceptions associated with coming from an underprivileged neighborhood
I figured out what was talking with me
Understanding that the voice he hears is his own thoughts
When I do right I feel him walking with me
When Rakim behaves positively, he feels at peace and successful
So I'm adamant, some call it arrogance
A firm conviction in himself, which some might say is arrogance or overconfidence
I can cope it 'cause I know I'm broke for having sense
Rakim thinks that his intelligence puts him at a disadvantage because it has limited his ability to participate in illegal activities that offer fast money.
But my back's against the wall, it's getting rough to get a buck
Financial difficulties and low opportunities
In a job with a minimum wage won't get enough
Minimum wage cannot support a family with sufficient funds
Faced with giving up and my lady friend's beefing
The stress of hard times is straining his family relationships
Ends ain't meeting, we just an argument away from splitting up
Financial struggles can put pressure on relationships, and threaten to tear them apart
It gets lonely, my fam disowned me
Missteps and mistakes can cause rifts with family members
Called me the black sheep 'cause I act street
Family members feel like he is living dangerously and recklessly
Yeah, it's that deep, I tried to change clicks
Previous attempts to make changes to one's life did not work in his community
Homies flipped on me 'cause I don't hang we have beef
Negative reactions from former acquaintance when attempting to live a more responsible life
But I'm at peace so that cease, at least
Rakim's contentment with himself and his aspirations regardless of what others think
I ain't got no ties on my Porsche ride
Rakim has built a prosperous life of his own and doesn't owe anyone for it
And no time for no crime, knowing that the most high
Desire to maintain a life without criminal activity and attention to a higher power
Is watching with a close eye
Rakim believes that a higher power is keeping an eye on him and his actions
They say I'm from the hood
Reintroduction of the negative stereotypes against inner-city communities
That mean I'm no good
The belief that living in an impoverished neighborhood implies a lack of capacity to achieve success
Contributed by Mila W. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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