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.
Microphone Fiend
Rakim Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I melted microphone instead of cones of ice cream
Music orientated so when hip-hop was originated
Fitted like pieces of puzzles, complicated
'Cause I grabbed the mic and try to say, " Yes y'all!"
They tried to take it, and say that I'm too small
Cool, 'Cause I don't get upset
I kick a hole in the speaker, pull the plug, then I jet
So then I add all the rhymes I had
One after the other one, then I make another one
To dis the opposite then ask if the brother's done
I get a craving like I fiend for nicotine
But I don't need a cigarette, know what I mean?
I'm raging, ripping up the stage and
Don't it sound amazing 'cause every rhyme is made and
Thought of, 'cause it's sort of...an addiction,
Magnatized by the mixing
Vocals, vocabulary, your verses, you're stuck in
The mic is a drano, volcanoes erupting,
Rhymes overflowing, gradually growing
Everything is written in the cold, so it can coin-
cide, my thoughts to guide,
48 tracks to slide
The invincible, microphone fiend Rakim
Spread the word, 'cause I'm in
E-F-F-E-see-T
A smooth operator operating correctly,
But back to the problem, I gotta habit,
You can't solve it, silly rabbit
The prescription is a hypertone that's thorough when
I fiend for a microphone like herion
Soon as the bass kicks, I need a fix
Gimme a stage and a mic and a mix
And I'll put you in a mood or is it a state of
unawareness? Beware, it's the reanamator!
A menace to a microphone, a lethal weapon
An assasinator, if the people ain't stepping
You see a part of me that you never seen
When I'm fiending for a microphone, I'm the microphone fiend...
(Verse 2:)
After 12, I'm worse that a Gremlin
Feed me Hip-hop and I start trembling
The thrill of suspense is intense, your horrified
But this ain't the cinemas of "Tales From the Darkside",
By any means necessary, this is what has to be done
Make way 'cause here I come....
My DJ cuts material....
Grand imperial.
It's a must that I bust any mic you're hand to me,
It's inherited, it's runs in the family
I wrote the rhyme that broke the bull's back,
If that don't slow 'em up, I carry a full pack.
Now I don't want to have to let off, you should of kept off
You didn't keep the stage warm, step off!
Ladies and Gentleman, You're about to see
A pastime hobby about to be
Take it to the maximum, I can't relax see, I'm
Hype as a hyperchrondriac 'cause the rap be one-
Hell of a antidote, something you can't smoke
More than dope, you're trying to move away but you can't, you're broke
More than cracked up, you should have backed up
For those who act up need to be more than smacked up
Any entertainer, I got a torture chamber
One on one and I'm the remainder!
So close your eyes and hold your breath,
And I'm a hit'cha wit the blow of death
Before you go, you'll remember you seen
The fiend of a microphone, I'm the microphone fiend
The microphone fiend...
Rakim's "Microphone Fiend" is an iconic hip hop track that discusses the rapper's love for his craft and his tendency to get lost in the music. The opening lines of the song set the tone, with Rakim explaining that he's been a "fiend" for music since he was young. He compares his obsession to a drug addiction, saying that he once melted microphones instead of eating ice cream cones.
Throughout the rest of the song, Rakim talks about the joy he gets from rapping and performing live. He describes the feeling of being in the zone, where his words flow effortlessly and the audience is fully engaged with his performance. He also hints at his competitive nature, with lines like "I get a craving like I fiend for nicotine / But I don't need a cigarette, know what I mean?" suggesting that he's driven to be the best in his field.
Overall, "Microphone Fiend" is a powerful ode to the art of hip hop and the satisfaction that comes from mastering it. It's an insightful look into Rakim's creative process and the passion that drives him to continue making music.
Line by Line Meaning
I was a fiend before I became a teen
I was deeply addicted to the art of using a microphone to create music before I was even a teenager.
I melted microphone instead of cones of ice cream
I loved using my microphone so much I would use it instead of enjoying frozen desserts.
Music orientated so when hip-hop was originated
My passion was always for music, which is why I was so excited when hip-hop came into being.
Fitted like pieces of puzzles, complicated
I saw myself as a perfect fit for hip-hop, but the process of making music was complex and challenging.
'Cause I grabbed the mic and try to say, " Yes y'all!"
I was confident in my skills and would boldly proclaim my desire to use the microphone to entertain others.
They tried to take it, and say that I'm too small
Others would underestimate me because of my size, but that only made me more determined to prove them wrong.
Cool, 'Cause I don't get upset
I remained calm and collected even in the face of criticism or attempts to diminish my talents.
I kick a hole in the speaker, pull the plug, then I jet
If anyone tried to impede or take away my ability to use the microphone, I would not hesitate to take destructive action and leave the situation behind.
Back to the lab ...without a mic to grab
When I was separated from my microphone, I would return to my workspace to develop new material.
So then I add all the rhymes I had
During these productive moments, I would incorporate older rhymes into new rap verses.
One after the other one, then I make another one
My process of creating music usually involved chaining together multiple verses in a row, building off of each other to create a larger song.
To dis the opposite then ask if the brother's done
My raps often included criticisms or challenges to other MCs, then asking them if they're finished or have anything to respond with.
I get a craving like I fiend for nicotine
Using a microphone became an addiction for me, similar to the way someone might crave cigarettes or nicotine.
But I don't need a cigarette, know what I mean?
My addiction is to music and creating with a microphone, not a physical substance like cigarettes.
I'm raging, ripping up the stage and
When I'm on stage, I'm full of energy and completely committed to delivering an amazing performance.
Don't it sound amazing 'cause every rhyme is made and
I put a lot of effort into every line of my raps, and it shows in the final product.
Thought of, 'cause it's sort of...an addiction,
My obsession with music and microphone use is more than a passion; it's also bordering on an obsession or addiction.
Magnatized by the mixing
I am completely drawn in by the process of creating music, mixing elements together to create a cohesive track.
Vocals, vocabulary, your verses, you're stuck in
When I'm making music, I'm completely absorbed in the process of piecing together vocal lines, new vocabulary, and overall verses to create a finished project.
The mic is a drano, volcanoes erupting,
The microphone is the source of my creative expression and allows me to pour out passion in a way that is both fulfilling and explosive.
Rhymes overflowing, gradually growing
As I develop and write new rhymes, they are able to evolve and grow in a way that feels natural and organic.
Everything is written in the cold, so it can coin-
cide, my thoughts to guide,
When I create rhymes, I tend to write them in isolation, allowing my thoughts to guide the process and letting the creativity come naturally.
48 tracks to slide
I have a lot of musical tracks available to me to build upon and add to my compositions, which allows me to create complex and layered music.
The invincible, microphone fiend Rakim
I am Rakim, the powerful and unstoppable microphone fiend – a force to be reckoned with in the music industry.
Spread the word, 'cause I'm in
E-F-F-E-see-T
My power as a rapper and microphone fiend has spread throughout the industry, and I aim to continue that trend.
A smooth operator operating correctly,
As a skilled rapper, I know how to operate and function optimally within the music industry.
But back to the problem, I gotta habit,
Despite all of my talent and skill, I am still completely addicted to the art of making music, especially with a microphone.
You can't solve it, silly rabbit
This is a problem or addiction that can't be easily solved or avoided.
The prescription is a hypertone that's thorough when
I fiend for a microphone like herion
The only 'cure' for my addiction is to dive headfirst into creating music, especially if it involves using a microphone, but the feeling is so strong it's like a drug addiction.
Soon as the bass kicks, I need a fix
My addiction to music and microphones is so strong that even the sound of the percussion can trigger an overwhelming craving to create music.
And I'll put you in a mood or is it a state of
unawareness? Beware, it's the reanamator!
When I'm performing my music, it has the power to put listeners into a trance or hypnotic state, making them vulnerable to the emotional impact of the music I create.
A menace to a microphone, a lethal weapon
An assasinator, if the people ain't stepping
When I'm operating at my peak talent level, my microphone skills become a form of deadly, sonic weapon that can leave audiences speechless or in awe.
You see a part of me that you never seen
When I'm performing or creating music, I am able to access a part of myself that I don't normally show to the public.
When I'm fiending for a microphone, I'm the microphone fiend...
At the core of everything I do as an artist and musician is this inescapable addiction and passion for using a microphone to make music.
After 12, I'm worse that a Gremlin
After a certain hour (12am), my addiction and passion for music and microphone use only grows stronger.
Feed me Hip-hop and I start trembling
The moment I'm around hip-hop music or have the chance to create something new with a microphone, my entire body begins to buzz and tremble with excitement.
The thrill of suspense is intense, your horrified
But this ain't the cinemas of "Tales From the Darkside",
The powerful thrill of suspense and energy that comes from working with hip-hop music (and creating something incredible with a microphone) is undeniable, but there is nothing dark or scary about the creative process.
By any means necessary, this is what has to be done
Make way 'cause here I come....
I am absolutely committed to making music and using my microphone to do so, even if it means taking drastic or unconventional measures to make it happen.
My DJ cuts material....
Grand imperial.
The person who provides the music and beats for me to work with is the DJ, who serves a crucial role in making everything come together in a smooth, harmonious way.
It's a must that I bust any mic you're hand to me,
It's inherited, it's runs in the family
I am so naturally good at working with microphones and creating music that it feels like an inherited trait passed down through my family.
I wrote the rhyme that broke the bull's back,
If that don't slow 'em up, I carry a full pack.
I've had major success in the past due to the skill and potency of my hip-hop lyrics and beats, which remain so strong that they are still a force to be reckoned with years later (hence, carrying a 'full pack').
Now I don't want to have to let off, you should of kept off
You didn't keep the stage warm, step off!
Whenever I'm performing and someone else tries to take the stage, I am quick to put them in their place and remind them that this is my moment to shine and use the microphone I love.
Ladies and Gentleman, You're about to see
A pastime hobby about to be
Take it to the maximum, I can't relax see, I'm
Hype as a hyperchrondriac 'cause the rap be one-
Hell of a antidote, something you can't smoke
As I perform with the microphone, I am so excited that it feels like a pastime or hobby, but one that I'm bringing everything I have to in order to create something truly incredible. The power of rap as a genre is like a highly-addictive, non-smokable antidote.
More than dope, you're trying to move away but you can't, you're broke
More than cracked up, you should have backed up
For those who act up need to be more than smacked up
The power and potency of my music, beats and use of a microphone is so strong that it overcomes people's resistance and obstacles, like walking away or being broke. Those who show disrespect or mistreat me will receive serious consequences.
Any entertainer, I got a torture chamber
One on one and I'm the remainder!
No matter who I am working or competing with in the entertainment industry, I am always ready to bring my best material forward and succeed – no one can challenge me when it comes to using a microphone and creating amazing music.
So close your eyes and hold your breath,
And I'm a hit'cha wit the blow of death
Before you go, you'll remember you seen
The fiend of a microphone, I'm the microphone fiend
Whenever I'm performing music with a microphone, it feels like a powerful and awe-inspiring experience that will leave a lasting impression on my audience. When they think of the best and most fearless entertainers who use a mic to create music, they'll think of me.
Lyrics © Wixen Music Publishing, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: ROGER BALL, ERIC BARRIER, MALCOLM DUNCAN, STEPHEN FERRONE, ALAN EDWARD GORRIE, WILLIAM GRIFFIN, OWEN ONNIE MCINTYRE, HAMISH STUART
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@anthonywaynejordan
White guy here, from Alabama. 51 y/o; 70’s and 80’s kid. I knew nothing about hip hop/rap, but when I heard Eric B and Rakim, I was hooked.
@sbnwnc
Music is universal
@DPSLee
When did you hear it? Just curious.
@josephcanales-pb3ip
You were hooked because this is the best rap you will ever hear. RAKIM was the definition of Hip-hop. He brought it to another level. Alot of rappers that came after were influenced by RAKIM. You can hear it in their music. One of the best legends ever.
@Markus_YouTube
@@josephcanales-pb3ip Eminem speaks on Rakim…..
https://youtu.be/SjFGCJRRD0E?si=DXD394Rp8pSvDzt-
@Markus_YouTube
@@josephcanales-pb3ipJay-Z speaks on Rakim…..
https://youtu.be/85BsBCg_fIQ?si=i_VCPbYQDctlvcMY
@blackjay3771
Bruh... This song is LITERALLY better than 100% of the so-called hip hop you hear on the radio in 2022.
@Jomotmm
I have to say this first time I've ever heard this track , but i couldn't fast forward ... its so smooth , it reminds of the first time i fell in love with hip hop as a 6 year old , i love this beat , and the bells/whistles its so dope
@franciscodeanda699
Truth!
@jayslay4453
Cuz they don't make beats like this no more it's bullshit.. I wanna find some one that can take it back for real..