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.
My Melody
Rakim Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I'm lettin' knowledge be born, and my name's the R
A-K-I-M, not like the rest of them, I'm not on a list
That's what I'm sayin', I drop science like a scientist
My melody's in a code, the very next episode
Has the mic often distortin', ready to explode
I keep the mic at Fahrenheit, freeze MC's to make 'em colder
The listener's system is kickin' like solar
Keep you goin' when I'm flowin', smooth enough, you know with the rough
That's why the moral of my story I tell'll be
Nobody beats the R, check out my melody
(Check out my melody)
(Check out my melody)
(Check out my melody)
(Check out my melody)
So what, I'm a microphone fiend addicted soon as I seen
One of these four MC's so they don't have to scream
I couldn't wait to take the mic, flow into it to test it
Let my melody play, then a record suggest it
I'm droppin' bombs, but I stay peace and calm
Any MC that disagree with me wave your arm
And I'll break, when I'm through breakin' I'll leave you broke
Drop the mic when I'm finished and watch it smoke
So stand back, you wanna rap? All of that can wait
I won't push, I won't beat around the bush
I wanna break upon those who are not supposed to
You might try but you can't get close to
Because I'm number one, competition is none
I'm measured with the heat that's made by sun
'Cause I'm playin ball or bobbin' in the hall
Or just writin' my name in graffiti on the wall
You shouldn't have told me you said you controlled me
So now a contest is what you owe me
Pull out your money, pull out your cut
Pull up a chair, and I'm a tear shit up
My name is Rakim Allah, and R and A stands for Ra
Switch it around, it still comes out R
So easily will I E-M-C-E-E
My repetition of words is check out my melody
Some bass and treble is moist, scratch in and cut in a voice
And when it's mine that's when the rhyme is always choice
I wouldn't a came and said my name and run same weak-
Puttin' blurbs and slurs and words that don't fit
In a rhyme, why waste time on the microphone
I take this more serious than just a poem
Rock from party to party, backyard to yard
I tear it up, y'all, and bless the mic for the Gods
(Check out my melody)
(Check out my melody)
(Check out my melody)
(Check out my melody)
The rhyme is rugged, at the same time sharp
I can swing off anything even a string of a harp
Just turn it on and start rockin', mine, no introduction
'Til I finish droppin' science, no interruption
When I approach I exercise like a coach
Usin' a melody and add numerous of notes
So when the mic and the R-A-K-I-M
It's a task, like a match I will strike again
Rhymes are poetically kept and alphabetically stepped
Put in a order to pursue with the momentum except
I say one rhyme out of order, a longer rhyme shorter
A pause, but don't stop the tape recorder
(Check out my melody)
(Check out my melody)
(Check out my melody)
(Check out my melody)
(Check out my melody)
(Check out my melody)
(Check)
(Check out my-)
(Check out my melody)
I'm not a regular competitor, first rhyme editor
Melody arranger, poet, et cetera
Extra event, the grand finale-like bonus
I am the man they call the microphonist
With wisdom, which means wise words bein' spoken
Too many at one time watch the mic start smokin'
I came to express the rap I manifest
Stand in my way and I'll veto on the word's protest
MC's that wanna be best, they're gonna
Be dissed if they don't get from in front-a
All they can go get is me a glass of Moet
A hard time, sip your juice and watch a smooth poet
I take seven MC's put 'em in a line
And add seven more brothas who think they can rhyme
Well, it'll take seven more before I go for mine
Now that's twenty-one MC's ate up at the same time
Easy does it, do it easy, that's what I'm doin'
No fessin', no messin' around, no chewin'
No robbin', no buyin', bitin', why borrow?
This slob'll stop tryin', fightin' to follow
My unusual style will confuse you a while
If I was water, I'd flow in the Nile
So many rhymes you won't have time to go for yours
Just because of applause I have to pause
Right after tonight is when I prepare
To catch another sucka duck MC out there
'Cause my strategy has to be tragedy, catastrophe
And after this you'll call me your majesty
My melody
Yes it's my melody
Eric B. (check out my melody)
Marley Marl synthesized it, I memorize it
Eric B. made a cut and advertised it
My melody's created for MC's in the place
They try to listen 'cause I'm dissin' them so pick up your face
Shook off your neck 'cause you try to detect my pace
Now you're druggin', almost buggin' off my rhyme-like bass
The melody that I'm stylin', smooth as a violin
Rough enough to break New York from Long Island
My wisdom is swift, no matter if
My momentum is slow, MC's still stand stiff
I'm genuine like leather, reclined to be clever
MC, you'll beat the R, I'll say, "Oh never"
So Eric B., cut it easily and
Check out my melody
In the song "My Melody," Rakim declares himself a superior MC and invites listeners to check out his melody. He begins by introducing himself as A-K-I-M, different from the rest of the MCs in the game. He drops knowledge and science over a code-like melody that's ready to explode at any time. He continues his lyrical domination, introducing himself as a microphone fiend and emphasizing his rhyme-making abilities. He then cautions his competitors not to mess with him, declaring himself number one and competition is none. He declares himself a master of the microphone and a poet with a smooth flow that's rugged and sharp.
Throughout the song, Rakim uses wordplay, metaphors, and similes to demonstrate his lyrical prowess. He also provides a warning to his competitors, encouraging them to back off unless they want to be dissed. His message to listeners and competitors is clear; no one beats the R.
Line by Line Meaning
Turn up the bass, check out my melody, hand out a cigar
I'm about to deliver some powerful knowledge through my music, so get ready and celebrate with me
I'm lettin' knowledge be born, and my name's the R
I'm using my music to share wisdom and my name represents the art of rapping
A-K-I-M, not like the rest of them, I'm not on a list
My name is unique and I don't conform to the expectations others have for me
That's what I'm sayin', I drop science like a scientist
I'm sharing deep knowledge and information through my lyrics, just like a scientist does through their research
My melody's in a code, the very next episode
My music has hidden messages and the next song will reveal more of its secrets
Has the mic often distortin', ready to explode
When I perform, my microphone is pushed to its limits, creating distorted sounds that add intensity to my music
I keep the mic at Fahrenheit, freeze MC's to make 'em colder
When I grab the microphone, I deliver such a powerful performance that it chills other rappers and makes them feel inferior
The listener's system is kickin' like solar
My music energizes the listener's entire system, just like the power of the sun
As I memorize, advertise, like a poet
I carefully craft and remember my lyrics, promoting my skills as a poet and rapper
Keep you goin' when I'm flowin', smooth enough, you know with the rough
My music keeps you engaged and inspired while I deliver lyrics that are both polished and raw
That's why the moral of my story I tell'll be
The lesson I want you to take from my music is
Nobody beats the R, check out my melody
I'm unbeatable in the rap game, so listen to my music and witness my greatness
Check out my-
Make sure you pay attention to my unique style and artistry
Check out my melody
Listen closely to the music I create, it has depth and meaning
Marley Marl synthesized it, I memorize it
Marley Marl produced the beat for this song, and I've carefully memorized and mastered it
Eric B. made a cut and advertised it
Eric B. added his unique touch and promoted this song to the world
My melody's created for MC's in the place
My music is specifically crafted for other rappers to appreciate and admire
They try to listen 'cause I'm dissin' them so pick up your face
Other rappers pay attention to my music because I challenge and critique them, so they better listen closely
Shook off your neck 'cause you try to detect my pace
You're so intrigued by my flow that you're trying to keep up with the speed and rhythm of my lyrics
Now you're druggin', almost buggin' off my rhyme-like bass
My powerful and captivating lyrics have you hooked and mesmerized, just like the effects of a drug
The melody that I'm stylin', smooth as a violin
The music I create is elegant and refined, with a smoothness comparable to a violin's sound
Rough enough to break New York from Long Island
My music is powerful and impactful, strong enough to make a significant impact even in the city of New York
My wisdom is swift, no matter if
I have deep wisdom to share, and I can deliver it quickly and effectively
My momentum is slow, MC's still stand stiff
Even if the pace of my lyrics is slower, other rappers still feel intimidated and unable to match my skills
Right after tonight is when I prepare
After tonight's performance, I will start getting ready for the next challenge
To catch another sucka duck MC out there
I'm always ready to expose and defeat any weak rapper who tries to challenge me
'Cause my strategy has to be tragedy, catastrophe
I approach the rap game with a plan to cause chaos and devastation to any opponent who dares to challenge me
And after this you'll call me your majesty
Once you witness the power and skill of my performance, you'll see me as the ruler of the rap world
Yes it's my melody
Indeed, this is my signature style and sound
Eric B. (check out my melody)
Eric B. played a significant role in creating this masterpiece, so acknowledge his contribution
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: Eric Barrier, William Griffin
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@slothbro2740
Diamonds are forever like family and loyalty
Or real rap songs like "C.R.E.A.M." or "My Melody"
@random6857
Rip guru :( ♥️
@bigbroyearseen9423
Rip Guru
@neoscapr7504
Rip Guru
@leanhoven
Know I had 2 one back
@alxrtv3159
Diamonds are forever like my infinite thought
Like respect in the Hood that cant be bought
@samakrosario5546
"I'll take 7 MCs and put them in a line, and add 7 more Brothers who think they can Rhyme, it'll take 7 more before I go for mine and thats 21 MCs ate up at the same time." Still one of the Best verses ever. Rakim was ahead of his time, hip hop fans didn't appreciate him as much when he first came out as much as they appreciate him now, his lyrics are just as dope now as they were back then.
@twstdreality
Did anyone notice that not only did Em shout out Rakim in Rap God, but he also referenced one of Rakim’s lines in "My Melody"
My Melody: "I take seven MC’s put ‘em in a line, and add seven more brothas who think they can rhyme" -Rakim
Rap God: "I’ll take seven kids from Columbine, put ‘em all in a line, add an AK-47, a revolver and a nine" -Eminem
Also maybe this is a coincidence, but since it’s Em, probably not. In the second part of both verses, after the first line, the verse "add seven” from My Melody and "add an AK-47" from Rap God both mention 7 which I didn’t notice before as well. The last word of both verses also rhyme together which probably isn’t a coincidence. It’s crazy to think how much layers Em’s verses have!
@mrmartywaring
The greatest four bars in hip-hop history to this day!
@Milkman-007
@@twstdrealityimtentional, was on im back