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.
Saga Begins
Rakim Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
(here we go)
[Repeat: x5]
"Yo"
"And my name is Rakim"
Yo, the saga begins, my eyes is the photography lens
The horrors be grim, but yo maybe tomorrow we win
If we follow the trends and keep count of the dollars we spend
I want a mahogany Benz, I want lottery ends
I want property, friends, plus my hobby is skins
If I get sloppy and sin, then my prophesy ends
But the God'll begin, watching my artistry spin
In the place where war be, based on a true story
Territory was made for me to pursue glory
Blast alone masses in zones have to be sewn
Every capacity blown, I'm internationally known, yo
[Chorus 1]
So all hail the honorable, microphone phenomenal
Persona is unbombable?, trust me son
I continue like a saga do, bringing you the drama to
allow you that the chronicle has just begun
[Chorus 2]
"The saga begins"
"The soul controller, Rakim"
"Set it off, yo, the saga begins"
"Still say a rhyme after the next one"
"The saga begins"
"The soul controller, Rakim"
"Set it off, yo, the saga begins"
"Still say a rhyme after the next one"
"You know that I'm the soloist"
Yo, my never-ending epic, got the world spinning hectic
I quickly spread it, till the whole city's infected
Suspense that I supply intensify
Then commence as my daily events go by
You get involved in this, paragraphologist
Narrating novelist, market this, sound marvelous
I'm the star in this, which means the author's authentic
Most definite, every episode's a epidemic
So when you research, check it, here go the evidence
They represent with lyrical negligence for presidents
My science existed, without the fiction
Every inscription is a special edition
[Chorus 1 & 2]
Yo, the legacy lives, let em see what the pedigree is
Mega-thesis, blessing these kids with extra features
The depth's deep as, the deepest sea is
Telepathy increases melody gets speakers, telekinesis
Ideas appear as clear as, pictures in movie theaters
Lyrics you hear it, devastating the way you ear it
So stay tuned for sequels, part two's and more
So soon you and your peoples can bum rush the store
The names have changed the game remain the same
How one came to reign on his claim to fame
No stopping this I'm dropping this with hip-hop in this
And when the topic is topicless, then I'm writing the apocalypse
[Chorus 1 & 2]
[Chorus 2: Repeats]
In the first verse of Rakim's "Saga Begins," he mentions his desire to win while dealing with hardships in the ghetto. He compares his eyes to photography lenses, indicating that he is able to capture what he sees and experiences in his lyrics, and show quality gems. While struggling in his environment, he wants material things like a mahogany Benz, property, and friends, and is tempted to get involved in sinful behavior, but acknowledges that such choices would put an end to his prophesying. Nonetheless, he finds inspiration in his artistry and a pursuit of glory in the midst of chaos, as every capacity is blown from the zone all the way to the international level.
In the chorus, Rakim emphasizes his microphone skills and ability to tell a story. He calls himself "unbombable," indicating that he is unstoppable and invincible. He refers to himself as the "soul controller," meaning that he has control of the essence of his art, and sets off his "saga" with each rhyme he spits. Rakim acknowledges his place as a soloist in the music industry, indicating that his lyrical talent is one of a kind, and his impact on the music industry will be long-lasting.
Line by Line Meaning
Yo, the saga begins, my eyes is the photography lens
I am beginning my epic tale here, and my eyes are my tools to capture every detail just like a photographer.
Properly push pens, and show quality gems
I carefully write and express my thoughts with a refined style, producing works that are highly valuable.
The horrors be grim, but yo maybe tomorrow we win
The situation may look grim and bleak, but perhaps tomorrow will be a better day and we will find success.
If we follow the trends and keep count of the dollars we spend
If we pay attention to the trends and manage our finances wisely, we may find financial success.
I want a mahogany Benz, I want lottery ends
I desire luxury and wealth, such as a shiny mahogany-colored Benz and winning the lottery.
I want property, friends, plus my hobby is skins
I desire to own property and have friends, and one of my hobbies is pursuing romantic relationships.
If I get sloppy and sin, then my prophesy ends
If I make careless mistakes and do wrong, then my visions and expectations will fail.
But the God'll begin, watching my artistry spin
But God is always watching over my artistic creations.
In the place where war be, based on a true story
This is a real place where war is present, and the situation is based on actual events.
Territory was made for me to pursue glory
This area was created just for me to seek and achieve greatness.
Blast alone masses in zones have to be sewn
I aim to impress large groups of people in different areas and need to stitch the pieces together to create a cohesive narrative.
Every capacity blown, I'm internationally known, yo
My talent has been recognized globally, and I have achieved a high level of success.
"So all hail the honorable, microphone phenomenal
Please recognize the greatness and skill of Rakim, the microphone master.
Persona is unbombable?, trust me son
My personality and character are unbeatable and unbreakable, so believe in me.
I continue like a saga do, bringing you the drama to
My storytelling is epic like a saga, and I bring the drama to entertain my audience.
allow you that the chronicle has just begun"
I want you to understand that this story is far from over and there is much more to come.
"The soul controller, Rakim"
I am the master of the microphone and control souls with my artistry.
"Set it off, yo, the saga begins"
Let's start this epic storytelling journey with Rakim.
"Still say a rhyme after the next one"
Even after I finish one rhyme, I am still able to come up with new ones effortlessly.
"You know that I'm the soloist"
I am a solo artist, and I have unparalleled skill and talent.
Yo, my never-ending epic, got the world spinning hectic
My epic tale is never-ending and has captivated people all over the world to the point of frenzy.
I quickly spread it, till the whole city's infected
I spread my words and story quickly until the whole city is consumed by it.
Suspense that I supply intensify
I provide great suspense in my storytelling, heightening the experience for my listeners.
Then commence as my daily events go by
I continue my story as my daily life unfolds.
You get involved in this, paragraphologist
You get immersed in my story and become a skilled reader of my paragraphs.
Narrating novelist, market this, sound marvelous
I am a skilled storyteller like a novelist, and I can even market my own work because it is so good.
I'm the star in this, which means the author's authentic
I am the star of my own story, which means that what I am telling is completely genuine and real.
Most definite, every episode's a epidemic
My storytelling is certain and undeniable, and every part of it is like an outbreak that is consuming everyone who hears it.
So when you research, check it, here go the evidence
If you investigate my story, you will find the evidence to support what I am saying.
They represent with lyrical negligence for presidents
Other artists only care about money and fame and are not as dedicated to their craft as I am, which is a shame.
My science existed, without the fiction
My greatest skill is storytelling, and I can do it without resorting to made-up stories or fiction.
Every inscription is a special edition
Every word I write is special and unique, just like a limited edition book or album.
Yo, the legacy lives, let em see what the pedigree is
My legacy and story are still alive, and I want people to understand my pedigree and background.
Mega-thesis, blessing these kids with extra features
My story is a grand thesis, and through it, I give blessings to younger generations with extra talents and skills.
The depth's deep as, the deepest sea is
My storytelling has great depth, as deep as the ocean itself.
Telepathy increases melody gets speakers, telekinesis
My rhymes and storytelling have such power that they can affect people's minds and even move speakers or objects through telekinesis.
Ideas appear as clear as, pictures in movie theaters
My ideas and images are so vivid and clear that they are like watching a movie in a theater.
Lyrics you hear it, devastating the way you ear it
My lyrics are so powerful and impactful that they can affect the way you hear and process sound.
So stay tuned for sequels, part two's and more
Keep following my story, as there is much more to come in sequels and future parts.
So soon you and your peoples can bum rush the store
Soon, you and your friends can come to the store all at once to buy my next album or book.
The names have changed the game remain the same
Over the years, the names and faces in the music industry may change, but the game is still the same in terms of skill and artistry.
How one came to reign on his claim to fame
I want to tell my story and explain how I came to dominate and achieve my claim to fame.
No stopping this I'm dropping this with hip-hop in this
I won't let anyone stop me, and I will keep dropping rhymes and creating hip-hop music no matter what.
And when the topic is topicless, then I'm writing the apocalypse
Even when I have no specific topic to write about, I can still create something epic and impactful, like the apocalypse.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA/AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Brian
on R.A.K.I.M.
Ra, Ra, Ra, Ra, Ra, Ra
R, rugged and rough, that's how I do it
A, Allah, who I praise to the fullest
K, keep it movin'
I stand alone
M, it's my crown, my world, my throne
R, rugged and rough, that's how I do it
A, Allah, who I praise to the fullest
K, keep it movin'
I stand alone
M, it's my crown, my world, my throne
Ayo, when Rakim Allah attack, it's a wrap, y'all, relax
The almanac, just show me where the party's at
Seminars and tracks, cause, comas, and cardiacs
Broads and cats screaming, "oh, my God, he's back"
Just imagine, I hit the lab and get it crackin'
A thousand styles in one verse, rhythms will switch patterns
Chicks get stabbed in the back, 'til they get spasms
Known to spit a magnum, or split an atom
Who woulda known that Jesus would come back to the ghetto
On that level, and that thorough, like a black hero
And pack metal, so rap rebels, will back pedal
The pharaoh of five boroughs, and take over the rap world
Gettin' bizarre, hardcore, this is for y'all
The crib or the park, play it when you get in the car
Chill at the bar, sip somethin' or split a cigar
Get with your dogs, don't be alarmed, this kid is the bomb
It's the R, rugged and rough, that's how I do it
A, Allah, who I praise to the fullest
K, keep it movin'
I stand alone
M, it's my crown, my world, my throne
R, rugged and rough, that's how I do it
A, Allah, who I praise to the fullest
K, keep it movin'
I stand alone
M, it's my crown, my world, my throne
Uh, yeah, yo, I used to paint this flow, on ancient scrolls
And learn to make this dough where gangstas roll
Think like the late great Capone when the bank is closed
It's cats that claim they bold, but they ain't this cold
I'm from New York City even pretty chicks act up
Niggas get clapped up, you stack up, they stick that up
Quick to strap up, you'd think my name was "kid, back up"
Big niggas, pick that up or lift that up
Raised by gangstas and gamblers, hustlers, con artists
And convicts, killers and dons
Drug dealers, players and pimps, smooth talkers
Stick-up kids, thugs, real niggas and gods
Haunted by every soul that lay dead in the turf
Cursed by every spirit that never made it to birth
Since the Moon separated from Earth
That's why they say I'm the greatest that ever orchestrated a verse
It's the R, rugged and rough, that's how I do it
A, Allah, who I praise to the fullest
K, keep it movin'
I stand alone
M, it's my crown, my world, my throne
R, rugged and rough, that's how I do it
A, Allah, who I praise to the fullest
K, keep it movin'
I stand alone
M, it's my crown, my world, my throne
Ayo, toast to that, it's the cat that broke backs
To a soul clap, I smoke a track, how dope is that
Pope of rap, wrote backs that most slack
That note back before they turned coke to crack
To my dogs hearin' sirens on the firearms
Outcome die in wars or behind iron bars
The boulevard, retire frauds when I evolve
Try and rob my dialogue, I am God
Chicks moan just to get next to my throne
And sniff my cologne and get Ra alone
Sex pots at home, I'm testosterone
Caress spots, dress drops, bed rocks the bone
Hit the floor, it's hot for 2003
Hits galore, who rock a style as wild as me?
Rest assured, when I rock def crowds and scream
Bismillah ir-Rahman ir-Rahim
It's the R, rugged and rough, that's how I do it
A, Allah, who I praise to the fullest
K, keep it movin'
I stand alone
M, it's my crown, my world, my throne
R, rugged and rough, that's how I do it
A, Allah, who I praise to the fullest
K, keep it movin'
I stand alone
M, it's my crown, my world, my throne
R, rugged and rough, that's how I do it
A, Allah, who I praise to the fullest
K, keep it movin'
I stand alone
M, it's my crown, my world, my throne
R, rugged and rough, that's how I do it
A, Allah, who I praise to the fullest
K, keep it movin'
I stand alone
M, it's my crown, my world, my throne