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.
Strong Island
Rakim Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
One two
Yeah, yeah,
"Rough enough to break New York from Long Island"
Yeah it's the God baby,
Long Island's own,
Barbarian of the microphone,
It's for y'all niggas
And the streets just a couple of miles East of Mecca
Where peeps touch nothing but style heat and cheddar
Compete with ya livelihood to eat better
And ain't nothing sweet but the ladies who speak wetta
With a torn smile, trying to get my song on file
It's on now, the whole town done gone wild
Kick rhymes off my heartbeat as a unborn child
Then developed a strong style on Long Isle
Won't be long now, I started rhyming young
I designed for fun, knowing my time would come
I started, paying dues DJ'in with crews
Learning the inner city rules, conveying the news
Soon as the jam start the man's art'll jam parks
Slam so hard it remains a landmark
The rhyme that I'm styling, smooth as a violin
But "Rough enough to break New York from Long Island"
("Rough enough to break New York from Long Island"(
Like any G.O.D., loose on a spree for new degrees
Things to do and see until nothing is new to me
A true MC usually be into a breeze
And I can still see New York City through the trees
My advance slams put you outside looking in
Or the other way around, that depends, look again
Took a pen so you could zero in on my book of gems
It extends from the Hamptons to Brook-lyn
Through every hoodie in town, to learn the Boogie Down
Til every DJ around, wanted to put me down
Rhymes got rougher til I was ready to blast off
And harass all from Suffolk County to Nassau
Where we keep the money piling, keep the honies smiling
Keep the heater just in case kids start whyling
The rhyme that I'm styling, smooth as a violin
"Rough enough to break New York from Long Island"
("Rough enough to break New York from Long Island)
Grew up in Wyndanch, formerly known as Crime-Danch
Me and my mans we travel lands to find jams
Where violence usually ends in sirens
By all means, we all fiend for finance
We make cash on the street called straight path
We take class, build with the Gods with great math
Everyday true to the street, and never fronted
Along the way, learned from the best that ever done it
Being exposed to life's highs and lows
Got my flows ready for shows, I'm ready for the pros
I put it on a tape and then the city I tested
Then on the radio the are's requested
Now the whole world's whyling, all the girls smiling
You know, it's on, soon as they let the crowd in
The rhyme that I'm styling, smooth as a violin
"Rough enough to break New York from Long Island"
Word up.. I want to give a big up to Long Island, stomping grounds, for real
("Rough enough to break New York from Long Island")
Crime-Danch, one love baby, word up
("Rough enough to break New York from Long Island")
I want to give a crazy shout out to all the DJ's back in the day
Who used to let me smoke they microphones, ya know what I mean?
Big up to DJ Maniac, DJ Teddy Tuff, and DJ Cool Breeze
("Rough enough to break New York from Long Island")
Word up
("Rough enough to break New York from Long Island")
Rakim's song "Strong Island" is a tribute to his hometown of Long Island and its impact on his life and career as a rapper. The first verse highlights the toughness of Long Island and its inhabitants, who have to compete for livelihood and survive in a harsh environment. Rakim talks about his early days as a DJ and how he learned the "inner city rules" and "conveyed the news" through his music. He then describes his evolution as an MC, from starting to rhyme young, paying dues, and developing a strong style.
The second verse features Rakim's signature smooth flow as he reflects on his journey to success, from traveling to find new jam sessions to making cash on the street called Straight Path. He also acknowledges the influence of his mentors and peers in the rap game and how being exposed to life's highs and lows prepared him for the pros. Finally, Rakim gives a shout-out to Long Island, Crime-Danch, and the DJs who helped him along the way.
Overall, "Strong Island" is a powerful ode to the resilience and creativity of Long Island and its role in shaping Rakim's artistry.
Line by Line Meaning
Yeah, yeah,
Opening adlibs to grab listener's attention
"Rough enough to break New York from Long Island"
Rakim's ability to bring fire and premier hip-hop music transcends Even geographical boundaries.
Long Island's own,
Rakim hails from Long Island.
Barbarian of the microphone,
Known for his imposing, dominant rapping skills.
It's for y'all niggas
The track is dedicated to his followers/fans
And the streets just a couple of miles East of Mecca
Strong Island is a couple of miles east of Mecca, symbolizing the city's cult following among hip-hop enthusiasts
Where peeps touch nothing but style heat and cheddar
Life on the streets of Strong Island is all about style, fame, and money
Compete with ya livelihood to eat better
People do whatever it takes to survive, even if it means having to compete with peers for a better life
And ain't nothing sweet but the ladies who speak wetta
Women are the only exception to the roughness of life on Strong Island
With a torn smile, trying to get my song on file
Rakim struggled early in his career but persevered, leaving behind his music for the next generation to enjoy
It's on now, the whole town done gone wild
The energy and vibe of Rakim's music have become contagious, spreading like wildfire
Kick rhymes off my heartbeat as an unborn child
Rakim was born with a natural ability to rhyme, even before he was born
Then developed a strong style on Long Isle
Rakim honed his skills in Strong Island and became the rap icon that we know today
Won't be long now, I started rhyming young
Rakim's love for hip-hop began at an early age
I designed for fun, knowing my time would come
Rakim knew he was destined for greatness and practiced his craft as a hobby
I started, paying dues DJ'in with crews
Rakim started small, working with local DJs to improve his skills
Learning the inner city rules, conveying the news
Rakim learned what it takes to succeed in the inner city and used his music to share his message with the world
Soon as the jam start the man's art'll jam parks
Rakim's music is so powerful that it can turn an entire park into a concert venue
Slam so hard it remains a landmark
Rakim's music is timeless and is cemented as a part of hip-hop history
Like any G.O.D., loose on a spree for new degrees
Rakim is like a god of hip-hop, always seeking new ways to improve his craft
Things to do and see until nothing is new to me
Rakim has seen and done it all, and continues to push the boundaries of what hip-hop can achieve
A true MC usually be into a breeze
Rakim makes rapping look easy because he's a true master of his craft
And I can still see New York City through the trees
Rakim always stays connected to his roots in NYC, even when he's far away
My advance slams put you outside looking in
Rakim is so ahead of the curve that others are trying to catch up
Or the other way around, that depends, look again
Rakim's music is so complex that it can be interpreted in different ways, depending on how you look at it
Took a pen so you could zero in on my book of gems
Rakim wants his fans to pay attention to the lyrics and interpret each line as a gem of wisdom
It extends from the Hamptons to Brook-lyn
Rakim's music is loved across all boroughs of NYC, from the upscale Hamptons to inner-city Brooklyn
Through every hoodie in town, to learn the Boogie Down
Rakim's music is embraced by people of all backgrounds and ages, who love to dance and vibe to his rhymes
Til every DJ around, wanted to put me down
Rakim's talent became a threat to other DJs, who were jealous of his success
Rhymes got rougher til I was ready to blast off
Rakim's rhymes became more hardcore as he gained more experience and confidence
And harass all from Suffolk County to Nassau
Rakim's music spread across all counties of Long Island, captivating audiences everywhere
Where we keep the money piling, keep the honies smiling
Rakim and his crew always keep things moving, making money and keeping women happy
Keep the heater just in case kids start whyling
Life on the streets of Strong Island is dangerous, and Rakim always carries a gun for protection
Grew up in Wyndanch, formerly known as Crime-Danch
Rakim grew up in a rough neighborhood called Wyndanch, that was so notorious for crime that it was nicknamed Crime-Danch
Me and my mans we travel lands to find jams
Rakim and his friends roamed the city, going to different venues to perform and find inspiration
Where violence usually ends in sirens
Violence is common on the streets of Strong Island, and it usually ends with the police showing up
By all means, we all fiend for finance
Rakim and his crew were hungry for money and willing to do anything to get it
We make cash on the street called straight path
Rakim and his crew made money on a street named Straight Path
We take class, build with the Gods with great math
Rakim and his crew are always striving to learn and grow, seeking wisdom from those more knowledgeable than themselves
Everyday true to the street, and never fronted
Rakim and his crew always stayed true to their roots, never becoming fake or phony
Along the way, learned from the best that ever done it
Rakim has studied the greats in hip-hop and learned from their success and failures
Being exposed to life's highs and lows
Rakim has experienced both the good and bad in life and used it to fuel his music
Got my flows ready for shows, I'm ready for the pros
Rakim's rhymes are polished and ready to perform for any audience
I put it on a tape and then the city I tested
Rakim recorded his music on a tape and shared it with the city, testing the waters to see if people liked it
Then on the radio the are's requested
People loved Rakim's music so much that they requested it on the radio
Now the whole world's whyling, all the girls smiling
Rakim's music has become a global hit, making fans around the world go crazy and smile
Word up.. I want to give a big up to Long Island, stomping grounds, for real
Conclusion to the song, where Rakim shouts out his hometown of Long Island
"Rough enough to break New York from Long Island"
Reinforcement of the chorus that Long Island has an undeniable influence on New York hip-hop scene, and Rakim is the man who brought that impact
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: ERIC BARRIER, WILLIAM GRIFFIN
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