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.
The 18th Letter
Rakim Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Just when things seemed the same and the whole scene is lame
I come and reign with the unexplained for the brains till things change
They strain to slang sling I'm trained to bring game
History that I arranged been regained by King James
Go to practice with tactics when the track hits theatrics
Women that look like actress the status of Cleopatra's
Stacks of mathematics took the ?ego-a-geatics?
No time to sip Mo's with hostess, never mind what the total gross is
I rip shows, stay focused, and split cheese, with soldiers
While you hit trees and coast I spit flows that be ferocious
And with these explosives, I split seas for Moses
Shine permanently only my mind's concerning me
Fire burns in me eternally time's eternity
Followers turn on me they'll be in a mental infirmary
Determinedly advance technology better than Germany
Since the first days you know of, till the last days is over
I was always the flow-er, I made waves for Noah
From a compound, to the anatomy, to the breakdown of a atom
Some of my rap patterns, still surround Saturn
From the ancient Hieroglyphics, to graffiti painted pictures
I study I know the scriptures but nowadays ain't it vicious
Date back I go beyond check the holy Qu'ran
To speeches at the altar on, now we get our party on
So being beneficent, I bless em with dialogue
They expecting, the next testament by the God
I blow em through battle zones with chrome for chaperon
Blast beats with saxophones one of the baddest rapper's known
Every country city and borough, side street and ghetto
Isle and alley and meadow theories fertile enough to echo
When it was one mass of land, with one nash' of man
And the whole mass was ran under one master plan
Since the world's metamorphosis, and the plan is kept in orbit
Turntables we spin off but the needles never skip off it
Rhythms we expressing similar to our ancestors
It'll answer your questions if you understand the message
From the days of the slave choppers?, to the new age of prophets
As heavy as hip-hop is I'm always ready to drop it
From the mind which is one of Allah's best designs
And mines'll stand the test of time, when I rhyme
[Repeat: x2]
The 18th Letter, the prophesy professor
I stay clever, long as the planet stay together
Bring up praise from Mecca, make a phrase for the better
In new days to remember, always and forever
The "r" baby
In the first verse of Rakim's "The 18th Letter," he announces his arrival to the rap scene and claims that he brings "the unexplained for the brains till things change." He acknowledges that other rappers strain to sling slang, but his talent is trained to bring the game. Rakim alludes to his lyrical ability to rearrange history and reclaim it, much like King James did with the Bible. He also references his intense work ethic, as he goes to practice and employs tactics when creating music, similar to that of a sports team. Women that look like actresses surround him, and he boasts stacks of mathematics and geography lessons. He focuses on being an excellent performer and rapper, as opposed to getting caught up in the materialistic aspects of the industry, such as how much money he makes. He challenges other rappers to up their game, as he splits cheese with soldiers while they hit trees and coast. Finally, Rakim alludes to his power as an MC, citing that his explosive rhymes split seas for Moses and can still surround Saturn's rap patterns.
One interpretation of the overall message of "The 18th Letter" is that Rakim is trying to establish himself as one of the greatest MCs of all time. He claims that his lyrical ability is unmatched and that his rhymes are explosive and ferocious. He also references his knowledge of history and geography, which sets him apart from other rappers who only focus on creating catchy rhymes. Additionally, Rakim emphasizes his work ethic, which sets the tone for the intense dedication and effort required to become a master of his craft.
Line by Line Meaning
Just when things seemed the same and the whole scene is lame
I arrive when the rap scene is boring and monotonous
I come and reign with the unexplained for the brains till things change
I bring unique and thought-provoking lyrics to revolutionize the rap game
They strain to slang sling I'm trained to bring game
Other rappers struggle to come up with good rhymes while I am an expert in creating great music
History that I arranged been regained by King James
The rhymes I create are so influential that even King James has immortalized them in his version of the Bible
Go to practice with tactics when the track hits theatrics
I carefully plan my approach to each song and deliver my lines with showmanship
Women that look like actress the status of Cleopatra's
I am surrounded by beautiful women who are just as powerful and captivating as Cleopatra
Stacks of mathematics took the ?ego-a-geatics?
My wealth and success are based on intelligence and hard work rather than ego and arrogance
As I find out, what the facts is, for geographic
I am well-informed about different parts of the world and their cultures
No time to sip Mo's with hostess, never mind what the total gross is
I am too busy working hard and creating great music to worry about money or partying with strangers
I rip shows, stay focused, and split cheese, with soldiers
I deliver excellent performances, stay dedicated, and share my wealth and success with those who support me
While you hit trees and coast I spit flows that be ferocious
While others are wasting their time on drugs and relaxing, I am putting in the hard work to create strong and intense lyrics
And with these explosives, I split seas for Moses
My powerful words and music can achieve great things, including splitting seas like the biblical figure Moses
Shine permanently only my mind's concerning me
I am focused on my own personal growth and success, not on temporary fame or wealth
Fire burns in me eternally time's eternity
My passion for music and greatness is eternal and will never fade away
Followers turn on me they'll be in a mental infirmary
Anyone who doesn't appreciate my music or my message is not worth my time and will be forgotten
Determinedly advance technology better than Germany
I am always pushing forward and developing new ideas and techniques, even surpassing the innovation of Germany
Since the first days you know of, till the last days is over
I have been creating great music since the beginning of my career, and I will continue to do so until the end of my life
I was always the flow-er, I made waves for Noah
I have always been a master of my craft and have promoted progress and change in the rap industry
From a compound, to the anatomy, to the breakdown of a atom
I have a deep understanding of science and the world around me, which influences my music
Some of my rap patterns, still surround Saturn
My music has reached even the farthest corners of the universe, as represented by the planet Saturn
From the ancient Hieroglyphics, to graffiti painted pictures
I am knowledgeable about the history and evolution of art, including both ancient hieroglyphs and modern-day graffiti
I study I know the scriptures but nowadays ain't it vicious
I have studied many different texts, including religious scriptures, but modern society can still be cruel and unpredictable
Date back I go beyond check the holy Qu'ran
I have a deep respect and understanding of various religious texts, including the Islamic holy book the Qu'ran
To speeches at the altar on, now we get our party on
I have delivered speeches and messages about a wide range of topics, including religion, but I also know how to have a good time
So being beneficent, I bless em with dialogue
I use my talent and charisma to inspire and uplift others through my music
They expecting, the next testament by the God
My fans and followers are eagerly awaiting my next project, which they see as a major event
I blow em through battle zones with chrome for chaperon
I am fearless when it comes to battling other rappers and always bring my best rhymes and lyrics to the fight
Blast beats with saxophones one of the baddest rapper's known
I am known for my unique and eclectic music style, which often includes powerful saxophone solos and other innovative beats
Every country city and borough, side street and ghetto
My music has reached every corner of the world, from major cities to small towns and impoverished neighborhoods
Isle and alley and meadow theories fertile enough to echo
My lyrics and music are so impactful and thought-provoking that they can resonate with anyone, anywhere
When it was one mass of land, with one nash' of man
I am aware of the history of the world and how it has evolved over time, from a single mass of land to the diverse and complex world we live in today
And the whole mass was ran under one master plan
Despite the complexity and diversity of the world, there is still an overarching plan guiding everything that happens
Since the world's metamorphosis, and the plan is kept in orbit
The world is constantly changing and evolving, and the plan guiding it all is still in motion
Turntables we spin off but the needles never skip off it
Even with all the changes in the music industry, the basic elements of rap and hip-hop remain the same and continue to be important
Rhythms we expressing similar to our ancestors
My music is inspired by the rhythms and beats of my ancestors and the traditions they passed down
It'll answer your questions if you understand the message
My music has a deeper meaning and message that may provide insight and answers to those willing to listen and understand
From the days of the slave choppers?, to the new age of prophets
My music reflects the struggles of the past, from slavery to civil rights movements, and also looks toward the future with hope and inspiration
As heavy as hip-hop is I'm always ready to drop it
Though the weight and pressure of being a successful rapper can be daunting, I am always ready to deliver great music
From the mind which is one of Allah's best designs
My talent and creativity are gifts from a higher power, and I am grateful for them
And mines'll stand the test of time, when I rhyme
My music and lyrics will remain relevant and impactful for generations to come, because of their quality and substance
The 18th Letter, the prophesy professor
I am a respected and revered figure in the world of rap and hip-hop, seen as a prophetic voice and teacher
I stay clever, long as the planet stay together
My creativity and intelligence will never fade, as long as the world continues to exist
Bring up praise from Mecca, make a phrase for the better
My music is celebrated and admired by people across the world, including those in Mecca, and inspires positive change and growth
In new days to remember, always and forever
My music and legacy will be remembered and celebrated for generations to come, as it continues to inspire and uplift listeners
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: WILLIAM GRIFFIN, SCOTT PHILLIPS
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