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 Mystery
Rakim Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
The answer revolves around your history
So carefully, I drop this degree
Scientifically, and realistically
If you can see if you can solve the mystery
The answer revolves around your history
So carefully, I drop this degree
Scientifically, and realistically
(Who is God?)
In eternal blackness, in the midst of the darkest night
Proteins and minerals, exist within specks of light
Solids liquids and gases, and sparks of light within
Infinite lengths and widths and depths and heights
No beginning or ending, the seven dimensions
Enough space for more than a million words and inventions
To travel through time within enough room to be the womb
Of the most high?s great mind which he will soon make shine
With intelligent elements in sight that he will gather
In the realms of relativity electricity struck matter
Energies explode he below to keep releasin'
Atoms by the millions, 'til the numbers increasin'
'Til it was burnin' he kept returnin' itself to the source
The hotter his thoughts it gave the center more force
He gave birth to the sun which would follow his laws
All caused by his mental intercourse, who is God?
If you can see if you can solve the mystery
The answer revolves around your history
So carefully, I drop this degree
Scientifically, and realistically
(Who is God?)
He began to explain his craft, the master in the attic
He dealt with measurements his language, was mathematics
His theoretical wisdom of the numerical system
The complete number nine which means born or existed
He gave birth to all planets, inorganic, and organic
So you wouldn?t take it for granted
They rotated they own distance around the sun
And fully submit to the existence of one
And each one was promised everlasting perfection
If each one keeps spinnin' in the same direction
To the east, and each speak the motion of peace
And harmony, and each show devotion to teach
The universe is to come, the whole world must go according
Know your galaxies and mirages stars start fallin'
So stay in your orbit maintain safe and sound
Like the planets each cipher remains perfectly round
If you can see if you can solve the mystery
The answer revolves around your history
So carefully, I drop this degree
Scientifically, and realistically
(Who is God?)
From unconsciousness, to consciousness
By knowledging his wisdom his response is this
A understanding, which is the best part
He picked the third planet where new forms of life would start
He pursued show and prove every move in order
Back to the source he let off his resources in the water
Climb his climax, where the climate is at, high degrees
See he start to breathe deep in the darkest seas
And the plan is, to lay in the clays to form land
And expand, usin' the same clays to born man
In his own image our origin begins in the east
Culture rise to breed, with the powers of peace
Deal in equality nature?s policy is to be God
Build or destroy positively born life like Allah
And each one was given everlasting perfection
If each one keep living in the same direction
And life was life, and love was love
We went according by the laws of the world above
They showed us physically, we could reach infinity
But mentally, through the century we lost our identity
Life start and ending, we got trife and started sinning
Lost touch with the beginning now ciphers stop spinnin'
And what was once easy became confused and hard
Which brings us back, to the mystic question, who is God?
Sixty-six trillion years since his face was shown
When the seventh angel appears, the mystery will be known
Check revelations and genesis, St. Luke and John
It even tells us we are Gods in the holy Quran
Wisdom strength and beauty, one of the meanings of God
G O D you and me? Gomars o Dubar?
Knowledge wisdom understanding sun moon and star
Man woman and child, and so is Allah
If you can see if you can solve the mystery
The answer revolves around your history
So carefully, I drop this degree
Scientifically, and realistically
(Who is God?)
Bear witness to Allah, gave birth to all
For Allah was all, and therefore, life itself
And the universe gave birth to man
The universe was man, and man was the universe
And the universe was always existed
And existence was life and life is Allah
And Allah had no beginning because he is, what always was
Rakim Allah, peace, now who is God?
In Rakim's song "The Mystery," the lyrics ask the listener to consider the question "Who is God?" The answer to the question is related to one's own personal history, according to the song. The lyrics mention the eternal blackness, which contains specks of light, solids, liquids, and gases which exist within infinite lengths, widths, depths, and heights. The universe has no beginning or ending, but seven dimensions which provide enough space for countless words, inventions, as well as the womb of the most high's great mind. This great mind will soon shine with intelligent elements and will gather in the realms of relativity electricity struck matter, while energies will explode, releasing atoms by the millions.
Each of the planets in the universe is promised everlasting perfection if they continue to spin in the same direction, to the east. Each planet must show devotion to the universe and teach harmony and peace. The universe is to come, and the whole world must follow accordingly, knowing their galaxies and mirages, and with the stars falling. Life begins in the east, according to the song, where culture rises to breed with the powers of peace to build or destroy positively, following nature's policy. Each one was given everlasting perfection if each one continues to live in the same direction. However, life, at times, falls out of order; centuries pass, and humanity sometimes forgets its identity. This brings listeners back to the mystic question: who is God?
Line by Line Meaning
If you can see if you can solve the mystery
The mystery of who God is can only be unlocked through one's own personal history and understanding.
The answer revolves around your history
One's past experiences and knowledge are integral to understanding the identity and nature of God.
So carefully, I drop this degree
Rakim presents his knowledge on the topic with great care and attention.
Scientifically, and realistically
His explanation is grounded in both scientific fact and practical understanding.
(Who is God?)
The overarching theme of the song is centered around the mystery of the identity and nature of God.
In eternal blackness, in the midst of the darkest night
Out of nothingness, the universe came into existence.
Proteins and minerals, exist within specks of light
The universe is composed of minuscule specks of light containing proteins and minerals.
Solids liquids and gases, and sparks of light within
The universe contains a diversity of matter, including solid, liquid, and gaseous states.
Infinite lengths and widths and depths and heights
The universe extends infinitely in every direction.
No beginning or ending, the seven dimensions
The universe has always existed and is comprised of seven dimensions.
Enough space for more than a million words and inventions
The universe is vast and can accommodate countless innovations and creations.
To travel through time within enough room to be the womb
The universe contains ample space and time to conceive and bring forth new ideas and creations.
Of the most high's great mind which he will soon make shine
God's brilliant mind is responsible for the universe's incomprehensible composition.
With intelligent elements in sight that he will gather
God collects intelligent components to bring forth the universe.
In the realms of relativity electricity struck matter
Electricity is responsible for transforming matter in the creation of the universe.
Energies explode he below to keep releasin'
Energy is released and applied to maintain the universe's composition.
Atoms by the millions, 'til the numbers increasin'
Atoms are produced continuously in the universe, constantly increasing in number.
'Til it was burnin' he kept returnin' itself to the source
God allows the universe to continue generating and returning to him.
The hotter his thoughts it gave the center more force
The inner workings of God's mind affect the universe he has created.
He gave birth to the sun which would follow his laws
God is responsible for the creation of the sun and every law by which it operates.
All caused by his mental intercourse, who is God?
God's thoughts are responsible for the universe's existence, begging the question: Who is God?
He began to explain his craft, the master in the attic
God is likened to a master craftsman.
He dealt with measurements his language, was mathematics
God's 'craft' is rooted in the precise language of mathematics.
His theoretical wisdom of the numerical system
God's wisdom is evident in his deep understanding of numbers.
The complete number nine which means born or existed
The number nine symbolizes birth and existence, a fundamental theme throughout the song.
He gave birth to all planets, inorganic, and organic
God created all planets, living and non-living.
So you wouldn't take it for granted
God's creations should not be taken for granted.
They rotated they own distance around the sun
Each planet moves in its own orbit around the sun.
And fully submit to the existence of one
Each planet exists to submission to their shared creator.
And each one was promised everlasting perfection
Every planet was created perfect and beautiful.
If each one keeps spinnin' in the same direction
Each planet must continue its own course without interruption.
To the east, and each speak the motion of peace
Each planet's movement brings about peace.
And harmony, and each show devotion to teach
Each planet's role is to teach harmony, balance and peace in the larger universe.
The universe is to come, the whole world must go according
The universe remains a work in progress, subject to the order that God has demanded.
Know your galaxies and mirages stars start fallin'
Understanding and knowledge of one's place in the universe is essential to comprehending God's creation.
So stay in your orbit maintain safe and sound
Remaining in one's designated orbit is critical to maintaining overall stability.
Like the planets each cipher remains perfectly round
Just as planets are perfectly formed in a circle, symmetry is important to understanding the mystery of God.
From unconsciousness, to consciousness
God transforms unconscious matter into conscious beings.
By knowledging his wisdom his response is this
The more one gains knowledge of God, the more one understands the mystery of his existence.
A understanding, which is the best part
Truly comprehending God is one of the most valuable understandings one can achieve.
He picked the third planet where new forms of life would start
God chose Earth to be home to new and unique lifeforces.
He pursued show and prove every move in order
God is endlessly proving the mystery of his existence.
Back to the source he let off his resources in the water
God let his creation loose, starting with water.
Climb his climax, where the climate is at, high degrees
Life first emerged in Earth's hot, high-temperature climates.
See he start to breathe deep in the darkest seas
Life began to flourish in the darkest, unexplored depths of Earth's oceans.
And the plan is, to lay in the clays to form land
God used the creation of landmass to cultivate life.
And expand, usin' the same clays to born man
Man is born from the same clays and materials as the rest of creation.
In his own image our origin begins in the east
Humanity's origins began in the east, according to the song.
Culture rise to breed, with the powers of peace
Human culture has potential to promote peace and harmony between all people.
Deal in equality nature's policy is to be God
Nature operates on the ideals of equality, which is a trait mirrored in God.
Build or destroy positively born life like Allah
Allah (God) creates life and can both build it up and destroy it.
And each one was given everlasting perfection
Each life is born perfect and harmonious.
If each one keeps living in the same direction
When each person remains true to themselves, they can live in perfection.
Life start and ending, we got trife and started sinning
People's lives begin and end, and get sidetracked by sin and wrongdoing.
Lost touch with the beginning now ciphers stop spinnin'
People have lost sight of their origins, causing confusion and disorder.
And what was once easy became confused and hard
What was once simple became difficult and complicated in a changing world.
Which brings us back, to the mystic question, who is God?
The ongoing questioning of the true identity of God remains the overarching theme of the song.
Sixty-six trillion years since his face was shown
God's true face has not been shown to humanity for an incomprehensibly-long time.
When the seventh angel appears, the mystery will be known
It is said that only when the seventh angel reveals itself will humanity truly understand the mystery of God's identity.
Check revelations and genesis, St. Luke and John
Mysteries of God's identity can be found by examining these religious texts.
It even tells us we are Gods in the holy Quran
The Quran speaks to the idea that all humans carry the essence of God within them.
Wisdom strength and beauty, one of the meanings of God
God is attributed with having wisdom, strength, and beauty.
G O D you and me? Gomars o Dubar?
The song suggests that everyone carries a piece of God within themselves.
Knowledge wisdom understanding sun moon and star
God is closely associated with knowledge, wisdom, and understanding, all of which extend to celestial bodies.
Man woman and child, and so is Allah
All people, genders, and ages are vessels of God's identity.
Bear witness to Allah, gave birth to all
All life is born from God.
For Allah was all, and therefore, life itself
God contains all that exists.
And the universe gave birth to man
Humans are an integral part of the broader universe.
The universe was man, and man was the universe
People and the universe are one in the same.
And the universe was always existed
The universe has no beginning, for it has always existed.
And existence was life and life is Allah
Life and existence created by God cannot be separated.
And Allah had no beginning because he is, what always was
God transcends time and has no clear beginning, he always was.
Rakim Allah, peace, now who is God?
The song concludes by returning to the mystery of God's identity and the ongoing search to unlock that mystery.
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