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 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 Rakim's song, The Saga Begins, the rapper tells the story of his journey in the music industry. He begins by describing himself as a photographer before he describes his ability to write and perform quality music. He talks about the horrors he has faced in the industry but remains optimistic that success will come someday if he follows trends and keeps track of his finances. He desires a luxurious lifestyle with expensive cars and properties, but recognizes that he must remain focused and avoid making mistakes that could end his career.
Rakim describes himself as a paragraphologist and narrating novelist, indicating his mastery of the art of storytelling in his lyrics. He also talks about his confidence in his ability to infect the city with his music while supplying suspenseful and intense stories in his performances. He believes that his rhymes are clear and can be easily interpreted, much like pictures appearing crisply on movie screens. His lyrical abilities devastate and awe his audience. Meanwhile, he remains humble and grateful for the opportunities that have come his way.
In summary, The Saga Begins is a story of a man's struggle to reach his goals and fulfill his dreams. It is a saga of ups and downs, filled with moments of hope and despair, but ultimately, it is a testament to the power of hard work, talent, and perseverance. It is a reflection of the artist's journey in his work and how he has mastered the craft of storytelling through his rhymes.
Line by Line Meaning
Yo, the saga begins, my eyes is the photography lens
This is the start of my tale, and I see the world with a sharp eye, like a camera lens
Properly push pens, and show quality gems
I write with precision and show off my best work
The horrors be grim, but yo maybe tomorrow we win
The struggles we face are tough, but there is hope for a better future
If we follow the trends and keep count of the dollars we spend
By staying up to date and financially aware, we can achieve success
I want a mahogany Benz, I want lottery ends
I desire luxury and wealth
I want property, friends, plus my hobby is skins
I desire material possessions, friendships, and romantic relationships
If I get sloppy and sin, then my prophesy ends
If I make mistakes and lose my moral compass, I'll lose my way
But the God'll begin, watching my artistry spin
But I will seek redemption and God will guide my creative pursuits
In the place where war be, based on a true story
My struggles take place in a real and violent world
Territory was made for me to pursue glory
I am destined for greatness in my specific field
Blast alone masses in zones have to be sewn
I will attract and captivate large audiences, and conquer new frontiers
Every capacity blown, I'm internationally known, yo
I reach my fullest potential and gain worldwide recognition
So all hail the honorable, microphone phenomenal
I am an exceptional and respected artist worthy of praise
Persona is unbombable?, trust me son
My reputation as a skilled lyricist is unshakeable, believe me
I continue like a saga do, bringing you the drama to
My story unfolds like an epic tale, filled with thrilling events
allow you that the chronicle has just begun
This is just the beginning of my journey
You know that I'm the soloist
I am a solo artist, standing out from the crowd
Yo, my never-ending epic, got the world spinning hectic
My story is endlessly captivating and causes a stir in the world
I quickly spread it, till the whole city's infected
My influence and impact spreads fast, infecting the entire city
Suspense that I supply intensify
I generate excitement and anticipation in my audience
Then commence as my daily events go by
My story continues to develop, day by day
You get involved in this, paragraphologist
The reader becomes a part of my story, analyzing and dissecting every detail
Narrating novelist, market this, sound marvelous
I am a story-teller, crafting a masterpiece that sounds incredible
I'm the star in this, which means the author's authentic
I am the artist of my own story, making it unique and genuine
Most definite, every episode's a epidemic
My story spreads like a contagious disease, affecting everyone around
So when you research, check it, here go the evidence
If you research my work, you'll see the proof of my talent and success
They represent with lyrical negligence for presidents
Other artists lack the skill and care that I put into my work, even when compared to world leaders
My science existed, without the fiction
My artistry is grounded in reality, not fantasy
Every inscription is a special edition
Every piece of my work is unique and valuable
Yo, the legacy lives, let em see what the pedigree is
My influence and legacy continue to thrive, and people recognize my talent
Mega-thesis, blessing these kids with extra features
My story is a major work, and inspires and benefits younger generations
The depth's deep as, the deepest sea is
My story has incredible depth and complexity, like the depths of the ocean
Telepathy increases melody gets speakers, telekinesis
My music has a powerful impact on listeners, even beyond what can be explained by science
Ideas appear as clear as, pictures in movie theaters
My ideas are vivid and easy to understand, like watching a movie on the big screen
Lyrics you hear it, devastating the way you ear it
My lyrics are powerful and have a deep emotional impact on the listener
So stay tuned for sequels, part two's and more
My story continues and evolves, and more exciting chapters are yet to come
So soon you and your peoples can bum rush the store
Soon, my fans will eagerly buy and consume my work at a rapid pace
The names have changed the game remain the same
Artists may come and go, but true talent endures and shapes the industry
How one came to reign on his claim to fame
I achieved success through hard work and dedication to my craft
No stopping this I'm dropping this with hip-hop in this
I won't be held back, and I'll continue to make great music in the hip-hop genre
And when the topic is topicless, then I'm writing the apocalypse
Even when there seems to be no subject matter to write about, I'll still create something groundbreaking and powerful
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: ERIC BARRIER, PETER O PHILLIPS, WILLIAM GRIFFIN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@dabaryammalak6091
You don't know what you're talking about.
Yes rakim is hip-hop
I came in the door
I said it before
I'll never let the mike magnetize me no more
But eminem is hiphop also
Im tired of steppin in the club wearing the same pair of lugz
Tired of people saying they tired of me rap about
Tired of these emcees who aint bringin half the skill as me
Saying they wasn't feelin me on nobody's as ill as me
This is on slim shady lp- if i had.
He's talking about his abum infinite.
Go and look the infinite by eminem up and tell me that aint hip-hop!
When eminem did infinite, people said, he sounds like nas. Isn't nas hip-hop.
I dare you!
Go see for yourself and look up infinite by eminem.
@yamabushiwarrior996
What's really crazy is that Rakim was rhyming like this from back in the freakin' 80's when every body else had no real flow. This dude was under appreciated and way ahead of his time.
@7wiiskate
I remember when he came out, many ppl could tell he had something special about his style & rhyming, at least I did . 1st and last time i saw him was at MSG in 86 , beasty boys , run-dmc, LL & a bunch more. Rakim has always been my fav rapper.
@dylanmehmedovic5527
Him G Rap and Kane were technical pioneers. You can throw KRS in there as well.
@ThulsaDoom
@Dylan Mehmedovic They're definitely pioneers, but Rakim was the first to rhyme like he does. He was regarded a phenom in the rap game when he made his debut in '85 and introduced his style to the world. Nobody ever heard a style or flow like his. KGR, Kane, and KRS were all inspired by him. Rakim is the father of Golden Era rap music.
@emceeodessa5606
totally agree! he was way ahead of his time.
@walterwaterz3872
Yamabushi Warrior : Yeah, and even to this day (2017/18)
@trentyates418
Pete killed it with the beat, and Rakim buried it with the lyrics!!!
@tomoflathead
first 5 seconds of the beat...and you already know it's gonna be a classic!
@jamaalhorton2343
These bars can be put against any top emcee work today ! The crazy part is this song is over 20 years old!!! That’s how good Rakim is!! He Transcends time! The G.O.A.T period!!!
@vernonjohnson1198
Yes sir king 🤴 please keep spending the truth,,, real talk and facts