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.
We'll Never Stop
Rakim Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
(it don't stop)
Yeah
Check it out
(it don't stop)
Come on
CHORUS
To chase the skirts
Get to know who we are
Girls in the park
'cause when we in the club
We keep it extra hot
They love the whips the chicks
The neighborhood superstars
Boys on the block
Thugs in the hood we don't never stop
Never stop
I go where the masses go
We all act natural
Think rational
Those ____ some blow(?)
Cats have to know
Master your craft
Stash your dough
Stay on the low
But never be the last to know
The next level or plateau be international
The grass'll grow
You know
Cash'll flow
Ask a pro
Do the math
Get it fast or slow
Your girl's passin gold like a fashion show
The sun'll shine
Make it feel like the summertime
Shorty's runnin' blind
Lookin like they just done a crime
Click's want they pockets thick
Cop a ___
Proper chick
Street scholarships
Politic your dollars quick(?)
____ we __
'cause we was the first in the pack
They say "herb's a trap"
Now it's worse than that
So I observe the __
Let my words attack
Until it ___ the rap
Until the earth collapsed
-Chorus-
you know it seem like life's just begun
My lust is young
I wanna find me a lovely hon
Crush me one
Bust a _
Mouth to mouth resuscitation
Let her hug
And when I'm done
Tongue touch me 'til I'm numb
But first the outcome is income and then some
Get enough to run and spend some for fun
Then me and my thugs
We come in the club
We swung lovely
Watch how big the buzz be
Trust me son
Every ghetto got game in it
Fame in it
We remain in it
Waitin for the main event
Like the days on the corner
We watch the world go by
On the nights that wasn't right
Like when a good friend died
Yo the street's got a deadly hum
Like a drug
We gotta find a way to fill the neighborhood with love
From the park to the block
To your favorite spot
It don't stop
-Chorus-
I spend the prowl(?)
I been on since a child
It don't make sense to browse
It's intensive now
Women in crowds
I search for the gem in the ___
Who stay original
Even when the friends around
Since her style
Always commands a smile
And her femme fatale
Cause men to growl
I take precedent of principle(?)
Then arouse(?)
Still the treasure is rakim
The smooth criminal
Damn, it's on
Keep my hands on
This amazon
Legs for marathons
Voice like sarah vaughan
Precise, alright
I like when her ___ entice
With a spice of life
Flow times twice as nice
And when she go shop
The show stop
Shock the whole block
She so hot
I clothes shop
Put it on lock
Body that won't drop
Bounce like hip-hop
It don't stop
-Chorus- (2x)
Rakim's song We'll Never Stop is a reflection of the rapper's success and the lifestyle he enjoys. The song highlights the choice to enjoy life to the fullest and achieve success while keeping in mind that the hustle must never stop. The chorus lays the foundation for the message of the song; it's about flirting, getting to know oneself, and enjoying the club scene while chasing one's dreams. The song describes the hustle's different aspects from going where the masses go, acting natural and thinking rationally, to mastering one's craft, stashing away money, and keeping a low profile. Rakim advises his listeners always to stay informed about their profession's next level and be the first to know it. The song is not only a celebration of wealth and success but also a reminder to remember the ghetto and the people who helped in the journey.
Rakim advises his listeners to look at the world with a more positive outlook. Talking about how life seems to have just begun, he goes on to say he wants to find a lovely partner to share his successful life. He talks about the outcome of success being more money and spending some of that in the club with his thug friends. The rapper also discusses how he and his friends remain connected to their roots while enjoying their success. He recognizes that the street can be treacherous and advises the need to fill it with love. The song ends with Rakim's devotion to women, with descriptions of a perfect woman and the pace at which she makes his heart race.
Overall, Rakim's We'll Never Stop celebrates success and enjoying life while still remaining true to oneself and one's roots. It's an interpretation of the hustle's different aspects and the rewards that come with it. The song is about a journey and a never-ending hustle to achieve success continually.
Line by Line Meaning
Yeah
Acknowledging agreement or excitement
(it don't stop)
Emphasizing consistency and continuance
Check it out
Directive to pay attention
Come on
Encouraging participation
CHORUS
Repetition of the hook
We love to flirt
Enjoying playful interactions with women
To chase the skirts
Pursuing romantic interests
Get to know who we are
Understanding ourselves and our desires
Girls in the park
Looking for love or companionship in public spaces
'cause when we in the club
Recognizing excitement and energy when gathered with friends
We keep it extra hot
Enjoying a vibrant atmosphere
They love the whips the chicks
Valuing material possessions and attracting women
The neighborhood superstars
Feeling significant and respected in the community
Boys on the block
Asserting presence and influence in the streets
Thugs in the hood we don't never stop
Continuing to thrive and succeed despite adversity
Never stop
Echoing the hook
I go where the masses go
Going with the flow of popular trends and events
We all act natural
Being authentic and true to ourselves
Think rational
Applying reason and logic to decision-making
Those ____ some blow(?)
Unclear rap lyric
Cats have to know
Understanding important information
Master your craft
Becoming highly skilled in your chosen pursuit
Stash your dough
Saving money for future success
Stay on the low
Keeping a low profile to avoid unwanted attention
But never be the last to know
Staying informed and ahead of trends
The next level or plateau be international
Striving for global recognition and success
The grass'll grow
Continuing to thrive and succeed
You know
Affirming a common truth or understanding
Cash'll flow
Making money and achieving financial success
Ask a pro
Seeking advice from experts
Do the math
Analyzing and understanding numbers and finances
Get it fast or slow
Achieving success at your own pace
Your girl's passin gold like a fashion show
Appreciating a romantic partner who attracts attention
The sun'll shine
Optimistically looking toward the future
Make it feel like the summertime
Feeling positivity and warmth all year long
Shorty's runnin' blind
Referring to the confusion and chaos in society
Lookin like they just done a crime
Appearing guilty or suspicious
Click's want they pockets thick
Needing financial success to feel fulfilled
Cop a ___
Unclear rap lyric
Proper chick
Valuing women who are well-groomed and stylish
Street scholarships
Learning valuable lessons and skills from life experience in the streets
Politic your dollars quick(?)
Using savvy financial tactics to build wealth
____ we __
Unclear rap lyric
'cause we was the first in the pack
Feeling proud of being trailblazers and innovators
They say "herb's a trap"
Rebuking the criticism that drug use is negative or destructive
Now it's worse than that
Acknowledging the serious and harmful consequences of drug use
So I observe the __
Reflecting and examining current events and social issues
Let my words attack
Using a powerful and critical voice in music and society
Until it ___ the rap
Unclear rap lyric
Until the earth collapsed
Continuing to make music and advocate for change until the world ends
You know it seem like life's just begun
Feeling young and energized despite challenges and setbacks
My lust is young
Haywire desires and passionate pursuits
I wanna find me a lovely hon
Searching for an attractive, affectionate partner
Crush me one
Pursuing romantic or sexual relationships
Bust a _
Unclear rap lyric
Mouth to mouth resuscitation
Intense kissing or sexual activity
Let her hug
Appreciating physical affection and attention
And when I'm done
Enjoying relationships on my own terms and timeline
Tongue touch me 'til I'm numb
Desiring intense, pleasurable experiences
But first the outcome is income and then some
Working hard to achieve financial success and security
Get enough to run and spend some for fun
Building wealth and enjoying life's pleasures
Then me and my thugs
Spending time with close friends and allies
We come in the club
Enjoying socializing and partying with others
We swung lovely
Feeling good and confident
Watch how big the buzz be
Attracting attention and admiration
Trust me son
Assuring loyalty and honesty
Every ghetto got game in it
Recognizing potential for success and greatness in all environments
Fame in it
Desiring recognition and respect
We remain in it
Persisting and thriving despite challenges
Waitin for the main event
Anticipating major opportunities and events in life
Like the days on the corner
Remembering past experiences and memories
We watch the world go by
Observing society and culture
On the nights that wasn't right
Reflecting on negative or difficult times
Like when a good friend died
Acknowledging loss and heartbreak
Yo the street's got a deadly hum
Recognizing dangers and harm in society
Like a drug
Experiencing addiction and dependency
We gotta find a way to fill the neighborhood with love
Advocating for positivity, togetherness, and compassion in communities
From the park to the block
Unifying people in different locations and environments
To your favorite spot
Celebrating unique and personal experiences
It don't stop
Echoing the hook
I spend the prowl(?), I been on since a child
Unclear rap lyric
It don't make sense to browse
Avoiding indecision and wasting time
It's intensive now
Feeling the pressure to succeed
Women in crowds
Attracting attention from many people
I search for the gem in the ___
Looking for a special, unique person
Who stay original
Valuing individuality and creativity
Even when the friends around
Maintaining authenticity despite outside influences
Since her style
Appreciating a person's unique style and presence
Always commands a smile
Strengthening and bringing joy to others
And her femme fatale
Referring to an attractive and intriguing woman
Cause men to growl
Attracting attention and admiration from men
I take precedent of principle(?), then arouse(?)
Unclear rap lyric
Still the treasure is rakim
Valuing and acknowledging oneself as a great artist
The smooth criminal
Proudly recognizing one's talent and influence
Damn, it's on
Celebrating success and achievement
Keep my hands on
Staying focused and driven
This amazon
Referring to an attractive and powerful woman
Legs for marathons
Appreciating a woman's beauty and physical fitness
Voice like sarah vaughan
Comparing a woman's voice to a famous jazz singer
Precise, alright
Acknowledging one's own talent and skill
I like when her ___ entice
Unclear rap lyric
With a spice of life
Appreciating diversity and excitement
Flow times twice as nice
Feeling confident and talented
And when she go shop
Celebrating a woman's independence and financial independence
The show stop
Creating a powerful and impressive presence
Shock the whole block
Attracting attention and admiration
She so hot
Appreciating a woman's beauty and attractiveness
I clothes shop
Enjoying fashion and dressing stylishly
Put it on lock
Feeling confident and secure
Body that won't drop
Appreciating a woman's body and physical fitness
Bounce like hip-hop
Having energy and rhythm
-Chorus- (2x)
Repetition of the hook
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: NICK LOIZIDES, SYLVIA ROBINSON, 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