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.
When I B On Tha Mic
Rakim Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
(Hardcore...real ill niggas)
(I'm internationally known)
(When I be on the mic)
(Hardcore...real ill niggas)
(I'm internationally known, yo)
(Hardcore...real ill niggas)
(I'm internationally known)
(When I be on the mic)
(Hardcore...real ill niggas)
(So all hail the honorable)
It's to my real ill niggas, heavyweight hitters
Dough getters, fifty ways to make figures
My niggas, that come on the spot to feel sisters
Like they hear real spitters and kids on the zigga-ziggas
When it's ugly, then the club is lovely
Thugs be sipping Henessey and bubbly
To my comrades that keep it flaming hot
On dangerous blocks, claiming spots
Where the goal is to be one of the top-ranked soldiers
Forty-five holders, one of the high rollers
Get respect in the hood, credit is good
Knock it down lumberjack style, baby, extra wood
Rock it all night long, the bang-a-thon baby
Keep hanging on, we like it with the lights on
Don't have to blow twenty thou' to get to know honey's style
Show her the town, steal her heart, no money down
(Hook)
How about some hardcore, yeah we like it raw for sure
Broads on the floor, wall to wall
There's more at the door, players ball to score
'Cause this right here is for all of y'all
Rakim and Primo, yo I got what you need bro
You go see a show, smoke an L, mean yo
And deejays play hits with hard bass kicks
And then they display tricks like The Matrix
Make the record fly undetected by the naked eye
So just feel the vibe 'cause your ears never lie
Nowadays deejays bags of tricks, graphic
On some behind the back shit, catch it and scratch it
Classic, this kid got his craft mastered
Hands is mad quick like he mix with magic
Spin it back and forth and grab it, and know just where it is...
There it is
(Hook)
To my elite peeps with the murderous mystiques
I hit the streets with beats and they critique for weeks
They be like "How that kid Ra reach the peak?"
Pull out the heat and use my technique to speak
It's dangerous, sit calm and explain to kids
What part of the game this is and foreign languages
They hold Ra's events in different continents
Put my lyrical contents in monuments
In ghetto garments, I rock a towel like a pharaoh
Mind travel, design style like apparel
My fashions last long as a lifetime
Cause I can see the future when the god write rhymes
They're mad cause I managed to reign so long
Like their chance to get money done came and gone
This is strictly for my listeners on the corners at night
And the sisters that be keeping this right, when I be on the mic
(Hook)
The song "When I B On Tha Mic" by Rakim talks about his experience performing on stage and the vibe he gets from his listeners on the corners at night. He addresses his real ill niggas, the heavyweight hitters, and the people who come out to see a show and smoke an L. Rakim describes them as the ones who appreciate raw hardcore music and make the club lively. They are the ones who know how to appreciate a real spitter and a DJ's tricks, and they know the techniques of the game. They are the elite peeps with the murderous mystiques who critique his beats for weeks and talk about how he reached the peak.
The way Rakim delivers his verse is very structured and eloquent, reminiscent of his earlier works. He showcases his impeccable flow and undeniably powerful rhymes while delivering a signature boastful persona that he's loved for. The DJ Premier scratches complement his verses and add the perfect touch to his beats, making them sound seamless.
Rakim brings a vivid imagery of the situation he's addressing in the song, and his lyrical content touches upon the importance of keeping the vibe alive and knowing how to have a good time. The song paints a picture of an energetic and fun-filled atmosphere, and Rakim does a fantastic job of hyping up the crowd with his smooth flow and clever wordplay.
Line by Line Meaning
(DJ Premier scratches hook)
(Hardcore...real ill niggas)
Addressing a specific crowd of people with a hardcore, authentic style
(I'm internationally known)
Acknowledging a global audience that recognizes his reputation as a rapper
(When I be on the mic)
Asserting his skill and talent as a performer on stage
(So all hail the honorable)
Calling for respect and acknowledgment for his position in the rap scene
It's to my real ill niggas, heavyweight hitters
Acknowledging his dedicated fanbase of authentic, influential individuals
Dough getters, fifty ways to make figures
Recognizing the various hustles and methods of making money among his audience
My niggas, that come on the spot to feel sisters
Addressing the men in the audience who come out to enjoy the music and women
Like they hear real spitters and kids on the zigga-ziggas
Emphasizing the authenticity and skilled artistry of the rappers on the mic
When it's ugly, then the club is lovely
Highlighting the atmosphere created by the audience's enjoyment of the music and partying, even in tough situations
Thugs be sipping Henessey and bubbly
Describing the party scene and alcohol consumption in the club
To my comrades that keep it flaming hot
Acknowledging his fellow rappers who keep the rap game exciting and competitive
On dangerous blocks, claiming spots
Recognizing the risks and territorial nature of the rap scene in certain neighborhoods
Where the goal is to be one of the top-ranked soldiers
Highlighting the competitive nature of the rap game and the drive for success
Forty-five holders, one of the high rollers
Referencing those in the rap scene who carry guns for protection and the successful hustlers
Get respect in the hood, credit is good
Emphasizing the importance of reputation and credibility in the rap scene
Knock it down lumberjack style, baby, extra wood
Advocating for sexual prowess and prowess as a performer on stage
Rock it all night long, the bang-a-thon baby
Encouraging the audience to enjoy and party to the music
Keep hanging on, we like it with the lights on
Maintaining the party atmosphere and enjoyment of the music and women
Don't have to blow twenty thou' to get to know honey's style
Asserting one's charm and ability to attract women without flaunting wealth
Show her the town, steal her heart, no money down
Describing one's ability to impress and romance a woman without relying on material possessions
(Hook)
Recurring chorus emphasizing the enjoyable and raw nature of the music
How about some hardcore, yeah we like it raw for sure
Suggesting that the audience enjoys a raw and authentic style of rap
Broads on the floor, wall to wall
Describing the party atmosphere and prevalence of women on the dance floor
There's more at the door, players ball to score
Highlighting the competitive and sexual nature of the rap scene
'Cause this right here is for all of y'all
Emphasizing that the music is for everyone to enjoy and participate in
Rakim and Primo, yo I got what you need bro
Asserting one's skill and talent as a rapper, while acknowledging DJ Premier as a key collaborator
You go see a show, smoke an L, mean yo
Encouraging the audience to attend live shows and enjoy marijuana
And deejays play hits with hard bass kicks
Describing the sound and style of the music being played
And then they display tricks like The Matrix
Referencing the use of impressive DJ techniques and skills
Make the record fly undetected by the naked eye
Describing the impressive speed and precision of DJing techniques
So just feel the vibe 'cause your ears never lie
Encouraging the audience to trust their instincts and enjoyment of the music
Nowadays deejays bags of tricks, graphic
Describing the advanced and complex techniques of modern DJs
On some behind the back shit, catch it and scratch it
Describing a specific DJ technique of catching and scratching records behind their back
Classic, this kid got his craft mastered
Acknowledging the talent and skill of a particular DJ
Hands is mad quick like he mix with magic
Emphasizing the impressive speed and skill of a particular DJ
Spin it back and forth and grab it, and know just where it is...
Describing the precision and sharpness of a particular DJ's skills
There it is
A refrain indicating completion or the conclusion of a particular DJ trick or technique
(Hook)
Recurring chorus emphasizing the enjoyable and raw nature of the music
To my elite peeps with the murderous mystiques
Acknowledging a specific group of influential and respected individuals in the rap scene
I hit the streets with beats and they critique for weeks
Acknowledging the judgment and scrutiny faced by rappers in the public eye
They be like "How that kid Ra reach the peak?"
Recounting the typical opinions and questions surrounding his success
Pull out the heat and use my technique to speak
Using metaphor to describe his impressive skill and talent as a rapper
It's dangerous, sit calm and explain to kids
Acknowledging the danger and seriousness of the rap game, while emphasizing the need for wisdom and poise
What part of the game this is and foreign languages
Navigating the complicated and diverse landscape of the rap scene and engaging with international audiences
They hold Ra's events in different continents
Highlighting the global reach and appeal of his music and performances
Put my lyrical contents in monuments
Recognizing the lasting impact and influence of his poetic and intellectual contributions to rap
In ghetto garments, I rock a towel like a pharaoh
Describing his style as a blend of street fashion and historical references
Mind travel, design style like apparel
Emphasizing his creativity and unique approach to fashion and style
My fashions last long as a lifetime
Asserting the timelessness and quality of his fashion choices and personal style
Cause I can see the future when the god write rhymes
Using metaphor to describe his impressive skill and talent as a rapper
They're mad cause I managed to reign so long
Acknowledging the jealousy and criticism faced by those in the public eye for prolonged periods of time
Like their chance to get money done came and gone
Describing the opportunity and success sought by others in the rap scene
This is strictly for my listeners on the corners at night
Emphasizing the authenticity and roots of his music and audience
And the sisters that be keeping this right, when I be on the mic
Acknowledging and praising the women in the audience who support and enjoy his music
Contributed by Camilla A. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@Aksh7995
When Clothes were Loose and Lyrics were Tight.
@kasule8358
You know!!
@bheyadlamini5213
Word...
@krazivan7587
Nowdays its the opposite
@Tupac96
Facts
@nicholasnicholas9821
Now lyrics are loose and clothes are to damn tight
@LeeMchanaji
I'm from Kenya, Africa. And I can confirm that he's internationally known. Respect!!!
@blackjack704
Ukweli na ukweli mtupu
@nikogichana6199
Nilifikiria Kenya iko kentucky
@edwinnjoroge9981
Rakim don't miss