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 Mike
Rakim Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I'm internationally known
When I be on the mic
Hardcore, real ill niggas
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 Hennessey 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
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
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
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
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 make 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
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
The lyrics to Rakim Ft. Dj Premier's song When I be on in 2-3 are a homage to the hip hop culture, as explicitly expressed in the chorus “Hardcore, real Ill n****s/I’m internationally known /When I be on the mic/Hardcore, real Ill n****s/So all hail the honorable.” Rakim’s flow on the track is smooth and reflective of his prowess in the rap game, establishing himself as one of the best emcees in the business.
The verse portrays Rakim’s appreciation of his fellow hip hop artists that are also “real ill n****s” who exhibit an unmatched musical talent when on the microphone. The lyrics are not just an acknowledgment of Rakim’s own greatness but also the greatness of other rappers. The reference to their work as “real spitters” and “zigga-ziggas” shows how much importance Rakim placed on lyrics and individuality.
The second verse acknowledges the tough life in the ghetto but also the fun moments at the club, where people might take Hennessey and have a good time. Rakim also notes that his “credit is good” and that he can go around any town and show someone a good time without having to pay money. Rakim uses the third verse to recognize the art of deejaying, as he praises the skills of DJs who play hits with hard bass kicks and display tricks like in the matrix.
Line by Line Meaning
Hardcore, real ill niggas
Acknowledgement of the presence of authentic, genuine individuals
I'm internationally known
Acknowledgement of the individual's notoriety and fame worldwide
When I be on the mic
Acknowledgement of the individual's excellence while performing on the microphone
So all hail the honorable
Acknowledgement of respect towards the greats in the game
It's to my real ill niggas, heavyweight hitters
Acknowledgement for the influential figures that are skilled in their craft
Dough getters, fifty ways to make figures
Acknowledgement of the various methods of getting money
My niggas, that come on the spot to feel sisters
Acknowledgement of the individuals that attend events to enjoy good music
Like they hear real spitters and kids on the zigga-ziggas
Acknowledgement of the appreciation for good lyrics and skilled DJs
When it's ugly, then the club is lovely
Acknowledgement that the club environment is suitable even during tense times
Thugs be sipping Hennessey and bubbly
Acknowledgement of the preference for luxury drinks by certain individuals at clubs
To my comrades that keep it flaming hot
Acknowledgement of the individuals that keep a particular area or event lively
On dangerous blocks, claiming spots
Acknowledgement of the individuals that stake their claim and hold their ground even when it is risky
Where the goal is to be one of the top-ranked soldiers
Acknowledgement of the objective to stand out amongst peers
Forty-five holders, one of the high rollers
Acknowledgement of the individuals that hold guns and do not shy away from spending money
Get respect in the hood, credit is good
Acknowledgement that respect and a good reputation are important in certain communities
Knock it down lumberjack style, baby, extra wood
Acknowledgement of a sexual encounter where the male is potent and well-equipped
Rock it all night long, the bang-a-thon baby
Acknowledgement of a sexual encounter lasting all night long
Keep hanging on, we like it with the lights on
Acknowledgement of the preference for keeping the lights on during sexual encounters
Don't have to blow twenty thou' to get to know honey's style
Acknowledgement that a large sum of money is not required to attract a partner
Show her the town, steal her heart, no money down
Acknowledgement that a romantic connection can be made without money
How about some hardcore, yeah we like it raw for sure
Acknowledgement of the preference for intense and unfiltered experiences
Broads on the floor, wall to wall
Acknowledgement of women dancing in a crowded club
There's more at the door, players ball to score
Acknowledgement that there are potential romantic partners waiting outside to be approached
'Cause this right here is for all of y'all
Acknowledgement that the song is for everyone to enjoy
Rakim and Primo, yo I got what you need bro
Acknowledgement that the duo has what it takes to satisfy and impress
You go see a show, smoke an l, mean yo
Acknowledgement of the enjoyment in attending an event and smoking marijuana
And deejays play hits with hard bass kicks
Acknowledgement of the preference for DJs playing songs with strong bass
And then they display tricks like the matrix
Acknowledgement of the DJs' talent and ability to perform tricks while performing
Make the record fly undetected by the naked eye
Acknowledgement of the DJ's skill in manipulating a vinyl record to produce a seamless sound
So just feel the vibe 'cause your ears never lie
Acknowledgement that one should trust their instincts when it comes to the quality of music
Nowadays deejays bags of tricks, graphic
Acknowledgement that modern DJs have various techniques and tools at their disposal
On some behind the back shit, catch it and scratch it
Acknowledgement of the DJs' ability to manipulate the record with their hands and body parts
Classic, this kid got his craft mastered
Acknowledgement of the DJs' mastery of their craft
Hands is mad quick like he mix with magic
Acknowledgement of the DJ's agility and dexterity
To my elite peeps with the murderous mystiques
Acknowledgement of the exceptionally talented individuals with dangerous reputations
I hit the streets with beats and they critique for weeks
Acknowledgement of the anticipation and review of the individual's music by fans
They be like, "How that kid Ra' reach the peak?"
Acknowledgement of the individual's success and popularity
Pull out the heat and use my technique to speak
Acknowledgement of the individual's skill in delivering his verses firmly and confidently
It's dangerous, sit calm and explain to kids
Acknowledgement of the dangerous nature of the environment and the need to educate young people
What part of the game this is and foreign languages
Acknowledgement that the situation is serious and requires understanding beyond just one's native language
They hold Ra's events in different continents
Acknowledgement of the individual's performances held in various locations around the world
Put my lyrical contents in monuments
Acknowledgement that the individual's lyrics and music are of great significance and value
In ghetto garments, I rock a towel like a Pharaoh
Acknowledgement of the individual's unique style and fashion sense
Mind travel, design style like apparel
Acknowledgement of the individual's creativity and ability to envision unique fashion style
My fashions last long as a lifetime
Acknowledgement of the individual's ability to create timeless fashion pieces
'Cause I can see the future when the God write rhymes
Acknowledgement of the individual's ability to predict and envision the future with his music
They're mad 'cause I managed to reign so long
Acknowledgement of the individual's continued success, which may create envy
Like their chance to make money done came and gone
Acknowledgement that some individuals may feel like they missed their opportunity to succeed financially
This is strictly for my listeners on the corners at night
Acknowledgement of the target audience, specifically individuals that listen to music at night
And the sisters that be keeping this right, when I be on the mic
Acknowledgement of the female listeners that keep the energy alive during the individual's performances on the microphone
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: WILLIAM GRIFFIN, CHRISTOPHER E MARTIN, Christopher E. Martin
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@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