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.
don't sweat the technique
Rakim Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Don't sweat the Technique
Let's trace the hints and check the file
Let see who bit to detect the style
I flip the script so they can't get foul
At least not now, it'll take a while
I change the pace to complete the beat
For every word they trace, it's a scar they keep
'Cause when I speak, they freak
To sweat the technique
I made my debut in '86
Wit a melody and a president's mix
And now I stay on target and refuse to miss
And I still make hits
wit' beats, parties, clubs, in the cars and jeeps
My underground sound vibrates the streets
MC's wanna beef then I play for keeps
When they sweat the technique
Don't Sweat the Technique
They wanna know how many rhymes have I ripped in rep. but
Researchers never found all the pieces yet
Scientists try to solve the context
Philosophers are wondering what's next
Pieces are took to last who observe them
They couldn't absorb them, they didn't deserve them
My ideas are only for the audience's ears
For my opponents, it might take years
Pencils and pens, are swords
Letters put together form a key to chords
I'm also a sculpture, born with structure
Because of my culture, I'm a rip and destruct the
Difficult styles that'll be for the technology
Complete sights and new heights after I get deep
You don't have to speak just seek
And peep the technique
But don't sweat the Technique
I speak indiscreet cause talk is cheap
Then I get deep and the weak then complete their
Pull with a seat, never weak or obsolete
They never grow old techniques become antiques
Better then something brand new 'cause it's radiant
And the wild style'll have much more volume
Classical too intelligent to be radical
Masterful, never irrelevant: mathematical
Here's some soothing souvenirs for all the years
They fought, and sought, the thoughts and ideas
It's cool when you freak to the beat
But don't sweat the technique
Don't sweat the Technique
Don't sweat the Technique
The lyrics of Rakim's "Don't Sweat the Technique" emphasizes the importance of staying true to oneself and not worrying about the opinions of others. Rakim is confident in his musical prowess and leaves a lasting impression on his listeners. The first verse seems to be directed towards other MCs who are trying to copy his style. He boasts about his ability to switch up his flow and his distinct bass drops, leaving a lasting impact on his competitors. Rakim's style is so unique it leaves a scar on those who try to emulate him. He advises that it's best not to sweat the technique because it's a skill that only a few can possess.
In the second verse, Rakim is answering questions about his ability to rap, but he claims that no one can truly measure his skills. His words are too complex for the average person to comprehend, and he is simply too ahead of his time. Rakim's rhymes are like swords, each word put together has a deeper meaning and a hidden message that only he can interpret. He views himself not just as a musician but as a sculptor with the power to shape and destroy iconic music styles with his art. Rakim looks to leave his mark on history by creating new sounds and pushing the limits of what is expected from the hip-hop genre.
Line by Line Meaning
Let's trace the hints and check the file
Let's investigate and see who is copying my style
Let see who bit to detect the style
Let's identify who is plagiarizing my technique
I flip the script so they can't get foul.
I change my approach to avoid being imitated wrongly
At least not now, it'll take a while
I'll prevent others from copying me immediately, but it's an ongoing process
I change the pace to complete the beat
I vary the tempo to perfect the rhythm
I drop the bass,'till MC's get weak.
I lower the bass until other MC's can't keep up
For every word they trace, it's a scar they keep,
Every time they copy my lyrics, it's a sign of inferiority and failure
'Cause when I speak, they freak
My lyrics intimidate and impress others
To sweat the technique
To feel anxious about trying to imitate my style
I made my debut in '86
I started my career as an MC in 1986
Wit a melody and a president's mix
With a catchy tune and a creative remix
And now I stay on target and refuse to miss
I remain focused and determined to succeed
And I still make hits
And I continue to produce popular songs
wit' beats, parties, clubs, in the cars and jeeps
With my music being played at events, venues, and on the road
My underground sound vibrates the streets
My music has a strong influence and impact on the culture
MC's wanna beef then I play for keeps
If other MC's want to start a conflict, I'll come out on top
They wanna know how many rhymes have I ripped in rep., but
People wonder how many lyrics I've created over my career, but
Researchers never found all the pieces yet
There are still undiscovered examples of my work
Scientists try to solve the context
Experts analyze the meaning and purpose behind my lyrics
Philosophers are wondering what's next
Intellectuals ponder what new ideas and concepts I'll introduce
Pieces are took to last who observe them
My work will continue to be studied and appreciated by people who understand it
They couldn't absorb them, they didn't deserve them
Some people won't be able to understand or appreciate my music
My ideas are only for the audience's ears
My lyrics are meant for my fans' enjoyment and appreciation
For my opponents, it might take years
It may take a long time for my competitors to catch up to my level
Pencils and pens, are swords
My writing tools are just as powerful as weapons
Letters put together form a key to chords
My lyrics are composed of words that unlock a specific musical sound
I'm also a sculpture, born with structure
I am a natural artist with inherent talent and organization
Because of my culture, I'm a rip and destruct the
My heritage and upbringing have given me the ability to innovate and revolutionize the industry
Difficult styles that'll be for the technology
I create challenging and complex styles that inspire new advancements in technology
Complete sights and new heights after I get deep
My lyrics convey a complete message and inspire people to reach new heights
You don't have to speak just seek
You don't need to say anything, just listen and appreciate
And peep the technique
Observe and admire my skill and talent
I speak indiscreet cause talk is cheap
I speak openly and confidently because words are meaningless without action
Then I get deep and the weak then complete their
I go into greater detail, which exposes the weaknesses of those who can't keep up
Pull with a seat, never weak or obsolete
I'm always in control and never out of date in my music
They never grow old techniques become antiques
My techniques don't age and become outdated like antiques
Better then something brand new 'cause it's radiant
My old work is better than some new music because it still shines with quality
And the wild style'll have much more volume
My lively and unique style will always stand out
Classical too intelligent to be radical
My music is too sophisticated and smart to be considered extreme or rebellious
Masterful, never irrelevant: mathematical
My work is precise and well-constructed, never outdated or insignificant
Here's some soothing souvenirs for all the years
Here's some calming reminders of my work over time
They fought, and sought, the thoughts and ideas
People have struggled and searched for understanding and meaning in my lyrics
It's cool when you freak to the beat
It's great when listeners jam out to my music
But don't sweat the technique
Don't worry about trying to copy my skill and talent, just enjoy and appreciate it
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Eric Barrier, William Griffin
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@chetchhoeun2900
Rakim was way ahead of his time.
@perfectp9988
He was exactly where we needed him. Thank god
@SmoKeFella70804
His was on time...
@kayshawnsimmons6822
He can kill these rappers of today in a battle
@dwightlove3704
Chet Chhouen The Source voted him THE GREATEST LYRICISTS OF ALL TIME.
@dwightlove3704
@GoSkateboarding Everyday Who are you talking about being THE GOAT?????
@krishchand7691
Rakim looks like the kind of guy that never has a good time. Dude always concentrating on something.
@biggib20
U mean eric b looks like he has no fun
@mickee06
I think you can put DMX in that category
@InvalidUsername480
Both of them look mad serious