Rakim, born William Michael Griffin Jr. on January 28, 1968, in Wyandanch, Long Island, New York, is one of the most revered and influential figures in hip-hop history. Often referred to as the “God MC,” Rakim is widely credited with revolutionizing rap during the late 1980s with his complex, intricate lyricism, unmatched flow, and introspective storytelling. His partnership with DJ Eric B. in the duo Eric B. & Rakim is considered a cornerstone of the genre, influencing countless rappers and shaping the sound of modern hip-hop.
Early Life and Musical Influences
Rakim was raised in a musical family. His mother was a singer, and his aunt was an R&B singer who worked with legendary artists like Ruth Brown. Rakim’s father and other family members introduced him to jazz, a genre that would later influence his rhythmic complexity and laid-back delivery. His early exposure to music helped cultivate his appreciation for rhythm, melody, and wordplay.
As a teenager, Rakim became fascinated by hip-hop, which was burgeoning in New York City during the late 1970s and early 1980s. He initially went by the name Kid Wizard and began developing his skills as an MC. Rakim’s style was heavily influenced by his spiritual upbringing—he embraced the teachings of the Nation of Islam and the Five Percent Nation, which gave him a deeper sense of purpose and philosophical grounding in his lyrics. His interest in these teachings later led to his stage name, Rakim Allah.
Breakthrough with Eric B. & Rakim: Paid in Full
Rakim’s career took off when he met DJ Eric B. in 1985. The duo quickly began recording together, blending Eric B.‘s sharp, minimalist beats with Rakim’s intricate, intellectually driven rhymes. Their debut single, “Eric B. Is President,” was released in 1986 and set the stage for what would become one of the most important albums in hip-hop history.
In 1987, Eric B. & Rakim released their debut album, Paid in Full, which is often hailed as one of the greatest hip-hop albums of all time. With its raw production and Rakim’s revolutionary lyrical style, Paid in Full introduced a level of sophistication and wordplay previously unheard in the genre. Songs like “I Ain’t No Joke,” “Paid in Full,” and “My Melody” showcased Rakim’s ability to rhyme over complex, jazz-influenced beats with a calm, precise delivery that stood in stark contrast to the more aggressive style of many of his peers.
Rakim’s lyrical content was also a departure from the norm. While many rappers of the era focused on braggadocio and party themes, Rakim infused his rhymes with deep thought, introspection, and philosophy. His use of internal rhymes, multi-syllabic patterns, and metaphors set a new standard for MCs, influencing everyone from Nas to Jay-Z.
Evolution of Lyricism: Follow the Leader and Beyond
In 1988, Eric B. & Rakim released their second album, Follow the Leader. The album further established Rakim as a lyrical genius, with songs like the title track and “Lyrics of Fury” displaying his unparalleled command of the mic. Follow the Leader was darker and more complex than its predecessor, and it cemented Rakim’s place as a pioneer of lyrical intricacy.
The duo’s third album, Let the Rhythm Hit ’Em (1990), and their final album, Don’t Sweat the Technique (1992), continued to showcase Rakim’s evolution as an artist. While both albums received critical praise, they didn’t quite reach the commercial success of Paid in Full. However, tracks like “Let the Rhythm Hit ’Em,” “In the Ghetto,” and “Know the Ledge” (featured in the film Juice) remain iconic, representing Rakim’s lasting impact on hip-hop culture.
By this point, Rakim’s influence on the next generation of rappers was evident. His rhyme schemes, metaphysical subject matter, and deliberate delivery became a blueprint for lyrical rappers who followed in his footsteps.
Solo Career and Continued Legacy
After parting ways with Eric B. in the early 1990s, Rakim began working on a solo career. However, his solo debut, The 18th Letter, wasn’t released until 1997, five years after his final album with Eric B. The album was well-received, reaching No. 4 on the Billboard 200 and praised for Rakim’s return to form as a master lyricist. It featured tracks like “Guess Who’s Back” and “It’s Been a Long Time,” both of which reflected Rakim’s place as a legend in the industry, even after his long hiatus.
In 1999, Rakim followed up with The Master, which didn’t receive the same acclaim as his previous efforts but still showcased his unparalleled lyrical talent. Songs like “When I B on the Mic” confirmed that Rakim was still a lyrical force to be reckoned with, even as the rap landscape was shifting towards more commercial and mainstream sounds.
Rakim remained relatively quiet in the 2000s, working on various projects and collaborations, but never releasing a consistent stream of new material. A highly anticipated collaboration with Dr. Dre for the Detox album never materialized, but Rakim’s legend continued to grow as newer generations of hip-hop artists cited him as a primary influence.
In 2009, Rakim released The Seventh Seal, his third solo album. Although it didn’t perform commercially as well as some of his previous work, it was hailed by fans and critics as a return to his signature style of deep, thoughtful lyricism.
Influence and Legacy
Rakim’s impact on hip-hop is immeasurable. He is often credited with transforming rap from a relatively straightforward form of expression into a complex, literary art form. His work with Eric B. set a standard for lyricism that many rappers still aspire to today. Rakim’s intricate rhyme schemes, metaphors, and unique flow were unprecedented in the 1980s and laid the groundwork for the lyricists who followed.
Many of the most respected MCs in hip-hop history, including Nas, Jay-Z, Eminem, and Kendrick Lamar, have cited Rakim as one of their primary influences. His focus on the craft of writing, his intellectual approach to rap, and his ability to tell stories with clarity and depth remain pillars of what is considered “real” hip-hop.
Rakim’s legacy is also defined by his authenticity. Throughout his career, he has remained true to his style and message, never chasing trends or compromising his art for commercial success. This integrity has earned him respect not only from fans but from his peers, making him one of the most revered figures in hip-hop culture.
Conclusion
As of 2024, Rakim’s status as one of the greatest rappers of all time is secure. With a career spanning over three decades, Rakim’s influence continues to be felt in the music of today’s top lyricists. His contributions to the art of MCing are monumental, forever changing the way rappers write, perform, and approach their craft. In the world of hip-hop, Rakim is not just a pioneer but a living legend whose work will be studied and celebrated for generations to come.
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