Eric B. facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Eric B.
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Eric B. publicity shoot, 1987
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| Background information | |
| Birth name | Louis Eric Barrier |
| Born | November 8, 1963 Queens, New York City, U.S. |
| Genres | Hip hop |
| Occupations |
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| Years active | 1986–present |
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Louis Eric Barrier (born November 8, 1963), known as Eric B., is an American rapper, record producer, and DJ from New York City. He is famous for being one half of the hip hop group Eric B. & Rakim. He formed the group in 1986 and was their main producer and DJ.
Their first album, Paid in Full (1987), was called the greatest hip hop album of all time by MTV in 2006. Eric B. and Rakim were also nominated for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2011. Since 2019, Eric B. has also played officer Mike Gee on the TV show Blue Bloods.
Contents
Early Life and Beginnings
Eric B. was born Louis Eric Barrier on November 8, 1963, in East Elmhurst, Queens. He went to William Cullen Bryant High School on a basketball scholarship. He once said he thought about becoming a professional basketball player, but music became more important to him.
Music Career Highlights
Eric B. started DJing with his younger brother and two friends at a roller rink. He looked up to other DJs like DJ Vernon, King Charles, and Grandmaster Flash. He remembered sneaking out to parties to listen to music.
By 1985, Eric B. worked as a DJ at the New York radio station WBLS. He wanted to find a rapper to work with his DJing. This is how he met Rakim.
Forming Eric B. & Rakim
Eric B. and Rakim released their first song, "Eric B. Is President," in 1986. Eric B. used a part of James Brown's "Funky President" in the song. This led to one of the first legal discussions about using samples in hip hop music.
The duo then released their first album, Paid in Full, in 1987. This album was very popular right away. Many people still see it as one of the best hip hop albums ever. Eric B. was praised for his strong and rhythmic production and how well he used samples on the album.
After the Duo
After making three more albums, Eric B. and Rakim's contract with MCA ended. The duo eventually decided to split up in 1992.
After separating from Rakim, Eric B. released one solo album called Eric B. in 1995. He mostly worked as a producer and executive for Street Life Records, a record label that no longer exists.
Eric B. and Rakim did not stay in touch for a while after they stopped making music together. However, in 2016, they reconnected and announced they were reuniting. The duo has started performing concerts again. They are also working on making their old albums sound even better. They have said they are not planning to release new music right now.
Besides music, Eric B. has also worked on movie production. He was a consultant for The Source Awards. He also owns several restaurants across the United States.
Musical Style
Eric B. is known for his simple and clear production style. A review in The New York Times once called him a "minimalist virtuoso." This means he was very skilled at creating music with fewer sounds.
Jonathan Gold from the Los Angeles Times described Eric B.'s beats as "chill" and "understated." This means his music had a relaxed and subtle feel.
Eric B. was also one of the first hip hop producers to use many soul samples in his music. For example, in his first song with Rakim, "Eric B. Is President," he used parts from James Brown's "Funky President" and Fonda Rae's "Over Like a Fat Rat."
Discography
Solo Studio Album
- Still Paid (1995)
Albums with Rakim
- Paid in Full (1987)
- Follow the Leader (1988)
- Let the Rhythm Hit 'Em (1990)
- Don't Sweat the Technique (1992)
