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 |
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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 as one half of the hip-hop duo 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. The duo was also nominated for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2011. Since 2019, Eric B. has also played the character of 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. He grew up in East Elmhurst, a neighborhood in Queens. He went to William Cullen Bryant High School on a basketball scholarship. Eric B. once said he thought about becoming a professional basketball player. However, music soon became his main focus.
How Eric B. Started in Music
Eric B. began his journey as a DJ with his younger brother and two friends. They would DJ at a roller rink. He looked up to other DJs like DJ Vernon, King Charles, and Grandmaster Flash. He remembered sneaking out at night to attend parties and listen to music. By 1985, Eric B. was working as a DJ at the New York radio station WBLS. He was looking for a rapper to work with his DJing. This search led him to meet Rakim.
The Duo: Eric B. & Rakim
Eric B. and Rakim released their first song, "Eric B. Is President," in 1986. This song used a sample from James Brown's "Funky President." Their first album, Paid in Full, came out in 1987. This album was highly praised right away. Many people now consider it one of the best hip-hop albums ever. Eric B. was recognized for his strong and rhythmic production style. He was also praised for how well he used samples in the album.
Later Albums and Separation
After Paid in Full, Eric B. and Rakim released three more albums. Their record contract with MCA ended. Eric B. was worried that Rakim might leave the group. Because of this, Eric B. did not sign the release contract. This led to a long legal fight between him, Rakim, and the record label. The duo eventually split up in 1992.
After the Duo and Reunion
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. This record label was a part of Scotti Brothers Records but is no longer active. Eric B. and Rakim did not stay in touch for many years 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 better. They have said they are not planning to release new music.
Eric B.'s 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 few elements. Jonathan Gold of the Los Angeles Times described Eric B.'s beats as "chill" and "understated." AllMusic also called his beats "stripped-down."
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 of James Brown's "Funky President" and Fonda Rae's "Over Like a Fat Rat."
Other Ventures
Besides music, Eric B. has been involved in making movies. He also worked as a consultant for The Source Awards. He owns several restaurants across the United States.
Discography
Solo Albums
- 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)
