Rakim facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Rakim
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Rakim performing in 2008
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| Birth name | William Michael Griffin Jr. |
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| Born | January 28, 1968 Wyandanch, New York, U.S. |
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William Michael Griffin Jr. (born January 28, 1968), known as Rakim, is a very influential American rapper. He was half of the famous golden age hip-hop group Eric B. & Rakim. Together, they released four important albums: Paid in Full (1987), Follow the Leader (1988), Let the Rhythm Hit 'Em (1990), and Don't Sweat the Technique (1992).
Rakim also released four solo albums. These include The 18th Letter (1997), The Master (1999), The Seventh Seal (2009), and G.O.D.'s Network: Reb7rth (2024).
Many people see Rakim as a game-changer in hip hop music. He helped create new ways of rhyming, using complex patterns and clever word choices. Before him, many rappers used simpler styles. Rakim showed how to write detailed lyrics with deep meanings.
Rapper Kool Moe Dee said that Rakim basically invented the idea of "flow" in rap. Before Rakim, people used words like "rhyming" or "cadence." But "flow" became a common term after Rakim showed his unique style.
His album Paid in Full was called the greatest hip hop album ever by MTV in 2006. Rakim himself was ranked No. 4 on MTV's list of the Greatest MCs of All Time. Many critics and artists agree that he is one of the best rappers ever.
Contents
Early Life and Beginnings
William Michael Griffin Jr. was born on January 28, 1968, in Wyandanch, New York. His aunt was the famous R&B singer and actress Ruth Brown. He grew up on Long Island and wrote his first rhyme when he was seven years old. It was about the cartoon character Mickey Mouse.
Rakim first wanted to be a professional football player. He was a quarterback on his high school team. However, his friend Alvin Toney introduced him to a local DJ named Eric B. Rakim started writing lyrics for Eric B.'s music. He then decided to focus on a music career.
In 1985, when he was known as Kid Wizard, he made his first recordings. These were live at Wyandanch High School. In 1986, Rakim learned about the Nation of Islam. He later joined The Nation of Gods and Earths and took the Arabic name Rakim Allah. He used "Rakim Allah" as his stage name, often shortened to "Rakim." He is sometimes called the "God MC" because of his skill and the "Allah" in his name.
Music Career
Working with Eric B. (1985–1992)
Eric B. and Rakim first met in 1985. They released four studio albums together before they stopped working as a duo in 1992. Many people consider them one of the most important DJ/MC duos in music history. They were even nominated for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2011.
First Album: Paid in Full (1986–1987)
Rakim answered Eric B.'s search for a top MC in New York. Eric B.'s friend Marley Marl let them use his home studio. They recorded their first songs, "Eric B. Is President" and "My Melody," which were released as a single in 1986.
After Def Jam Recordings founder Russell Simmons heard the single, the duo signed with Island Records. They started recording their first album in early 1987. On July 7, 1987, they released their debut album, Paid in Full. The album was very successful and had five popular singles.
Second Album: Follow the Leader (1988–1989)
Follow the Leader was released in 1988. It did even better on music charts than their first album. It sold over 500,000 copies in the United States. This album came out during hip hop's "golden age." Critics loved it and still see it as one of the most important hip hop albums ever.
The album showed Rakim's powerful lyrics. It had a wider range of sounds than their first album. Many believe this album was the peak of their work together.
Last Albums and Breakup (1990–1992)
Let the Rhythm Hit 'Em was their third album, released in 1990. Rakim's voice became deeper and more powerful on this album. The songs covered more serious topics. Musically, it had both smooth, soulful tracks and hard-hitting ones. Many consider it their most complete album.
In 1992, Eric B. & Rakim released their fourth and final album, Don't Sweat the Technique. The title song was a minor hit on the radio. Another song, "Know the Ledge," was featured in the movie Juice.
However, Eric B. did not want to sign a new contract with their record label, MCA. He was worried Rakim would leave him. This led to a long legal fight between the two musicians and MCA. Because of these legal issues, the duo eventually broke up.
Solo Career (1993–Present)
First Solo Album and Aftermath Years (1993–2003)
After his partnership with Eric B. ended in 1993, Rakim stayed out of the spotlight for a while. He only appeared on the soundtrack for the 1993 film Gunmen. In 1994, his record label dropped him.
Rakim then signed a deal with Universal Records. He started recording his first solo album, The 18th Letter, in 1996. When it was released in November 1997, people had high hopes for it. The album was very popular, reaching #4 on the Billboard 200 chart and selling enough copies to be certified Gold.
In 1999, Rakim released his second solo album, The Master. It received good reviews but did not sell as well.
In 2000, Rakim signed with Dr. Dre's Aftermath Entertainment record label. He planned to release an album called Oh, My God. The album's direction changed many times, and its release was delayed. While working on it, Rakim appeared on other Aftermath projects. These included the hit song "Addictive" by Truth Hurts and a song on Eminem's 8 Mile movie soundtrack.
However, Rakim left Aftermath Entertainment in 2003, and Oh, My God was never released. Rakim later explained that he left because he and Dr. Dre had different ideas about the music. Rakim wanted to make songs with deeper, more thoughtful messages, while Dr. Dre encouraged him to make songs about more aggressive topics.
The Seventh Seal (2007–2009)
Rakim took his time working on new music at his home in Connecticut. He had not released an album since 1999. In 2006, he announced a new album called The Seventh Seal. The album was delayed until 2009. Before that, he released a live album in 2008.
In an interview, Rakim explained the meaning behind the title The Seventh Seal. He said the number 7 is very important. He also mentioned that the title refers to ideas from the Bible about the end of the old and the start of something new. He hoped to bring a new beginning to hip hop music.
The Seventh Seal was released on November 17, 2009. It was his first album in ten years. The album had two singles, "Holy Are You" and "Walk These Streets." It featured music produced by several well-known hip hop artists. The album received mixed reviews from critics.
Reunion with Eric B. and New Music (2011–Present)
In 2011, Rakim performed his entire Paid in Full album live in New York City. This was to celebrate the album's 25th anniversary. He was joined by the band The Roots.
In 2012, Rakim announced that he and Eric B. would release a 25th-anniversary edition of Paid in Full. It was planned to have new songs by the duo. He also said he would release a new solo album. He performed at the annual Roots' Picnic in Philadelphia. He also mentioned working with Pharrell Williams on a new album.
On September 24, 2013, he released a song with DMX called "Don't Call Me." In 2014, Rakim was featured on a song with the rock band Linkin Park, titled "Guilty All the Same." He contributed his rhymes to the song's bridge.
On April 27, 2015, Rakim announced he was working on another new album. He said it would be a fun album, different from his more serious The Seventh Seal.
On October 20, 2016, it was announced that Rakim and Eric B. had reunited after 23 years. They hinted at a possible reunion tour. Fans wondered if they would release a new album together.
In June 2018, a new song by Rakim, "King's Paradise," was released on the soundtrack for Luke Cage: Season 2 (Original Soundtrack Album). He performed the song live with Ali Shaheed Muhammad and Adrian Younge.
In May 2024, it was announced that Rakim's fourth solo album would be called G.O.D.'s Network: Reb7rth. Rakim produced the entire album himself. It was released on July 26, 2024.
On May 21, 2025, Rakim received the George Peabody Medal for Outstanding Contributions to Music and Dance in America. This is a very high honor from the Peabody Institute at Johns Hopkins University.
Artistry and Style
Rakim's way of rhyming was very different from earlier hip hop artists. His unique style did not always follow strict music beats, which reminded some people of jazz music. The New York Times said that Rakim's calm rapping helped hip hop grow beyond simpler rhymes.
While many rappers used to make up their rhymes on the spot, Rakim was one of the first to show the benefits of carefully writing lyrics. He was a pioneer in using internal rhymes (rhymes within a line) and multisyllabic rhymes (rhymes with many syllables).
Unlike earlier high-energy rappers, Rakim had a relaxed and calm delivery. MTV noted that Rakim took a thoughtful approach to rapping. His calm style was influenced by jazz; he played the saxophone and was a fan of jazz musician John Coltrane.
Artists and critics often say that Rakim changed hip hop from simple flows to more complex ones. Kool Moe Dee explained that after 1986, every rapper had to study Rakim to understand what to do. He said Rakim gave hip hop "flow" from 1986 to 1994.
Rakim often rapped about his own skills and how good he was at lyrics. He also included his Islamic faith in his songs. Critics praise his complex rhymes, clear language, smooth delivery, and surprising rhythms.
Legacy and Influence
Paid in Full was released during the "golden age" of hip hop. Many consider it Rakim and Eric B.'s best work. Rakim's rapping style became a model for future rappers. It helped establish East Coast hip hop's reputation for creative lyrics.
William Jelani Cobb wrote that Rakim's rapping went beyond the earlier "old school hip hop" style. He said that while new rappers improved their vocabulary, it was "nowhere near what Rakim introduced to the genre." The New York Times said Rakim helped "give birth to a musical genre" and started a "quiet musical revolution" with his soft-spoken rapping.
AllMusic called Paid in Full one of hip hop's most influential albums. MTV ranked it number one on their list of "The Greatest Hip-Hop Albums of All Time." They said it raised the standards of hip hop "both sonically and poetically."
Rolling Stone magazine listed it among "The 500 Greatest Albums of All Time." They called Rakim a top contender for "Best Rapper Ever." Time magazine also included it in their "All-TIME 100" albums. They noted that the album changed the "sound, flow, and potential" of hip hop.
Many famous rappers have been inspired by Rakim's unique style. These include GZA, Ghostface Killah, and Raekwon from the Wu-Tang Clan. Other influential rappers like Tupac, Nas, Jay-Z, The Notorious B.I.G., and Eminem also credit Rakim as an inspiration. By December 1997, Paid in Full had sold over a million copies.
Discography
Studio Albums
Solo
- The 18th Letter (1997)
- The Master (1999)
- The Seventh Seal (2009)
- G.O.D.'s Network: Reb7rth (2024)
With Eric B. & Rakim
- Paid in Full (1987)
- Follow the Leader (1988)
- Let the Rhythm Hit 'Em (1990)
- Don't Sweat the Technique (1992)
See also
In Spanish: Rakim para niños
