Rakim
The "God MC": Long Island rapper of Eric B. & Rakim whose complex rhymes changed rap lyricism forever.
Key albums
Paid in Full (Eric B. & Rakim)Follow the Leader (Eric B. & Rakim)Let the Rhythm Hit 'Em (Eric B. & Rakim)The 18th Letter
Key tracks
Eric B. Is PresidentI Know You Got SoulPaid in FullFollow the LeaderMicrophone Fiend
Who is Rakim?
Rakim (William Griffin) is a rapper from Wyandanch, Long Island. With DJ and producer Eric B. he formed the duo Eric B. & Rakim.
Known for
Their debut Paid in Full (1987), with "Eric B. Is President", "I Know You Got Soul" and the title track, followed by Follow the Leader (1988).
Style
A calm, cool delivery instead of shouting, with internal rhymes, multisyllabic patterns and rhymes that run across bar lines. He sounds effortless, but every line is precisely built.
Impact
Rakim is seen as the father of modern rap lyricism. Nas, Eminem, Jay-Z and countless others have named him as a major influence.
