Rakim

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Rakim (pronounced rah-KIM) (Born William Michael Griffin Jr. on January 28, 1968 in Long Island, New York) is an American rapper and pioneer of the musical genre of hip hop. He is consistently cited as one of the most skilled (and top amongst the most influential) MCs of all time due to his exceptional flow and complex lyrical craftsmanship, he revolutionized hip-hop lyricism with his complex flow, elaborate metaphors and rapid delivery. Together with Eric B, he released a number of classic albums between 1987 and 1992. To date his most successful album is ‘The 18th Letter,’ released in 1997 as his solo debut album.

Griffin is the nephew of American R&B singer and actress Ruth Brown. He grew up in Wyandanch, New York, and became involved in the New York hip hop scene at a young age. Eric B brought him to Marley Marl’s house to record “Eric B. is President.” At the time Griffin was fresh out of high school and on his way to college, but he decided to forgo higher education and instead chose to record with Eric B. Leshaun

When Griffin turned 16, he joined The Nation of Gods and Earths (also known as the 5 Percent Nation) and changed his name to Rakim Allah.[5]


In 1986, Rakim started to work with New York-based producer-DJ Eric B. The duo — known as Eric B & Rakim — is widely regarded as among the most influential and groundbreaking of hip-hop groups. The duo’s first single, “Eric B. Is President” (#48, 1986) b/w “My Melody,” was a success and got the duo a contract with the fledgling Island Records sub-label 4th & B’way. The duo’s next single, the smash “I Know You Got Soul,” sparked early debate on the legality of unauthorized, uncredited sampling when James Brown sued to prevent the duo’s use of a fragment of his music.

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Top Albums

• The 18th Letter
  Rakim

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• Master
  Rakim

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  • Juno $13.49
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• The Master
  Rakim

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• When I Be On The Mic
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Top Tracks

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1		Guess Who's Back			775
2		It's Been A Long Time			525
3		When I B On Tha Mic			245
4		Stay A While			231
5		Remember That			157
6		It's Been A Long Time (Suave House Mix)			156
7		The Mystery (Who Is God?)			139
7		Outro			139
9		The Saga Begins			124
10		Show Me Love			118
11		R.A.K.I.M.			116
12		Flow Forever			111
13		when i be on the mic			108
14		New York (Ya Out There)			106
15		The 18th Letter (Always And Forever)			95

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