Rakim, born William Michael Griffin Jr., is widely regarded as one of the most influential rappers in the history of hip-hop. His lyrical style, innovative flow, and profound impact on the genre have earned him the title of “The God MC.” Rakim’s contributions to hip-hop are immeasurable, as he helped shape the genre during its formative years in the 1980s and 1990s. With a career spanning over three decades, Rakim’s work continues to be celebrated by fans and artists alike. This article delves into the life, career, and legacy of Rakim, exploring his influence on hip-hop and the culture surrounding it.
I. Early Life and Influences
Growing Up in Long Island
Rakim was born on January 28, 1968, in Wyandanch, Long Island, New York. He grew up in a musical household, with his mother a jazz singer and his father a trumpet player. This early exposure to music had a profound effect on Rakim, who began experimenting with writing rhymes at a young age. His upbringing in Long Island also exposed him to the burgeoning hip-hop culture in nearby New York City, where he was influenced by early pioneers like Grandmaster Flash and The Furious Five, Kool Herc, and Afrika Bambaataa.
The Influence of Jazz
Jazz played a significant role in shaping Rakim’s style. His mother’s jazz records introduced him to complex rhythms and improvisational techniques that would later become hallmarks of his rap style. Rakim has often cited jazz greats like John Coltrane, Miles Davis, and Thelonious Monk as major influences on his music. This connection to jazz is evident in his smooth, intricate flow and his ability to weave complex narratives into his lyrics.
II. The Formation of Eric B. & Rakim
Meeting Eric B.
In the mid-1980s, Rakim was introduced to DJ Eric Barrier, better known as Eric B. The two immediately clicked and decided to collaborate. Their partnership would become one of the most iconic duos in hip-hop history. Eric B.’s production skills and Rakim’s lyrical prowess complemented each other perfectly, resulting in a series of groundbreaking tracks that would redefine the genre.
The Debut Album: Paid in Full
In 1987, Eric B. & Rakim released their debut album, Paid in Full. The album was an instant success and is now considered one of the greatest hip-hop albums of all time. Tracks like “Eric B. Is President,” “I Ain’t No Joke,” and “Paid in Full” showcased Rakim’s innovative flow and complex lyricism, setting a new standard for what hip-hop could be. The album’s minimalist production, characterized by heavy use of sampling and breakbeats, was also revolutionary and would go on to influence countless producers in the years to come.
III. Rakim’s Lyrical Genius
Innovative Flow
Rakim is often credited with revolutionizing the way MCs approach their craft. Before Rakim, most rappers adhered to a relatively simple, straightforward flow. Rakim, however, introduced a more complex, multi-syllabic style that allowed him to pack more meaning and emotion into his verses. His ability to seamlessly switch up his flow mid-verse, often using internal rhymes and complex metaphors, set him apart from his contemporaries and solidified his reputation as a lyrical genius.
Influence on Lyricism
Rakim’s influence on lyricism in hip-hop cannot be overstated. He elevated the art form, inspiring a generation of MCs to push the boundaries of what was possible with their lyrics. Rakim’s impact can be seen in the work of countless artists who came after him, including Nas, Jay-Z, and Eminem, all of whom have cited him as a major influence on their own styles.
IV. The Evolution of Rakim’s Style
From Follow the Leader to Let the Rhythm Hit ‘Em’
Following the success of Paid in Full, Eric B. & Rakim released their sophomore album, Follow the Leader, in 1988. The album continued to showcase Rakim’s lyrical prowess, with tracks like “Microphone Fiend” and “Lyrics of Fury” demonstrating his ability to craft intricate verses filled with vivid imagery and complex wordplay. The album was another critical and commercial success, further cementing Rakim’s place in hip-hop history.
In 1990, the duo released Let the Rhythm Hit ‘Em’, their third album. While not as commercially successful as their previous efforts, the album was praised for its darker, more introspective tone. Rakim’s lyrics on this album explored themes of violence, poverty, and social injustice, reflecting the harsh realities of life in urban America. The album’s production, handled primarily by Eric B. and Large Professor, was also notable for its use of harder, more aggressive beats, which complemented Rakim’s lyrical themes perfectly.
The Final Album: Don’t Sweat the Technique
In 1992, Eric B. & Rakim released their final album together, Don’t Sweat the Technique. The album was a departure from their earlier work, with a more polished, radio-friendly sound. Despite this, Rakim’s lyricism remained as sharp as ever, with tracks like “Know the Ledge” and “Casualties of War” showcasing his ability to tackle complex social issues with intelligence and insight. The album received positive reviews and has since become a cult classic, but it also marked the end of an era, as Rakim and Eric B. decided to go their separate ways shortly after its release.
V. Rakim’s Solo Career
The Long Road to The 18th Letter
After parting ways with Eric B., Rakim embarked on a solo career. However, it would be several years before he released his first solo album, The 18th Letter, in 1997. The album was eagerly anticipated by fans and critics alike, and it did not disappoint. Tracks like “It’s Been a Long Time” and “Guess Who’s Back” showcased Rakim’s trademark lyricism, while also demonstrating his ability to adapt to the changing landscape of hip-hop. The album was a commercial success, debuting at number 4 on the Billboard 200, and it solidified Rakim’s status as one of the greatest MCs of all time.
The Unreleased Oh My God Album
One of the most intriguing aspects of Rakim’s solo career is the story of his unreleased album, Oh My God. In the mid-1990s, Rakim signed with Dr. Dre’s Aftermath Entertainment and began working on the album with Dre. The project was highly anticipated, but it was ultimately shelved due to creative differences between Rakim and Dre. While some tracks from the sessions have leaked over the years, the album remains one of the great “what ifs” in hip-hop history, with fans still speculating about what could have been.
The Seventh Seal and Beyond
In 2009, Rakim released his third solo album, The Seventh Seal. The album was his first release in nearly a decade, and it was met with mixed reviews. While some fans appreciated Rakim’s return to the mic, others felt that the album did not live up to his previous work. Despite this, The Seventh Seal still contains moments of brilliance, with tracks like “Holy Are You” and “Man Above” showcasing Rakim’s lyrical skill and spiritual depth.
Since the release of The Seventh Seal, Rakim has continued to tour and make guest appearances on other artists’ tracks. While he has not released another solo album, his influence on the genre remains as strong as ever.
VI. Rakim’s Impact on Hip-Hop Culture
Changing the Game
Rakim’s impact on hip-hop culture is immeasurable. He helped to redefine what it meant to be an MC, pushing the boundaries of lyricism and setting a new standard for the genre. His innovative flow and complex wordplay have influenced countless artists, and his work with Eric B. has become the blueprint for what a classic hip-hop album should sound like.
Influencing a Generation
Rakim’s influence extends far beyond his own music. His work has inspired a generation of MCs, many of whom have gone on to become legends in their own right. Artists like Nas, Jay-Z, and Eminem have all cited Rakim as a major influence on their own styles, and his impact can be heard in the work of countless others. Rakim’s ability to combine intricate lyricism with a powerful message has made him a role model for aspiring MCs, and his legacy continues to shape the direction of hip-hop to this day.
VII. Rakim’s Legacy
The God MC
Rakim’s legacy as “The God MC” is firmly established. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest rappers of all time, and his contributions to the genre have earned him a place in the pantheon of hip-hop legends. Rakim’s innovative style, lyrical genius, and profound impact on the culture have made him a true icon, and his work continues to be celebrated by fans and artists alike.
Continued Influence
Rakim’s influence on hip-hop continues to be felt today. His work has been sampled and referenced by countless artists, and his impact on the genre’s evolution is undeniable. As hip-hop continues to grow and evolve, Rakim’s legacy remains a guiding force, inspiring new generations of artists to push the boundaries of what is possible with their music.
See Also: The Rise of Rap Music in Commercials [ Revealed ]
VIII. Conclusion
Rakim’s contributions to hip-hop are immeasurable. From his groundbreaking work with Eric B. to his successful solo career, Rakim has consistently pushed the boundaries of what is possible in the genre. His innovative flow, complex lyricism, and profound impact on hip-hop culture have earned him a place among the greatest rappers of all time. As “The God MC,” Rakim’s legacy continues to inspire and influence new generations of artists, ensuring that his impact on the genre will be felt for years to come. Whether through his classic albums, his influence on other artists, or his continued presence in the hip-hop community, Rakim’s place in the history of the genre is secure, and his contributions will continue to be celebrated for years to come.
