masaharusato.com – Rakim, born William Michael Griffin Jr. on January 28, 1968, in Long Island, New York, is widely regarded as one of the greatest and most influential rappers of all time. Often referred to as the “God MC,” Rakim’s innovative approach to lyricism, flow, and storytelling reshaped the landscape of hip-hop, setting new standards for complexity and artistry in rap music. His groundbreaking work as one-half of the legendary duo Eric B. & Rakim revolutionized the genre and solidified his place in history as one of the most important figures in hip-hop culture.
Early Life and Musical Beginnings
Rakim’s love for music began at an early age. Growing up in Long Island, he was exposed to jazz, soul, and R&B through his father, who was a jazz musician, and his mother, who had a passion for music. Rakim’s interest in rapping developed during his teenage years, when he began listening to hip-hop and learning from the pioneers of the genre, such as Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five, Kool Herc, and the Sugarhill Gang.
Rakim’s early influences also came from poets like Gil Scott-Heron and the lyrical complexity of jazz musicians. This would later be reflected in his unique style—an intellectual and thought-provoking approach to lyricism that set him apart from many of his contemporaries. By the mid-1980s, Rakim had teamed up with DJ Eric B., and the duo began making waves in the hip-hop world with their innovative sound and approach to rap.
Eric B. & Rakim: A Groundbreaking Partnership
Rakim’s partnership with DJ Eric B. marked the beginning of a new era for hip-hop. In 1986, they released their debut album Paid in Full, a project that would go on to become one of the most influential records in hip-hop history. The album featured classic tracks like “Eric B. Is President,” “I Ain’t No Joke,” and the iconic title track “Paid in Full.” Rakim’s smooth, complex rhymes and intricate flow were revolutionary, offering a stark contrast to the simpler, more direct rapping style that dominated the genre at the time.
Rakim’s delivery was unlike anything the hip-hop world had heard before. His use of internal rhyme schemes, multisyllabic rhymes, and dense wordplay raised the bar for lyricism in rap music. His smooth, laid-back flow was perfectly complemented by Eric B.’s minimalist but hard-hitting production, which allowed Rakim’s words to take center stage. Paid in Full was a critical and commercial success, solidifying Rakim as a master of the craft and establishing Eric B. & Rakim as one of the most formidable duos in hip-hop.
The album’s impact on hip-hop cannot be overstated. Rakim’s lyrical innovation changed the way rappers approached writing and performance. He was among the first to introduce a more complex, sophisticated style of rapping, influencing generations of artists who sought to emulate his technique. His influence can be heard in the work of artists like Nas, Jay-Z, The Notorious B.I.G., and countless others who followed in his footsteps.
Follow the Leader and Continued Innovation
In 1988, Rakim and Eric B. released their second album, Follow the Leader, which continued their momentum and showcased Rakim’s growth as an artist. The album featured tracks like “Microphone Fiend” and the title track “Follow the Leader,” both of which further cemented Rakim’s status as a lyrical genius. Follow the Leader was another critical success, and it built on the foundation laid by Paid in Full, offering even more intricate rhymes and thought-provoking content.
Rakim’s lyrical content during this period was also notable for its intellectualism. He rapped about topics ranging from self-reflection to social issues, offering a depth that was rare in hip-hop at the time. His verses were often filled with metaphors, references to literature and history, and explorations of philosophy and spirituality, making his music both challenging and rewarding to listen to.
Let the Rhythm Hit ‘Em and Don’t Sweat the Technique
Rakim’s third album with Eric B., Let the Rhythm Hit ‘Em (1990), was another milestone in his career. The album featured tracks like “Let the Rhythm Hit ‘Em” and “In the Ghetto,” where Rakim continued to evolve his style, experimenting with different beats and flows while maintaining his signature lyrical depth. Let the Rhythm Hit ‘Em received positive reviews and was a commercial success, further solidifying Rakim’s place in hip-hop’s upper echelon.
In 1992, Rakim released his fourth album, Don’t Sweat the Technique, which marked the final collaboration with Eric B. The album featured the hit single “Don’t Sweat the Technique” and showcased Rakim’s continued growth as an artist. The album’s production was more polished, and Rakim’s lyricism remained as sharp as ever. Though it wasn’t as commercially successful as its predecessors, Don’t Sweat the Technique was still considered a high point in Rakim’s career, offering fans a deeper look into his evolving artistry.
Solo Career and the Quest for Artistic Control
After parting ways with Eric B., Rakim embarked on a solo career that would see him release several albums throughout the 1990s and 2000s. However, his solo career was often marred by delays and struggles with record labels. Despite this, Rakim’s solo work, including albums like The 18th Letter (1999) and The Master (2000), showcased his ability to remain relevant in the ever-changing hip-hop landscape.
In the late 1990s and early 2000s, Rakim’s influence began to wane in terms of mainstream commercial success, but his impact on the underground hip-hop scene and the lyricism-focused corner of rap remained undeniable. Even as newer artists like Nas, Jay-Z, and Eminem emerged, Rakim’s legacy as the “God MC” continued to loom large over the genre, with many of the top rappers citing him as a major influence.
Rakim’s Lasting Impact on Hip-Hop
Rakim’s influence on hip-hop cannot be overstated. He revolutionized rap by introducing a new level of lyricism and flow that would go on to shape the direction of the genre for years to come. Rakim’s ability to weave complex metaphors, use multisyllabic rhymes, and create intricate internal rhyme schemes set a standard that all rappers would be measured against.
Beyond his technical skills, Rakim’s ability to speak on a wide range of topics—ranging from social issues to personal reflection—elevated rap music to a form of high art, influencing not just hip-hop, but poetry and songwriting as a whole. He opened the door for future generations of lyricists who sought to craft their verses with the same level of precision and depth.
Rakim’s Legacy: The Blueprint for Future Generations
Today, Rakim is revered as one of the founding fathers of modern hip-hop and remains a key figure in the evolution of the genre. His music continues to inspire a wide range of artists across multiple genres, and his influence is felt in the work of rappers like Kendrick Lamar, J. Cole, and Chance the Rapper, all of whom have credited Rakim as a primary inspiration for their lyricism.
Rakim’s career is a testament to the power of innovation, artistry, and dedication. He not only shaped the sound of hip-hop but also elevated the art of rapping to new heights, ensuring his place in history as one of the greatest artists to ever do it. His legacy as the “God MC” remains intact, and his impact on hip-hop and the world of music will continue to be felt for generations to come.