Who is Rakim?

The Life and Times of Rakim

Rakim, born William Michael Griffin Jr., is widely regarded as one of the greatest rappers of all time. He was born on January 28, 1968, in Wyandanch, New York, and grew up in a household filled with music. His father was a musician, and his mother was a vocalist, which inspired Rakim to start making music from a young age.

Rakim’s musical career began in earnest in the 1980s, when he formed a rap duo with his childhood friend, Eric B. The pair quickly gained popularity in New York City’s hip-hop scene, thanks to their unique style and Rakim’s groundbreaking lyricism. In 1986, they released their debut album, “Paid in Full,” which is widely regarded as a classic of the genre.

“Paid in Full” introduced the world to Rakim’s distinctive flow, which was characterized by his use of internal rhymes and multisyllabic words. His lyrics were often dense and complex, and he tackled weighty subjects such as religion, politics, and societal ills with a level of sophistication that was unheard of in hip-hop at the time.

The success of “Paid in Full” cemented Rakim’s place in the pantheon of great MCs, and he went on to release several more classic albums with Eric B., including “Follow the Leader” and “Let the Rhythm Hit ‘Em.” However, tensions between the two began to simmer in the early 1990s, and they eventually parted ways in 1993.

Rakim continued to make music as a solo artist, releasing his first solo album, “The 18th Letter,” in 1997. The album was a critical success, but it didn’t achieve the same level of commercial success as his earlier work. Despite this, Rakim continued to be revered by hip-hop fans and artists alike, and he remained a sought-after collaborator and featured artist.

Throughout his career, Rakim has been lauded for his groundbreaking lyricism and his contributions to the evolution of hip-hop as an art form. His influence can be heard in the work of countless artists who have followed in his footsteps, and his legacy as one of the greatest rappers of all time is secure.

However, Rakim’s personal life has been less well-documented than his musical career. He has been notoriously private, rarely giving interviews or discussing his personal life in public. This has led to speculation and rumors about his personal life, but little concrete information is known.

What is known is that Rakim has had a long and successful career in music, and that his influence on hip-hop cannot be overstated. He has won numerous awards and accolades over the course of his career, including induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2012.

In recent years, Rakim has continued to work on new music and collaborate with other artists. He has also taken on a mentorship role, working with younger MCs and helping to shape the future of the genre.

In conclusion, the life of Rakim, the rapper, is one marked by incredible talent and achievement. He is a true innovator in the world of hip-hop, and his influence can be heard in the work of countless artists who have followed in his footsteps. Despite his private nature, Rakim’s music speaks volumes about his life and legacy, and his place in the pantheon of great MCs is secure.

Click here to listen to a Rakim mixtape.