William Michael Griffin Jr. (born January 28, 1968), better known by his stage name Rakim (/ rɑːˈkɪm /), is an American rapper. He is one half of golden age hip hop duo Eric B. & Rakim, …

Apr 12, 2025 · In the late 80s, rapping was just a hobby for Wyandanch, Long Island native Rakim (born William Michael Griffin Jr.), who had dreams of going to college to play football.

Eric B. & Rakim were an American hip hop duo formed on Long Island, New York, in 1986, composed of DJ Eric B. and rapper Rakim. They first received acclaim for their 1987 debut …

Paid in Full is the debut studio album by American hip hop duo Eric B. & Rakim, released on July 7, 1987, by Island -subsidiary label 4th & B'way Records.

Jul 4, 2021 · Between 1987 and 1992 Eric B & Rakim dropped four classic albums – Paid In Full, Follow The Leader, Let The Rhythm Hit Em, and Don’t Sweat The Technique – from these …

Nov 3, 2022 · Before Rakim, most artists followed rhyming schemes popularized by the likes of Run-DMC and LL Cool J. Rakim’s flow was built on more intricate rhyme patterns; he …

Throughout the late ‘80s and early ‘90s, Rakim and longtime musical partner, Eric B. found success with an impressive output: Paid in Full (1987), Follow the Leader (1988), Let the …

Sep 2, 2024 · 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 …

William Michael Griffin Jr. (born January 28, 1968), known by his stage name Rakim, is an American rapper. One half of golden age hip hop duo Eric B. & Rakim, he is widely regarded …

Feb 15, 2023 · Known as one of greatest MCs of all time, he pioneered the complex lyrical rhyme pattern that transformed rap music in the 1980s. Rakim’s slow “flow” (rap style), clever …