Rakim

William Michael Griffin (born January 28, 1968), better known as Rakim, is a legendary New York MC. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest MCs in rap history due to his rapid rhyming and strong voice.

Biography

Rakim was born in Wyandanch, New York, which is in Suffolk County on Long Island. He is the nephew of R&B star Ruth Brown and was involved in the rap scene at a young age. He converted to Islam in 1984, and in 1985, he met the Queens-based DJ Eric B.

Related Topics:
Wyandanch, New York - Suffolk County - Long Island - R&B - Ruth Brown - 1984 - 1985 - Queens

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During the 1980s, Eric B. and Rakim released a number of very influental songs to the hip hop scene. Their most famous is probably "Paid in Full", which has become a hip hop classic. It has been remixed by the British DJ collective Coldcut, sampled in Tupac's song "Hit 'Em Up", and covered by Snoop Dogg during a party scene in the Will Ferrell movie Old School. Another of Eric B. & Rakim's hits from this era is "Microphone Fiend", which was covered in the 1990s by Rage Against the Machine.

Related Topics:
1980 - Eric B. and Rakim - Hip hop - Coldcut - Tupac - Snoop Dogg - Will Ferrell - Old School - Microphone Fiend - 1990s - Rage Against the Machine

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In 1992, the duo broke up, and due to legal wrangling over royalties and his contracts with his record label and with Eric B., Rakim did not release a solo album for five years. He returned in 1997 with the album The 18th Letter, which was well received and was certified gold. The album was released in two versions, one of which included a greatest-hits package titled The Book of Life.

Related Topics:
1992 - 1997 - The 18th Letter

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In 1999, he released The Master, which failed to crack the top 50 on Billboard's album chart. Soon after, Rakim was signed to Dr. Dre's Aftermath Entertainment record label, for work on an album tentatively titled Oh My God, which was never released. Rakim left (or was dropped) from the label in 2003, citing creative differences with Dr. Dre.

Related Topics:
1999 - Billboard's - Dr. Dre - Aftermath Entertainment - Record label

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On April 27, 2004, Rakim was arrested regarding an outstanding paternity matter from 2001. The rapper said he was unaware of the warrant but agreed to pay $2000 in child support to his 14 year old son. He was released the next day but due to the warrant, that night's performance opening for Ghostface of the Wu-Tang Clan at the Roseland Ballroom had to be canceled.

Related Topics:
April 27 - 2004 - 2001

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As a hip-hop icon, Rakim has generally refrained from personal sponsorship deals; one notable exception is his appearance in Hennessy print ads.

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