Questions
Who were Eric B and Rakim?
They were a hip hop duo from Long Island, New York, made up of DJ Eric B (Eric Barrier) and rapper Rakim (William Griffin). AllMusic called them the premier DJ/MC team of rap’s late 1980s golden age.
When and how did they form?
They formed in 1986, meeting that year through promoter Alvin Toney in Queens, New York.
What was their debut album?
Their debut album Paid in Full came out in 1987 on 4th & B’way Records, and it was certified platinum by the RIAA in 1995.
Is it true they signed a huge record deal?
Yes. They were the first rap act to sign a million-dollar deal, a three-album agreement with MCA.
What was their first single?
Their 1986 debut single paired "Eric B. Is President" with "My Melody."
What did "Eric B. Is President" sample?
It sampled Fonda Rae’s "Over Like a Fat Rat." Eric B reportedly said he took that record and decided, "This is the bass line I’m going to use for this record."
Why is their production considered so influential?
Paid in Full is credited with marking the beginning of heavy sampling in hip hop records, known for its gritty, heavy, and dark beats. Eric B’s soul-filled sampling became foundational to hip hop production.
Where does the name Rakim come from?
William Griffin adopted the name Rakim after his conversion to the Five-Percent Nation (the Nation of Gods and Earths), a spiritual movement that influenced his lyrical themes.
What made Rakim’s rapping so groundbreaking?
He revolutionized rap technique with internal rhymes, multisyllabic patterns, and a jazz-influenced delivery. MTV described his slow flow, with every line "blunt, mesmeric."
Did Rakim have a musical background?
Yes. He played saxophone and admired John Coltrane, and that jazz influence shaped his delivery on the mic.
What are some of their most famous songs?
Beyond "Eric B. Is President," fans point to "Microphone Fiend," "Follow the Leader," and "Lyrics of Fury."
What did other artists say about their lyrics?
Chris Rock reportedly cited "Lyrics of Fury," from the 1988 album Follow the Leader, as "lyrically, the best rapping anyone’s ever done."
How many studio albums did they release?
Four: Paid in Full (1987), Follow the Leader (1988), Let the Rhythm Hit ’Em (1990), and Don’t Sweat the Technique (1992).
Why did they break up?
They disbanded in 1993 amid label disputes over ownership of their master recordings.
Did they ever reunite?
Yes. They reunited in October 2016 after 23 years apart, and played their first reunion concert at the Apollo Theater on July 7, 2017.
What honors have they received?
They were Rock and Roll Hall of Fame nominees in 2012 and 2024, and Rolling Stone ranked them number 5 on its Greatest Duos of All Time.
