Rakim

The Profile

William Michael Griffin Jr., known as Rakim, is an American rapper who rose to prominence as one half of Eric B. & Rakim and is widely regarded as one of hip hop's most influential MCs for his complex internal rhymes and smooth flow.

Born January 28, 1968 in Wyandanch, New York. Birth name William Michael Griffin Jr. Breakthrough and most influential work came as part of Eric B. & Rakim in the late 1980s; credited with reshaping rap's lyrical complexity and flow.

The provided DeBaser review (by Yosif) praises Rakim's early solo work, especially The 18th Letter, for its production and legendary flow, while criticising later comeback material (The Seventh Seal) as misguided and overly contemporary. The review highlights producers (Premier, Pete Rock, Clark Kent) and laments misplaced features and current-sounding beats. It frames Rakim as a formative, influential MC whose classic records remain essential.