Words By Hafeez Raji Rarely do pioneers stay relevant some twenty-five years after coming on the scene to redefine a genre as one William Griffin, aka Rakim bka The R. Over two decades ago my only knowledge of hip hop–or better yet “rap”–revolved literally on my first vinyl album, a compilation of the Sugar Hill […]
The nominations for induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2012 have been released and once again they include some hip hop acts. Artists become eligible to be nominated 25 years after the release of their debut album. Legendary hip hop acts Eric B. & Rakim and the Beastie Boys were among […]
Rakim, who’s real name is William Michael Griffin, Jr. is known as one of hip hop’s most influential and skilled MCs of all time. Rakim has always been praised for his lyrical content and flow. At the age of 16, William Michael Griffin joined The Nation of Gods and Earths also known as the 5 Percent […]
