Eric B. & Rakim
- Type: Band/Group
- Country: United States
- Born: 1986 in Long Island, New York, United States
- Active: 1986 - 2018
Biography
The duo of DJ Eric B. and MC Rakim emerged from Long Island, New York, in 1986, fundamentally redefining the sonic and lyrical vocabulary of hip-hop. Eric B.'s production advanced the art of sampling, building dense soundscapes from funk and soul sources, particularly *James Brown*. Rakim pivoted lyricism away from boisterous deliveries, establishing a cool, methodical flow that introduced complex internal and multisyllabic rhyme schemes. This synthesis of intricate beats and jazz-influenced, poetic lyricism created a new benchmark for the MC/DJ dynamic, profoundly shaping the genre's evolution and influencing generations of artists that followed.
Genres
Eric B. & Rakim Discography
- Paid in Full (1987) - Album - rated 4.35/5
- Follow the Leader (1988) - Album - rated 4.34/5
- Let the Rhythm Hit 'Em (1990) - Album - rated 3.79/5
- Don't Sweat the Technique (1992) - Album - rated 3.6/5
- 20th Century Masters: The Millennium Collection - The Best of Eric B. & Rakim (2001) - Compilation - rated 4.2/5
Members
- Eric B. - DJ, turntables, production (1986–1993; 2016–2018)
- Rakim - vocals (1986–1993; 2016–2018)