Rakim

USA, 1985–now

American rapper (b. 1968, William Griffin Jr.). Half of the duo Eric B. & Rakim. Credited with advancing hip-hop lyricism through internal and multisyllabic rhyme and a smooth, jazz-influenced flow that moved rap away from simple end-rhyme cadences.

MusicRoots documents 1 artist who influenced Rakim and 4 artists Rakim influenced in turn. Every connection cites a published source.

Who influenced Rakim?

• John Coltrane — Rakim, a saxophonist before rapping, has said he modelled his breath control and phrasing on jazz horn players — John Coltrane in particular — giving his flow its smooth, legato quality.

Which artists did Rakim influence?

• Nas — Rakim's internal rhyming and level, unhurried delivery are the foundation Nas built Illmatic on.
• The Notorious B.I.G. — Rakim's dexterous rhyming is the other half of what Biggie's flow was built out of.
• Eminem — Eminem has named Rakim among the MCs who shaped his rapping, citing the complex rhyme technique that Rakim pioneered.
• 50 Cent — 50 Cent named Rakim among the rappers who shaped his style.