Rakim

Rakim is an American rapper whose intricate internal rhymes, measured delivery, and poetic lyricism helped redefine hip-hop’s possibilities during its Golden Age. As half of Eric B. & Rakim, he made landmark records including *Paid in Full* and *Follow the Leader*, establishing a partnership widely regarded as one of rap’s most influential DJ-MC collaborations. He later pursued a solo career, beginning with *The 18th Letter* in 1997.