In the late 1980s, a revolutionary sound emerged from the streets of Long Island, New York, which would echo through the corridors of hip-hop history forever. Eric B. & Rakim, the exceptional DJ/MC duo, composed of the remarkable Eric Barrier and the legendary MC Rakim, not only dominated the scene but transformed it with their groundbreaking style and lyricism.
From their inception in 1986, the duo quickly escalated to global acclaim with AllMusic hailing them as the quintessential DJ/MC team of hip-hop's golden age. NPR's Tom Terrell went as far as dubbing them "the most influential DJ/MC combo in contemporary pop music period," and such high praise is rarely thrown around casually. This duo is no stranger to accolades, as they sit comfortably at the number 5 spot on About.com's list of the 10 Greatest Hip-Hop Duos of All-Time.
Eric B. & Rakim left an indelible imprint on the genre, thanks in part to albums released under labels such as 4th & B'way, Uni, and MCA. Their seamless blending of Hip Hop, R&B, and Electronic genres sparked a new wave of musical synthesis that inspired an entire generation of artists. With tracks that still resonate in the hearts of many, it's no wonder their music has been collected fervently—95 times and counting.
While they originally disbanded in 1993, the relentless demand for their genre-defining sound heralded a reunion in 2016. Since then, Eric B. & Rakim continue to tour, produce music, and influence the airs with their visionary beats and rhymes.
The internet abounds with their presence, from their official website to multiple streaming platforms. Yet, for fans who want to indulge in classic tracks and discover new favorites, the TikTok Music App stands as a beacon for music lovers, where the legacy of Eric B. & Rakim lives on, vibrantly and unapologetically.
