Back in the day, Sprite was among the first nationwide brands to really embrace hip-hop. I’m not talking about a “rap” jingle, as so many other brands tried (we’re still trying to get rid of that corny “My name is ____ and I’m here to say…” rhyme to this day). Instead, Sprite really recruited pivotal figures from the hip-hop community like Nas and AZ, Pete Rock, and Five Deadly Venoms to make awesome commercials like the Voltron spots with Common, Fat Joe, and Westside Connection (my good buddy Dan Charnas writes about it in his book, The Big Payback).
Those ads kicked off a legacy of connection with hip-hop for the brand that continues today, as hip-hop celebrates its 50th anniversary. As part of the ongoing Hip-Hop 50 celebrations, Sprite paid homage to its own history with the culture by creating a new TV spot with Nas and Rakim and updating the premise with contemporary stars GloRilla and Latto. The commercial has all four rappers quoting “Rapper’s Delight,” the first official rap hit, while performing snippets of their own signature hits. Check it out:
The ad is a nice, throwback nod to the original Sprite rapper commercials of the early ’90s, which featured rappers like Kriss Kross, Kid N’ Play, KRS-One, Missy Elliott, and more, often performing original songs or their own hits to showcase the promotional power of hip-hop. This one’s still the best, though:
In honor of hip-hop’s 50th, popular soda brand Sprite has teamed up with hip-hop legends Nas and Rakim and rising stars Latto and GloRilla to launch a creative campaign honoring hip-hop’s past, present, and future. In addition to the campaign, Sprite is introducing a new flavor called Lymonade Legacy, along with exclusive merchandise and content. […]
Some of our favorite Hip Hop pioneers are going all out for the culture’s 50th anniversary. Nas’s company Mass Appeal has been instrumental in honoring the ongoing impact of Hip Hop throughout the year. They are hosting events highlighting the significant contributions of those that laid the foundation of what we know as Rap today. Another company that has long supported the culture and its artists is Sprite, and they’re back with another campaign. This time, they’ve called on the likes of some Rap heavyweights to celebrate, showcasing various generations of Hip Hop.
One of those artists is music legend Rakim, and this isn’t the first time he has partnered with Sprite. The 2015 “Obey Your Verse” campaign highlighted his unmatched lyricism, along with other standouts, including Missy Elliott, Drake, Tupac Shakur, and J. Cole. The following year, “The God Emcee” appeared in the “Obey Your Verse – Lyrical Collection” commercials, and now, he returns once again for the soda brand’s latest. This time, he even joins Nas, Latto, and GloRilla for an updated chopped-and-screwed version of Sugarhill Gang’s classic 1979 hit, “Rapper’s Delight.”
We were able to catch up with Rakim and spoke with him about the “dope campaign from Sprite,” as he put it. He told us that the company has been “supporting Hip Hop from Day One,” so it made sense for him to link with them again. “We’re celebrating 50 years of Hip Hop,” said the legendary emcee. “We all—it’s dope—we all spit bars from ‘Rapper’s Delight.’ You know, we kind of did it in our own way. Everybody kind of took a bar from ‘Rapper’s Delight.’ And it’s just showing the growth of Hip Hop from there to here.”
Music has surrounded Rakim since he was a child. His aunt, Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Ruth Brown, was a legend in her own right. She was instrumental in helping Atlantic Records become what it is today and even earned herself two Grammys. Although he’s been penning rhymes since before his age hit double digits, a teenage William Michael Griffin Jr. had football aspirations. However, after a chance meeting with DJ Eric B., their lives would be catapulted in a different direction.
The rapper would later change his stage moniker to “Rakim Allah” after joining the 5 Percent Nation, or The Nation of Gods and Earths. With Eric B., the pair of talents would go on to craft four monumental albums, from their 1987 mega-classic Paid in Full to their final as a duo, 1992’s Don’t Sweat The Technique. In those early days of Hip Hop, DJ-rapper duos were the norm, but no one paired as effortlessly as Eric B. and Rakim. The formidable emcee continued his solo career throughout the 1990s and into the 2000s, culminating in 2009 with his final stand-alone record, The Seventh Seal.
Although he hasn’t given us a complete project in some time, Rakim hasn’t been down for the count. A select few have secured a verse or two within the last few years, further showing his ability to adapt to any generation. His mentorship with other artists and resounding impact on Hip Hop culture is also palpable. Across the Rap board, lyricists have cited Rakim as a cornerstone of inspiration. His wordplay, rhyme schemes, and ability to reflect his personal and political world perspective poetically have influenced celebrated artists that came after him. Unsurprisingly, the likes of Eminem, Tupac, Ghostface Killah, J. Cole, Jay-Z, and Kendrick Lamar have all cited the Rap legend as someone they’ve long admired.
That said, it’s clear that Rakim has been an active participant in and observer of Hip Hop for decades. Not many are afforded such a unique vantage point, so we wanted to know what the Hip Hop icon wants to see from the genre in the next five decades.
“I’m looking forward to…man,” he began. Then, there was a slight pause as he gathered his thoughts. “I think, with the 50th-year anniversary, I think it’s kind of taken a lid off of Hip Hop.” To him, it seems casting a vision for the future requires learning about the past. “It’s taken a limit off of Hip Hop, to be able to celebrate 50 years. What we’re actually doin’ is celebrating 50 years of emceeing and DJing and B-boying, you know what I mean? So, it’s like we were going back with knowing our history on these great artists.”
He isn’t wrong; many aspects of the foundation of Hip Hop have been edged out of conversations. While some still praise our favorite pop-and-lockers, breakdancing is an art form that is respected but no longer at the Hip Hop forefront. Although DJing is still massively popular, arguably, many of those popularized creatives are more focused on producing the next hit record than discovering new sonic elements on the ones and twos. The collective needs to sit in its history to understand what is to come for its future.
IRVINE, CA – JULY 18: Rapper Rakim performs onstage at Irvine Meadows Amphitheatre on July 18, 2015 in Irvine, California. (Photo by Scott Dudelson/Getty Images)
“We’ve started to realize that music is timeless. You know what I mean?” Rakim said. “You go back and listen to a song from the ’80s or the ’90s. And, you know, a lot of it’s timeless. It shouldn’t be a lid on Hip Hop.” Those artists from 20, 30, and even 40 years ago have aged with the culture. Yet, often, there are conversations about someone being “too old” to continue their Rap aspirations. However, Rakim wants it to be known that plenty of grown folk contenders with talents deserve recognition.
“There’s a lot of great artists that’s over 30, over 40,” the 55-year-old icon stated. According to some commentators, Hip Hop is a young person’s sport. “I think that we have a lot to bring to the table,” he continued. “With this going on [celebrating Hip Hop’s 50th], I think it’s going to open the doors for that.”
NEW YORK – 1987: Rappers Eric B & Rakim pose for a portrait session in 1987 in New York, New York. (Photo by Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images)
These days, Rakim continues to tour worldwide, spitting familiar bars that have been ingrained in millions of memories for decades. Although Hip Hop has bolstered a reputation of being concerned about bling-bling and flashing cash, that is a far cry from Rakim’s daily routine. His dedication to his faith centers his focus, and according to him, he enjoys peace and the simple pleasures of life.
“I think normal things in life is what makes me feel good. I’m a family man,” he said. “I mean, I love being around my family. And I love doing things around my house. You know what I mean? Everything from putting floors and cutting grass, planting trees. You know, I do it all. But that’s kind of, you know, when I come home from off the road.” Touring and performing for four decades can take its toll. “That’s what kind of makes me feel normal to me. So, that’s what breaks the monotony for me. Being normal, being a family man, and doing regular things. I think that’s what keeps me grounded.”
Stay updated with us throughout the year as we continue to celebrate Hip Hop’s 50th anniversary. We have many more exclusives from artists, ranging from the culture’s coveted pioneers to its talented newcomers.
Rakim is one of the most influential rappers in hip hop history. A prominent rapper in the culture, many legends, including Wu-Tang Clan and Eminem, cite Rakim as an inspiration. He is known for his work alongside Eric B., and together, they created some of the most influential hip hop hits. They were among the first to utilize some of the genre’s most famous samples. Eric B. & Rakim’s work consists of four studio albums throughout the late 1980s and early 1990s, including their classic 1987 debut album, Paid In Full. Rakim also had a solo run of music, releasing three studio albums in the late 1990s and 2000s.
This is a list of Rakim’s biggest hits, including his highest-charting songs and culturally impactful records. The songs, listed in chronological order, draw primarily from his work with Eric B., but also from his solo career. Take a look at the list below.
“I Ain’t No Joke” (1987)
“I Ain’t No Joke” is one of the earliest examples of Rakim’s signature rhyme style that broke barriers early in hip hop history. The earliest rapping generally formed complete sentences every bar, and Rakim deviated from that, leading to seamless transitions between bars. He also had one of the best flows compared to his peers at the time, which can be exemplified in this song. The iconic horns on “I Ain’t No Joke” come from “Pass the Peas” by the J.B.’s. The song peaked at No. 38 on the Billboard Hot R&B/Hip Hop Songs chart. It has also been sampled by Gang Starr, Nas, Big Pun, MF DOOM, and others.
“I Know You Got Soul” (1987)
“I Know You Got Soul” derives from Bobby Byrd’s 1971 song of the same name. It also samples Funkadelic and Syl Johnson. It is one of Eric B. & Rakim’s biggest hits, landing positions on multiple Billboard charts and the UK Singles Chart. “I Know You Got Soul” is also one of their most sampled songs from the likes of JAY-Z, Mos Def, D’Angelo, Busta Rhymes, and more.
“Paid In Full” (1987)
Rakim has always been able to capture listeners with a clever opening line, and the Paid In Full album is full of them. In addition to the previous two tracks, the album’s title track has a slick opening line that has been referenced throughout hip hop history. Many rappers have referenced that “thinking of a master plan” lyric. The song’s famous breakbeat samples a sped-up Dennis Edwards song and has been repurposed in many rap songs, emulating “Paid In Full.”
Notably, Talib Kweli made his own version of the song called “Turnt Up” in 2013. Additionally, Mos Def, Wu-Tang Clan, Little Brother, Gang Starr, and others have referenced “Paid In Full” in their music. The breakbeat was even used in the 2008 BET Cypher, featuring the likes of Jadakiss, Fabolous, and Juelz Santana. “Paid In Full” performed well commercially, charting in the U.S. and multiple European countries.
“Follow The Leader” (1988)
The title track from 1988’s Follow The Leader is one of Eric. B & Rakim’s biggest hits and most influential songs. Much like many tracks on Paid In Full, “Follow The Leader” helped reinvent rapping. Rakim utilizes more complex rhyme schemes and flows than his contemporaries’ simplistic rhyme style. “Follow The Leader” was also one of the first rap songs to sample Bob James’s “Nautilus,” which eventually became one of hip hop’s most sampled songs. The song performed well on American charts and in the UK, peaking within the Top 20. The influence of “Follow The Leader” can be seen in the many songs sampled, including tracks from Mobb Deep, 2Pac, Atmsosphere, and more.
“Microphone Fiend” (1988)
“Microphone Fiend” from Follow The Leader may not have charted as high as the album’s title track, but it belongs among Rakim’s biggest hits. On the hit song, Rakim likens his passion for rapping to a fiend’s drug craving. The song was a staple for ’80s hip hop, and its influence reached beyond the genre. “Microphone Fiend” has been sampled, covered, and remixed by the likes of Rage Against The Machine, Muse, and Limp Bizkit. In addition, rappers like Iggy Azalea, PRhyme, and Snoop Dogg have also utilized the song in their music.
“Juice (Know The Ledge)” (1992)
Perhaps one of hip hop’s most iconic movie soundtracks, “Know The Ledge” was made for the 1992 movie Juice. The song perfectly encapsulates the movie’s plot as Rakim’s rapping parallels the characters. Rakim raps from a first-person point of view as someone who has gotten way too deep into crime to the point where their greed and desire for power get the best of them. The track’s menacing bassline, exciting scratches, and fast tempo make for the perfect backdrop for Rakim’s greatest storytelling song. Like the movie, “Know The Ledge” is a legendary staple in hip hop culture. The song was also used for many movies, TV shows, and video games after the film.
“Guess Who’s Back” (1997)
“Guess Who’s Back” was the perfect reintroduction to Rakim. Five years removed from his final album with Eric B., Rakim’s debut solo single was the right way for him to promote his first solo release. The 18th Letter in 1997 kept up with the traditional sound of the 1990s, as did “Guess Who’s Back.” The song features a clean loop of Bob James’s “Shamboozie.” On the track, Rakim leans into his deeper voice. Throughout the song, he references the early days of hip hop that he thrived in. He samples classic hip hop songs, including his own. It is a boastful reminder of Rakim’s skill and arguably the best song in his solo catalog. The song is also one of Rakim’s biggest solo hits.
Overall, Rakim’s biggest hits have proven influential in almost every era of hip hop that followed his run. His work with Eric B. and as a solo artist has demonstrated longevity, inspiring generations of hip hop legends. Specifically, albums like Paid In Full and Follow The Leader defined an era in hip hop. In addition to Rakim’s influence, the success of his hit songs also showed hip hop could grow even more significant than it already was. The songs were successful in international markets, leading to hip hop growing globally.
On Saturday, April 22, 2023, GRAMMY award-winning producer Salaam Remi launched his historic concert series Midnight at MuseZeuM inspired by Remi’s newest creative venture MuseZeuM.
The event took place in the legendary Miami Beach Bandshell inMiami. Midnight At MuseZeuM had Grand Puba alongside legendary emcee Rakim.
Limited edition merchandise of renowned artists, all created by Remi himself in collaboration with other artists and photographers.
Now Remi is back in NYC with a special MuseZeuM Pop Up to unveil the 1of1 Rakim Artwork piece and the 1of100 Limited Edition Rakim hoodies. During the first installment, attendees got a chance to see pieces of thecollection curated and created by Remi himself which included Bob Marley, Nas, MarvinGaye, Slick Rick, Fab 5 Freddy, Amy Winehouse, Celia Cruz, Dennis Brown, and more.
Attendees of this week’s popup will see a special NYC unveiling. The MuseZeuM Pop UP will be open to the public: Monday May 1st – Sunday May 7th11am -9pm.
A special tastemakers event will be on Thursday May 4th, 7-10pm at Legacy NYC. Beverages will be provided by JADE champagne. RSVP HERE.
The next installment ofMidnight at MuseZeuM will be held on JUNE 10th with Big Daddy Kane.
A historic concert series curated by Grammy award-winning producer Salaam Remi, will open with an exclusive performance by Hip Hop legend Rakim on Saturday, April 22, 2023at Miami Beach Bandshell in Miami, FL. The Iconic Midnight at MuseZeuM concert series inspired by Remi’s newest creative venture, MuseZeuM.
MuseZeuM’s flagship gallery based in Miami’s Wynwood Arts District showcases fine art and limited-edition merch of renowned musical artists, created and curated by Remi himself.
“This Concert Series will be like no other with the Artist providing their musical art alongside artwork inspired by them. As a lifelong creative and huge fan and patron of the art world, this is a dream come true. It’s an honor to be able to create a space where icons and emerging artists will be able to collaborate and benefit from their works at the highest level. MuseZeuM will be the ongoing home for creatives to showcase their works. There is Much Much more to come , we are just beginning”
Highly regarded as one of the most prolific rappers of all time, Rakim is globally respected for his unique flow and complex rhymes. The show marks the icon’s long-awaited return to Miami, since his last performance in 2017.
For more MuseZeuM information including limited edition merchandise, ticket sales, and more, visit MuseZeuM.io.
As Melle Mel’s reactions filter in, we aren’t yet out from under a cloud of Billboard and Vibe‘s Top Greatest Rappers of All Time list. The Hip Hop icon has been a hot topic in Rap conversations following his appearance on The Art of Dialogue. The platform often talks with veteran artists and industry professionals, and often they weigh in on the current state of Hip Hop. Melle’s recent chat has caused a stir, especially as he shares thoughts on that controversial Top 50 list.
This clip of his interview opened by the Top 20 being reviewed. Rakim took the 13th spot, LL Cool J followed at 14, and Big Daddy Kane came in at No. 20. It was noted that Nicki Minaj arrived at No. 10, which didn’t sit well with Melle Mel. “You know that’s some bullsh*t,” he said. The interviewer laughed. “C’mon, now. Kane and them and Rakim and them, they done put in 40 [years]. C’mon, now.”
Melle Mel Calls It “Blasphemy”
NEW YORK, NY – FEBRUARY 12: Nicki Minaj arrives to the Marc Jacobs fashion show at Park Avenue Armory on February 12, 2020 in New York City. (Photo by James Devaney/GC Images)
Before giving his complete thoughts, Melle noted that he “actually likes Nicki Minaj.” However, he reiterated that those placements were “bullsh*t.” Mel added, “You gotta understand what Hip Hop really, really is past whoever made what record. You see what I’m sayin’? Rakim should never be 14, because his style changed the game. The average rapper, from a certain point to a certain point, you had to rap like Rakim. That was the only time that cats from my era, that we had to alter our style to be more up to date with what he was doing and what was going on.”
Mel then detailed Rakim’s delivery. “How could you disrespect the game like that?” he further said about ranking Rakim at 13. “He’s easily—if you’re just talkin’ about the pure rappers—Rakim and somebody like Kool G Rap. Those are basically the top rappers of the game. Pure rappers. Records aside and all that, just a pure rapper. Rakim, he should never be 14. If you’re talkin’ records and allt hat, he would be closer to No. 1 because of what he did for the game and the culture. That’s the angle where I’m comin’ from.”
It’s Not About Your Taste
Melle Mel also stated that he doesn’t rank according to who he likes because he doesn’t listen to music like that. “But to say LL and Rakim is 14 and 15, but Nicki Minaj is No. 10. Based on what? That’s where it don’t make sense. Nicki Minaj being on—that’s blasphemy. And I don’t got nothing wrong with Nicki, actually I like Nicki Minaj. She can write, decent looking chick. Even if she was better than Rakim, you don’t put her over no goddamn Rakim.” Check it out above.
It’s been a while since Will Smith has been on a stage at an awards show, but allegedly, he was scheduled to make a surprise appearance at the Grammy’s this past Sunday night. However, his comeback performance was derailed due to conflicts with filming Bad Boys 4.
In the weeks leading up to the Grammy’s, host Trevor Noah had hinted that there would be surprise guest appearances, but had kept quiet about specifics. However, Questlove, who produced a 10-minute 50th anniversary of hip-hop tribute performance for the ceremony, let one no-show surprise guest name slip on the red carpet.
Questlove told a Variety reporter that he was going to give the spoiler alert away. “Will Smith was a part of the festivities tonight, but they started shooting Bad Boys 4 this week. There were a lot of preliminary shots that he had to do, so we had to lose Will.”
The show did, however, go on without Smith. Missy Elliott, Run-DMC, LL Cool J, The Roots, Big Boi, Busta Rhymes, GloRilla, Rakim, Ice-T, Lil Baby, GloRilla, Lil Uzi Vert, and more showcased their talents in a commemorative tribute to the genre.
Before the performance, Dr. Dre was honored with the inaugural Dr. Dre Global Impact Award. He spoke about the impact that hip-hop had on him while saying that he was happy to be influencing the next generation of artists. The full performance can be seen below.
Questlove said that pulling off the show took a lot of hard work, telling the New York Times that “it was a lot of mountains to move to make this happen,” noting that Will Smith was not the only celebrity who couldn’t make it. Future and Lil’ Wayne also had toco cancel due to other commitments.
It’s been almost a year since Will Smith slapped Chris Rock at the Oscars in March of 2022.
On this date in 1991, Paramount Pictures presented the highly anticipated soundtrack to the hood flick Juice, which starred a still rising rap star by the name of Tupac Shakur, who plays a crooked criminal from Uptown by the name of “Bishop”.
His co-star, Omar Epps (Higher Learning, In Too Deep), plays a local DJ with industry potential named “GQ”, alongside Jermaine “Huggy” Hopkins(Lean On Me) and Khalil Kain, who all form a loosely knit crew of truants who are headed in the wrong direction.
This movie was very instrumental in bringing Hip Hop artists onto the silver screen, with cameo appearances from Treach of Naughty By Nature, Queen Latifah, EPMD’s DJ Scratch and Special Ed. Juice also helped to introduce the soundtrack as a way to market movies for larger budgets.
The soundtrack to this monumental movie included hits from the likes of Eric B. and Rakim, Big Daddy Kane, EPMD, Teddy Riley and the “Uptown Anthem” by the legendary Naughty By Nature. The soundtrack was a success, making it to #17 on the Billboard 200 and #3 on the Top R&B Albums.
