#VitalFactz: Happy Birthday - Rakim

Happy Birthday Rakim. Born William Michael Griffin Jr. January 28, 1968. Griffin, originally from Long Island, New York is formerly one half of the Legendary Duo Eric B & Rakim. In 1986 they released their debut single Eric. B Is President with the classic B-Side Check Out My Melody. In July of the following year they released their debut album Paid In Full. This album was certified Platinum & included the singles I Ain't No Joke, Move The Crowd as well as the title track Paid In Full. In 1988 they released their follow-up album Follow The Leader. This album was Certified Gold & features Microphone Fiend as well as the title track Follow The Leader. In 1990 they released Let The Rhythm Hit 'Em, another Gold seller which features The Ghetto along with the title track Let The Rhythm Hit 'Em. In 1992 they released Don't Sweat The Technique. This album includes Juice (Know The Ledge) which was originally included on the Juice Soundtrack. It also features Casualties Of War as well as the Title track Don't Sweat The Technique. Sadly, this would be their final album as the due parted ways shortly after this album was released. Since then, Rakim has released 3 solo albums, starting with his 1997 release The 18th Letter. This album reached Gold Status & includes Guess Who's Back. Although Rakim has not had the solo success he was expected to have, he is still considered one of the greatest to ever touch the microphone. Like he said on his verse of the 2007 collaboration Classic "They Still Wanna Know When The Album Comin' Out".