Who Is Rakim? Age, Biography and Wiki
Born on January 28, 1968, Rakim, whose full name is William Michael Griffin Jr., is a seminal American rapper and lyricist. Known as one of the greatest rappers of all time, he made significant contributions to the genre during the golden age of Hip Hop in the late 1980s and early 1990s. His innovative techniques and complex lyricism set new standards in the industry, influencing countless artists who followed.
| Occupation | Songwriter |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | January 28, 1968 |
| Age | 57 Years |
| Birth Place | Wyandanch, New York, U.S. |
| Horoscope | Aquarius |
| Country | U.S |
Popularity
Rakim's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
As of 2025, Rakim stands at approximately 6 feet 1 inch (185 cm) tall and weighs around 175 pounds (79 kg). His fit physique is a testament to his commitment to health and fitness, which he maintains as part of his lifestyle. Though specifics on his body measurements may vary, his imposing stature is often noted in his performances.
William Michael Griffin Jr. (born January 28, 1968), better known by his stage name Rakim, is an American rapper. He is one half of golden age hip hop duo Eric B. & Rakim, with whom he released four albums: Paid in Full (1987), Follow the Leader (1988), Let the Rhythm Hit 'Em (1990), and Don't Sweat the Technique (1992).
He also released four solo albums: The 18th Letter (1997), The Master (1999), The Seventh Seal (2009), and G.O.D.'s Network: Reb7rth (2024).
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Rakim is known for being relatively private about his personal life. He has children but maintains a discreet demeanor regarding his family. As of 2025, his relationship status remains unclear, and he has not publicly confirmed any romantic relationships. However, fans often speculate about potential partnerships given his charismatic personality.
Let the Rhythm Hit 'Em, released in 1990, was Eric B. & Rakim's third album. This album saw the duo's sound develop further, with Rakim adopting a deeper, more aggressive tone of voice, as well as more mature and serious subject matter.
Musically, the production ranges from smoother soulful tracks such as "In the Ghetto" to the hard-edged assault of the title track. Though it could not support singles as popular as the duo's previous albums, it is considered by many to be the duo's most coherent album.
It is one of the few albums to have received a "five-mic" rating from The Source. In 1998, the album was selected as one of The Source's 100 Best Rap Albums. The back cover features a dedication to the memories of Rakim's father William and producer Paul C., who had worked on many of the album's tracks before his murder in July 1989.
His protégé Large Professor completed his work. Neither receive credit in the album's notes.
Net Worth and Salary
Rakim’s impressive career has led to significant financial success. As of 2025, his net worth is estimated to be around $2 million to $4 million. This wealth stems from his successful music career, performances, merchandise sales, and potential collaborations with other artists. Additionally, Rakim's ability to draw crowds in live performances has contributed heavily to his earnings.
Career, Business and Investments
Rakim began his career as part of the duo Eric B. & Rakim, releasing iconic albums such as "Paid in Full" and "Follow the Leader." Over the years, he has released several solo albums and collaborated with various artists, further cementing his legacy in Hip Hop. Beyond music, Rakim has ventured into business initiatives, including merchandise and music production, demonstrating his versatility as an artist and entrepreneur.
However, after being introduced to local DJ Eric B. by his friend Alvin Toney, he began writing lyrics to fit Eric's instrumentals and chose instead to focus on a career in music. Then known as Kid Wizard, he made his first recordings live at Wyandanch High School in the year 1985.
Social Network
Rakim maintains a modest presence on social media, preferring to share insights into his music and career rather than his personal life. You can find him active on platforms like Instagram and Twitter, where he engages with fans and promotes his projects. His social media accounts serve as an essential bridge connecting him to both old fans and new listeners.
After breaking up his partnership with Eric B. in early-1993, Rakim kept a low profile, only making one notable appearance on the soundtrack to the 1993 film Gunmen. A reshuffling in MCA caused Rakim to be dropped from the label in 1994.
As Rakim continued to struggle with legal problems, he secured a deal with Universal Records and began recording his solo debut album The 18th Letter in 1996. In November 1997, the album The 18th Letter was released. Expectations were high for Rakim, as the album debuted at #4 on the Billboard 200 and was certified Gold by the RIAA.
Education
Rakim's musical education began in his youth as he was drawn to poetry and the rhythm of music. Although he is not known for pursuing higher education in a traditional sense, his experiences growing up in the Golden Age of Hip Hop and his collaboration with other artists have contributed significantly to his artistry and skills.
William Michael Griffin Jr. He is the nephew of the late R&B singer and actress Ruth Brown. He grew up in Wyandanch on Long Island and wrote his first rhyme at seven years old, about the cartoon character Mickey Mouse. He initially aspired to play professional football, and was a quarterback on his high school football team.
