William Michael Griffin Jr., better known by his stage name Rakim, is an American rapper born on January 28, 1968, in Wyandanch, New York.

He is widely regarded as one of the most influential and skilled rappers of all time. He is best known as one half of the legendary hip hop duo Eric B. & Rakim, with whom he released four groundbreaking albums: "Paid in Full" (1987), "Follow the Leader" (1988), "Let the Rhythm Hit 'Em" (1990), and "Don't Sweat the Technique" (1992).

His innovative use of internal rhymes and multisyllabic rhymes set new standards for lyrical complexity in hip hop. His solo career is equally impressive, with albums like "The 18th Letter" (1997), "The Master" (1999), "The Seventh Seal" (2009), and "G.O.D.'s Network: Rebirth" (2024).

His smooth flow, jazz-infused beats, and intricate wordplay have earned him a place among the greatest MCs of all time. His influence on hip hop is profound, with many artists citing him as a major inspiration for their own work.

In his personal life, he is married to his childhood sweetheart, Felicia, and they have three children together. His lifestyle reflects his success in the music industry, with a luxurious home and an impressive collection of cars.

His career has been marked by numerous accolades and achievements. He has been ranked among the greatest MCs and lyricists of all time by various publications and has received critical acclaim for his contributions to hip hop.

His album "Paid in Full" was named the greatest hip hop album of all time by MTV in 2006, and Rakim himself was ranked No. 4 on MTV's list of the Greatest MCs of All Time.

His most famous songs include "Paid in Full," "Microphone Fiend," "Eric B. is President," and "Don't Sweat the Technique," all of which are considered classics in the hip hop genre.