In the history of hip-hop, few artists have had as great an impact on the development and progression of the art form as Eric B and Rakim. Universally referenced as one of the most influential DJ and MC duos and an inspiration to peers and followers alike, the group first exploded onto the scene with the release of iconic Eric B. is President in 1986.  The single marked a turning point in the rap world – raising the bar for future artists and revolutionizing the way beats are constructed and rhymes are delivered to this day.  No serious discussion of the music’s greatest performers is held without a deferential accounting of their achievements, and no serious rap artist takes the stage without channeling some of their legend

The New York natives soon followed with Paid In Full, a transformative collection of funk and soul driven tracks which MTV among countless others have titled “The Greatest HipHop Album of All Time.” Overlaying beats born from the hard-hitting samples of James Brown, Bobby Byrd and countless R&B and jazz greats with an effortless flow of street wise but intricately conscious lyrics, the duo elevated the expanded the sound of hip-hop into what would quickly become a global phenomenon.  Beyond the studio, Eric B and Rakim surrounded themselves with street authenticity and developed an envied and emulated fashion sense that equaled the braggadocio of their music. The Dapper Dan styles and Dookie gold chains they wore were captured in photos and films for later designers and artists to revere and reference.

After 6 years and 4 albums selling in the millions, Eric and Rakim parted for what was initially a hiatus to pursue solo projects but became a decades long split.  Now, 30 years after their iconic first release and 25 years passing since their last national tour, Eric B and Rakim have reunited to celebrate the technique that transformed hip-hop and bring the music, style and spectacle they created to once again energize the culture.

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