While many a millennial might think that Barack Obama was the first Hip-Hop president, The Source better!
Today, Hip-Hop celebrates the life of Louis Eric Barrier (born 8 November 1965), the world came to his as Eric B. He represents one half arguably the most acclaimed duo in hip hop, Eric B. & Rakim, with The God MC Rakim.
Growing up Eric committed his life to hip hop. The Queens, NY native began his career deejaying for New York City-based radio station WBLS. There he crossed paths with promoter Alvin Toney who initially wanted him to partner up with legendary rhyme-spitter Freddie Foxxx. But Foxxx lunched and missed the meeting. To the benefit of Hip-Hoppers all across the world, Toney went back to the drawing board and recommended another local rapper, Rakim.
Eric B. & Rakim was formed in 1986, they were guided by the tutelage of hip hop pioneer Marley Marl. The duo released their debut album Paid in Full in 1987, which has since been acclaimed as a classic hip hop album due to Rakim’s righteous rhymes and Eric B.’s skilled production. The duo released three more albums before disassembling in 1993.
Eric B. released a self-titled solo album in 1995, but it couldn’t match the success of prior albums as part of hip hop’s favorite two-man-tandem. The album remains as his only solo project.
He is now a successful entrepreneur, and owns an impressive 47 restaurants throughout the United States. He continues to be celebrated by all members of the hip hop community. We thank him for the foundation he help build to give hip hop music a rightful place in music history.
At 52 years young, he still doing it as a pillar in culture.
We say happy birthday Eric B.
