This day in Hip-hop recognizes the birth of Louis Eric Barrier, better known for his stage name Eric B, DJ, producer, and rapper.
Gaining prominence in the scene as one half of the dynamic duo, Eric B & Rakim, Barrier's career into music began as a DJ for WBLS based in New York. Upon searching for a rapper to team up with, Barrier met Rakim, and the Hip-hop tandem was formed in 1986.
Under the guidance of Marley Marl, the two released their debut album, Paid In Full, that following year, and audiences witnessed yet another pair born out of destiny. Their premier collective showcased Rakim's sharp lines slicing through the bombastic sounds produced by Eric B, imminently gaining notoriety as a “benchmark album of Golden Age Hip-hop,” largely credited for the tremendous innovative minds inherent within the two artists.
The duo released two albums, Follow The Leader and Let The Rhythm Hit 'Em, both of which continuously adding to the duo's acclaim before their parting in 1993. Two years following, Eric B released his first self-titled solo album under the independent label 95th Street Recordings.
In the aftermath of the break-up, whilst both artists delving into their own respective ventures, Hip-hop audiences would witness the return of Eric B & Rakim, as Barrier announced a reunion project just last month, October 2016. After more than two decades, one of Hip-hop's most influential collective efforts are en route towards more magnum opus releases.
By Jods Arboleda for RAPStation.com
