Eric B. & Rakim Announce Reunion, Upcoming Tour
It ain't no joke: iconic rap duo Eric B. & Rakim have announced a reunion and an upcoming tour.
On Oct. 20, the duo released a simple message from their @EricBandRakim Twitter account: "It's official. You heard it here first. We are back." But on Saturday, they released a poll giving their followers four choices of where to launch their upcoming tour: New York, Las Vegas, London and Australia.
They also offered Eric. B for president - a choice that many would likely love over either of this year's candidates. "Vote @EricB because our Great Country deserves a POTUS who can MOVE THE CROWD," the account tweeted. "@realDonaldTrump cannot and @HillaryClinton will not. EB will!"
Eric B & Rakim were the premier rap duo of the 1980s: Rakim being the God MC known for his innovative, literally state-of-the-art rhymes, and Eric B.'s stripped down production and DJing. With classic cuts like "Eric B. Is President," "I Ain't No Joke" and "Paid In Full," and their huge chains, they essentially ushered in rap's first golden era - and Rakim rightfully remains in many rappers' top 10 lists.
They parted ways around 1993, and continued their careers separately. After a brief trial run with Dr. Dre's Aftermath Entertainment in the early 2000s, Rakim released 2009's The Seventh Seal, which is his third and most recent solo album. He announced a new album last year, though he hasn't delivered one yet.
Complex reports that their last time sharing the stage was about six years ago, at the Long Island Music Hall of Fame's Induction Gala.
Whether this reunion results in new music or not, it sounds like a tour full of memories to be made when one of the most iconic rap duos of all time hits the road. Stay tuned to Okayplayer for more updates on the reunion, and watch the videos below for a couple reminders of their greatness.