By Malcolm Rashaad Banks

As the sun sets over the iconic Asbury Park Boardwalk in New Jersey, the pulsating rhythms of a pioneering sound are set to ignite the air, a testament to a five-decade journey of relentless resilience, unyielding innovation, and sheer passion. This is the sound of Hip-Hop, and at the epicenter, is the legendary duo Eric B & Rakim.

A pillar of the Hip-Hop community, Eric B’s contributions are as vast as they are groundbreaking. From his early days collaborating with Rakim on the seminal album Paid in Full to now, his music has served as the bedrock for countless artists who are helping to shape the genre into what it is today. For decades, Eric B. has navigated the unpredictable rapids of the music industry, paving the way for a genre initially dismissed as a fleeting trend, ultimately helping to ensure its transformation into a global powerhouse.

Now, half a century after the birth of Hip-Hop, its impact is far-reaching and undeniable. The genre has given voice to the voiceless, influencing fashion, film, art, and beyond. It has fostered millionaires and billionaires, giving rise to businesses that span the globe. In this landscape, Eric B. remains a lighthouse, his legacy undiminished, and his flowers well deserved.

The Asbury Park performance at Stone Pony on June 13 is an evening that transcends a mere concert. Rather, it serves as a living tribute to the formidable journey of Hip-Hop, embodying the genre’s heart and soul while celebrating its triumphant highs. The first ever Hip-Hop act to dawn the stage.

The performance isn’t merely about revisiting the “golden era” of Hip-Hop. It’s also about showcasing the genre’s timeless and universal appeal. It’s about honoring the trailblazers who fought tirelessly for their art and, in turn, inspiring a new generation of artists to innovate and evolve this global movement. It is about the celebration of an art form that has surpassed all boundaries of geography, race, and class, uniting people under the banner of rhymes, beats, and verses.

From the storied journey of Eric B.’s career, there emanates a powerful essence of unwavering resolve and a steadfast pursuit of one’s passion. As we stand on the threshold of a concert that promises to present the genre in its raw, unfiltered glory, delivered by two of its greatest, this resolve becomes all the more significant. This is not just another gig, but a vibrant, soul-stirring tribute to Hip-Hop culture.

The stage is set, the audience is waiting, and as the first beats fill the air, we will be reminded of Hip-Hop’s humble beginnings, its extraordinary journey, and the promise of its uncharted future. Asbury Park will not just witness a performance but be part of an unforgettable story — the story of Eric B., Rakim, and 50 years of Hip-Hop.

To dive deeper into this narrative, UPTOWN recently caught up with the legendary Eric B. In our candid conversation, we explore the milestones of his illustrious career, the evolution of Hip-Hop over five decades, and the anticipation building for his upcoming performance.

As we celebrate this 50-year milestone in Hip-Hop, how does it feel to see the genre’s evolution? Given that you played such a pivotal role in its early development, what are your thoughts?

Eric B.: It’s still surreal for me. It’s like a dream that I don’t want to wake up from. Nobody could have predicted this outcome. We always anticipated a rainy day that might wash us away, but we’re still here, and we’re getting stronger every day.

Looking back at the early years of Hip-Hop, what do you think were the crucial elements that separated it from other genres, propelling it into a global phenomenon?

Eric B.: You have to remember that rap encompasses everything. There’s country rap, pop rap, street rap, underground rap, and boom bap. Rap covers just about every musical genre you can think of, even rhythm and blues. Rap is everywhere. There’s something for everyone to enjoy.

Reflecting on your younger days, when you were falling in love with hip hop, what attracted you to the movement? For those reading this story who may not know about your journey into Hip-Hop, could you share how you entered the game?

Eric B.: My first real shot came from working for an organization called King Charles. King Charles, an old Jamaican guy, had a big sound system in Queens. I was known as the equipment carrier. My job was to set up the equipment, plug all the lines, and get everything ready for DJ Vernon, who was from my area in East Elmhurst, Queens. He was the man, and we would get the music and speakers all setup. That’s how I started in music. One day, Vernon wasn’t able to perform at a show at PS 127 in East Elmhurst, Queens. Vernon was talking to a girl, and he asked me to step in and get on the turntables. That was my moment. Back then, I was just an equipment carrier. I put on a record and I remember Vernon telling me ‘I didn’t tell you to put that record on,’ but the crowd went crazy and we laughed. The next day at school, everyone was whispering about me, pointing at me, and talking to me—even people who hadn’t spoken to me all year, not even my closest friends.

Transitioning into your work with Rakim, it’s fascinating to hear artists like Nas, who came after Rakim, praise his lyrical abilities and flow. Can you recall when you first met Rakim, and your initial impressions when you heard him on the microphone?

Eric B.: It was unlike anything else. He was aggressive, but he was ahead of his time with what he was saying. No disrespect to the artists that came before us because they paved the way, but their lyrics were basic: “Hip-Hop, don’t stop’. But Rakim was on a different level, like he was a thousand miles ahead. When Jay Z came along, he rapped about high-end watches and jewelry, things people had to look up. Rakim did the same, saying things that made you pause and look them up.

He was so clever with his words. Like that one line: “I take seven emcees and put ’em in a line, and add seven more brothers who think they can rhyme, Well, it’ll take seven more before I go for mine. Now that’s twenty-one emcees ate up at the same time.” That’s one of the coldest lines ever. I mean, if any rapper got on stage at the Apollo today and said that line, they’d bring the house down.

Rakim brought so many new things to the table, from his delivery to his tempo. And when we made “I Ain’t No Joke,” that was revolutionary. He was light years ahead. No disrespect to the artists before us; their lyrics were more like nursery rhymes in comparison. But we learned from them, they showed us the way.

The way you just described Rakim, it sounds like it was a breath of fresh air. When you two got together and were collaborating, particularly when you made the “Paid in Full” album, did you know before it came out that this was going to shift the scene, that people weren’t even ready for this?

Eric B.: The person who believed in the Paid in Full album was Dougie Fresh. He was on fire at the time with hits like “The Show” and “La Di Da Di.” I’d always run my ideas by him before we hit the studio. I remember showing him a couple of records I planned to sample and mash together. He was intrigued but skeptical, wondering how I was going to pull it off. But when I finally did, he was blown away. Dougie was the one who encouraged me, saying these records were going to be historic.

The world of Hip-Hop has changed a great deal over the last few years. Do you listen to current Hip-Hop, and what are your thoughts on the state of the game today?

Eric B.: I love it and believe it’s moving in the right direction. I tell my contemporaries that if they don’t appreciate modern hip-hop, perhaps it’s because it’s not for them. It’s music for the kids who are experimenting and finding their voice. I would be a hypocrite to criticize them when Rakim and I faced similar skepticism when we started. These young artists are just as innovative and boundary-pushing as we were. I appreciate artists like Drake and Lil Wayne who are pushing the envelope in the genre.

Rakim and yourself, both together and individually, have made a ton of history over the years. You’re about to make more next week at Asbury Park. You two will be the first Hip-Hop act to perform at the legendary music venue, The Stone Pony. Can you talk about this upcoming performance and how it feels to keep making history, especially in the 50th year of Hip-Hop?

Eric B.: That’s what we’re about—doing things that are memorable and iconic. Rakim tours all the time. I don’t tour as often because of my commitments to Blue Bloods and other TV projects. But when I do, I want it to be something iconic, something people remember, like playing The Stone Pony. This venue is known for rock legends like Bruce Springsteen and Bon Jovi. So, for us to come in and make history as the first hip-hop act to perform there, that feels great. Phil Murphy, the governor of New Jersey and my personal friend, always brags about the state’s rock and roll history. I told him, “Phil, we’re going to play The Stone Pony and add to that history.” The governor is even going to be there for the performance, so we’re all going to make history together.

When you were younger and just starting, if someone had told you that Hip-Hop would produce millionaires and billionaires, that it would become the biggest genre worldwide, would you have believed them even for a second?

Eric B.: If I knew it would be this big, I would have $22 billion right in my basement. Back then, though, we faced so many naysayers. Even my mother was skeptical about it, wondering how I would support myself. Many people around me dismissed my ambitions, saying I should get a real job and that rap was a fad that would fade away. Despite this negativity, I stayed true to my mission. A dear friend of mine, Stevie, advised me never to abandon this mission, reminding me of our plan to take this genre worldwide. Even as others laughed and doubted, I remembered his words and never looked back. When you’re trying something new, people often won’t believe in its potential. Much like the Wright brothers were told flight was impossible, despite the challenges we faced, I always remind everyone that no one is immune from life’s trials and tribulations, regardless of their status or position.

Can you tell us more about the Hip-Hop museum and your involvement in this project?

Eric B: Certainly, we recently changed its name from the Universal Hip Hop Museum to just the Hip Hop Museum. We realized the ‘universal’ part was redundant, as everyone knows hip hop’s global reach. One of my first actions as a board member was to propose this change. The museum will showcase various artifacts from hip-hop history, much like a small-scale exhibition held in Washington, D.C. That particular exhibition drew a large audience, proving the interest in such a museum. We’ve got some of the top curators on our team, including a renowned curator from the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. This museum is bound to be an iconic establishment in the hip-hop world, and we hope to eventually create similar museums globally, with the New York City location serving as the flagship.

We can’t wait for it to open. Lastly, do you have a list of your top five MCs?

Eric B: Well, it’s hard to narrow it down to just five. Some of my favorites include LL Cool J, Scarface, Kool G Rap, Rakim, and [Big Daddy] Kane.

That’s a solid five right there.

Eric B.: These artists influenced me greatly and contributed to the music I love. This isn’t to dismiss other talented artists; in fact, I could easily extend the list to a top ten. There are just so many talented individuals out there.