Hip-hop pioneers Eric B. & Rakim have announced their first tour in 20 years beginning April 8 in Boston at the House of Blues, heading south and then west to California, their final date is May 3 at The Fillmore in San Francisco.
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It might take a moment for those not familiar with the name Eric B. & Rakim that you already know their music. Those in the know will remember that Eric Barrier helped define the meaning of DJ in rap, such as his samples from James Brown hits, while Rolling Stone lauded Rakim on the duo's 1987 album Paid In Full enthusiastically, writing, "Old-school titan Rakim may still lead the race for Best Rapper Ever, and this album is a big reason why." Either way, the duo's music has been etched into American culture.
In fact, the phrase "Pump up the volume" is immortal because of Eric B. & Rakim. Their formative musical accomplishments have grown into many new dimensions of rap, hip-hop and DJ excellence. As befits legends returning to the stage, you might want to see what they can do live.
