Rakim to Join Berklee's Hip-Hop Hall of Fame at Signature Series Concert

Rakim to Join Berklee's Hip-Hop Hall of Fame at Signature Series Concert The rap icon becomes the latest inductee, following luminaries such as Roxanne Shant , Kid 'n Play, Edo G., the Floor Lords, and Prince Charles Alexander.

By

Tori Donahue

October 15, 2025

Rakim, one of the most skilled and influential rappers of all time, will be inducted into the Berklee Hip-Hop Hall of Fame on Thursday, November 13.

Image courtesy of the artist

Berklee's Africana Studies Division will celebrate hip-hop-the art form and its culture-by inducting Rakim, one of the genres most skilled and influential rappers, into the Berklee Hip-Hop Hall of Fame during a Signature Series concert on Thursday, November 13, at 8:00 p.m. at the Berklee Performance Center.

In this third year of celebrating the global impact and influence of hip-hop, we are overjoyed with excitement to induct one of the greatest rappers of all time, Rakim, said Emmett G. Price III, founding dean of the Africana Studies Division. We are deeply honored to invite Rakim to the Berklee Performance Center to ignite our stage as we celebrate him and a few other soon-to-be-named Boston-based icons.

Few artists in hip-hop history have had as great an impact on the genres lyrical style as Rakim Allah. Universally recognized as a master of the microphone, he has influenced countless peers and followers. Rakim burst onto the scene in 1986 with his longtime collaborator Eric B. and their iconic single Eric B. Is President. This song marked a turning point in the rap world, revolutionizing the way rhymes are delivered and setting a new standard for future MCs.

I've been surrounded by music my whole life, but to be able to stand on the steps of an institution that has drawn the blueprint for creative development for generations past and future is both humbling and exhilarating, said Rakim.

Known as the God MC among hip-hop fans and disciples, Rakim joins an esteemed group of fellow inductees that includes Roxanne Shant , Kid 'n Play, Edo G., the Floor Lords, and Berklee professor Prince Charles Alexander. The celebration will feature a musical set with Rakim performing his greatest hits, along with performances by students and local hip-hop artists.

The concert is produced by Emmett G. Price III and Tracy Gibbs of the Africana Studies Division. The Berklee Performance Center is located at 136 Massachusetts Avenue in Boston. Admission is $19.50 in advance and $16.50 for students. This show will be seated. Tickets are available online and at the Berklee box office.

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