Eric B. and Rakim were peerless in the hip-hop universe from the time they broke out of their Queens, N.Y., neighborhood with 1986’s “Eric B. Is President/My Melody” until they parted ways after 1992 album Don’t Sweat the Technique. The split was not amicable, and it wasn’t until the 30th anniversary of their 1987 tour de force debut album Paid in Full that the timing and atmosphere seemed right for a reunion.
“I think it was a little more than a year ago that we started talking and trying to put some things together,” said Rakim, pictured. “It’s been so long since we last spoke before that. There was a lot of things we had to iron out before we could talk about that.”
The two shared the same stage for the first time in decades last July at Harlem’s Apollo Theater, where they performed “I Ain’t No Joke,” “My Melody” and “I Know You Got Soul” during an anniversary celebration, then planned the Technique Tour for this year. “I feel the fans that stuck with us and appreciated the work,” said Rakim. “They deserve to see us back together onstage.”
House of Blues at Mandalay Bay, 9 p.m. April 28, starting at $39.50 plus tax and fee, 18+. 800.745.3000 Ticketmaster
Click here for our exclusive Q&A with Rakim.
