Louis Eric Barrier, also known as Eric B., is a famous American rapper, record producer, and DJ from the bustling New York City.
He rose to fame as one half of the legendary hip-hop duo Eric B. & Rakim, which formed in 1986.
As a member of the group, he demonstrated his skills as a rapper and took on the role of main producer and DJ, contributing significantly to the group’s success.
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- Full name: Louis Eric Barrier
- Stage Name: Eric B
- Date of birth: November 8, 1963
- Age: 60 years old
- Place of birth: Queens, New York
- Nationality: American
- Occupation: American rapper, record producer and DJ
- Height: 6’7
- Parents: Mr. and Mrs. Barrier
- Siblings: unknown
- Ex-spouse: Wendy Williams (1989 – 1990).
- Children: 1, Erica Supreme Barrier
- Relationship: Divorced
- Net worth: $2 million
Childhood life and education.
Eric B was born on November 8, 1963 in Queens, New York. He was raised by his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Barrier, and grew up with his currently unnamed siblings.
Although he was a talented basketball player and attended William Cullen Bryant High School on a scholarship, Eric’s passion for music eventually took over and became his top priority.
Career
Eric B. is a hip-hop legend known for his skills as a DJ, record producer, and rapper. His career can be summarized in two main areas: his work as one half of the iconic duo Eric B. & Rakim and his contributions to the genre.
Along with Rakim, Eric B. formed one of the most influential duos in hip-hop history, known for groundbreaking work that helped define the genre’s “Golden Age” of the 1980s.
While Eric B. is a DJ and producer, creating music based on James Brown samples, Rakim’s lyrical talents are widely regarded as one of the best, known for his complexity and deep rhymes.
Their debut album, “Paid in Full” (1987), is a classic and was named the best hip-hop album of 2006 by MTV. However, Eric B.’s impact on hip-hop music goes beyond his work with Rakim, as his skills and contributions helped shape the genre into what it is today.
Eric B’s contributions to the music industry extend far beyond his legendary partnership with Rakim. As a solo artist, he has released several successful albums, such as “Eric B. is President” and “The Master,” highlighting his talents as a rapper and producer.
Furthermore, Eric B’s DJ skills have had a lasting impact, influencing countless future DJs and cementing his place as a respected figure in the music world.
Awards and nominations
Prize:
- Although Eric B. has not won any individual awards, he is part of the highly successful duo Eric B. and Rakim.
Nominations:
- Soul Train Awards (1988): Eric B. & Rakim were nominated for “Best Rap Album” for their iconic debut album, “Paid in Full.” [IMDb](IMDb Awards Eric B. & Rakim).
- Rock and Roll Hall of Fame (2012 & 2024): Eric B. & Rakim have been nominated for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame twice, in 2012 and again in 2024. [Wikipedia Eric B. & Rakim].
Social media.
- Instagram Username: @therealdjericb
- Twitter Username: @EricBandRakim
Personal life
Eric B. has had a varied and eventful life in and out of the music industry. He has a daughter named Erica Supreme Barrier, who sadly passed away in a car accident and has faced legal issues, spending two weeks in jail in 2019 for missing a court hearing related to a 2001 incident.
Eric B. was also in a relationship with Wendy Williams (1989 – 1990). Despite his successful music career, he branched out into television production and even pursued a professional boxing career. However, his legal troubles also brought him negative attention.
Discography
- Paid Off (1987)
- Follow the Leader (1988)
- Let The Rhythm Hit Me (1990)
- Don’t Worry About the Technique (1992)
Net worth
Eric B. is a highly successful American rapper, record producer, and DJ who rose to fame in the bustling city of New York. Over the course of his decades-long career, he has amassed an estimated net worth of $2 million through his talent and hard work.
Despite his success, Eric B. remains humble and dedicated to his craft, inspiring many aspiring artists in the industry.
