The given name Eric is derived from the Old Norse name Eiríkr (or Eríkr in Eastern Scandinavia due to monophthongization). The first element, ei- is derived either from the older Proto-Norse *aina(z) meaning "one" or "alone" or from Proto-Norse *aiwa(z) meaning "ever" or "eternal". The second element -ríkr derives either from *rík(a)z meaning "ruler" or "prince" (cf. Gothic reiks) or from an even older Proto-Germanic *ríkiaz which meant "powerful" and "rich". The name is thus usually taken to mean "one ruler" or "eternal ruler" or "ever powerful," etc.
The most common spelling in Scandinavia is Erik. In Norway, another form of the name (which has kept the Old Norse diphthong) Eirik is also commonly used. In Finland, the form Erkki is also used. The modern Icelandic version is Eiríkur, while the modern Faroese version is Eirikur. Éric is used in French, and in Germany Eric, Erik and Erich are used.
Although the name was in use in Anglo-Saxon Britain, its use was reinforced by Scandinavian settlers arriving before the Norman Invasion. It was an uncommon name in England until the Middle Ages, when it gained popularity, and finally became a common name in the 19th century. This was partly because of the publishing of the novel Eric, or, Little by Little by Frederick William Farrer in 1858.
Do or Die is an American rap trio originally from Southside of Chicago, Illinois, consisting of group members Belo Zero, N.A.R.D. and AK-47. The trio has sold more than 3 million albums. The group experienced mainstream success with the gold single "Po Pimp", Produced by The Legendary Traxster off of their 1996 debut album Picture This The song, which featured fellow Chicago rapper Twista, peaked at #22 on the Billboard Hot 100.. The songs "Playa Like Me and You" and "Alpha and Omega" made the album "Picture This" a classic and made Do or Die an instant success. Do or Die's success with "Picture This" helped launched the careers of Legendary Traxtster, Twista and Johnny P who sang the hooks on several Do or Die songs.
Alongside Crucial Conflict, another Chicago group with a similar vocal and lyrical style, they helped launch one of the city's first national hip hop movements. They rapped with a signature fast flow over silky smooth rhythm blues beats. Their rapping and musical style influenced Twista]]. The group's second album Headz or Tailz Produced mainly by producers Mr. Lee and Mike Dean debuted in 1998 and went Gold. Its lead single was a follow-up to the group's previous hit titled "Still Po Pimpin'". It peaked at #68 on the Billboard Hot 100.