One of the most recognized duos in Hip Hop, Eric B. & Rakim, were nominated for the 2024 Rock N’ Roll Hall Of Fame Induction, however, the Paid In Full posse didn’t make the cut against some of Generation X’s most prolific artists including Mary J. Blige, A Tribe Called Quest, Kool And The Gang and more. Neither Eric B. nor Rakim took offense to the snub. In fact, they took it in stride.
“Microphone Fiend” Rakim and his DJ Eric B. didn’t garner enough votes to be inducted, much like when they didn’t get the nod back in 2012. The duo put out a statement obtained by TMZ, stating, “Congratulations to the diverse group of artists inducted into the Rock Hall this year. Seeing Tribe and Mary on the list besides Cher, Ozzy, Kool and the Gang and all of the other icons shows how inclusive the institution has become. Keep voting … we’ll join you soon!”
Eric B. and Rakim are one of the culture’s most iconic duos, coming on the scene during the Golden Era of Hip Hop, their 1987 debut album Paid In Full remains a Five Mic classic for both younger and older artists, pioneering both music and fashion norms seen today.
Rakim is one of the most influential rappers in hip hop history. A prominent rapper in the culture, many legends, including Wu-Tang Clan and Eminem, cite Rakim as an inspiration. He is known for his work alongside Eric B., and together, they created some of the most influential hip hop hits. They were among the first to utilize some of the genre’s most famous samples. Eric B. & Rakim’s work consists of four studio albums throughout the late 1980s and early 1990s, including their classic 1987 debut album, Paid In Full. Rakim also had a solo run of music, releasing three studio albums in the late 1990s and 2000s.
This is a list of Rakim’s biggest hits, including his highest-charting songs and culturally impactful records. The songs, listed in chronological order, draw primarily from his work with Eric B., but also from his solo career. Take a look at the list below.
“I Ain’t No Joke” (1987)
“I Ain’t No Joke” is one of the earliest examples of Rakim’s signature rhyme style that broke barriers early in hip hop history. The earliest rapping generally formed complete sentences every bar, and Rakim deviated from that, leading to seamless transitions between bars. He also had one of the best flows compared to his peers at the time, which can be exemplified in this song. The iconic horns on “I Ain’t No Joke” come from “Pass the Peas” by the J.B.’s. The song peaked at No. 38 on the Billboard Hot R&B/Hip Hop Songs chart. It has also been sampled by Gang Starr, Nas, Big Pun, MF DOOM, and others.
“I Know You Got Soul” (1987)
“I Know You Got Soul” derives from Bobby Byrd’s 1971 song of the same name. It also samples Funkadelic and Syl Johnson. It is one of Eric B. & Rakim’s biggest hits, landing positions on multiple Billboard charts and the UK Singles Chart. “I Know You Got Soul” is also one of their most sampled songs from the likes of JAY-Z, Mos Def, D’Angelo, Busta Rhymes, and more.
“Paid In Full” (1987)
Rakim has always been able to capture listeners with a clever opening line, and the Paid In Full album is full of them. In addition to the previous two tracks, the album’s title track has a slick opening line that has been referenced throughout hip hop history. Many rappers have referenced that “thinking of a master plan” lyric. The song’s famous breakbeat samples a sped-up Dennis Edwards song and has been repurposed in many rap songs, emulating “Paid In Full.”
Notably, Talib Kweli made his own version of the song called “Turnt Up” in 2013. Additionally, Mos Def, Wu-Tang Clan, Little Brother, Gang Starr, and others have referenced “Paid In Full” in their music. The breakbeat was even used in the 2008 BET Cypher, featuring the likes of Jadakiss, Fabolous, and Juelz Santana. “Paid In Full” performed well commercially, charting in the U.S. and multiple European countries.
“Follow The Leader” (1988)
The title track from 1988’s Follow The Leader is one of Eric. B & Rakim’s biggest hits and most influential songs. Much like many tracks on Paid In Full, “Follow The Leader” helped reinvent rapping. Rakim utilizes more complex rhyme schemes and flows than his contemporaries’ simplistic rhyme style. “Follow The Leader” was also one of the first rap songs to sample Bob James’s “Nautilus,” which eventually became one of hip hop’s most sampled songs. The song performed well on American charts and in the UK, peaking within the Top 20. The influence of “Follow The Leader” can be seen in the many songs sampled, including tracks from Mobb Deep, 2Pac, Atmsosphere, and more.
“Microphone Fiend” (1988)
“Microphone Fiend” from Follow The Leader may not have charted as high as the album’s title track, but it belongs among Rakim’s biggest hits. On the hit song, Rakim likens his passion for rapping to a fiend’s drug craving. The song was a staple for ’80s hip hop, and its influence reached beyond the genre. “Microphone Fiend” has been sampled, covered, and remixed by the likes of Rage Against The Machine, Muse, and Limp Bizkit. In addition, rappers like Iggy Azalea, PRhyme, and Snoop Dogg have also utilized the song in their music.
“Juice (Know The Ledge)” (1992)
Perhaps one of hip hop’s most iconic movie soundtracks, “Know The Ledge” was made for the 1992 movie Juice. The song perfectly encapsulates the movie’s plot as Rakim’s rapping parallels the characters. Rakim raps from a first-person point of view as someone who has gotten way too deep into crime to the point where their greed and desire for power get the best of them. The track’s menacing bassline, exciting scratches, and fast tempo make for the perfect backdrop for Rakim’s greatest storytelling song. Like the movie, “Know The Ledge” is a legendary staple in hip hop culture. The song was also used for many movies, TV shows, and video games after the film.
“Guess Who’s Back” (1997)
“Guess Who’s Back” was the perfect reintroduction to Rakim. Five years removed from his final album with Eric B., Rakim’s debut solo single was the right way for him to promote his first solo release. The 18th Letter in 1997 kept up with the traditional sound of the 1990s, as did “Guess Who’s Back.” The song features a clean loop of Bob James’s “Shamboozie.” On the track, Rakim leans into his deeper voice. Throughout the song, he references the early days of hip hop that he thrived in. He samples classic hip hop songs, including his own. It is a boastful reminder of Rakim’s skill and arguably the best song in his solo catalog. The song is also one of Rakim’s biggest solo hits.
Overall, Rakim’s biggest hits have proven influential in almost every era of hip hop that followed his run. His work with Eric B. and as a solo artist has demonstrated longevity, inspiring generations of hip hop legends. Specifically, albums like Paid In Full and Follow The Leader defined an era in hip hop. In addition to Rakim’s influence, the success of his hit songs also showed hip hop could grow even more significant than it already was. The songs were successful in international markets, leading to hip hop growing globally.
(SPOILERS for this week’s BMF episode will be found below.)
In episode four of BMF, titled “Runnin’ On E,” things start with Meech recovering in a hospital after he was shot three times by Lamar after episode three. When he finally comes to his sense, Terry breaks him out of the hospital before Lamar returns to finish the job. For the rest of the episode, BMF leaders Meech and B-Mickie, along with Terry, are tasked with getting BMF back on its feet in the midst of a product drought all while Meech recovers and tries to steer clear of Lamar. Unfortunately, a huge mistake on Terry’s part forces and he and Meech to change their plans and make a run for it out of Detroit.
The aforementioned events in the third episode of BMF season two, titled “Runnin’ On E,” are soundtracked by songs that help to accentuate the emotions behind each scene. You can find a list of them belong as well as details about the scenes that they are heard in.
The following records were provided thanks to the Starz Public Relations team.
50 Cent — “Wish Me Luck” Feat. Charlie Wilson
This is the theme song of BMF. It plays at the 04:18 mark in “Runnin’ On E.” While 50 Cent and Charlie Wilson’s voices are only heard on it, the song also features Snoop Dogg and Moneybagg Yo.
Frankie Beverly & Maze — “Happy Feelings”
We hear this song at the 11:24 mark, but it’s not from the voice or Maze or Frankie Beverly, but rather, it’s from Lamar. He sings this song after Detectives Bryant and Jin leave him in the interrogation room after he fails give up any information about the shooting incidents between himself and Meech.
Mando — “What Have You Done”
As this song plays at the 13:25 mark, Lamar has reconnected with an old lover for some late-night bedroom action, their first interaction since he left the office. Things don’t go as planned for him as he’s still not healed from his injuries.
Leland Smith, Marley & Osinachi — “Sacrifices”
At the 15:20 mark, “Sacrifices” plays as Terry arrives for meeting with Boom at the drug dealer’s club. He requests to buy a batch from Boom in order to give BMF something to work with and survive the drought. Boom reluctantly agrees and gives him a small batch while promising to charge “interest” and “inflation.”
Scottie — “The Lords Prayer”
This record is sung at the beginning of a church service at the 17:18 mark in this episode. What follows is an attempt from Pastor Swift to pray for Meech, but he’s ultimately ignored by some parishoners who decide to leave rather than to hear the prayer. Lucille bashes those who walked out and even calls some of them hypocrites.
Travon — “Blessed Assurance”
We hear this record at the 23:00 mark as the older Terry, voiced by Mustafa Harris, gives a historical account on the War On Drugs, Richard Nixon, and how they both impacted Black and brown communities.
Launchcode — “Fool For Ya”
After making some progress in his recovery, Meech makes a visit to Lori’s house at the 25:12 mark. This visit results in an intimate moment between Meech and Lori as “Fool For Ya” plays in the background.
Nwaneri — “80s Rap 2”
This record plays at the 27:53 mark during a tense meeting with the former 50 Boyz and 12th Street, who both combined to form BMF. Two of the top members in 12th Streetare displeased with BMF’s state and decide to walk away from the group.
Club Nouveau — “Why You Treat Me So Bad”
Club Nouveau’s “Why You Treat Me So Bad” plays at the 35:25 as Lamar makes a surprise visit to former 12th Street member Tiny’s house surprises him with an attack in Tiny’s bathroom. This leads to fight between the two and ends with Lamar knocking out Tiny and killing him by holding a plastic curtain over his head.
Ready For The World — “Tonight”
Ready For The World’s “Tonight” plays during a sex scene between Terry and Markeisha at the 42:07 mark. Terry visits Markeisha at the insurance office prior to leaving Detroit in order to say one last goodbye to her.
Solo D / City — “Run That Back”
This record plays as Meech and Terry begin their drive out of Detroit at the 45:13 mark. Meech is annoyed with the R&B record and changes the radio station to hear something more upbeat.
Eric B. & Rakim — “Lyrics Of Fury”
“Runnin’ On E” concludes with Eric B. & Rakim’s “Lyrics Of Fury” playing at the 55:50 mark. Lamar tracks down Meech and Terry during their drive and attempts to swipe them off the road with his Jeep. Once again, Meech and Terry are able to make a slim escape and leave Lamar in the dust behind them.
New episodes of ‘BMF’ are available on the STARZ app on Fridays at 12:00 am EST and on the STARZ TV channel at 8:00 pm EST.
Everybody has opinions about who the best rappers, albums, songs, etc. in the history of hip-hop are. Rappers weigh in on the subject not infrequently and last night, Ice T made his contribution to the conversation on The Tonight Show.
During a segment called “Ice T Settles It,” Jimmy Fallon asked Ice a series of rapid-fire questions and eventually, he tasked Ice with making his pick for the greatest rap album of all time. He seemed intrigued by the question, giving an “ooh” after he asked. Ice didn’t take long to give his answer, though, replying after only a short delay, “I’ll say Paid In Full by Eric B. & Rakim.” Fallon asked Ice to elaborate and he continued, “‘Cause that was the most influential album to me when I was making my album.”
He also offered his No. 2 and 3 albums, and like Paid In Full, they’re also from the late ’80s and early ’90s, when his own music career was at its peak. He continued, “I’ll say Fear Of A Black Planet [by] Public Enemy would be a close second, and then Straight Out Of Compton, NWA, would be top-3. But each one of those albums had a lot to do with influencing me as an MC. But when I heard Rakim, I had never heard nobody rap like that. And it was so many hits on that album. Get Paid In Full and you’ll bang it all the way to the house.”
