50 Cent is someone who has created a lot of enemies for himself in the hip-hop world. Overall, a lot of this has to do with the fact that he will not stop trolling. Once he starts to beef with someone, things just take on a life of their own. He will continue to deliver harsh comments on social media, and he will also post a whole lot of memes. It has been pretty wild to watch over the years, especially now that he is going after Diddy, Yung Miami, Meek Mill, and a whole host of others.
In the midst of the raids at Diddy’s home, the Yung Miami sex worker allegations, and the Meek Mill gay rumors, Fif has certainly made some enemies. Interestingly enough, the only person to really clap back at him has been none other than Yung Miami. 50 Cent even went back on his words about Miami, claiming that the case was a bit fishy. Now, however, he is continuing his trollish ways with a new meme. Below, you can see it is the elevator scene from Juice.
In this meme, 50 Cent, Meek, Diddy, Yung Miami, and more are photoshopped onto the heads of characters in the movie. It’s pretty humorous, and in line with many of the other things Fif has posted on his social media over the years. His fans eat it up every single time, and while he claims he has no idea who made the meme, it wouldn’t be surprising if he commissioned it himself. Regardless, it seems like Fif has little interest in slowing down his trolling.
Let us know what you think of 50 Cent and his trolling, in the comments section down below. Do you feel as though the infamous rapper has been doing too much with his online presence? Do you think that he will ever ease up or this the norm forever? Additionally, stay tuned to HNHH for the latest news and updates from around the music world. We will continue to keep you informed on all of your favorite artists and their upcoming projects.
Though Juice WRLD is a name you might associate with melodies, that’s only a fraction of his songwriting and emotive talent. For example, watch any of his viral freestyles — such as an hour-long Tim Westwood juggernaut -– and you’ll see his penchant for sharp flows, wordplay, rhyme schemes, and charming references. But the Chicago native’s just as potent when pulling together a song concept or emotive focus, even when most of it’s still off the dome.
With that in mind, we compiled seven of his best verses across his solo catalog (features and freestyle lists may come further down the pipeline). To varying degrees, they represent the “Robbery” hitmaker’s honest, vulnerable, and nuanced portrayals of love, mental health struggles, addiction, and above all, a willingness to be a beacon of hope for those battling the same demons he faced.
Furthermore, Juice WRLD has so many great verses that missed the cut (“Lean Wit Me,” “Conversations,” “10 Feet,” and more were so close), but we want to highlight “Burn” and its second verse in particular. It’s based on a real-life experience in which his girlfriend Ally Lotti woke him up from a troubled dream. Apparently, the 999 leader told her that he never woke up from it. That aside, to determine this list, we looked at the late legend’s versatility, performance (flows, bars, etc.), emotional potency, and how concisely they represent his artistry.
“The Light” (Verse 1)
One of Juice WRLD’s most recent tracks became one of his most loving, committed, and comforting. It’s dedicated to Ally Lotti, and over bright guitars and a poppy drum beat, he speaks on how she’s been the one to ground him away from his battles. Sure, Juice acknowledges their path wasn’t perfect, yet despite these bumps, he expresses more assurance, loyalty, and care because of them. “I owe fines, the devil say I owe him for life / But I could feel it, I got God on my side / Remember when He sent you to me that night” and “Wouldn’t be real love without rough nights / Can’t feel these drugs, but I feel your eyes” are particularly powerful lines. Even though his work is typically perceived as more melancholy than most, “The Light” is… well, the title says it all.
How could we leave off the song that got most of us into this singular artistry? The metaphor of lucid dreaming on this cut’s sole verse became such a succinct representation of this track’s themes of heartbreak, 20/20 hindsight, and not wanting to let go of someone despite their toxicity. Across multiple flows and a dynamic vocal performance, Juice WRLD bluntly, but powerfully, wears his heart on his sleeve, which may be his most special and resonant quality as a musician. “I take prescriptions to make me feel a-okay / I know it’s all in my head” and “I didn’t want it to end / I watch it blow in the wind / I should’ve listened to my friends / Leave this s**t in the past, but I want it to last” crystallize his processing of these troubles, and it helped make “Lucid Dreams” one of the 2010s’ catchiest verses.
“Empty” (Verse 2)
This is another heavily melodic offering from Juice WRLD, but that patient pace and clarity make his second verse on “Empty” all the more powerful. Out of his entire catalog, he dedicated this record the most overtly to his fanbase and those he tried to help. Of course, lines like “I ain’t suicidal / Only thing suicide is suicide doors / Fight for survival,” plus “Yeah, I was put here to lead the lost souls / Exhale depression as the wind blows” sum this up pretty well. In that last line in particular, Juice suggests the expulsion of his aches will dissipate them. He always sought that freedom, and from its second verse’s top to its bottom, this cut inspires others to follow suit.
While this is by no means the most important or emotionally potent verse in Juice WRLD’s catalog, this recent verse is easily one of his most fun to listen to. Not only do his rhyme schemes, wordplay, narrations, and charismatically cheeky lines put a smile on your face, but his chemistry with Cordae is something to behold here. Meanwhile, it’s impossible to convey all the great bars here. “I smoke ten J’s with two h*es that go both ways / Funny how two plus two equals foreplay,” “This isn’t mumble, it’s murder rap / Type of s**t your grandma understand with her old a**,” “The hair trigger Brazilian, you would get your whole hood waxed,” “Beef with anybody, even if you vegetarian / My flow on ebola, your flow just need Claritin“… and so many more. This song is a Juice-loving hip-hop head’s dream.
“Rich And Blind” (Verse 1)
Juice WRLD dedicated this song to XXXTENTACION and Lil Peep, who sadly passed away due to violence and drug use, respectively. This track– and “Legends,” too– see him reckon with these losses and ponder his own mortality. “I know I have a purpose, but I don’t see the purpose / They tell me the death of me gon’ be the Perkys / I know they laced pills, I bought them on purpose” and “I promise y’all I’m finna touch the world, yeah, I’ma touch the Earth / But hold on, your girl on my line, I think I may just f**k her first / Yeah, gotta have some crude humor/ Just to keep a good vibe going, keep the song grooving” are particular heartbreakers. “Rich And Blind” aged tragically, but few tribute tracks in the 2010s were as gut-wrenching and hauntingly self-aware.
When Juice WRLD ends this song with the line “Who am I to say that this ain’t one of my best verses?“, we truly believe him. From a pure flow and rhyme scheme perspective, this is one of his most impressive while retaining what makes his craft universally beloved. Juice tells his come-up story and delivers one of the most recovery-focused and confident pen performances of his entire career so early on. “Oxycodone got me sewed up, gotta remain focused / And these groupie h*es bogus, everybody knows it / But they turn me to a poet with the love commotion” and “[My momma] sent me Bible verses / Then I got distracted by some nudes from a sex worker / Who am I to not text back? That’s networking / Who am I to lie about my life? I know the truth hurts” cut like a knife.
“Juice WRLD Speaks 2”
Finally, “Juice WRLD Speaks 2,” one of his most recent and unique tracks, sums up what makes him so captivating. Jarad Anthony Higgins tackles his haters, his origin story, fake rappers, his substance abuse, his artistic mission, and so much more here, with a measured flow that no other song of his showcases and a drumless, somber, but peaceful instrumental. However, sharp lines still crack through: “Bunch of these n***as is my sons / I apologize to ’em ’cause I been a bad parent,” “I got a way with words, like I’m running with a phonics book / In school I didn’t do the homework but I still got the subjects / Money ain’t the object, money is the objective, gotta admit that,” and plenty more.
Most importantly, Juice WRLD takes accountability for his commitment to making others’ lives better. He even calls on his hip-hop peers to do the same, all with a focus and calmness that he rarely exhibits so tenderly. No matter what pulls you into Juice’s world, this lone, long verse has something for you to resonate with. It’s a powerful moment that arrived a couple of years after its recording, and that will offer solace to listeners for many more to come. LLJW.
Most hip hop fans who grew up in the 1990s and early 2000s are undoubtedly familiar with the hit 1992 film Juice, starring Tupac Shakur, Omar Epps, Khalil Kain, and Jermaine Hopkins. The film tells a gritty tale of power, friendship, and the consequences of untreated mental health in a pervasive environment of crime and poverty. Now, over 30 years after the iconic film’s release, fans have wondered what has become of the actors who brought these fascinating characters to life.
If you’re reading this, you almost certainly know that Tupac Shakur was tragically shot and killed in Las Vegas, Nevada, in 1996. The rapper starred in Juice as Roland Bishop, the film’s central antagonist. Juice served as Shakur’s feature film debut, opening doors in his career for a host of other movie and television roles before his untimely death at the age of 25. In the years following his breakout performance, the “Dear Mama” vocalist starred in a number of classic films, including Poetic Justice, Above The Rim, Gridlock’d, and Gang Related.
In addition to his thriving acting career, Tupac Shakur also continued releasing music after appearing in Juice in 1992. After releasing his debut album in 1991, the rapper launched four full-length LPs, including a collaborative album with the rap group Thug Life. Following his death, Tupac’s music would continue to be released posthumously for years, showcasing his prolific recording process and inimitable work ethic. The rapper has gone down in history as one of the most popular and impactful emcees of all time.
Omar Epps
Like Tupac Shakur, Juice served as Omar Epps’s breakout role in film. The Brooklyn-born actor stars in the movie as Quincy “Q” Powell, the central protagonist. In the decades since Juice first premiered, Epps has continued appearing in film and television roles, most notably starring in the hit Fox series House as Dr. Eric Foreman. Epps appeared in 175 episodes of the medical drama between 2004 and 2012 and often served as a straight-edged man against Hugh Laurie’s eccentric medical practices.
Beyond House, Omar Epps has appeared in such projects as Scream 2, In Too Deep, Against The Ropes, and Trick. Most recently, the actor showcased his talents in the hit Starz original series Power Book 3: Raising Kanan. In the series, Epps portrays NYPD detective Malcolm Howard. Despite many rumors circulating in Hollywood, Epps clarified during a 2018 interview on The Breakfast Club that he is not related to comedian Mike Epps.
Like his co-stars, Khalil Kain made his acting debut in Juice back in 1992. Now, over 30 years after the crime thriller’s release, Kain has amassed dozens of on-screen credits and even taking up directing. His biggest recent credits include projects such as Misguided Behavior, Coming To Africa, Faceblocked, and The Bricks. In 2022, Kain made his directing debut with the film The Millennial, which he also starred in. The film made its world premiere at the 2021 Hip Hop Film Festival and opened to generally positive reviews. With so much success in his on-screen career, this may mark the beginning of an exciting new chapter for Khalil Kain.
Jermaine Hopkins
Jermaine Hopkins, also known as “Huggy,” was the only member of the main cast who had appeared in another major motion picture before Juice. Having starred as Thomas Sams in Lean On Me three years earlier, Hopkins was among the most experienced of the core four. In the years following the film’s release, Huggy went on to appear in a host of other film and television projects, including a four-episode stint on The Royal Family, a leading role in the TV movie Strapped, and most recently, a prominent placement in 2023’s Sebastian. The actor also reunited with Tupac Shakur for an appearance in the 1996 film Bullet.
Unfortunately, Hopkins has also suffered some legal trouble in the decades since Juice was released. The actor was arrested in 2011 and 2017 on marijuana charges. The first arrest saw him taking 30 days in jail and three years probation after attempting to purchase 200 pounds of weed from an undercover police officer, while the 2017 arrest resulted in two years of probation. Luckily, these legal issues haven’t done much to hamper Hopkins’ career, as the actor has continued to appear in movies and television consistently.
As we round out 2023, this week still held some compelling and hard-hitting hip-hop releases to highlight on our new Fire Emoji playlist update. Sure, the schedule is slowing down a little bit, but never underestimate a heartfelt, important, and gut-wrenching song to make us look back on the year– or past few years, rather. Yet that’s exactly what Juice WRLD, Eminem, and benny blanco provided with their new single, “Lace It.” It’s a cut about addiction, substance abuse, its cyclical horrors, and perseverance that hits right at your core thanks to excellent anecdotal expressions and respectful topical focus. The perspectives here are downright cutting: one from a recovered user and one voice whose talent and contributions to this world were cut tragically short, but still lives on forever.
While the rest of our Fire Emoji playlist isn’t as pivotal message-wise, we still had plenty of quality releases to shout out. Leading the way in that regard is the new grimy yet glistening album from Conway The Machine and Wun Two, Palermo. “Cold Dish,” with assistance from Goosebytheway, is a particularly jazzy and hazy standout, on which the Drumwork boss still maintains his charisma and boisterous demeanor through sharp lines. There’s similar lyrical precision on Russ’ new song, “Said It Freestyle,” which is a relentless series of reflective verses, expertly woven themes, and intriguing flows and wordplay.
Elsewhere on Fire Emoji, we also included the new Central Cee track, “Entrapreneur.” It mixes his shimmery UK drill style and flows with grounded subject matter and a slightly more melancholy beat than usual. Speaking of drill, Lil Mabu is asking Fivio Foreign for a lesson on “TEACH ME HOW TO DRILL.” It’s actually quite the comical cut, as the genre’s controversial white guest trades tropes with one of its leaders right now. No description could do it justice; just look up some context, and marvel in its bizarre nature.
Meanwhile, we’d be remiss not to mention the new 03 Greedo single, “Recess,” which is equally fiery and melodic. Finally, AJ Tracey comes through with some truly classic grime vibes on “Wifey Riddim 4.” Let us know what your favorite release on Fire Emoji was this week– and what we missed, too. Check the playlist out above and check back in with HNHH for the latest great music releases around the clock.
Juice WRLD is one of those artists whose unreleased artists and leaks’ acclaimed status rivals that of his officially released material. What’s more is that what’s left in the Chicago artist’s vault only further shows his versatility, influences, and talents as an artist. Although we unfortunately won’t get to see him curate this material himself, he made a lot of great music on this Earth- even if fans gravitate to their preferred style of his. Moreover, a fan recently mentioned Juice as an artist making true-blue rap and not rock-infused material, and lamenting his loss because of it. Then, his producer Nick Mira responded by stating that he was heavily influenced by- and made plenty of- rock music.
“Music is so trash right now, I miss juice,” the tweet in question began. “Ik he would never follow this punk/rock theme that all these artist are trying to follow now. That era needs to be left alone we want real quality rap music!” While whether you agree with that statement is a different story. Still, naming Juice WRLD as an outsider to rock is a mistake, according to Nick Mira.
“Juice was heavily influenced by punk, rock, alternative, emo music,” Mira quote-tweeted on Sunday (July 2) in response. “We breathed it naturally and expressed it in a rap form/pop form. Juice’s music is the epitome of multiple genres forming a unique sound. He has hundreds of rock songs in the vault of all different subgenres.” In addition, even within his rap-centric songs, he pulled in so many different influences across all genres. Whether it’s aesthetically, melodically, or sonically, it’s impossible to box in Juice WRLD’s output.
Meanwhile, there is still plenty of the “Doomsday” artist’s hip-hop music to enjoy that sees the light of day. Fore example, his teased and very anticipated collaboration with Nicki Minaj and Young Thug just officially released, titled “Money.” Of course, there will surely be much more amazing music to come from him. On that note, stay posted on HNHH for the latest news and updates on Juice WRLD.
The tragic passing of Juice WRLD continues to affect fans to this day, but they also continue celebrating his legacy with fondness. However, one large point of contention has been how much others should profit off of his name. The most recent piece of that puzzle concerns memorabilia like clothing items and accessories that he owned. At the very least, those closest to him seem to be making sure that these items are respected and authentic for fans that wish to buy them and support his loved ones. Moreover, the Chicago star’s ex-girlfriend, Ally Lotti, is reportedly selling various pieces for $30K, a price that’s apparently the total value of what she offered according to alleged DMs.
“Well I’m not truing to sell so I don’t have a price in mind,” Lotti wrote concerning Juice WRLD’s pieces according to supposed leaked screenshots of Instagram messages. “I got you on like a package deal or something but like it said this stuff is pretty priceless to me and is only going to be worth more money in the future. I would like to be walking away with like 30k honestly you know. So what’s your budget? We can figure out what we can do.”
In addition, fan pages put items up for sale for $40K individually after they allegedly verified their authenticity with the late legend’s ex. “I am selling the coveted Transparent Prism Louis Vuitton backpack that was once owned by the late and beloved Juice WRLD,” a fan page posted, later clarifying that they sought $40K for it. “This unique piece is not only a symbol of style but also a valuable collector’s item with a fascinating backstory. To ensure transparency and authenticity, I have acquired this backpack with the assistance of Ally Lotti, Juice WRLD’s ex-girlfriend, who was kind enough to provide proof and direct messages regarding its ownership.”
Furthermore, they asked for serious offers only, offered to share said DMs and negotiate price, and stressed the value of buyer satisfaction. Also, other pictures surfaced of alleged DMs of Lotti showing off other pieces like a shirt and eyewear. While many in the comments of coverage of this alleged sale expressed disappointment, those involved’s intentions can’t be assumed. Meanwhile, amid posthumous new music releases and incredible commercial success, his legacy keeps engaging fans. For more news and the latest updates on Juice WRLD, log back into HNHH.
During a recent appearance on Sway in the Morning, Samuel L. Jackson discussed his experience working alongside the late Tupac on the 1992 film Juice. “It was great,” he said before revealing that his wife, LaTanya Richardson Jackson, confronted Tupac one day on set. Richardson also worked alongside Tupac and her husband on the film. According to Jackson, she didn’t appreciate Tupac’s foul language, and she was sure to let him know.
“Juice — can I think back that far?” Jackson said before starting his story. “‘Pac was walkin’ through that day and he was cussin’ somebody out. My wife grabbed him and was like, ‘Young man, you see all these women sittin’ in here? You can’t be in here cursin.’” Jackson also revealed that when asked if she was aware of who she had just scolded, she replied, “No, I have no idea who he was, but he shouldn’t have been cursing in front of all these women in this room.” Jackson says, “From that point on, every time he saw her, he was like, ‘Hey mom, how you doin?’”
Later on in the interview, the 74-year-old further detailed what it was like working alongside the late artist. “It was a joy to work with somebody who understood what was going on,” he explained. “As much as everybody put ‘Pac in that whole rapping world, he did go to a performance high school. He understood the business of acting.”
Wood Harris also recently shared what it was like to work with Tupac. Earlier this month, he appeared on The Rich Eisen Show where he detailed his experience working with him on the film Above The Rim. “What I gained from 2Pac as a professional was I realized the power of the actor from 2Pac,” he revealed. He shared that he “learned the power of the actor” from Tupac’s behavior on set of the 1994 film.
Hip Hop movies have become a mainstay among lovers of the genre. Many of these projects have become responsible for pushing the genre past the radio. A vital medium within the culture of Hip Hop, many of these releases have achieved cult classic status. Going past the music to highlight the social and cultural activities surrounding the genre, Hip Hop movies are essential in showcasing many facets.
Cult classic Hip Hop movies cover a wide range of plots and are far from one-dimensional. They offer deep dives into the many highs and lows of Hip Hop culture. There’s no shortage of incredibly written material, from romantic dramas to comedies and gritty stories about gun violence and racial profiling. There is an endless stream of Hip Hop movies to get into, and these seven classics should be a part of everyone’s watchlist.
Wild Style (1983)
Wild Style is a drama often regarded as the pioneer of Hip Hop movies. The Charlie Ahearn-directed project has maintained cultural relevance even after 40 years. Wild Style showcases the birth of Hip Hop in the ’80s and its many facets. The movie follows an anonymous graffiti artist and his signature during the rise of the rap industry.
Many rap, breakdance, and graffiti artists and groups appeared in Wild Style. The movie became a melting pot of Hip Hop pioneers and featured legends like Fab Five Freddy and Grandmaster Flash, among others.
Krush Groove (1985)
Krush Groove is a movie that was greatly inspired by the early days of Def Jam Recordings. Blair Underwood starred as a fictional version of the iconic record producer Russell Simmons. The musical comedy featured a staggering list of notable musicians, including Run-D.M.C., The Fat Boys, New Edition, and the Beastie Boys. Krush Groove also stacked many famous stars in its soundtrack album.
Juice (1992)
During his brief, yet legendary career, Tupac Shakur made his film debut in the coming-of-age crime thriller, Juice. Ernest R. Dickerson directed the classic Hip Hop movie. It features unforgettable performances by Omar Epps, Queen Latifah, Samuel L. Jackson, Khalil Kain, and Jermaine Hopkins. Juice is set in Harlem, following four friends who get caught up in the gritty world of street crime and the harrowing events that occur as a result.
Juice delivers on all fronts and is packed with a lot of gut and heart. Peer pressure, friendship, loyalty, and police harassment are significant themes that the movie covers. The film’s soundtrack, also called Juice, was released on New Year’s Eve in 1991. Hip Hop veterans like Naughty by Nature and Eric B. & Rakim appeared on the album. Juice is undoubtedly a quintessential Hip Hop cult classic.
Friday (1995)
Friday is a buddy comedy that is still referenced almost three decades after its release. The hilarious movie was led by brilliant performances by Ice Cube and Chris Tucker. Friday was a cultural phenomenon and offered a new perspective on Hip Hop movies. DJ Pooh and Ice Cube wrote the movie in an attempt to show a lighter side to films involving the hood.
F. Gary Gray directed the movie and also had a minor role in it. The funny ensemble cast included Nia Long, Bernie Mac, Regina King, Faizon Love, John Witherspoon, and more. Friday follows two friends who owe a feared drug dealer some money and their antics as they attempt to recover the money. The cult classic spawned two sequels and is the reason for the popular quote, “Bye Felicia!”
Paid in Full (2002)
Paid in Full is a crime drama starring Wood Harris, Mekhi Phifer, and Cam’ron. The film was directed by Charles Stone III, and it was inspired by true events. Paid in Full follows the drug trade in 1980s Harlem and the rise and fall of three friends caught up in it. The film serves as a cautionary tale of the consequences of a life of crime.
Pain in Full is another one of many classic Hip Hop movies. In addition to its real-life situations, the fictitious project was based on notable drug dealers Azie Faison, Rich Porter, and Alpo Martinez. Greed, loyalty, ambition, and betrayal are significant themes in the movie. Paid in Full had a mixed critical reception, but it has become one of the staple movies in Hip Hop culture.
How High (2001)
How High is a lighthearted comedy that features Method Man and Redman in lead roles. The hilarious movie touched on fantasy elements and delivered joke after joke from start to finish. The film follows a pair of lazy stoners, Silas and Jamal, who smoke a magical substance. When a ghost appears to the duo, they ace their exams and end up at Harvard. However, when they run out of their magical supply, they must navigate college independently.
Additionally, How High introduced a softer side to the pair of Hip Hop rappers. The movie may not have achieved a critical and commercial response, but it remains a staple Hip Hop movie. The soundtrack was a moderate success, with songs from Method Man and Redman featured.
Don’t Be A Menace (1996)
Don’t Be a Menace is another beloved comedy film that covers Hip Hop culture. Shawn and Marlon Wayans star in the laugh-out-loud movie about a young man who moves to the tough streets of Los Angeles. Don’t Be a Menace is noteworthy for its spoofing of classic Hip Hop movies of the 1990s. Juice, South Central, Boyz n the Hood, and Menace II Society were parodied in the film.
Even while he’s busy on tour, Logic is always one to feed fans and keep putting out fun material. Moreover, he just released the music video for his loose “Juice II,” and filmed it during one of his latest concerts. In fact, he premiered the song during his Vinyl Verse tour with Wiz Khalifa on August 16 of last year, which is presumably when he shot the visual. Over a peppy trap beat and with trademark fast and emphatic rhymes, the lyricist was able to keep the crowd energized throughout. However, that’s not all that the music video entailed, as he also threw shade at Def Jam after leaving the label.
“So for those of y’all who don’t know, I’m off Def Jam,” Logic told the arena during his performance, which starts the video off. “I’m a motherf***in’ free man, baby. I’m free! So that means I can do whatever the f**k I want. Like, every single one of y’all be in my brand new music video.” Of course, the 33-year-old expressed numerous times prior how happy and fulfilled he felt upon leaving his contract behind and gaining more independence.
“I’m so excited I’m off Def Jam, I’m a free man,” Logic also remarked to his fans. “I been making so much music. I been making turn-up music, I been making f***in’ boom-bap hip-hop s**t, even in the trap s**t I’ve been doing there’s like more of a message than ever dawg that’s real. It’s important if you’re in a position of power to spread a good message. Always peace love and positivity.” In a statement shortly his move away from his former label, he spoke on valuing his independence and dignity as an artist above all else.
“There’s a lot of bullshit in the music industry,” he stated. “I’m just glad to move on to a place where I can be independent and respected as an artist, and feel like I’m in control of my career.” We’re sure that there will be plenty more from the “Redpill VII” MC in the near future. With his next tour coming up very soon at the end of May, maybe we’ll get more crowd music videos in the future. Regardless, stay up to date on HNHH for the latest news on Logic.
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.
(@nojumper)