description Paid in Full Overview
Eric B. & Rakim’s “Paid in Full” (1987) established a cornerstone of East Coast hip-hop. This album's innovative production and Rakim’s distinctive flow profoundly shaped subsequent generations of rappers. It remains critically acclaimed and is essential listening for anyone interested in the evolution of rap music, particularly those studying or appreciating classic boom-bap sounds.
help Paid in Full FAQ
Who did the production and sampling for 'Paid in Full'?
The production was handled entirely by Eric B., who heavily utilized the E-mu SP-1200 sampler. The album is famous for pioneering the use of dense, multi-layered samples, heavily drawing from James Brown's catalog.
Did the album receive a 5-mic rating in The Source magazine?
Yes, in 1998, The Source magazine gave 'Paid in Full' a retrospective 5-mic rating. Originally released in 1987 on Island Records, it was one of the first albums to receive this highest honor from the publication.
What is the significance of the album's title track?
The title track famously incorporates a vocal sample of 'Don't Look Any Further' by Dennis Edwards. Its complex internal rhyme schemes by Rakim fundamentally shifted the stylistic direction of hip-hop lyricism.
Which tracks on the album feature the beat from 'Eric B. Is President'?
The track 'Eric B. Is President' was actually the duo's debut single released a year prior in 1986. It is featured on the album and is renowned for its booming bassline, sampled from 'Funky President' by James Brown.
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