Eric B & Rakim - Follow the Leader

After getting paid in full on their near-perfect 1987 debut, success didn't spoil the legendary Eric B. and Rakim on their 1988 follow-up. A more complete "album" than their previous singles-dominated release, Follow the Leader still stands as one of the definitive documents of hip-hop's fabled golden age. Though Eric B contributes strong production and two early turntablist blueprints ("Eric B. Never Scared" and "Just a Beat"), this was clearly Rakim's time to shine. His smooth baritone flow never tires, even when the album's energy wanes in the second half. Rakim's verses on the album's first three tracks ("Follow the Leader," "Microphone Fiend," and "Lyrics of Fury") are the stuff of hip-hop legend, and the subject matter rarely strays from the swaggering, chest-thumping template of these three classics. On "Follow the Leader," he confidently boasts "I can take a phrase that's rarely heard / Flip it / Now it's a daily word." He ain't no joke. --Hua Hsu Amazon.com

Big top hip hop

Undeniable old-school rap royalty, crowned with as much talent an MC and DJ duo could have possibly inhabited back in the late 80's, overwhelming nearly everything in the same format to date. Besides slight production and delivery repetitions, beats surprisingly remain dust-free and the flow relentless. October 24, 2008

Rakim stood alone in "88" as the premeire MC of rap music.

Follow The Leader by Eric B. and Rakim cemented Rakim's place in history as the greatest rapper that ever lived. Legendary classics such as Follow The Leader and Microphone Fiend set the bar for rhyming and writing classic joints. So while other hiphop greats have over 20 years in rap music, Classic debut albums, Most consistent catalog,influential careers and tragic deaths, one guy changed the game forever.

His name is Rakim. November 30, 2006

Eric B and Rakim's second rap classic - rap enthusiasts will love this!

Coming out two years after their debut "Paid In Full", "Follow The Leader" sounds less dated and more fun (and just as influential). Rakim still proves that he's an excellent MC with his revolutionary and influential delivery for the time-period. His lyrical content isn't great, but it's his flow that was so inspirational at the time. Eric B delivers great production which is less dated sounding than his "Paid In Full" work (see "Follow The Leader" for an example) - mainstream rap fans will have a better chance liking this one than their debut. Eric B essentially moves away from the minimalism that was evident on "Paid In Full". The lyrics are sometimes hard to hear, but they're all fun, catchy and always interesting to pay attention to (though not deep at all). If you call yourself a true rap fan then there's a high probability that you'll love this old school classic! Highly recommended!

Highlights include:
the entire album! January 12, 2006

Oh my GOD! Rakim....

Like the name of rakim's unreleased c.d. OH MY GOD! Brothaz sistaz...Otherz, Ey'body! Listen. This man (rakim allah) Is the king of hip hop! Period. There is no one on this earth that can put words together like Rakim. "Paid in full was a beast". "Follow the leader was a monster". You feel me. A monster! I bought this album in 88'. Repurchased it in 93. And I just bought It once more in 2000. Im' what I like to call A "HUNTER" for real hip hop. If you will! Todays BLING SING AND RAP Is NOT TOUCHING ME IN THE RIGHT PLACES, LYRICLY. You have 50 cent stating that he's been shot a number of times... Then go platinum! Singing the chours most of the time. And then you have rakim. Without a record deal. If you are looking for AUTHENTIC hip hop. Look no further. It's all In this c.d. This man's lyric appeal has appeased politicans, police officers, Professors. When Ra. spit He's actually saying something worth Listening to. Unlike todays BAFOONERY! Every Bling Rapper today Is basically saying the same ol' same. And I can not take It! Get this. And Get now! August 16, 2005

THE MASTER!

Rakim is the greatest MC of all time!(my opinion of course) This is one of the dopest Eric B & him ever put together. Rakim's smooth and powerful raps go hand in hand to the insane tracks Eric B. lays down. Overall, its Nothing less than PERFECT! August 4, 2005

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