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A list is a list is a list. Whether it’s objectively based (according to measurable metrics, like what I do) or subjectively invented, as is the case with so much magazine fodder these days, it means only as much as you want it to mean.
Still, Entertainment Weekly’s compilation of the 25 greatest/most influential rap albums, with Eric B & Rakim’s “Paid In Full” in the No. 1 spot, merits attention.
By the way, BBC: “Paid In Full” first came out in 1987, not 1997. It probably was re-released as a 10-year anniversary disc in ‘97.
So in honor of their honor, here’s a few lyrics from “Move the Crowd”, probably the best cut on the album:
Some of you been trying to write rhymes for years
But weak ideas irritate my ears
Is this the best that you can make?
Cuz if not and you got more, I’ll wait
But don’t make me wait too long coz I’m a move on
The dancefloor when they put something smooth on
So turn up the bass, it’s better when it’s loud
Cuz I like to move the crowd
And just for the fun of it, I’ll drop a few from “Let the Rythm Hit ‘Em”, off the album of the same name:
I’m the arsenal
I got artillery, lyrics of ammo
Rounds of rhythm
Then I’m ‘a give ‘em piano
Bring a bullet-proof vest
Nothin’ to ricochet
ready to aim at the brain
~Now what the trigger say
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What’s so amazing about them is that they really polished the idea that a narrative sentence could drop, pick up, and drop again from a rhythmic perspective without diluting the power of the actual lyrics.
Pretty impressive considering people are hardwired to connect certain emphatic leanings with certain types of impact. They took a biologically predetermined means of processing aural patterns and turned the whole concept on it’s head.
And look at that young Rakim! So cute! You wanna give him an apple and a PBJ, don’t ya?
Comment by r* — 11/12/2004 @ 10:39:08 AM
Couldn’t have put it better myself. Their lyrics were the driver, but the beats they used really completed the package. I still think they were distinctive — a definite move away from most of the ’80s rhythms (which still drew from disco right to the end of the decade, even with notable exceptions like Run DMC and Beastie Boys). Eric B & Rakim almost singlehandedly set the tone for the next wave, marked by Public Enemy and NWA.
Yeah, that photo goes way back. It’s almost iconic.
Comment by CT — 11/12/2004 @ 11:32:53 AM
Honestly, I liked the “Follow The Leader” album better than “Paid In Full”… although I’ll never forget the first time I heard the track “Paid In Full”, with all of the movie quotes and music samples… it was Eric B’s magnum opus!
Comment by blunted — 11/12/2004 @ 04:11:25 PM
Hm. Never heard of this group/artist. Am I just hopelessly out of touch?
Comment by david — 11/12/2004 @ 05:46:12 PM
No comment… Although it’s been a while since they’ve put out an album (I’m not even sure if they’re still together as an act).
Comment by CT — 11/12/2004 @ 07:56:45 PM
they’re not. Rakim is solo and was recently signed to Dr. Dre’s Aftermath label… but that fell through when Rakim felt that his project was being shelved too many times. Eric B has also put out a solo project, but it was less than desirable.
Comment by blunted — 11/12/2004 @ 09:42:18 PM
I’m No Competition
Lucky me, I’ve had the equivalent of three weekends since the last real weekend, so now that another real weekend is here, I’m kinda tired.
Not that it matters - Blunted has already covered my beat for me; PopStat verified his street cred with a …
Trackback by SoHoTampa.com — 11/13/2004 @ 12:50:59 PM