Paid in Full

Song: Paid in Full

Artist: Eric B. & Rakim

Album: Paid in Full

Arguably the best rap album of all time, but certainly vastly influencial, "Paid in Full" is the debut album by New York based hip-hop duo Eric B. & Rakim. Employing a much more laid back vibe and approach to rapping than what was popular at the time, the album was recorded in just a week, with some songs written in less than an hour. It's influence both with sampling, and the use of jazz is still heard today in much "concious" hip-hop. The loops can be simplistic, but married to Rakim's famous flow, the sound is addictive, raw, and exciting. It's often considered an "accidental masterpiece."

The album produced five singles, "Eric B. Is President," I Ain't No Joke," "I Know You Got Soul," "Move the Crowd," and my favorite, "Paid in Full." The duo went on to produce three more records before breaking up.

Enjoy.

Paid in Full


I Know You Got Soul