Album Info
| Artist: | Eric B. & Rakim |
| Album: | Paid In Full |
| Released: | Europe, 13 Jul 2018 |
Tracklist:
| A1 | I Ain't No Joke | 3:54 |
| A2 | Eric B. Is On The Cut | 3:48 |
| A3 | My Melody | 6:46 |
| Remix - Marley Marl | ||
| B1 | I Know You Got Soul | 4:46 |
| Written-By - Bobby Byrd | ||
| B2 | Move The Crowd | 4:23 |
| Music By - Steve Griffin | ||
| C1 | Paid In Full | 3:50 |
| C2 | As The Rhyme Goes On | 4:00 |
| C3 | Chinese Arithmetic | 4:07 |
| D1 | Eric B. Is President | 6:15 |
| Remix - Marley Marl | ||
| D2 | Extended Beat | 3:49 |
Info About Buying Vinyl From Our Record Store
- We are a small independent record store located at 91 Plenty Rd, Preston in Melbourne, Australia (North of Northcote, between Thornbury & Reservoir)
- We buy and sell new and used vinyl records - if you have a collection you'd like to sell please click here.
- We ship Australia wide for a flat rate of $10 for standard shipping or $15 for express post.
- Free Shipping for orders $150 and over.
- You can also pick up your order in store, just select Local Pickup at the checkout.
- We also ship internationally - prices vary depending on weight and location.
- We ship vinyls in thick, rigid carboard mailers with a crushable zone on either side, and for extra safety we bubble wrap the records.
- In stock vinyl is usally shipped next business day, please check the availability field at the top of the product page to see whether the record is currently in stock or if it is available from the supplier as well as estimated shipping times.
- If you order an in stock item together with a pre order or back order (listed as available from supplier rather than in stock) then the order will be shipped together when all items arrive. If you would like the in stock items shipped first please place two separate orders or contact us to arrange shipping items separately.
- We are strongly committed to customer satisfaction. If you experience any problems with your order contact us so we can rectify the situation. If the record arrives damaged or doesn't arrive we will cover the cost of replacing or returning the record.
- If you change your mind you have 30 days to return your record but you must cover the cost of returning it to the store.
- You can contact our Melbourne record shop at (03) 9939 3807 or at info@funkyduckvinyl.com
- Happy Listening!
Description
Eric B. & Rakim's debut album, Paid in Full, released on July 7, 1987, is often heralded as one of the most influential hip-hop records of all time. This album not only introduced the world to Rakim's groundbreaking lyrical style but also showcased Eric B.'s innovative production techniques, which together set a new standard for the genre.
From the opening track, "I Ain't No Joke", Rakim's delivery is immediately captivating. His intricate rhyme schemes and laid-back yet commanding flow were revolutionary at the time, and they remain a benchmark for lyricism in hip-hop. Rakim's approach to rapping was cerebral and poetic, a stark contrast to the more straightforward styles that dominated the genre in the early 1980s. His ability to weave complex narratives and deliver them with precision and confidence was unparalleled.
Eric B.'s production on Paid in Full is equally groundbreaking. Using samples from funk, soul, and jazz records, Eric B. crafted beats that were both gritty and melodic. Tracks like "Eric B. Is President" and "I Know You Got Soul" exemplify his knack for creating infectious grooves that perfectly complement Rakim's vocals. The use of James Brown samples, in particular, became a hallmark of the album's sound and influenced countless producers in the years to come.
The title track, "Paid in Full", is a standout moment on the album. Its minimalist beat, built around a looped bassline and sparse percussion, provides the perfect backdrop for Rakim's introspective lyrics about ambition and success. The track's iconic status was further cemented by the Coldcut remix, which introduced the song to a global audience and helped bridge the gap between hip-hop and electronic music.
Paid in Full was not just a commercial success but also a critical one. It reached number 58 on the Billboard 200 and number 8 on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart, a significant achievement for a debut album in the genre at the time. Its influence can be felt across decades of hip-hop, with artists and producers citing it as a major inspiration. The album's innovative approach to both lyricism and production helped to elevate hip-hop from party music to a respected art form.
Listening to Paid in Full today, it's clear why it has endured as a classic. The chemistry between Eric B. and Rakim is undeniable, and their contributions to hip-hop are immeasurable. This album is not just a snapshot of a particular moment in time but a timeless work that continues to resonate with listeners and inspire new generations of artists. If you haven't experienced Paid in Full yet, it's a journey well worth taking.
